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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

First step to planning victory Wells City Council recommend Somerset Council refuse planning application on SLF land.

PAGE 6

First-class Post One of Wells’ best-known shops has made a comeback.

PAGE 5

Boat race saved Wells groups pull together to save the Moat Boat Race.

PAGE 8

The family of Mike Jackson, the hugely popular local artist who sadly passed away on the 14th of April, pay tribute to him – Page 7

Candidates named for council elections

Find out who is standing for both the Mendip Hills and St Thomas’ Ward parish council – page 2 *See website for details

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wellsvoice

2

May 2026

n NEWS

All the candidates in the upcoming elections

By Daniel Mumby

Local Democracy Reporter SIX candidates will be standing on 7th May to replace former mayor of Wells Tony Robbins, who died earlier this year.

Mr Robbins was elected in May 2022 as one of two Liberal Democrat councillors for the Mendip Hills division on Somerset Council.

The six candidates standing, in alphabetical order, are as follows: n Terry Ledlie (Labour) n Abi McGuire (Independent n Nicola Perold (Conservative) n Sam Phripp (Liberal Democrats) n Greg Stone (Reform UK) n Victoria Welsh (Green) Mr Ledlie has been a familiar face in the Yeovil branch of the Labour Party for many years, and stood for the party in the Yeovil

constituency at the 2019 general election – finishing third behind then-Tory incumbent Marcus Fysh and Lib Dem challenger Mick Clark.

Ms McGuire, who lives in Shepton Mallet, was one of two independents who contested the Wells and Mendip Hills seat at the 2024 general election (won

by Lib Dem and sitting Wells division councillor Tessa Munt), finishing sixth out of seven candidates.

Ms Perold lives in Chewton Mendip, within the Mendip Hills national landscape and recently made headlines by demanding Somerset Council take action on a key route for horse riders near Priddy.

Sam Phripp, who works at the Centre for Homelessness Impact, was once the youngest ever county councillor in Somerset when he represented the Frome North division – and more recently represented the

Ashwick, Chilcompton and Stratton ward on Mendip District Council before its abolition in April 2023.

Mr Stone (whose address was not specified on the ballot paper) has been a strident critic of the council’s decisions, including increases to council tax bills and the selling off of local assets as part of balancing its budget.

Ms Welsh, who lives in Wells, is the incumbent chair of the Wells and Mendip Hills branch of the Green Party, and currently works for the National Health Service.

Polling stations will be open across the Mendip Hills division on Thursday, 7th May between 7am and 10pm, with the result being announced early the following morning.

St Thomas’ Ward Parish elections AS Tony Robbins had also been a councillor for the St Thomas’ Ward since 2007, there will also be a separate election in Wells on 7th May for his place on Wells City Council.

In total there are four candidates standing for the position, and – in alphabetical order – they are as follows:

n Kat Kinshaw (Liberal Democrats) n Bernard Mealing (Independent) n Jamie Mochrie (Green Party) n Greg Stone (Reform UK) The poll will be held at St Thomas’ Church Hall between 7am-10pm.

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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May 2026

3

n NEWS

How families benefit from Christian Aid support Five Lent lunches total This year’s five Lent lunches in the Seager Hall of Wells United Church raised a total of £1,156.72 for Christian Aid. Wells Christian Aid committee is very grateful to all churches which took part in making the lunches enjoyable social occasions as well as successful fundraising activities, and also to Wells United Church for use of the Seager Hall.

With Christian Aid Week taking place this May, the charity explains how the money raised can help.

IN the informal settlement of Dagoretti in Nairobi, many parents wake each morning knowing they must earn money that day. If they do not, their children may not eat that night.

Belinda (pictured to the right) was part of a women’s savings group when she heard about Imarisha Kilimo, a project supporting women to grow food in the city. Through the project, Belinda received tools, seeds and a cone garden. This spaceefficient design allows many plants to grow, even in a very small urban area.

The focus of Christian Aid Week 2026 is on providing the practical means to support these Kenyan parents in feeding their families.

Kenya’s debt crisis is trapping people like Belinda in poverty.

Kenya spends more money paying back debt than it does on public services such as healthcare and education.

Christian Aid Week this year runs from Sunday, 10th May to Saturday, 16th May, and donation envelopes are included with this month’s Wells Voice. These will not be collected. Instead, Wells residents are asked to return

Projects in Nairobi help women like Belinda to grow their own food their donations to any of the four collection points in the city, where Christian Aid posters will be displayed.

The collection points are:

at Evensong in the Cathedral at 3pm on Sunday, 17th May, when the speaker will be Bishop Bosco MacDonald, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Clifton.

n St Cuthbert’s Church Office n St Thomas’ Church Office n The Town Hall n Roly’s Fudge Pantry in the Market Place Further envelopes will be available in local churches, and there will be a street collection in the High Street on Saturday, 16th May, where envelopes may also be handed in.

The Methodist Church Coffee Morning for Christian Aid will be on Saturday, 9th May, and the Christian Aid Service will be

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wellsvoice

May 2026

n NEWS

www.wellsvoice.co.uk CONTAC TS Editor and publisher Dean Mortlock 07809 121434 dean@wellsvoice.co.uk Advertising 07809 121434 sales@wellsvoice.co.uk Editorial 07809 121434 news@wellsvoice.co.uk

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook. com/wellsvoice Follow on X (Twitter): @wells_voice View every issue online at issuu.com/ wellsvoice A member of the Independent Community News Network

LOC AL INFORMATION

JUNE DEADLINE

Blue School headteacher Mark Woodlock pictured with Eva after he completed the 50km Ultra Challenge

Wells City Council 01749 673091 www.wells.gov.uk

To ensure your news or letter is included in the June issue, please contact us by 18th May

Head completes charity walk

Police General inquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

COMPL AINTS

Fire General inquiries: 01392 872 200 Emergency: 999 www.dsfire.gov.uk NHS Urgent calls: 111 Emergency: 999 www.nhs.uk

YOUR VIE WS Letters for publication can be sent by email to news@wellsvoice.co.uk.

We reserve the right to edit letters.

Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong.

We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure.

If you have a complaint about anything in Wells Voice, contact the Editor using the details above.

We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Wells Voice website, or can be obtained by contacting the editor.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Wells Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Wells Voice is distributed each month to residents.

Feedback is always welcomed – email news@wellsvoice.co.uk. This month 7,150 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages.

By Philip Welch BLUE School Headteacher Mark Woodlock has raised over £10,000 by walking 50 kilometres for a charity close to his heart.

He was inspired by a brave Year-11 student at the school called Eva, who is living with a cancer that has no cure, and took the Bath 50km Ultra Challenge to raise money for Sarcoma UK, a charity which supports people with this very rare cancer and funds research for a cure.

“The blisters and sore toes would suggest walking 50km is a little bit painful,” said Mark, “but being joyfully greeted by Eva and her family at the end of the walk more than made up for it.

“The community, in raising £10,000, has shown its compassion and care for Eva and that means so much.”

To donate, go to www. justgiving.com/page/blueschool-1.

The target was to raise £1,000 but more than £10,600 has been given so far.

Eva and her family have made this video to explain why they need your support: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=71cpIwcsx_s.

Eva said: “It’s really scary knowing that I don’t have a treatment for my cancer but there’s always new treatments being developed, so there’s always hope.”

Her mother Jennifer said: “We have hope for the future.

We hope that the Rare Cancer Bill (just passed by Parliament) will change things for ‘orphan cancers’ like Eva’s. We hope for treatments. Eva wants to study fine art at university.”

Dogs Trust looking for volunteers ORIENT EXPRESS CHINESE MEALS TO TAKE AWAY 22 Priory Road, Wells, BA5 1SY

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THE Dogs Trust charity shop in Wells is looking for friendly and enthusiastic local volunteers who can help run the shop.

Charity shop volunteers play an important part in running the shop and will help receive and sort donations, use the till to take payments, keep the shop nice and tidy and engage members of the public to promote the work of Dogs Trust to visitors. All volunteers are fully supported by a dedicated manager, and they will receive training and support and be

provided with a volunteer uniform.

Volunteering is a great way to support the community, meet new people and help the dogs in the charity’s care. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or would like to get more involved, the team would be delighted to hear from you.

For more information about volunteering opportunities or to register your interest, please enquire in store, 76 High Street Wells, or visit www.dogstrust. org.uk/volunteering.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2026

5

n NEWS

The Wells Trading Post rides again THE Wells Trading Post, which originally closed its doors eight years ago, has been relaunched in a new location by the original team. The new Wells Trading Post is located at 1 Priest Row, next door to the Long Story Bistro.

The original Wells Trading Post, which was one of Wells’ most iconic shops, was owned by Tanith and Robin Tothill, and ran from 1997 to 2018 at the Old Mill in West Street.

Tanith explained the reason for the move: “What I wanted to do was recreate Wells Trading Post, but only the best bits of Wells Trading Post; all the bits that everybody came back for.

“The two big changes from the original Trading Post are that there’s no tool room, and no commission sales. If you’ve got something to sell then please email me, and if I’ve got room and it suits the business, I’ll buy it.”

“Eight years ago I promised myself and all my friends and

Tanith Tothill, the (very) proud owner of the all-new Wells Trading Post family that I would never do it again, because it was such hard work and so very big. This is much easier to manage, though.”

The Wells Trading Post is a blend of festival and vintage fashion, records, furniture and

Got News? Call 07809 121434

a colourful mix of delights, including vases, lamps, posters, retro telephones, and so much more – ‘quirky products’, in Tanith’s own words. All curated and displayed with Tanith’s very experienced eye. She said: “It’s

just in my blood to get up at five in the morning and go rooting around in a car boot sale. I really love buying, and selling.”

“I just want to say how grateful I am for all the support from the people of Wells,” said Tanith, “from customers old and new, and all the people who have given up their time to help me.

“I’ve had an incredible, talented and dedicated team behind me, so a really big shout out to the Trading Post team. And a big thank you to my neighbours at Long Story Bistro, who were waiting outside for me on opening day with the biggest bunch of roses you’ve seen!”

The Wells Trading Post is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-4pm. If you have anything you would like to sell, or want to find out more about the shop, you can email Tanith on tanithtradingpost@gmail. com or send her a WhatsApp message on 07532 268000.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

6

May 2026

n NEWS

Building development recommended for refusal

THE planning application by Rubix Land to build 73 houses on the Underwood Special Landscape Feature hillside was debated by the Wells City Council Planning Advisory Committee on 16th April.

Wells City Council are an official consultee in the planning application process and can only vote as to their recommendation to Somerset Council, who ultimately will make the final decision. The committee voted unanimously to recommend that Somerset Council refuse the application.

Wells City Council have now submitted a 15-point document with their recommendation to refuse, which can be viewed on the planning website. These included that the hillside is “identified by Somerset Council as a prominent scenic backdrop to Wells and an essential part of the city’s landscape setting. The proposed development would urbanise a significant part of this

SLF (Special Landscape Feature), eroding its openness, prominence and rural character.”

The Council were clear that the minor estate roads of Orchard Lea and Fir Tor Avenue are unsuitable for access for this kind of development and raised concerns about the safety of pedestrians, children and cyclists.

Rubix Land are proposing to narrow Ash Lane, close to the public footpath leading from The Blue School, which many people feel will exacerbate highways issues already experienced around the area.

Alison, one of the residents who has led the campaign to fight the proposal, explained how the group are heartened by the strength of feeling against the planned housing estate, the powerful objections lodged on the planning website, and the financial support for their Crowdfunder which is paying for legal experts on behalf of residents.

“The Crowdfunder is so close

To advertise, contact Dean on 07809 121434

The field in question, which borders both Orchard Lea and Hill Side Close

now and we would love to reach our target with one more push.

“We would like to thank every single person who has donated, this includes a child who we understand donated their pocket money because the hillside means a lot to them. If anyone

feels able to donate anything more to the Crowdfunder, please visit our website at www. savewellshillside.com.”

Members of the public can still comment on the application until 6th May through the group’s website shown above.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2026

7

n NEWS

Tributes to local artist From page 1

TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of Mike Jackson, the much-loved painter who was well-known on the streets of Wells.

Mike died on 14th April, aged 63. A long-term trader at Wells Market, he became a familiar and warmly regarded figure in Wells, Glastonbury and the surrounding area, where his colourful paintings and gentle nature won him many followers.

Known for his bright, quirky style, Mike painted everything from quirky houses and animals to boats and sea scenes, usually in watercolour, the medium he loved most.

Although originally from Manchester, Mike made Somerset his home for many years and became especially closely associated with Wells.

For many local people, he was as memorable for his kindness and warmth as he was for the

originality of his art.

His son said: “My dad was an inspiring man. He saw the world in colourful, quirky ways, always finding beauty in the ordinary. He touched the hearts of everyone he met, and we have been overwhelmed by the loving messages we have received. We are comforted in knowing he is now at peace with God.” His wife said: “Mike was the kindest, most caring and loyal husband, as well as a wonderful father and grandfather. He was my soul mate.”

His daughter described him as “a personal inspiration” and “my very best friend”, while his grandchildren said he taught them watercolours and was “the perfect role model.”

Mike’s son is currently running a JustGiving campaign to raise funds to buy another ‘cuddle bed’ for Weldmar Hospicare. Go to www.just giving.com/page/cuddlebed-for-mike to find out more.

Latest Wells skatepark news THE campaign to build a new skatepark in Wells continues to gather pace, with the project now edging closer to its £250,000 halfway milestone with over £236,700 raised and pledged.

Thanks to further support, the total continues to rise. Recent contributions include a £2,000 donation from the Spielman Trust, alongside a number of ‘Mark on the Park’ sponsors.

New supporters include Lost Projects CIC, Quickshifter Coffee, Hollands Boats, Phil Quirk, Wells Skating Club, Long Story Bistro and the latest sponsor, Wells Voice – all contributing £250 sponsorships to be part of the finished park and get their name on the ramp.

Dean from Wells Voice commented: “It’s fantastic to see so many local businesses, individuals and community groups coming together to make this happen. It really shows what a strong community Wells is.”

Everyone is encouraged to get involved, as we need the support

of the whole community: n Donate via the Crowdfunder/ BACS or cheque. n Organise a fundraiser through schools, workplaces or community groups. n Sponsor the project through the ‘Mark on the Park’ scheme.

Contact wellsskatepark@ gmail.com, or find out more here: www.crowdfunder. co.uk/skatewells. Instagram: @wells_skatepark.

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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8

May 2026

n NEWS

Volunteers assemble to save Moat Boat Race

By Philip Welch A TRUSTY band of volunteers have come forward to save the Wells Moat Race.

15 of them gathered at the city’s St John Ambulance HQ to give first aid to this ever-popular August Bank Holiday event – and more are promised.

Wells Lions Club has led the organisers for years but they are down to only five active members and put out a plea for support.

Chairing the new group is Lions President Mary Ellis, who said: “I am delighted that groups from the wonderful community in Wells are coming together to organise this very special Wells event. Thank you all.”

The Launch Crew will be organised by Dan Currie, the water safety team by Glastonbury and Street Sea Cadets, Nathan Rowe will take charge of the race schedule and entries, while Joe Miller will organise the trophies.

Various groups and individuals have banded together to save the Moat Boat Race for now and the future Wells City Council will provide support with health and safety and legal advice.

Town Clerk Haylee Wilkins said: “The City Council is pleased to be able to help revive and

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support the Moat Boat Race.

And we are looking forward to working in partnership with multiple agencies to ensure this year’s event happens, and hopefully many more to come.”

If you are interested in volunteering at the event, email cityofwellslions@gmail.com.

For sponsorship enquiries please email Emma Leferve on emma@projectfactory.uk.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2026

9

n NEWS

Animal sanctuary seeks help for fencing AN animal sanctuary in Yarely is calling on the community for support as it seeks funding to replace deteriorating fencing.

Pear Tree Farm Animal Sanctuary, a volunteer-run charity, is home to more than 80 rescued animals, including pigs, horses, goats, sheep and poultry. Since opening in 2018, the sanctuary has rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed over 7,500 animals.

However, much of the sanctuary’s fencing is now in poor condition, with broken posts and weakened wire creating potential safety risks.

“We’re really worried about the state of our fencing,” said Emily Williams, who volunteers for the sanctuary. “It’s something we’ve managed for as long as we can, but it’s now reaching the point where it poses a real risk to the animals’ safety.”

The sanctuary is aiming to raise around £1,000 to cover the cost of essential materials,

including posts, wire and fixings.

Local tradespeople have already stepped forward to offer their labour free of charge, meaning any funds raised will go directly towards materials.

As well as providing lifelong care to rescued animals, the sanctuary plays an active role in the local community. It welcomes around 500 visitors each year from across Somerset and works with local schools and organisations, supporting young people with learning difficulties through hands-on experiences with animals.

Supporters say the sanctuary offers a peaceful and therapeutic space, helping people connect with animals in a compassionate and meaningful way.

The team is now appealing to local businesses and members of the public for donations.

Anyone who would like to support the appeal or find out more is encouraged to get in touch with the sanctuary

The fences around Pear Tree Animal Sanctuary need urgent repairs via email on peartreefarm animalsanctuary@hotmail. com or to donate, visit their

Contact bookings@sadlerswinebar.com or call 01749 681982 9 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, Wells BA5 2RR

Sadlers unveils

NEW Set Menu in Wells

£18.95

for two cour

ses

£24.95 for three

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

OPEN

Tuesday – Saturday

Got News? Call 07809 121434

fundraising page at www. justgiving.com/campaign/ ptffencingappeal.

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

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

approach to new development planning not only fails ines;10is discriminatory under the Equality wellsvoice Act 2010; of the demand and supply for wheelchair accessible n NEWS e policies or plans to close the gap.

Group calls for accessible housing

raises the issue of the s the difficulty wheelchair users have finding accessible ained property. s made WHEELCHAIR users seeking accommodation for independent in Wells have complained n living their needs have been ignored by Council for many years. ties Somerset To investigate the issue, The Accessible Wells group

the Accessible Wells campaign group conducted research that concluded the Council’s current approach to new development planning fails to meet clear government guidelines, is discriminatory under the Equality Act 2010, shows almost no understanding of the demand and supply for wheelchair accessible homes, and that it has no effective policies or plans to close the gap.

Theo van Hensbergen, who leads the Accessible Wells campaign, explained: “Each year, roughly £3.5m is made available for home adaptations in Somerset through disabled facilities grants. However, modifying accommodation is never as satisfactory as a properly designed wheelchair-accessible property.

So, an inferior result is paid for by spending council tax payers’ money on disabled facilities grants, when the expense should legitimately be a burden on new housing developers.

“Some councils across England have already

sfactory air Accessible Wells believe more new homes should be wheelchair accessible experience of the huge challenge introduced a minimum rior result is paid for by spending council tax payers’ of trying to find accessible, percentage of housing that affordable housing in Wells for the government’s building nts, when the expensemeets should legitimately be a wheelchair users who wish to live regulations for accessible homes independently. to the standard known as ers. Some councils across already “Many people may not realise M4(3)b. I canEngland see no excuse for have that much of the housing stock why Somerset Council cannot on the Housing Register in immediately introduce a similar ge of housing that meets the government’s building Wells, such as the bungalows in quota and start to comply with its Charter Way, are not suitable for legal obligations.” s to the standard known as The M4(3)b.

I can see no wheelchair users due to narrow campaigners doors, inadequate storage, slopes sent their findings to il cannot immediately introduce a similar quota and steps.

The same isand true of Somerset Council private housing stock. None of on 2nd March. The us know what is in our future, Group also lodged gations.” or indeed our children’s futures. formal planning objections on new developments proposed without wheelchair-accessible homes provision, because their approval would see Somerset Council knowingly discriminate against disabled people.

Accessibility campaigner and Accessible Wells supporter, Julie Heath, said: “I have direct

This is not a social housing matter; it is for everyone who may at any time find they need accessibility support to stay in their own homes.”

If you have experience of these issues, please do not hesitate to contact Accessible Wells via their website or email accessiblewells@gmail.com.

ent their findings to Somerset Council. The Group g objections on new developments proposed in ible homes provision, such as at the Rugby Ground, e Somerset Council continue to knowingly ople.

Living with Grief and Loss?

Symptoms can include mood swings, exhaustion, insomnia, brain fog, headaches, anxiety, loss of appetite or low self-esteem.

May 2026

Jobs available at nursing home THE Torrwood Nursing Home in South Horrington, Wells, is currently recruiting for two parttime positions.

The garden at the home needs some urgent TLC, so they have a vacancy for a gardener to bring their spaces back to their full glory for everyone to enjoy. It’s a paid position for one day per week, which will be supported by garden space volunteers. Ideally a Friday would be best for them but check out the link below for more details and how to apply.

There’s also a vacancy in their laundry for 30 hours per week, with some weekend work. Again, all the details are in the link below but do feel free to call them on the details below, too.

If you would like an informal chat and a look around the home, please contact Torrwood directly on 01749 601367.

Gardener link: https:// careers.mha.org.uk/ careers/current-vacancies/ req027218-maintenanceworkergardener-basedtorrwood-wells Laundry link: https:// careers.mha.org.uk/ careers/current-vacancies/ req027156-laundryassistant-fixed-term-basedtorrwood-wells.

MHA, who own Torrwood nursing home, offer all its employees and volunteers a range of benefits. Find out more here: https://careers. mha.org.uk/careers/ rewards-benefits.

EAR WAX REMOVAL cessible WellsI amsupporter a CRUSE trained holistic therapistJulie Heath told Wells experienced in supporting clients with the Ear wax removal using irrigation and micro suction procedures. debilitating effects of grief and loss.

Sherri is a qualified nurse with over 10 years experience. of the huge challenge of trying to find accessible, As symptoms are often physical, mental and Book online at I offer healing programmes combining eelchair usersemotional, who to live independently.

Many talking therapy and wish holistic reflexology, focusing www.clear2hear.co.uk on your unique response to grief.

Tel: 01749in 326225 or h of the FREE housing stock on the Housing Register initial consultation by phone or in person in Wells.

07984 336368 Charter j.abbottslade@yahoo.com Way,www.jacquelineabbottslade.com are not suitable for wheelchair 07859 796119 Clinics inusers Wells and Paulton.

Home visits can also be arranged. storage, slopes and steps. The same is true of us know what is in our future, or indeed our children's To advertise, contact Dean on 07809 121434 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk sing matter; it is for everyone who may at any time

wellsvoice

May 2026

11

n NEWS

Wells Creative Studio Wells charity is getting creative Creative community learning,

THE Heads Up mental health and nutrition and journalling offering courses for adults of all and wellbeing charity has in nature. recently launched a new To see a full list of current ability levels initiative: Wells Creative Studio. available courses, go to www.

Local campaigners say that the junction at Ash Lane, the A39 and College Road ‘is a recipe for disaster’

Find out more

Growing campaign Phone 01749 670667 to improve junction Email

HAVING witnessed a series of near misses, and with reports of cars colliding with pedestrians and cyclists, local residents are campaigning for urgent safety improvements at the junction of Ash Lane, the A39 and College Road in Wells.

Campaigners say that there is a steady flow of traffic in both directions, sometimes travelling at excessive speeds as they come down Bristol Hill, while other vehicles are trying to cross between Ash Lane and College Road. At peak times it is a recipe for disaster.

The head teachers of Stoberry Park, Wells Cathedral School and the Blue School have been asking for action to

improve safety around their schools for some time and they have given their support to this campaign.

Tessa Munt MP has met with the campaigners and continues an active interest in the matter.

“Anecdotal evidence of the dangers is never enough,” said campaigners Liz Pedley and Elizabeth O’Sullivan. “An initial survey and petition showed strong support from pedestrians using the crossing.

“Incidents, near misses or accidents need to be reported, which often does not happen.”

If you want to help with the campaign should contact Liz Pedley or Elizabeth O’Sullivan at crossingabc@hotmail.com.

info@headsupsomerset.org.uk

Website

www.headsupsomerset.org.uk HeadsUpWells HeadsUpSomerset

Location

Upper Breach, South Horrington, Wells, BA5 3QG

MENTAL HEALTH In partnership & WELLBEING HUB with: Dementia Day Care Support – Wednesdays & Fridays, 10am-3pm

Mental Health & Wellbeing Workshops Charity of The Year – Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10.30am-12.30pm, 1pm-3pm, or ALL Day

Charity Number: Outreach Visits – Monday to Friday,801391 9am-5pm Monthly Carers Groups – Wells & Wedmore

Heads Up Somerset Upper Breach South Horrington Wells, BA5 3QG

Creative Community Block Courses Tel: 01749 670667 – varied days & times info@headsupsomerset.org.uk Peer Support Groups www.headsupsomerset.org.uk – varied days & times Charity No: 801391

Got News? Call 07809 121434

The idea behind the studio is to enable people to learn new skills, build relationships, improve confidence and to either maintain or boost a healthy well-being.

All the courses are creative, helping people to develop their artist abilities. Examples include subjects such as pottery, drawing, watercolour, needlecraft, photography, food

headsupsomerset.org.uk/ wells-creative-studio.

Wells Creative Studio courses are free to Somerset residents with an annual income of below £25,000 or in receipt of benefits.

For more information about Heads Up or Wells Creative Studio, contact Philippa at philippa@headsupsomerset. org.uk, and if you need help enrolling, ring 01823 356005.

PANSY & CHERRY Home needed for adorable kittens Pansy, with the cutest white stripe on her nose, is a sweet, chatty, inquisitive little girl who loves to play and gives the most gentle kisses while being loved.

Cherry is the more reserved of the two, preferring to keep herself to herself – except at feed times when she turns into a love machine!

This bonded pair are looking for a home to start off indoors, with an avid cat whisperer where they can be given time, patience and lots of love to blossom into fabulous companions.

The perfect home would be a property well away from fast busy roads, maybe with outbuildings/stables so that if they chose a more outdoor life then they would have options.

Both are around 8/9 months old – Cherry could be slightly older – they are neutered, chipped and vaccinated. Could possibly live with other cats but have never been introduced to a dog.

To offer these two black and white young girls the home they need, please fill in the online application form.

Support positive mental well-being by finding expression through creative activity

Glastonbury & Wells Cats Protection

Reg Charity No: 203644 (England & Wales) and SCO37711 (Scotland)

www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

12

May 2026

n NEWS

Wells Art Contemporary entries now open ENTRIES are now open for the annual Wells Art Contemporary, an international contemporary art competition and exhibition staged within the unique space of Wells Cathedral in Somerset.

The competition, in partnership with art specialists Parker Harris, welcomes submissions from around the globe, offering artists a rare opportunity to show their work to thousands of visitors in the historic and atmospheric setting of the first Gothic cathedral in England.

Works will include sitespecific installations throughout the cathedral in response to this year’s theme: ‘For what is time?’, as well as works across a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, drawing, photography and film, exhibited in the Cloisters.

Thousands of entries are received each year, from which 20 installations and 100 artworks are shortlisted. Entry fees are £30 for installations and £20 for all other works.

All monies go directly towards funding the competition and Wells Art Contemporary, which is run by volunteers.

Selection is based solely on the artworks, reflecting a wide range of media. This year’s selectors for the installation entries include

Laura Moffatt, Director of the Art + Christianity organisation, and world-renowned textile artist, Alice Kettle.

The deadline for entries is Tuesday, 30th June at 5pm, and the entry portal can be accessed at www.artopps.co.uk/ opportunities/wacsitespecificinstallations26.

For gallery submissions for exhibition in the Cloisters – which includes painting, sculpture, drawing, photography and film – the selectors are Abdollah Nafisi, Iranian-British sculptor; Anne Magill, Brightonbased oil painter; and Neequaye Dreph Dsane, multi-disciplinary mural artist.

The portal for entries is open until Tuesday, 11th August at 5pm, and can be accessed at www.artopps.co.uk/ opportunities/wells-artcontemporary26.

Commenting on this year’s competition, Chair Paddy O’Hagan said: “We are delighted to invite artists to enter this year’s competition. Although it is open to artists from around the world, we are keen to encourage more artists from the South West to submit proposals for the installation sites too. It is a wonderful opportunity for artists to have their work showcased in such a unique space.”

2025’s Chubb Bulleid People’s Prize winner – Cornucopia by Rogan Brown

Each year Wells Art Contemporary is also delighted to show collaborative group works from local charities focusing on mental health and wellbeing.

These are displayed alongside the main competition.

Full details for any artists wishing to enter the exhibition are available at www.wellsart contemporary.co.uk.

The Wells Art Contemporary exhibition will run from 10th October to 7th November.

Progress made in Britannia campaign with formal offer THE Community Benefit Society campaigning to buy and reopen the Britannia Inn in Wells have now made a formal offer to purchase the pub from its current owners. The offer to buy the premises marks an important milestone in the group’s campaign to reopen the pub as a community-owned and run pub and social hub for local residents and those from further afield.

The East Wells Community Benefit Society (EWCBS) was set up two years ago with the aim of acquiring the Britannia Inn, and its first community share offer was launched in April last year.

Now, after months of fundraising, the total raised stands at almost £100,000, which together with a large donation pledged from a local benefactor, has enabled a realistic offer to be made to

The Britannia Inn has been closed since the last tenants retired in 2021

the Wellington Pub Company.

The Britannia Inn was closed in 2021 after the retirement of the successful, long-standing tenants.

To advertise, contact Dean on 07809 121434

The owners are currently appealing against Somerset Council’s decision to refuse housing on the site of the pub,

and the EWCBS have formally restated their case to the Planning Inspectorate that the business is a viable one and that the premises should remain a pub and community asset. A decision on whether to uphold or dismiss the appeal will be made in the coming weeks.

The community share offer remains open and the minimum investment has been kept at only £50 to encourage the widest possible participation.

Anyone wishing to buy shares in this community project can obtain further details and an application form by visiting the website www.savethe britanniainnwells.org.

A range of future fundraising events such as quiz nights are being planned for the coming months.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2026

13

n NEWS

Wells Dementia Action Alliance focused on raising awareness for Dementia Action Week

By Philip Welch

LOCAL volunteers will be marking 18th-22nd May’s Dementia Action Week, an annual campaign that encourages individuals, communities and organisations across the UK to take action in support of people affected by dementia.

The charity Wells Dementia Action Alliance focuses on raising awareness, challenging stigma, and fostering a dementia-friendly society where those living with dementia can live well and feel understood and supported.

They are offering information to the public during Dementia Action Week at Wells Library.

There will be a tabletop display with leaflets from Age Concern and Alzheimer’s Society, as well as the local services and

Staff from Harris & Harris Solicitors’ Wells office attended one of Wells Dementia Action Alliance’s Dementia Awareness sessions organisations which offer support to people living with dementia and their carers.

The stand will be set up in the library on Monday, 18th

May from 1pm, manned most of the time, and be taken down on Friday 24th at noon.

Also the Wells Dementia Action Alliance’s Memory Café

will be open on Wednesday, 20th May from 2pm in the Methodist Church Hall on Southover and have a visit from Owl Enlightenment from Glastonbury, who will bring these popular birds for people to interact with.

The Alliance are also offering a free Dementia Awareness Session to members of the public on Wednesday, 20th May at 11am. Booking is advisable.

Email wdaawells@gmail. com for details.

Recent Dementia Awareness sessions have been given at The Swan Hotel, Wells Cathedral, The Bishop’s Palace and Harris & Harris.

To book a session for your business or organisation, contact the Wells Dementia Action Alliance on wdaawells@gmail. com to help make Wells a more dementia-friendly place.

A co-educational prep school offering both day and boarding. All Hallows is conveniently situated just a 20-minute drive from Wells.

Join us at an upcoming Open Morning Friday 25th April (Year 2 and below) Friday 1st May (Whole School)

FIND US All Hallows School, Cranmore Hall, Somerset, BA4 4SF www.allhallowsschool.co.uk

CONTACT US 01749 881609 admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk

Got News? Call 07809 121434

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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wellsvoice

May 2026

15

n NEWS

New leader for Wells Neighbourhood Watch

By Philip Welch

CYBERCRIME was the hot topic at the latest meeting of Wells Neighbourhood Watch, with an expert talk from Issy Corby who advised on how to identify and prevent scams.

She said fraud costs the UK £219 billion a year – 44 times the value of the Crown Jewels.

PC Darren Pearson warned young people about how sexting brings a risk of blackmail.

The meeting was the last chaired by Wells Neighbourhood Watch lead Jules Tressider, who is moving to the South Coast.

Nick Southwell has taken over from Jules and said: “I will continue the good work done by Jules, working with the local police and our street coordinators to help make Wells a safer place for the whole community.

“I aim to achieve full Neighbourhood Watch coverage of the city in the coming months.”

If you want to learn more about this organisation, which is run by the Wells Community Network and aims to keep us safe from crime, email: wells neighbourhoodwatch@ gmail.com.

Everyone wished Jules Tressider the very best in the new chapter of her life

The day will also see a double Double celebration at Charter Fair celebration in that it is also 25 SATURDAY, 2nd May at 11am in the Wells Market Place, the Town Crier, Len Sweales, will lead the Civic party, to officially open the Wells May Charter Fair.

It is 25 years since he first proclaimed the fair open, but this will be one of Len’s last official duties before he retires on Saturday, 16th May.

Got News? Call 07809 121434

years since the fairs have been operated by James Rogers and Sons – currently run by Shaun Rogers.

Shaun is the great, great

grandson of Charles Heal. His Fair was established in 1881, originated from Glastonbury, and operated the majority of the Wells fairs up to 2001, although there were other showmen that occasionally ran it.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

16

May 2026

n NEWS

What are you doing on the 24th of May?

This is the third year of the Mendip Mental Health Hike, and it wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of the team of volunteers behind it IT’S just a few short weeks now until the Mendip Mental Health Hike sets off from Uphill near Weston-super-Mare across the West Mendip Way – an area of outstanding natural beauty – to finish, some 29.4 miles later in Wookey Hole.

Plenty of people have already

signed up to take part, so if you’re thinking about it then why not take the plunge and do something that’s both fun and different on Sunday, 24th May? If the distance is a concern for you, then you can break it down to something far more manageable. There are various

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starting points to make sure that you only take on what you’re comfortable with.

Then, when you get to Wookey Hole, there’s a celebratory party at the Wookey Hole Inn with live music, food, raffle and auction.

Best of all, you’ll know that all your hard work is helping one of

Wells’ charities, as all the money raised goes to Heads Up to help support people’s mental health and well-being.

For more information and to sign up yourself, either scan the QR code on this page, or go to www.localgiving.org/ fundraising/MMHH2026.

Bowley’s Garage Westfield Road Trading Estate, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2HS • 01749 674554 www.bowleysgarage.co.uk

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

May 2026

wellsvoice

17

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

A month to remember at £1,499 A Message of Than Wells Funeral Services PRICES FROM ONLY

At Wells Funeral Services, no two funerals are ever the same, and this past month has been a powerful reminder of just how varied, meaningful and occasionally challenging our work can be.

As an independent, family-focused funeral director, our priority is always simple: to honour every life in a way that feels right for the family and their loved one. Whether that means quiet simplicity or something more elaborate, we are here to listen, guide and make it happen – down to the very last detail.

This month brought not only services for our own families, but also the opportunity to support visiting funeral directors from outside the area.

We regularly assist by providing experienced bearers and graveside support, helping ensure everything runs smoothly for families unfamiliar with Wells. One such occasion reminded us why preparation is everything.

A company from Slough entrusted us to assist as bearers at the cemetery. What should have been straightforward became a valuable reminder of the importance of precision and planning when expectations and reality don’t quite align.

It reinforced something we hold firmly to – we always check, and then check again. Attention to detail isn’t just professionalism, it’s respect.

In contrast, another service this month brought a very different kind of atmosphere. A funeral held at Wells Cathedral carried all the grandeur and ceremony you might imagine. The setting, the music, and the sense of occasion created a truly memorable farewell – a fitting

tribute that reflected both tradition and dignity in equal measure.

From the completely unique to the more traditional, every funeral is different – and every choice rests with the family. We are simply here to listen, to guide, and to make sure each farewell happens exactly as it should.

One particularly special service showed just how personal a farewell can be. We were honoured to provide a Harley Road King and sidecar hearse, creating a striking and meaningful tribute. As the cortège arrived, Glastonbury’s Dragon Drummers played the gentleman into the chapel, adding a powerful yet intimate atmosphere that truly reflected his character. The celebrant, who travelled from Whitby, was an alternative celebrant and proved to be the perfect fit for the service – bringing individuality, and exactly the right tone for the family.

Finally, we were honoured to assist with a Catholic burial at Wells Cemetery – a service marked by faith, family and a strong sense of community. It is always a privilege to support families during such important moments, and to help create a farewell that feels both comforting and meaningful.

Every funeral tells a story. Some bring quiet reflection, others grandeur, and many bring deeply personal touches that stay with us long after the day is done. Through it all, our commitment remains unchanged: to go above and beyond, ensuring every service reflects the wishes, values, and life of the person being remembered.

Wishes from Wells 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.

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wellsvoice

18

May 2026

n NEWS

St Cuthbert’s Church has its light restored

By Ingrid Sofrin WHEN St Cuthbert’s Church in Wells failed to get its electricity safety certificate two years ago, insurers insisted on a major overhaul of all the wiring and lighting.

Faced with an estimate of £110,000 for the work, the congregation knew a big challenge lay ahead.

Now, after two years of fundraising, grants from the Benefice Foundation and St Cuthbert Out Parish Council, and some generous bequests, they can finally declare: let there be light!

The wiring that made them fail the test dated back to the 1950s, and there were signs of burnt-out connections, and equipment badly in need of updating.

Church wiring specialists Anthony J Smith from Stonehouse, near Gloucester were called in to update the wiring,

scale the high walls and revamp the outdated fixtures and fittings.

They have taken down the chandeliers, refurbished them, and replaced them at efficient heights, as well as angling spotlights and down lighters.

“At one stage we had to turn all the lights off while the church was in use, and that brought home to the congregation that something needed to be done urgently,” said church warden, Phil Kitcher.

Phil has been a part of St Cuthbert’s for 20 years, and is known around Wells for his distinctive attire. His school days were spent at Gordon Boys’ School in Woking, where the full dress code was tartan trousers, dark jersey and Scottish Glengarry cap.

He feels more comfortable in a kilt, and wears his Black Watch around the town in all seasons.

He came to Wells from Cardiff, where he was a research

chemist, and lives on Southover, a short kilted walk from the church.

St Cuthbert’s dates back to the 13th century, and its magnificent west tower often results in it being mistaken for Wells Cathedral.

As well as attracting church lovers, it is also a big draw for film buffs. Wells Blue School old boy and acclaimed international filmmaker Edgar Wright made St Cuthbert’s the location for the church fete scene in his film Hot Fuzz, when the spire crashed down and speared local newspaper journalist Tim Messenger.

The summer tower tours at the church always attract Hot Fuzz lovers, as well as church architecture specialists.

Art almost imitated life during Storm Eunice in 2022, when high winds brought down a Wells church spire – but that was at St Thomas’ Church at the other end of the city.

Phil Kitcher, St Cuthbert’s church warden, is a familiar face in Wells

C O U R A G E - C O M PA S S I O N - C R E AT I V I T Y Specialist Independent Day School Co-Educational Age 7-18 Ashcott, Somerset

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“My new teachers are lovely. I feel I can be myself and people understand me. I find learning easier because of the way things are taught. I feel safe.”

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To advertise, contact Dean on 07809 121434

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2026

n NEWS

19

Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid

Renters’ Rights Act 2026 – Part 3: When Things Go Wrong legal costs and, above all, greater uncertainty for landlords.

Early action will be key. Allowing arrears or issues to escalate without intervention will make resolution harder and slower.

By Carla Jones

THE first two articles in this series explained what the Renters’ Rights Act does, and the key dates for implementation. This final piece looks at what happens in practice when disputes arise – and how landlords and tenants should approach them.

Wells Ambassadors helping visitors on the Cathedral Green Picture: Philip Welch

Would you like to join the Wells Ambassadors?

By Philip Welch THE Wells Ambassadors have regrouped after the sad death of their founder and organiser Ross Young, who passed away in March.

“We are determined to honour Ross’s memory by making Wells the most welcoming tourist venue in the South West,” said Ambassador, Richard Watts.

The Wells Ambassadors are all volunteers who are already stationing themselves in the Market Place or in front of the cathedral ready to engage with visitors, offering them free maps, providing directions and any

other useful information to help them have a full and memorable visit to the city.

By prior arrangement, Ambassadors also meet coach parties to welcome them.

There are currently about 15 active volunteers, but more are urgently needed.

“If you could spare only about four hours a month in the visitor season, we would love to welcome you to join us and promote our wonderful city. No prior experience is required,” said Richard. You can contact him on 07711 157302 or richard.watts@ rkw.co.uk.

A move to an evidence-based system With the abolition of section 21, landlords can no longer rely on process alone. Any possession claim must now be justified by a specific statutory ground, supported by evidence.

What this means in practice is that landlords will need to have clear rent schedules for arrears claims, documented complaints or incidents for anti-social behaviour and genuine, evidenced intention if relying on sale or occupation grounds. In short, record-keeping becomes critical.

More challenges, more scrutiny Tenants will have stronger rights to challenge decisions, particularly rent increases. Any proposed increase can be referred to the Tribunal, which will assess whether it reflects market rent. Landlords can no longer rely on contractual rent review clauses, and poorly supported increases are more likely to be disputed. This introduces a level of uncertainty that has not previously existed.

Pressure on the courts A practical consequence of the new regime is likely to be delay.

With the abolition of the ‘no-fault’ route, more cases are likely to be contested. This is expected to result in longer possession timelines, increased

Compliance remains essential Even where a landlord has a valid ground, failure to comply with the new rules can prevent enforcement.

Early compliance includes providing required documents to tenants, following the correct statutory process, and complying with new regulatory requirements. All of these factors have the potential to derail a possession claim, and non-compliance may result in financial penalties and an inability to recover possession.

Communication matters more than ever With fewer quick routes to possession, early engagement is crucial. Rather than waiting for arrears to build, landlords should address issues as soon as they arise. All communications should be recorded. Landlords should, especially in the early days of the new rules, ensure that they understand what is expected of them and, when in doubt, seek expert advice.

Tenants, in turn, benefit from greater security but should engage constructively to resolve disputes where possible.

Final thoughts The Act is a clear shift towards a more regulated and evidence-driven system. Landlords who are organised, proactive and well-advised will adapt.

Those who are not are likely to find the new regime challenging.

As ever, preparation and early advice will make the difference. n Carla Jones is a Partner with Chubb Bulleid, who have offices in Wells, Street, Somerton and Taunton. Phone 01749 836100.

Opticians’ macular support grant WELLS opticians Millicans & Mansfield will be providing ongoing support to the Wells Macular Support Group (WMSG).

After receiving an approach for assistance from Angela Hall, who leads the group, optician Rebecca Donnelly confirmed that an annual grant of £250 would be made to the group for the foreseeable future.

The WMSG is a volunteer-led group that organises a monthly

coffee meeting on the last Tuesday of each month, as well as two or three outings per year.

Attendance is currently between 20-30 people, although more in Wells are known to suffer from macular degeneration and so the group is looking for members.

Anyone interested in joining or supporting the Wells Macular Support Group should contact Angela Hall via email on angela. hall990@gmail.com.

Got News? Call 07809 121434

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

20

May 2026

n NEWS

JUST SWANNING AROUND: On Wednesday, 22nd April, Grace hatched five cygnets on her nest, and we’re happy to report that all five are healthy and already showing off their water wings. There are (at the time of writing) two more eggs in the nest that are yet to hatch. If you want to keep up-to-date with the swans at the Bishop’s Palace then check out the 24-hour swancam here: www.bishopspalace.org.uk/highlights/swans.

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For Lucy, what began as an act of support for a friend has grown into something far more meaningful – a personal journey that has changed the way she feels every day.

Lucy, a SENCo and infant school teacher, as well as a mum of three, first walked through the doors of her Slimming World group to support a friend who had just taken on the role of Consultant. “I didn’t join with big expectations for myself,” Lucy explained. “I just wanted to be there for my friend.”

However, that support soon became something more personal.

Lucy recognised that some everyday habits were holding her

back. “My biggest downfall was takeaway coffees – the syrups and cream. It had become a daily routine,” she said.

“I knew I needed to change, but it had to be manageable. I decided to swap my daily indulgent coffees for just one as a Saturday treat.”

Alongside this, Lucy made simple changes to her eating, creating meals that worked for the whole family.

Supported by her group, Lucy has built lasting habits, gained confidence and found a renewed sense of wellbeing, proving that small, consistent changes really can make a big difference.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2026

21

n FEATURE

Wookey Revealed – the secrets of the caves Another new column this month, as Neil Morgan, a cave guide supervisor at Wookey Hole, brings us a fascinating regular slice of history from the caves.

THE 16th of April 2026 was the 99th anniversary of the opening of Wookey Hole Caves as a showcave by its then-owner, Gerard Hodgkinson in 1927.

Fast forward to the summer of 1935 – at Wookey Hole Caves, a groundbreaking series of cave dives had started on the 14th of July, continuing into August and September that year.

Madame Hériteau, a Canadian opera singer from the Ottawa region, visited Wookey Hole Caves at this time to seek advice from Gerard Hodgkinson.

Madame Hériteau and her husband wanted to open a cave near to where they lived, called the Armida Cave. They were part of an organisation that promoted tourism in the Ottawa region.

A story on Hodgkinson’s Canadian Cave from the Wells Journal in 1936 On the 20th of August 1935, Gerard Hodgkinson and his personal secretary, Olive Treloar, boarded the Canadian Pacific liner, the Duchess of Richmond, to visit the Armida Cave and surrounding areas.

Gerard had agreed to help finance the development of the Armida Cave into an outstanding visitor attraction, and they

Got News? Call 07809 121434

returned to Wookey Hole just before Christmas.

Gerard Hodgkinson returned to Canada in February 1936 to complete the arrangements for the opening of the Armida Cave complex.

The cave had been totally overhauled with new lighting, staircases and walkways.

The lake beneath the cave,

Lake Armida, was developed into a swimming facility with new changing rooms and diving boards.

A new restaurant was built in keeping with the character of the area. It had views across the lake and a dance floor situated in the Moonlight Room. The restaurant offered many other facilities, including lunches, teas, rooms, and a roof garden.

A few years later, Gerard decided to concentrate his efforts on Wookey Hole Caves and withdrew his investment in the Armida Cave.

The cave is still run as a tourist attraction, run by the nature adventure company, Arbraska Laflèche.

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.

Neil Morgan – cave guide supervisor

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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22

May 2026

n NEWS

Bishop undertakes pilgrimage for Holy Week MICHAEL Beasley, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, recently undertook a four-day pilgrimage across Exmoor and the Quantocks during Holy Week.

Bishop Michael started the week in Selworthy, to the west of Minehead, on Tuesday, 31st March, and ended it in Goathurst, just south of Bridgwater, on Good Friday.

In total, it was a journey of around 30 miles.

During the journey he was joined by members of the local church communities who walked and prayed with him.

Bishop Michael took part in lessons and hymns in Porlock, met Year 4 children from the Moorland Federation at Pinkery Outdoor Centre, attended a performance of Faure’s Requiem, and shared hot cross buns on Good Friday with pupils from the local school in Nether Stowey.

The pilgrimage formed

Bishop Michael with members of the church community in Porlock

part of the diocese’s focus on prayer during 2026. It offered an opportunity for church communities to mark Holy Week together through shared prayer, worship and conversation.

Before the pilgrimage, Bishop Michael said: “During this year of 2026, as a diocese together we are having an especial focus on prayer.

Pilgrimage is one of the most ancient ways that Christians have prayed, come closer to God and learned how better to walk with the Lord throughout their lives.

“I’m so excited that during Holy Week I’ll be making this pilgrimage, meeting members of our churches, praying with them, and experiencing God in the beauty of his creation that’s all around us. It’s going to be an inspiring journey that I look forward to sharing with many different people.”

VACANCY: ASSISTANT CLERK ST CUTHBERT (OUT) PARISH COUNCIL An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a busy and forward-looking parish council.

St Cuthbert (Out) Parish Council is recruiting for an Assistant Clerk to support the administration of the parish. This role places you at the heart of a vibrant council responsible for nearly 5,000 residents spread across a rural community.

Jacqui Zorab, Tessa Munt and Dean Mortlock, with the Year 5 and 6 pupils

Local pupils grill councillors COXLEY Memorial Hall on Friday, 10th April was the venue for the St Cuthbert (Out) Parish Council annual Parish Meeting.

What made it special though, was that for most of it, it was the councillors in the hot seat.

Year 5 and 6 volunteers from Coxley, Horrington & WCS Junior Schools prepared between three and five questions each to deliver to a panel of councillors from St Cuthbert (Out) Parish Council led by chairperson Jacqui Zorab. To add to the tension for the councillors, none of the panel had access to the questions beforehand.

It was a fantastic evening, and the schoolchildren were the real stars. There were no easy questions, and the councillors did very well to answer them all honestly and directly.

Afterwards, awards and book tokens were given to children by Tessa Munt, and finally it was time for audience (the grown-up section) to ask their questions.

Many thanks for GWS Radio for providing the PA and microphones for the event. It was recorded, so if you want to hear the councillors getting a grilling for yourself, then head to www. gws-radio.org.uk.

To advertise, contact Dean on 07809 121434

As Assistant Clerk, you will be supporting multiple areas of council work, acting on behalf of residents and working with councillors, external agencies and stakeholders to progress statutory duties, campaigns, research, analysis and reports that ensure the council functions efficiently, responsively and compliant with statutory duties and responsibilities. It is our vision that we continue to grow as a forward-facing, adaptive tier of local government.

Administrative and IT skills are essential. Experience of multi-disciplinary workstreams are also desirable. Commitment to parish residents and the council’s business is required from a professional and tenacious candidate.

The role is for 20 hours a week, hybrid working. Pay Scale is NJC SP Level 20 (£16.90 per hour)

Full details available here: https://www.stcuthbertout-pc.gov.uk/vacancies.html Further assistance: parishclerk@stcuthbertout-pc.gov.uk Closing date: Friday 29th May 2026 Send application to recruitment.stcuthbertoutpc@gmail.com

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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⚠ Utilities & hazards - Gas leak (National Gas Emergency): 0800 111 999 - Electricity emergency / power cuts: 105 - Water (Wessex Water): 0345 600 4600 - Flooding (Floodline): 0345 988 1188 - Pollution / environment incidents: 0800 80 70 60 🚗🚗 Community Transport - Mendip Community Transport: 01749 880613 - Mendip Slinky : 01749 880482 - Wells Community Network Helpline: 01749 467079 - NHS Hospital Transport 01278 727444 - Great Western Railway: 03457 000 125 - First Bus: 0345 646 0707 - National Rail Enquiries: 03457 48 49 50 🤝🤝 Other - Portway Annex: 01749 673377 - Wells Community Network: 01749 467079 - Bishop’s Palace: 01749 988111 - Wells Cathedral: 01749 674483 - Wells and Mendip Museum: 01749 673477 🛠🛠 Council & local services - Somerset Council (potholes, roads, housing, etc.): 0300 123 2224 - Wells City Council and Town Hall: 01749 673091 - St Cuthbert Out Parish Council: 07496 198032

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May 2026

27

n MESSAGE FROM THE MP

Another busy month for your local MP Thoughts of Wells and Mendip Hills MP Tessa Munt Hello everyone. Another busy month! I attended the annual Legal Service in Wells Cathedral, marking the appointment of the new High Sheriff of Somerset, Peter Dixon. Somerset’s beautiful ceremonial sword and scabbard are kept safely by High Sheriffs during their term of office.

I ran 29 surgeries last month – 13 at my regular monthly venues and ‘extras’ in 16 rural cafés, community hubs, a garden centre café, a beer shed and at two village pub nights. Thank you if you’ve come along to speak to me. I find surgeries are incredibly important – I really value listening to your views, concerns and questions, all of which inform my work as your MP in Westminster directly.

Locally, I was proud to join Amnesty International’s local

Tessa with Peter Dixon, the new High Sheriff of Somerset representatives in Penniless Porch to mark International Women’s Day. They campaign relentlessly for access to legal and welfare support for the many female prisoners held in terrible

Yo u c a n c o n t a c t m e o n 01934 440639

(answerphone outside office hours)

tessa.munt.mp@parliament.uk Tessa Munt Freepost (you won’t need a stamp!)

www.fb.com/TessaMunt4Wells tessamunt.bsky.social www.instagram.com/tessa.munt You can contact Theo Butt Philip, your Somerset Councillor 07811 871274 | theo.buttphilip@somerset.gov.uk

www.tessamunt.co.uk Got News? Call 07809 121434

conditions across the globe.

Later, I joined a joyous gathering of the Women of Wells at the Seager Hall, sharing our hopes for the future.

I enjoyed a fascinating visit to Lyonsleaf, a local all-female business based near Wells producing organic skincare products. Their founder Vicky and ops manager Cathy were two of several local female entrepreneurs and business leaders who joined me at my first Women in Business Brunch held in Blossoms Café, where my colleague Sarah Gibson, MP for Chippenham, spoke with insight, passion and experience about running a business. If you’d like to become involved, please contact me.

It was good to welcome Tim Farron, MP and Lib Dem Spokesperson for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to my ‘patch’. We spent a day visiting inspiring people and projects from the UK Agri-Tech’s South West Dairy Development Centre to Bristol Corinthians’ Sailing Club, and the future Cheddar hydro power project, to tree planting in Stratton-on-theFosse. Tim spoke about food, farming and rural life to an audience in Draycott, answering questions from farmers and others. If you’d like to know about future events, please drop me a line.

In Westminster, I met the real Ash Smith and Peter Hammond of Dirty Business fame,

discussing the newly released sewage spill data for 2025 and what can – and should – be done to clean up our rivers, streams and rhynes. I also attended a joint NFU/WWF/RSPCA meeting advocating fair trade – high standards for food imports – and I’ve met the Energy Minister to highlight the problems for rural households dependent on increasingly expensive oil for their heating and hot water.

In Parliament I have spoken on a number of matters, raising the following: n Support for Somerset’s illuminated carnivals. n The importance of returning to 0.7 per cent spending on overseas aid as both humanitarian and national security measures. n Securing guarantees that foreign national prisoners complete their UK Court ordered prison terms when they’re transferred to their ‘home’ country. n Rigorous monitoring by the Home Office of the contract for tagging offenders released early or on licence. n Whether drug company incentives should be investigated as these may influence which drugs are prescribed. n Reforming the regulation of Funeral Directors. n Holding Government to account for top-level briefings given to Peter Mandelson before his vetting was completed. n Pressing the Government on the need for pumps to be ready prior to flooding, not after it. n Outlining the need for strong measures and clear accountability for safeguarding in small religious organisations and cults. n Ensuring planning regulations protect the accessibility of hospital helipads for air ambulance use.

My next local surgeries are listed below. Visit my website – www.tessamunt.co.uk – or contact my office for the full list. n Friday, 8th May from 8am9am at Edelweiss Café, Cheddar. n Saturday, 9th May from 11.30am-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.

Thank you.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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28

May 2026

n HOME AND GARDEN

Notes from a wildlife garden I made a rookie mistake in my front garden. I didn’t cut my hawthorn back in winter. At the time, it looked so even, so beautifully entwined, so satisfyingly prickly, that I thought: my work here is done. So I left it.

Now, returning from my Easter break in France, I’m looking at it again and the growth is extraordinary. It’s full of life, stretching confidently into April.

I love it, but it’s no longer even. It has grown in its own way and it’s beautiful because it’s healthy. And yet, all the blossom will sit on the uneven, jangle of growth that may be seen as unkempt.

So I’ll have beautiful May flowers, and later, berries, but I may feel the urge to cut them back. And then what would the birds eat?

While I was away, spring got to work and the garden has surged forward in that unmistakable April way – one minute restrained, the next abundant. The areas I hadn’t reached have become something close to a small forest. And yet, coming home makes my heart sing.

I find myself wandering out two or three times a day, just looking. It’s only when I begin to clear and make space that I’ll understand what’s really here and what I might keep, because not everything that arrives uninvited is without value.

On a hopeful note, my pyracantha, which I feared I’d lost, is showing signs of life. I had to cut

it back hard before I left, and it felt brutal at the time, but now small green shoots are appearing. What I thought was an ending may simply have been a pause.

For now, April is doing what April does best: reminding me that growth is rarely neat, often unexpected, and always alive.

Currently reading: This month I find myself dipping in and out of A Short History of Flowers by Advolly Richmond – a beautifully observed account of how plants once held everyday value, and how easily that understanding can be lost or changed over time.

And despite everything, or perhaps because of it, it’s very good to be home.

Sharon Brien

Some of the beds’ first visitors at the Recreation Ground

Council team up with Wildlife Trust for new planting initiative

Hawthorn blossom

THOMAS D’ARCY the garden house

IN support of Wells City Council’s commitment to Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Act to Adapt Plan, it has introduced two new beds within the Recreation Ground, offering drought-resilient planting solutions. Signage will enable visitors to see exactly what’s planted in the beds and why those particular plants were chosen.

Councillor Denise Denis said: “Following the Council’s recent commitment to Act to Adapt and climate response, this planting scheme offers a chance

for learning at the same time as offering something visual within the space. It has been a pleasure to work with the Somerset Wildlife Trust and the City Council to deliver this project.”

Guy Braga, of the Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: “This project offers dual benefit of education and physical change. The Somerset Wildlife Trust is pleased to be able to work proactively with Wells City Council to meet climate and educational initiatives.”

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2026

29

n HOME AND GARDEN Milton Lodge is NGS Garden of the Month THE NGS (National Garden Scheme) Garden of the Month for May is Milton Lodge on the Old Bristol Road.

The garden at Milton Lodge was designed in around 1900

by Charles Tudway, the great grandfather of the present owner, and has stunning views of Wells Cathedral and the Vale of Avalon.

The NGS opening days are Sunday, 31st May and Sunday, 28th June between 2pm and 5pm.

The NGS is a charity that was founded in 1927 with the aim of sharing some of the most beautiful gardens in the country.

Currently it gives visitors access to over 3,300 gardens across the UK and the Channel Islands.

Gardens open on specific days for the NGS, and funds raised support a number of charities.

For more information, go to www.ngs.org.uk.

TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS: “Spring is springing incredibly early this year,” said James Cross, the head gardener of The Bishop’s Palace recently. The tulips were out in the Palace gardens, and looked stunning as they carpeted the ground around the birch trees.

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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May 2026

n NEWS Race organisers encourage runners to register early THE organisers of the Wells Festival of Running are encouraging participants to register early for this year’s races on Sunday, 24th May. Although more than 500 runners have registered to take part, Nick Stevens, entries manager, assures us that there are still places available: “We were a little under-ambitious with our predictions of numbers last year,” he confessed, “so this year we’ve ordered more than ever before!”

“Entering early is a good way of cementing a commitment to get moving and get fit,” points out Sharon Bowles, who is coaching the over-subscribed Couch to 5k.

Sharon also has some advice for novices: “The Couch to 5k starts off with alternating jogging for 60 seconds and then walking for 90 seconds, and builds up from there,” she explains. “If you’re new to running then you really should practice first.”

Preparations continue apace by the Rotary Club for the nonrunners, too. The Rotary’s Mike Love is very keen to point out that the Balloon Raffle has prizes worth hundreds of pounds each.

The Rotary club is coordinating other entertainment for runners and non-runners alike, including a repeat of last year’s popular race for under 8s on the Cathedral Green (“all runners get a prize!”, promises Mike), and stalls selling lollies, cake and coffee in the Market Place and near the finish.

Race director, Andrew Deamer, is keen to encourage colleagues and friends to enter the 5k together.

“The 5k is the one to do if you’ve not run before,” he said, “and teaming up with your friends or colleagues makes it more fun. Make sure you tell us your team name before you race”, he said, “and you could win the Corporate prize.”

The races kick off at 10.15 on Sunday, 24th May

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2026

n LETTERS

Full of joy for SoundsJoyful HOW lucky I was to discover SoundsJoyful when I moved to Wells three months ago. I’d heard about the SoundsJoyful sessions at Wells Cathedral and went along for my first one. This was a real eye opener for me – or should I say a heart opener.

The atmosphere in the space was very comforting as the facilitators introduced us to some simple songs and tunes. And they did this with such warmth, care and sensitivity to the group and to each individual. There was no pressure and no expectations foisted upon us. Instantly we were made to feel at home, relaxed and open. The facilitators made it very inviting for us to join in, sing along if we so wished and revel in the shared sound we were making as a group.

Their philosophy of inclusivity – everyone present

was welcomed whole heartedly – was very special. We bonded as an integrated group through simple tunes and melodies. It was a beautiful experience. I felt there were no expectations on me. I could sing along if I so wished, or I could simply listen and absorb the waves of joyful sounds washing over me. Above all, I relished not having to get anything right, and this was made explicit from the start.

I didn’t have to perform and sing correctly to meet someone else’s targets. In a world that has become increasingly pressurised, I found the encouragement to be myself – knowing that whatever I offered would be received with total acceptance – to provide real solace and comfort.

I could totally relax and have fun with a mixed group of people who’d spontaneously chosen to come together for 30 minutes to share their voices, their energy and themselves through sound and song. What I experienced

31

was actually healing medicine.

Every community in the country should have a SoundsJoyful. They are the perfect antidote for our increasingly collective angst.

I emerged from this first session and on subsequent sessions (they meet on the first, third and fourth Monday of every month) as if from a hot shower – invigorated, grounded in myself and my body, yet connected to each member of the group, and left tingling with joy. What a brilliant way to start the week!

Peter Bygott By email

Independents not standing WE, the Wells Independents who believe party politics has no place in local government and holds half the 16 seats on Wells City Council, decided not to put

Wells Cathedral hosts blockbuster HOLLYWOOD came back to Wells, as the cathedral will once again show up in a blockbuster movie this summer.

Scenes for Masters of the Universe, one of the biggest blockbusters of the year, and based around the He-Man cartoon series that was popular in the 1980s, were filmed at the cathedral in June of 2025, but it is unclear how much of the film was shot in Wells.

It is also believed – but not confirmed – that some scenes were also shot in Wookey Hole Caves.

It wouldn’t be a collection of Wells pictures without a pancake race

Got News? Call 07809 121434

2. Out of respect to the residents of St Thomas Ward who chose Tony time and time again as their Liberal Democrat representative with very large majorities.

For more information on the elections on 7th May for both the St Thomas’ Ward and the Wells City Council, turn to page 2.

The Bishop’s Palace needs you

those shared experiences – the laughter, the creativity and the sense of community that has always been part of this place.

We’d love people to dig out their old photos, programmes or stories and help us tell that story.”

Whether it’s a large public event or a small personal moment, every memory will help build a rich and personal picture of the Palace’s past.

The subsequent exhibition will be included with standard admission to The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens.

Contact Siobhan on siobhan. goodwin@bishopspalace. org.uk if you can help.

1. Out of respect for Tony’s exceptional contribution to the city as a Liberal Democrat councillor over more than four decades.

3. We wish to avoid the cost of an election at a time when money is tight.

Wells Independents By email

n NEWS

DO you have a photograph tucked away of a day out at The Bishop’s Palace? Perhaps a snapshot of a wrestling match on the croquet lawn in 1967, a team photo from an It’s a Knockout competition in the 1970s, or even a programme from a memorable event?

The Bishop’s Palace is inviting its community to step back in time and share their memories as part of a new exhibition entitled Fun and Games at The Palace.

Unlike a traditional exhibition, this one will be shaped by the community itself. The Palace team is calling on local people to contribute their own photographs, memorabilia and stories, building a shared celebration of the many joyful, quirky and unforgettable events that have taken place at the Palace over the years.

From moat boat races to community celebrations, the Palace has long been a place where memories are made. Now, those moments will have the opportunity to take centre stage.

Siobhan Goodwin, community engagement manager at The Bishop’s Palace, said: “We know the Palace holds a special place in so many people’s hearts. This exhibition is all about celebrating

forward a candidate in the St Thomas Ward election on 7th May to replace Tony Robbins as a Wells city councillor after many years’ service for the following reasons:

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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32

May 2026

n NEWS

ENTER THE DRAGON: The Somerset Dragon stopped off in Wells on 11th April as part of its tour of the county. There was a lively performance for children, plus a storybook to take home. The tour was part of the celebrations for Somerset Day, which is held annually on 11th of May. For more information about Somerset Day, and where you can still catch the dragon on its last stops, head to www.somersetday.com.

Look out for local author at Palace Garden Fete in June FIRST published in 2023 by local author Rebecca Gryspeerdt, Helpful Nell remains ever popular with both local families and visitors to Wells alike.

Set in the gardens of The Bishop’s Palace, the fictional story follows the antics of Nell and Cuddly Rabbit who spend a week there. They encounter the famous Swans of Wells who ring the gatehouse bell in order to be fed – which is very much a local tradition.

Three fluffy cygnets feature too, and the town crier plays a

key role as the story unfolds.

Many recognisable scenes from the Palace gardens can be spotted in the illustrations – including the gatehouse and the wooden dragon in the play area – as well as Wells’ Market Square.

Helpful Nell is available to buy from a number of locations around Wells, including the Palace and Cathedral gift shops, and from Cadeaux & Co on Wells High Street.

Rebecca will be signing copies of her book at her stall at the Palace Garden Fete on 6th June.

To advertise, contact Dean on 07809 121434

Fascinating talk on Italian walk

Rebecca Gryspeerdt, with a copy of her book, Helpful Nell

WELLS and Shepton Mallet Branch Labour Party were delighted to welcome Paul James to our March coffee morning.

An audience of 40 listened to Paul’s tales of his walks through Italy following old pilgrimage paths, the people he met and walked with, and the scenery and towns that he passed through.

Paul ended his talk with a brief description of the support that Winston’s Wish gives to bereaved children. Generous donations from the audience raised over £200 for Winston’s Wish, which helped Paul reach his overall target of £10,0000.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2026

33

n FEATURE

Celia’s pilgrimage back to Arran CELIA Wride, former Wells councillor and the 645th May of Wells in 2018, recently took a 400-mile pilgrimage back to the Isle of Arran in Scotland where she trained as a Bristol Constabulary cadet 55 years ago.

Celia, then 17 years old, was undertaking her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award as part of a group of six Bristol Police cadets. This involved trekking over most of the island in horrible weather and sleeping in village halls.

Watching over the group was Sergeant Mackay of the Grampian Police, who was their trip assessor. Sergeant Mackay believed that they were the first to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award on the Island.

“The trek was long and the terrain difficult – we got completely lost and a kindly

couple took pity on us,” said Celia. “There were a few occasions when he [Sergeant Mackay] thought he may have to call the rescue helicopter out, when we were a little late to meet him.”

Celia returned to Arran with her daughter last year. During the return visit, she was able to visit a lot of her old haunts, and the scenery was as stunning as she always remembered.

Commenting on why it took so long to return, Celia said: “I think I am only just following through now because over time the distance from home made the return trip seem more intimidating. And there’s always the fear that your reality won’t fit with your happy memories, isn’t there? But I’m so pleased that I did it. What a literally wonderful place!”

Celia (pictured here on the far right) with the rest of the group of cadets

54 years later, Celia returns to Arran – this time with her daughter

The Almshouses Open Day is always a great day out

Almshouse residents open their gardens to the public The City of Wells Almshouses will once again be opening their Chapel, Guildroom and gardens for another Summer Open Day on Saturday, 20th June from 11am to 4pm.

Lunches, home-made cakes and puddings will be served at the Bubwith Almshouses, and the gardens and medieval buildings will be open for visiting.

There will be talks given by residents in the chapel and the Grey Dogs Jazz band will be playing swing music from 1.30pm until 3pm.

Got News? Call 07809 121434

Entry to all the gardens is free, and everyone is encouraged to come along and look at these historic dwellings, walk around the beautiful gardens and talk to the residents and volunteers, on the two almshouse sites of Llewellyns and Bubwith.

For information about applying to live in one of the almshouses, or to work there as a volunteer, contact the City of Wells Almshouses on 01749 675813 or email them on manager@wellsalmshouses. org.uk.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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May 2026

n WHAT’S ON Classic cars on Cathedral Green EVERY year, the Classic and Historic Motor Club complete their Mendip Tour on the Cathedral Green, and this year’s event will conclude in Wells on Sunday, 17th May. Over 170 cars will start near Weston-super-Mare and, after a lunchtime stop near Axbridge, will arrive in Wells to give locals and visitors the chance to admire some stunning vehicles.

For more information on the Classic and Historic Motor Club, go to www.candhmotorclub. co.uk.

Free Lunch scheme returns WELLS United Church is opening up its Free Lunch food and support scheme for the May holidays. On Friday, 29th May between 12pm-2pm, you can receive free food and help at the Seager Hall.

The Missouri Baptist University Chorale are coming to Wells. See them at St Cuthbert’s Church on 11th May

WOWFest fundraising concert with USA choir ON Monday, 11th May, the Missouri Baptist University Chorale will make a special stop in Wells to give a free concert in St Cuthbert’s Church at 7pm.

Conducted by Dr Jordan Fox, 30 talented singers will perform a selection of traditional and

spiritual songs, including Gospel favourites, the Hallelujah from Handel’s Messiah and Bring Him Home from Les Misérables.

The concert will be free, with a retiring collection for Wells Skatepark – no reservations necessary.

Everybody is welcome, so please come and support these young singers from Missouri and, at the same time, young (and old) skaters from the Mendips Please contact 01749 672522 or email wowfest@ timeconcerts.co.uk for info.

If you carecare about: If you about: Local flooding local flooding Water pollution Thewater cost ofpollution living the cost Food prices of living

or food prices

You’re invited to a free film screening Environmentalist Chris Packham was one of the speakers at the briefing

New film tackles climate crisis A NEW film is being screened across the UK, which the filmmakers claim will ‘ensure that both Parliament and the public are clearly and honestly briefed on the climate and nature crisis’.

Titled The People’s Emergency Briefing, the film is adapted from the National Emergency Briefing, an event that took place in November 2025 at Westminster Central Hall and was attended by more than 1,200 MPs, peers and leaders from business, culture, faith and the media.

The People’s Emergency Briefing will be shown at the Wells Town Hall on Friday, 8th May. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Admission is free, but you’re advised to book a seat by either scanning the QR code to the left of this page or emailing sustwells@gmail.com.

The is another screening at the Wookey Church Hall on Friday, 22nd May at 7pm.

For details of other screenings, head to www.nebriefing.org/ screening-map.

To advertise, contact Dean on 07809 121434

People’s you’reEmergency invited toBriefing a free

Wookey Church Hall film screening

Wells Town Hall Fri 8th May 7pm doorsPeople’s open 6.30pm

Emergency Briefing

Fri 22nd May 7pm Wells Town Hall, refreshments 6.45pm

Book yourself a seat No need to book, BA5 2RB by scanning the QR just turn up Fri 8th May 7pm code, or for more information visit sustainablewells.org.uk doors open 6.30pm - book yourself a seat

by scanning the QR code

or for more information visit sustainablewells.org.uk

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

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35

n WHAT’S ON

The Wells City Band – ready to entertain you on 10th May

Band ready for a swinging time

MADBand had so much fun that they’re doing it all again on 30th May

‘Boy’ band return to the stage for fundraising gig ON Saturday, 7th February 2026, after around six months of preparation and rehearsals, five gentlemen ‘of a certain age’ took to the stage as MADBand (Middle-aged Dads Band) as a fundraiser for a dementia charity and the restoration fund for Wookey Village Hall.

During a song-packed evening, the band performed a string of hits from a number of boy bands, but what surprised many in the audience was just how good the band actually was.

The night was arranged as an entertaining fundraiser, and that’s exactly what the crowd got – raising over £1,600 for two very worthy causes.

More than just a normal gig

or a theatrical show, a MADBand concert is loud and proud. People are encouraged to get up, dance, and sing along at the top of their voices. MADBand very much put the fun in fundraiser.

The boys clearly had a musical itch that needed continual scratching though, as the band are back together for another gig on Saturday, 30th May at the Wells Little Theatre, supported by Me & Her. Tickets for MADBand are available now on the Wells Little Theatre website at www. wellslittletheatre.com/ tickets and cost £15. All proceeds from the event will be split between Wookey Theatre Group and Wells Little Theatre.

THE Wells City Band has spent the last few months getting into the swing of things for this year’s Spring Concert, which takes place on Sunday, 10th May between 3pm and 5pm in Cedars Hall.

Led by its musical director Paul Denegri, Wells City Band will be paying tribute to one of music’s most popular genres.

Featuring classic swing music with works by Glen Miller, George Gershwin, Cole Porter,

Duke Ellington and many more, from Anything Goes to A Swinging Safari, it’s guaranteed to get the feet tapping.

This concert will be the first time that the Wells City Band Brass Academy has performed in the Cedars Hall, so it’s also a chance to see the players of the future.

Tickets available from www. cedarshallwells.co.uk or the box office on 01749 674483.

Welcome return for exhibition WELLS Painting Group returns to Wells Cathedral for its 2026 Exhibition. The group meets regularly at St Thomas’ Church Hall. Group members paint a wide and varied range of subjects in all mediums.

The exhibition will be open from the 9th to the 19th of May,

Monday to Saturday 10am to 4.30pm, and Sun 11am to 3pm.

Paintings and cards will be for sale at the event.

Admission is included in the Cathedral entry cost, and the use of the Cathedral is by kind permission of the Chapter of Wells Cathedral.

Wells’ first Festival of Wellbeing STUDIO Eight CIC, the holistic therapy studio in the Heritage Courtyard that offers a range of therapies including yoga, pilates and sound healing, is bringing its first Festival of Wellbeing to Wells this May. The festival will be held at the Bishop’s Barn on Monday,

4th May from 10am until 7pm, and is a free event with a mixture of taster classes, wellbeing talks and a range of stalls.

To find out more, search for ‘Wells Festival of Wellbeing’ on Facebook or go to www. studioeightwells.com.

Got News? Call 07809 121434

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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May 2026

n WHAT’S ON May events n Exhibition: Finding Home 1st May – 21st June The Bishop’s Palace Natasha Lee presents a collection of original watercolour paintings. n Exhibition: Where Threads Meet 9th – 30th May Andelli Art n Exhibition: Wells Painting Group Art Exhibition 9th – 19th May Wells Cathedral See page 35 for more details n City of Wells Dementia Action Alliance 18th – 22nd May Wells Library The stall will be manned Monday 12pm-3pm, Tuesday 10am12pm, Wednesday 10am-3pm, Thursday 10am-12pm and Friday 10am-12pm. n History Alive: Wardour Garrison 2nd – 3rd May The Bishop’s Palace 17th-century soldiers take over The Bishop’s Palace for a weekend of living history. n Exhibition: Botanical Sculptures 22nd May – 12th September The Bishop’s Palace Artist-blacksmith Jenny Pickford brings a collection of large-scale floral sculptures to the gardens. n Ducati Weekender and Muc-Off 30th – 31st May Quickshifter Coffee The Ducati team will be there for the weekend with a fleet of 2026 Ducati bikes to test ride. n Wells Comedy Festival 22nd – 24th May Various locations Head to wellscomfest.com for more information.

Friday 1st n Lunchtime Concert: Wells Cathedral School Wells Cathedral 1.05pm Join Students from Wells Cathedral School for a lunchtime concert. n Social Dance Henton Village Hall

7pm-9pm £6 per head, with refreshments.

Beginners welcome. n Maestro Concert: Roderick Williams Cedars Hall 7pm-9.30pm One of the country’s best-loved baritones takes the audience on a musical journey through an English winter with composers including Vaughan Williams, Finzi, Britten, Bridge and Roderick himself.

Saturday 2nd n Craft and Gift Fair Seager Hall For all enquiries, call 07513 998142 or email midsomer craftfairs@gmail.com. n Switch Club Wells Library 11am For children aged 7 and over.

Email wlslib@somerset.gov. uk to guarantee your place. 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 Lunchtime Concert: Salisbury Cathedral Chamber Choir Wells Cathedral 1pm Join Salisbury Cathedral Chamber Choir for a lunchtime concert. n KTM Roadshow Special Quickshifter Coffee The KTM team will be there with a fleet of brand-new 2026 KTM bikes to test ride.

PILATES AND BARRE TUESDAYS Pilates 9.15am Pilates Seated Seniors 10.30am WEDNESDAYS Barre 5pm • Pilates 6pm THURSDAYS Pilates 9.15am • Barre 10.30am FRIDAYS Pilates 9.15am Location Wells Town Hall.

Small, mixed ability classes.

To apply, contact Sally at:

zest2zen@gmail.com

To advertise, contact Dean on 07809 121434

n Live Music: Woodchuck Tramways 8pm

Sunday 3rd n Charity Quiz The George at Croscombe 7pm Quiz raising money for ambulance taking medical supplies to Ukraine. Tickets £10 a person from the organiser martyn. starnes@outlook.com. n Bingo Night Sadlers Restaurant 5pm Eyes down at 6pm prompt.

Booking advised at booking@ sadlersrestaurant.co.uk. n Live Music: Ben McCowan Tramways 6.45pm-8.45pm

Monday 4th n Trio Paradis Café Concert St Thomas Church 11am For more information about these free concerts, go to www. trioparadis.com. n Sounds Joyful – Music Sessions Wells Library 11am Come along to a fun and accessible singing session for all ages and abilities. n Wells Festival of Wellbeing Bishop’s Barn 10am-7pm See page 35 for more details

Tuesday 5th n Ancestry Group Wells Library 2pm & 3pm Interested in ancestry? Book a one-hour session at 2pm or 3pm.

Email wlslib@somerset.gov. uk to find out more.

Wednesday 6th n Sound of Wells: Lunchtime Concert with Wells Cathedral School Composers Wells Cathedral 1.05pm Chamber works written by upand-coming student composers from Wells Cathedral School.

n Sound of Wells: Silent Film with Live Organ – The General Wells Cathedral 8pm This event is in aid of the Wells Cathedral Grand Organ Appeal.

Thursday 7th n Jazz Night: PMG Trio The White Hart 8pm Bristol jazz trio led by guitarist Paul Mahon playing a thoughtful mix of ECM tunes and standards. n Sound of Wells: Recital with Wells Cathedral School Scholars Wells Cathedral 11.30pm Enjoy a mid-morning performance given by the school’s talented Choral Scholars. n Sound of Wells: Monteverdi Vespers of 1610 Wells Cathedral 7pm The Monteverdi String Band, English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble and outstanding soloists join the Wells Cathedral Chamber Choir.

Friday 8th n Screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing Wells Town Hall 6.30pm for a 7pm start See page 34 for more details n Sound of Wells: Primary Musical Outreach Concert ‘Springs and Fountains’ Wells Cathedral 1.05pm Join local primary school children taking part in the Cathedral’s Primary Music Outreach Programme, together with the Junior Choristers. n Sound of Wells: An Evening of Concertos Cedars Hall 6.30pm The final of Wells Cathedral School’s concerto competition showcases the very best of their young musicians.

Saturday 9th n Magic of Reading Wells Library A morning of storytelling to spark the imagination and

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37

n WHAT’S ON rekindle the joy of reading for pleasure. 10.30am for 7-12 years, 11.30am for 12-16 years and 12.45pm for adults. This is a free event – all welcome. n Indoor Market Wells Town Hall 9am-3pm For more information, email reception@wells.gov.uk or call 01749 673091. n Weekend Reading Group Blossom’s 2pm Quiet reading and/or an opportunity to chat about books. n An Evening of Baroque Delights Christ Church, Henton 7pm All proceeds in aid of the church re-ordering fund.

Please let jennycrossley@ mbzonline.net or WhatsApp 07753 958836 know you will be attending. n Sound of Wells: Lunchtime Concert with Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society Wells Cathedral 1.05pm The 120-strong Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society resound throughout the Nave of Wells Cathedral. n Live Music: The Spanners The White Hart Tramways 8pm

Sunday 10th

Clothes, plants, bric-a-brac, Toys, books puzzles and much more n Tai Chi Wells Library 10.30am-11am n Live Music: Missouri Baptist University Chorale Henton Village Hall St Cuthbert’s Church 7pm See page 34 for more details

Tuesday 12th n Weekday Book Discussion Group Blossom’s 2pm Lively discussion and interesting conversation. n Wells Writers Wells Library 2pm Fancy getting creative with words? Why not join this local writing group?

Wednesday 13th n Wells Board Game Group Wetherspoons 7pm-9.30pm

Thursday 14th

n Swing into Spring with Wells City Band Cedars Hall 3pm-5pm See page 35 for more details

n Open Mic The Globe Inn 7.30pm All types of performance are welcome. Reserve your slot on 07506 876534.

Monday 11th

n Jazz Night: Steve Mathers Trio The White Hart 8pm A mix of bebop, ballads, swing and latin tunes from this Fromebased saxophonist.

n Croscombe Film Night: Hamnet Croscombe Village Hall 7pm n Shared Reading Wells Library 2.30pm Come along and share experiences using stories and poems. This group is open to all and free to attend. No need to book – email wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk for more information.

Sunday 17th

JUMBLE SALE Saturday, 9th May 2pm – 4pm Coxley Village Hall

n Lunchtime Organ Recital: Edward Marshall Wells Cathedral 1.05pm Hear masterpieces for the organ from across the ages on Thursdays throughout the year at 1.05pm in the Quire of Wells Cathedral.

Got News? Call 07809 121434

Refreshments – tea, coffee, soft drinks, cakes Also cakes for sale n Maestro Concert: Martin Taylor Cedars Hall 7pm-9.30pm The multi award-winning jazz guitarist is described as a warm, funny, breathtakingly virtuosic guitar genius.

Friday 15th n An Evening of Mediumship Wookey Hole Theatre 7pm A night of ‘spirit magick’ with spiritual medium, Mitch Garlington.

n Mendip Vintage & Classic Tour Cathedral Green See page 34 for more details

Monday 18th n Wells Social Group for the Visually Impaired Wells Library 11am-12.30pm 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 Organ Recital: Wells Cathedral School Wells Cathedral 1.05pm Join Students from Wells Cathedral School for a lunchtime concert in the Nave of Wells Cathedral.

Saturday 16th n Switch Club Switch Club Wells Library 11am For children aged 7 and over.

Booking is essential – email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk to guarantee your place. n Dance Showcase – Steps in Snow Cedars Hall 7pm-8.30pm Steps in Snow is a powerful reimagining of the beloved story of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, told entirely through movement by Wells Cathedral School dance pupils

Tuesday 19th n Wessex Water Community Drop In Wells Library A customer advisor will be in Wells Library on Tuesday, 19th May, 10am-12pm and 1pm-2pm.

Speak to them in person about their services, or if you require advice about your bill or water/ sewage. n Quiz Night Crossways Inn 7pm Tickets available on the door.

Contact Alison for more information on 07952 041477. n Lunchtime Organ Recital: First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte Sanctuary Choir Wells Cathedral 1.05pm Join the First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte Sanctuary Choir for a lunchtime concert in the Nave of Wells Cathedral. n Sparks Recital Series Cedars Hall 7pm-9pm Two of Wells Cathedral School’s outstanding senior specialist musicians curate and present a full-length recital in two halves.

Continued on page 38

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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May 2026

n WHAT’S ON From page 37

Wednesday 20th n Craft and Gift Fair Indoor Market Wells Town Hall 9am-3pm For more information, email reception@wells.gov.uk or call 01749 673091.

Thursday 21st n Jazz Night – Iain Ballamy and Gareth Williams The White Hart 8pm Top-notch jazz from these two internationally acclaimed musicians. n Vicars Choral Commemoration Concert Wells Cathedral 7.30pm The Vicars Choral of the Cathedral Choir commemorate their founding with a lighthearted evening of choral music for lower voices, interspersed with texts from our Cathedral Archives about the lives of Vicars Choral in centuries gone by.

Friday 22nd n Screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing Wookey Church Hall 6.45pm for a 7pm start See page 34 for more details

Saturday 23rd n Craft and Gift Fair Indoor Market Seager Hall For all enquiries, call 07513 998142 or email midsomer craftfairs@gmail.com. n Lego Club Wells Library 11am For children aged 5 and over.

Come and see what you can make! Booking essential – email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk. n Live Music: Verity Standen – Everything Slips Wells Cathedral 7.30pm A highly skilled ensemble of 11 singers brings to life a new collection of songs that veer from fierce to fragile, enveloping the audience in the power of unaccompanied singing.

n Live Music: The Worried Men Wookey Hole Club 9pm An event for members of the Wookey Hole Club. Blues and R&B.

Sunday 24th n Bring Two Guests for Free The Bishop’s Palace As a Friend of the Palace, you’re invited to share the beauty of the Palace by bringing two guests of your choice for free. n Festival of Running Market Place From 10.15am See page 30 for more details

Monday 25th n Shared Reading Wells Library 2.30pm Come along and share experiences using stories and poems. This group is open to all and free to attend. No need to book – email wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk for more information. n Tai Chi Wells Library 10.30am-11am

Wednesday 27th n Make and Mend The Globe Inn 6.30pm-9pm 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

Thursday 28th n Open Mic The Globe Inn 7.30pm

All types of performance are welcome. Reserve your slot on 07506 876534. n Jazz Night – JCC Organ Trio The White Hart 8pm Guitarist Jerry Crozier Cole is joined by Eddie Johns on drums and Anders Olinder on Hammond Organ.

Friday 29th n Wells Solo Travellers Club Blossom’s 2.30pm Contact Amanda on 07551 958663 or join their Facebook group. n Lunchtime Concert: Mendip Consort of RecordersTrio Wells Cathedral 1.05pm Join the Mendip Consort of Recorders for a lunchtime concert in the Nave of Wells Cathedral.

To advertise, contact Dean on 07809 121434

Sunday 31st

Regular events

n Switch Club Wells Library 11am For children aged 7 and over.

Booking is essential – email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk to guarantee your place. n Repair Café St Thomas Church Hall 10am-12.30pm Skilled volunteer repairers will try to fix broken items taken along. Homemade cakes and drinks available, too. Email repaircafe.wells@gmail.com for more information.

www.angelicbridgehealing.com 07731 937293

n Live Music: Legend – The Music of Bob Marley Studio 24 7.30pm

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.

n Live Music: MADBand Wells Little Theatre 6.45pm See page 35 for more details

Relaxing Angelic Healing Meditation Archangel Metatron Sacred Sequence 3rd Monday every month 6.30pm-7.30pm Mendip Court, Wells

n The Ultimate 80s Silent Disco Wells Cathedral 7.30pm-10.30pm Break out the leg warmers, don that double denim, and get ready to moonwalk your way into a night of synths, sequins and seriously iconic tunes.

n Sunday, 31st May The Wells Ghost Walk Full details, times and booking can be found at www.extours. co.uk.

Saturday 30th

n Sing Loud!

Family Silent Disco

Wells Cathedral 12.30pm-3pm A silent disco made for kids, but just as fun for grown-ups.

n Wells Ukulele Group The White Hart Fortnightly on a Monday From 7.15pm Singers also welcome. Email wellsukulelegroup@gmail. com for more info. n Shared Reading Wells Library Every Monday 2.30pm-4pm n Ross Kirk’s Open Mic Night The White Hart Fortnightly on a Tuesday From 8pm Have a musical talent? Want to show it off? Come on down to the White Hart. 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

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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May 2026

39

n WHAT’S ON n Irish Set Dancing Dinder Village Hall 8pm £3, including refreshments.

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 Coxley Community Café Christ Church, Coxley Every Thursday 2.30pm-4pm Free drinks and a place to chat.

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 IT Help Wells Library Every Tuesday & Wednesday 10.30am-12.30pm 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

n Stories & Rhymes Wells Library Every Friday 10.30am-11.15am

Every Wednesday and Thursday 10.30am and 11.30am Technical help with a range of technical items, including mobile phones or tablets.

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 Knit & Craft Wells Library Every Thursday (not third Thursday) 2pm-4pm

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’.

YOUR LOCAL FAMILY RUN THREE SCREEN CINEMA OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

DISABLED ACCESS IN ALL 3 SCREENS

Event Cinema Shows

Price Freeze

PRINCES ROAD, WELLS, BA5 1TD

01749 673195

wellsfilmcentre.co.uk

Price Freeze! All Tickets £5 extended into 2026!

T’s & C’s: Offer continuing into 2026, check our website for end date update.

Event Cinema and Special Events excluded from offer.

Under 3’s not admitted to any film. Films Subject to alteration.

Offer can be withdrawn or amended at any time without prior notice.

Got News? Call 07809 121434

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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40

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

Perennials are plants which spring up freshly year after year, biennials are sown in one year and bloom the next and then die, annuals are sown then bloom, set seed and die in the same year. All varieties of gardener would nod their heads at that, except the cynical gardener wouldn’t believe a word of it. One journalist put it this way: “Perennials are the ones that grow like weeds, biennials are the ones that die this year instead of next, and hardy annuals are the ones that never come up at all.” – K. Whitehorn 1970 Under certain conditions, tulips – those technicoloured stars of the spring garden ­– are reputed to be perennial.

The conditions involve much cosseting and cosying in a dry, frost-proof shed, often resulting in a squidgy mess. A number of nurseries now offer some bulbs as annuals, and big gardens discard their spring displays after the flowering. However, the smaller type of varieties fare much better being closer to the species found in the wild.

Many contented souls who braved the Arctic weather at the Gardening Club Plant Fair would testify to that, carrying home pots of tulips to enjoy.

If tulips are the exotica of spring, then their summer equivalent must be gladioli.

On Thursday, 14th May in Wells Town Hall, Gill Hazel, gardening expert and former commercial grower, will present an illustrated talk on these beauties entitled So you Think you know Gladiolus. Doors will open at 7pm and everyone is very welcome. It promises to be a fascinating and colourful evening. Members £2, visitors £5. Further details on 01749 679182. There will also be an opportunity to book for summer garden visits.

Philip Harwood

WELLS TUESDAY WI This month we enjoyed a fascinating talk from Nicky from the Shoemakers Museum in Street. There was lots of insight into the collection, and we’re now looking forward to a visit. We also managed (finally) to arrange a trip to DENTS in Warminster, so it was interesting to compare collections and attitudes to sales,

workers’ rights and fashion. A big thank you to The Masons, who kindly moved their meeting upstairs so we could occupy our usual museum space.

The trip to The Manor in Oakhampton went well, with lots of beautiful creations. I can’t resist pyrography and there was lots to choose from, with some lovely silver clay jewellery particularly impressing us.

There were also plenty of sports on offer at The Manor, which we enjoyed. This included shooting and archery, plus table tennis and pickleball, which we always enjoy. The ice curling final was between two Wells Tuesday teams – and yes, there was plenty of opposition and more than a few shocked faces at our ability. The coach referred to us as Jammy Jerusalem, but I think Debbie at least should start training for the Olympics! A lovely time was had by all, and we even found time to play a few board games and commandeer the ten-pin bowling for a tense match.

This month we enjoyed a variety of outings, including a Blooming Fun visit – well the gardens are so lovely that it would be rude not to. Siobhan gave us a fantastic spooky ghost walk, and Paul James’ inspirational talk managed to raise more money for Winston’s wish. What a fascinating place we live in. We also had our memorial walk to remember ladies who sadly are no longer with us but were an important part of our sisterhood.

Plans are now focusing on The Bishop’s Palace Garden Fete, where we are looking forward to being involved in the Craft and Produce competition. Should be a lovely day out, so more information to follow.

Anne Wilson

WELLS & DISTRICT WILDLIFE GROUP This month there are two things we can do to help wildlife.

Firstly, May being ‘no mow May’, leave your lawn uncut.

This enables plants in your lawn to flower and provide a nectar source for bees and other insects.

Who knows, next month you may decide that ‘June is too soon’ to start mowing and provide extra benefits for wildlife by allowing more plants to flower and provide homes for other wildlife.

Secondly, we should stop feeding seeds and peanuts and

To advertise, contact Dean on 07809 121434

May 2026

putting out bowls of water for birds between now and October.

This will help curb the spread of disease between birds, particularly finches such as greenfinches and chaffinches. It may also mean you may not be visited by annoying wood pigeons quite so frequently! You can still put out fat blocks, and if you have a pond then birds can use this for drinking and bathing safely.

We should be looking skywards this month to see if we can spot any returning swifts. They have a distinctive ‘pick axe’ wing shape and, once settled, they will form groups of screaming ‘devil birds’ flying rapidly around our buildings on warm evenings.

Our next meeting will be on 12th May and it will be an evening visit (7pm-9pm) to the reserves at Shapwick Heath/ Ham Wall with our bird expert, Graham Allen. There are many species to be seen here, with a soundtrack that includes the distinctive booming of bitterns.

Sightings of wildlife can never be guaranteed but chances are good that we could see not only bitterns, egrets and hobbies, but potentially also cuckoo, barn owl and marsh harrier. Numbers are limited so booking is essential. £5 per adult (payable on booking) and under 16s free.

For more details or to reserve a place, email bookings@wdwg. org.uk.

Graham Allen

WELLS RAILWAY FRATERNITY John Baxter from the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust at Midsomer Norton gave a presentation titled Every Picture Tells a Story, an exploration of photographs old and new and the stories behind the pictures.

His journey started at the age of around six or seven years with an image of Huntingdon station on the East Coast Mainline where, on his first trainspotting outing, he saw A4 Pacifics – world speed-record holder Mallard and Union of South Africa. The sound of their whistles shrieking along the whole length of the platform caused him to wrap his arms around one of the canopy stanchions.

Having relocated to the South West when working for Wiltshire County Council, he was instructed to burn the contents of five large skips containing copies

of the maps from the 1840s and 50s sent to the landowners over whose land the railways were to be built. However, he was able to gain permission to save around 200 of the ink-drawn and coloured maps for preservation and distribution.

John showed a photograph of the last remaining signal at Midsomer Norton after the closure of the S&DJR in 1966, which was subsequently stolen. Local policeman Bob Bunyar was deputed to investigate but was unable to find it or the culprits. A couple of years ago, a lady in Sussex contacted the Trust on behalf of her late husband offering the signal back. The offer was refused as a replacement had been installed.

Images of Farleigh Down station between Box and Bedhampton illustrated wagons on the secret electric narrowgauge railway used to supply a large underground ammunition dump below the Down being loaded from standard gauge wagons. If a German bomb had penetrated it, the eastern side of Bath would have been demolished.

The presentation was extremely well received with enthusiastic applause from the fraternity audience.

Wells Railway Fraternity’s next meeting will on the 12th May in Wells Town Hall at 7.30pm. As is traditional at this last meeting of the season, the speaker will be Brian Arman, with a presentation titled Broad Gauge Journey Revisited. 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, go to www. railwells.com.

RICHARD III SOCIETY The Society meets at the Wells & Mendip Museum on the third Saturday of the month.

Doors open at 12.30pm with the first talk of the afternoon starting at 1.30pm and the meeting concluding at 4pm.

Refreshments are served before the first talk and during the interval.

On Saturday, 16th May

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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May 2026

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

Wells Floral Art Group there will be a talk by Toby Jones called Basque Oak and Portuguese Wine: A Medieval Merchant Ship Reveals Her Secrets.

Visitors and guests are most welcome. For more information, please contact Patsy Barrow on 01749 679296 or email on patsybarrow1948@ gmail.com.

WELLS FLORAL ART GROUP On 14th April, our chairman, Sylvia Ingham, extended a warm welcome to Barbara Clatworthy, a recognised demonstrator for the Devon and Cornwall area of NAFAS (the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies). Known for her vibrant floral designs, Barbara uses a mix of storytelling and music to turn every demonstration into a performance rather than a tutorial, creating a ‘wow’ factor every time! Barbara’s theme for the day was Embellished which, as she quoted, means ‘a tale with untruths to make it more interesting!’.

True to her theme, Barbara charmed the audience with humorous tales of a river trip, as she created a stunning martini glass arrangement, showcasing moonlight carnations, pale purple stocks, white lisianthus and pompom green chrysanthemums.

Barbara playfully declared that every good story should start with a cocktail rather than a lettuce – though she conceded a cup of tea would do just as well! In a clever fusion of sight and sound, Barbara used the soulful tones of Alfie Boe’s Keep me in Your Heart to mirror the delicate, intimate beauty of this first arrangement.

Birds in a bell enhanced Barbara’s second arrangement,

creating a unique and eyecatching centrepiece. This display skilfully combined luminous yellow roses, deep purple lisianthus and tulips set against a verdant backdrop of kentia palm leaves and seasonal greenery. The birds in a bottle theme of hope and peace in a better world, was the message which linked the symbolic imagery of Barbara’s arrangement with the lyrical promise of her chosen song Somewhere sung by Il Divo.

Inspired by a mystical visit to Glastonbury, Barbara crafted a sculptural narrative using a ‘witches hat’ base to evoke the Tor. This design featured bold horizontal red gerberas delicately threaded through architectural loops of manipulated phormium, creating a rhythmic, floating effect that captured the magic of the landscape. Barbara chose Emeli Sandé’s cover of Imagine for this specific arrangement, because of the song’s ethereal and peaceful quality which mirrored the magical theme of her Glastonbury-inspired arrangement.

For her fourth arrangement, Barbara’s embellishments included an illuminated glass bowl filled with twigs, lights and a hummingbird, which she topped with an oasis saucer as a base for her spiralling floral design. Using pussy willow to establish the structure, Barbara wove in white avalanche roses and white lisianthus to create a serene frosted effect that felt both modern and spellbinding.

Barbara paired this design with the lively song Quando Quando Quando sung by Russell Watson.

Barbara’s grand finale, inspired by Louis Armstrong’s A Wonderful World, was a showstopper! A sprayed piece of dock took centre stage followed by a bold line of red gerberas. A riot of pink and purple blooms created a rainbow of colours set in a posy pad. The arrangement sparkled with twinkling lights, buttons and beads. It was a sophisticated finish to a magical afternoon which had started in a large martini glass!

After Barbara had shared The Competitor an entertaining poem with us all, Pat Squire gave the vote of thanks, praising Barbara’s incredible flair and vibrant displays. Jenny Randall and Val Roper kindly organised teas.

Our next demonstration will be on Tuesday, 12th May

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41

when we shall welcome Area Demonstrator Lesley Hunt and her ‘Summer Delights’.

Rosie Cutbill

WELLS MONDAY WI Birthdays! It was a celebration of the birth/formation of our group, as we are now four years old! We popped corks, ate celebratory cake and reminisced about our achievements and inspirations for our future.

Our speaker in April was Peter Prescott from Cultjar, based at Worminster Farm, near Wells. He told us how and why he launched his preserved food brand and the story so far. He provided a general introduction to the basic principles of fermentation and the inspiration for the Cultjar recipes.

The Environmental group has been busy, preparing flower beds at Portway Annexe as part of The Great British Spring Clean, weeding by hand and planting herbs and shrubs. They were also engaged in planting pollinatorfriendly and drought-tolerant plants at the recreational ground as part of the Act to Adapt initiative – see page 28.

Our Art Appreciation group visited our local museum to view the works of the Holcombe Art Group. A vibrant collection of acrylic paintings exploring realism and contemporary art.

The more energetic of the group took a walk up to Glastonbury Tor. We are thrilled to be collaborating with Hazel Hillman, who leads our Federation Community Project distributing beautiful knitted, crocheted and sewn items like teddy bears and toys, bonding squares, oncology cushions, twiddle muffs and walking frame bags to hospitals, care homes and specialist schools.

The thoughtful creations bring comfort to neonatal babies, breast cancer patients and individuals with dementia.

Should you wish to join us, please email wellsmondaywi@ gmail.com for further information.

WELLS ROTARY CLUB Wells Rotary Club members rolled up their sleeves at the end of April to clear the site of an unused courtyard garden at Stoberry Park School. This was in response to a brief

conversation with headteacher, Andrew Shakesby, during which he mentioned that he would very much like to make better use of the courtyard for the children.

Rotarians have been liaising with the school’s senior mental health lead, Sara Quick, and the PTA’s Lou Sansam. The resultant project to transform the unused courtyard garden into a sensory garden saw Rotarians working together with parents to clear the site. The project is being funded by the Rotary, the PTA and other donations.

The Headteacher, Andrew Shakesby, said: “It has been a fantastic opportunity to work with the Wells Rotary team to plan and implement our updated sensory garden. They have been incredibly supportive, providing planning skills, many hands to help with the physical work, and significant funding to help move the project on. We hope this project will have a long-lasting impact on the whole of our school community, providing a dual-purpose space for learning that supports children with their sensory needs, but also providing a space for learning and creativity which will be available to all.”

In between various social activities and fun events – such as trying our hand at bell ringing in the church at Westbury-subMendip – we have also been busy planning for the summer. For the second year running (excuse the pun!) we are jointly organising the Festival of Running with Wells City Harriers on Sunday, 24th May. The event includes a 10k, 5k, 1.5k and under-8’s race.

We have already had over 450 registrations and now anticipate close on 800 runners, with friends and supporters adding to the festival atmosphere on the day.

Runners will set off from the Market Square at 10.15am and will finish by the Palace moat.

Full details of the course and the schedule of races can be found on the Wells City Harriers website at www.wellscityharriers. org.uk. There will also be stalls selling food and showcasing local groups on both the Palace green and Market Square, making it a fun day out for all the family.

The centre piece will be a hot air balloon raffle – a chance to win a ballooning experience later in the summer.

Continued on page 42

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42

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES From page 41 Funds raised from the event will be used to finance grants to local organisations, with a focus on youth and health through running and outdoor activities.

WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY At their April meeting, following a preliminary description of their splendid Tree of Life wall mosaic, Ruth Ames-White, much assisted by her husband and active project supporter, Ian, updated the society on how things currently stand with their Wells in Mosaic project.

Wells in Mosaic is a gigantic mosaic of some 750,000 tiny pieces encompassed within a perfect circle of six metres diameter, which depicts the history of the city. In subtle colours, it shows buildings such as the cathedral and The Bishop’s Palace, along with many informative and artistic features.

Furthermore, it is a practical map, which will be set into the ground, giving an overview of the city with streets that can actually be walked on. Now, after 10 years, it is finished.

It must, of course, be found a home; a home where, since it is comprised of intensely hard and weather resistant tiles, it could live for thousands of years, with its colours remaining true.

It needs a location where it can be appreciated and where it will draw people. Once this is decided, the 60 or so bespoke boxes in which it is now safely stored in sections, can be reopened and the mosaic reassembled much like a jigsaw, for locals to admire and for visitors to use to plan their tour of the city.

It also needs more money for the essential groundwork, the actual installation and a small trust fund for its future care, although it will be very low maintenance. The Wells in Mosaic website shows how donations can be made.

This was a fascinating presentation by Ruth and Ian, enhanced by a collage of attractive photos. Having already provided some financial assistance, the Civic Society very much backs their efforts to make this prodigious work freely available to all, and also a significant visitor attraction.

The next meeting is at 7pm on Wednesday, 13th May in the Wells Museum, when the

society’s honorary president, Bishop Michael, will be speaking.

Light refreshments will be available and non-members are welcome (£5 per person, please).

WELLS U3A Wells u3a has some 50 groups covering a huge variety of interests and activities for retired people, but is always happy to expand the range of subjects on offer. The latest addition to the list is a bowls group, soon to be launched by Paul Allen, which will meet at the Wells recreation ground bowling green.

Earlier this year a knit and natter group was set up, and was so well supported that a second group was formed to cater for all those on the waiting list.

The badminton group, which meets on Wednesdays and Fridays from 5pm to 6pm at the Blue School Sports Centre, would welcome some new recruits to keep up numbers for their mixed doubles matches. No prior booking is needed, and group members turn up when they can, and pay their £2 per session on the day.

If that sounds a bit too energetic, you could opt for a leisurely afternoon of art instead.

The Painting for Pleasure group that meets in St Thomas’ Church Hall on the first and third Tuesdays of each month welcomes artists of all abilities.

Members do their own thing, and bring their own materials, and there is ample parking for unloading in front of the hall.

St. Thomas’ Church Hall is also the venue for the Wine Appreciation Group, which has been run by John Pudduck since it began in 2017 with just 12 members. It now has 40, and has regular visiting experts to guide the group through different

Wells u3a

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selections of wine. At recent meetings a new format has been trialled, with wines served to teams of four who give their thoughts on the various samples.

Members of the team take turns to give a summary of the group’s verdict.

A recent appeal to female u3a members to donate their unwanted bras in support of the charity Against Breast Cancer yielded a great result.

Groups co-ordinator Sue Revell was inundated with 390 bras, which will be sent to Africa to be reprocessed, with all monies raised going to the charity.

To find out more about u3a, or to sign up, check out the branch website at www.wells. u3asite.uk, or call by at the Thursday weekly coffee mornings held at the Portway Annexe from 10.30am to 11.30am.

Ingrid Sofrin

COXLEY & DISTRICT WI Our speaker for the evening was Siobhan Goodwin, and her subject was Talk About Wells.

We were treated to a quiz, history lesson and picture tour of our home city – all in one evening’s entertainment.

Audience participation was the order of the evening. Some ladies knew more of the answers than others, but we all learned something new that we had not known previously. Karen got the highest score in the quiz, which earned her a free ticket for a guided tour of Wells. Gwen gave our vote of thanks.

Our monthly competition was A Favourite View of Wells, which was won by Jenny, with Rosemary coming second.

Flower of the month was won

by Rosemary. Ursula second and Jenny third.

This month’s walk (the

Shepton Mallet stretch of the railway line) was enjoyed but proved to be very muddy. The craft group are progressing well with their cancer cushions, and our book club discussed a Rebus novel by Ian Rankin.

We won our county competition skittles match, so go thought to the next round.

Our next meeting at Coxley Memorial Hall will be on 5th May. This will include our AGM, followed by a social evening and other activities.

Visitors are most welcome.

Ursula Dann

HENTON & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB On Wednesday, 20th May we were joined by Jean Vernon, the author of The Secret Lives of Garden Bees. Jean is an award-winning garden writer with a deep-rooted passion for the natural world. A regular contributor to The Garden, the journal of the RHS, she also writes for The Daily Telegraph, where her articles explore the fascinating lives of bees, pollinators and the vital role they play in our gardens.

Her fascination with bees began in childhood and has only grown stronger over the years. Today, she is a dedicated tree and bee guardian, and an enthusiastic champion of wildlife in all its forms – especially the often-overlooked pollinators that quietly sustain our ecosystems.

In her work, Jean offers a warm and engaging introduction to the secret lives of garden bees.

Have you ever encountered the quirky wool carder bee, a solitary species that carefully gathers soft plant fibres to line her nest? Or the remarkable leafcutter bee, which neatly snips perfect circles from leaves to construct and seal its egg chambers?

Jean’s mission is to bring these hidden stories to life, unravelling the delicate balance of nature within our own back gardens. With clarity and charm, she invites readers to discover both the familiar and the unexpected, revealing a vibrant world of bees and pollinators living, breeding and thriving right on our doorstep.

At a time when their survival is under increasing pressure, her message is more important than ever: we all have a part to play in protecting and nurturing these

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May 2026

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES essential, hardworking creatures.

We meet at Henton Village Hall – refreshments at 7pm for a talk at 7.30pm. Visitors always welcome, £5. Further information at www.henton gardenclub.weebly.com.

CITY OF WELLS PROBUS CLUB The speaker at our April meeting was member Tony Scofield, who gave a talk entitled The Law. Born and bred in Northern Ireland, Tony was educated at a co-educational school attended by Protestant and Catholic children. On leaving school he studied law and then became a County Prosecuting Solicitor. When the court system was modified he applied for a job in the Crown Prosecution Service. He was interviewed in North Wales and offered a job in Wrexham, eventually moving to Somerset. He also worked as a defence council, but basically preferred prosecution.

Tony regaled us with many interesting and amusing anecdotes from his experience as counsel.

If you would like to know more about Probus, look online at Wells City Probus Club: www.probusonline.org/ city-of-wells.

ST. THOMAS WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP St. Thomas Women’s Fellowship Unfortunately, at the last minute, the speaker for our April meeting was not able to attend, but we were so lucky to have Mike Chipperfield join us and give an amusing and informative talk on his time in the Metropolitan Police Service. He spoke about starting on the beat, progressing to motor bikes (his first love) and cars, and also about working close protection – accompanying members of the royal family, among others. We had a really enjoyable evening and thank him very much for giving up his time

n SPORTS

43

to entertain us, and hope he will agree to coming again so we can hear another of his talks.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, 6th May at 7pm in St.Thomas Church Hall when we invite members to bring friends/relatives to hear about ‘Sailing around the world’.

Pat Dyer

MENDIP FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP Our April meeting gave us the opportunity of welcoming our friend Carol Plenty from the Mendip YMCA. We were humbled by the amount of consideration given to the homeless of all ages, not just the teenagers. The continuous quiet dedication of her team for so many years has given so much hope. Carol is an inspiration to us all of humble service without personal reward. We all appreciated her visit.

May will be our AGM and quiz morning.

The Wells crowd were amazing at supporting the local boxers

Wells boxers come out on top in Rumble at the Regal event WELLS Amateur Boxing Club delivered a night to remember on Saturday, 21st March, staging their Rumble at the Regal show at Studio 24.

The event drew a lively crowd, with over 400 people packed into the venue at its peak, and showcasing a full card of 16 competitive bouts.

Proceedings opened with a skills bout, setting the tone for the night, before moving into three Western Counties semi-final box-off contests.

From there, the card stepped up with 12 matched bouts under

Henton & District Gardening Club

Bishop’s Palace Croquet Club celebrating its 50th anniversary CROQUET

BOXING

For more information about our group – that also covers long COVID and anyone with constant pain – do contact Tanya Flagg on tanya @mendipfmsg.org.

England boxing Western Counties competition rules. Five of those were cross-club matchups, bringing in boxers from across the region.

Seven of our Wells boxers stepped through the ropes, and all seven won.

In England amateur boxing, where bouts are tightly matched and margins are often fine, that kind of clean sweep is almost unheard of, particularly on a home show where expectations can weigh heavy on a young boxer. It speaks volumes about the preparation behind the scenes, and the mindset of the boxers on the night.

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Palace Croquet Club is celebrating 50 years of croquet on the lawns of the Bishop’s Palace this year The club was started in 1976

by Horace Southwell in the time of Bishop Bickerseth. Croquet had been played on the lawns at the Palace many years previous to that though, as it was a sport enjoyed by Bishop Kennion (1894-1921) who had also been Bishop of Adelaide.

Members of the club enjoy playing in these beautiful historic surroundings, and visitors to

The Bishop’s Palace also enjoy watching the game on the lawns when the club meets on most afternoons of the week.

The season starts at the end of April and continues through the summer months – weather permitting. No experience is necessary as introductory sessions are held for anyone wanting to join the club.

If you would like to find out more and to come along and have a go, please either telephone Jonathan on 01749 345 355 or email palacecroquetclub@ gmail.com.

The perfect English sight: croquet on the lawn with the cathedral behind

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May 2026

n SPORTS

Captains end their year with ‘fabulous’ donation GOLF THE PGA In Gloucestershire & Somerset held a winter medal at Mendip on Wednesday, 1st April.

The Professionals enjoyed the course in fine order with many great comments about it.

Winning with a score of 5 under par, 66, was Alistair Balcombe from Tickenham Golf Centre.

Runner up was Edward Goodwin from Lilleybrook Golf Club with a score of 70, 1 under par.

During 2025, Men’s Club Captain, Jack Hayes, and Ladies’ Club Captain, Louise Scott, were raising money for Mind in Somerset as their chosen charity. A fabulous year, with many great fundraising initiatives

held, resulted in a fabulous £12,306.62 being raised. Huge congratulations to both Jack and Louise, and grateful thanks to all the members and guests of Mendip Golf Club for their generosity in supporting this amazing charity.

The 2026 Mens & Ladies Club Captains, Phil Leadbeater and Alison Kay, along with Junior Captain, Libbie Dezis, held the annual Captains’ Drive In on Saturday, 11th April. A full field of 120 players enjoyed the event and on-course activities.

On Wednesday, 8th April, the juniors also played in the national Unleash Your Drive competition.

This event, run in conjunction with the Golf Foundation, aims

Jack Hayes and Louise Scott from the Mendip Golf Club present the cheque to Victoria from Mind in Somerset

to promote golf in schools, from improving mental wellbeing and getting more juniors into golf.

The event saw 13 juniors play, and winning with a score of 39 points was Junior Vice Captain, Oscar Alexander, on countback from Joseph Parson, also with 39 points.

The Seniors Scratch team visited Worlebury GC for the first round match in this year’s competition. The weather was perfect with warm sunshine and a gentle breeze off the Bristol Channel. Unfortunately, the advantage of a home draw meant that we lost 3 1/2 to 1 1/2.

Congratulations to Darrin Vowell for his win and to Charlie Pike for his half. A special mention to Rob Edney for his first official match since becoming a Senior in February.

The Seniors held the annual Seniors Captains’ Drive In. With a full field of 124 players playing a Texas scramble, the winning team was Simon Brand, Richard Bull, Nick Parfitt and Gary Quin with a fine score of 54.

New Seniors Captain Paul Godwin is raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust this year with a variety of fundraising ideas, including the return of the Bonus Ball and a unique Golf Ball Donation idea.

The ladies played the Coronation Foursomes in wet and windy conditions, with the winning pair of Dee Garnsworthy and Karen Cookson scoring a fine 36 points, beating Jenny Merrett and Edwina Willis who had 35.

Dee and Karen now go forward to the Area Finals at Yeovil Golf Club on 14th July.

Tildee Rocker-Cook, a 12-yearold junior girl member, played in the Robert Rock Junior Tour at The Caversham Golf Club in Surrey.

Tildee won just her second event on the Tour by 3 shots, shooting a gross 88, nett 64. With this win, Tildee has qualified to play in the Robert Rock Tour Final at The Belfry during the week of the DP World Tour British Masters. A fabulous achievement, and well done Tildee!

Junior member, Maisie Dezis finished a magnificent fourth place overall and won the girls section at the Weston-super-Mare Junior Open. Her sister, Libbie Dezis, our current Junior Captain, finished a brilliant fourth in the Frilford Heath Ladies Scratch Salver over 36 holes, and Ellen Reakes is playing in the Scottish Womens Championship this weekend at Royal Troon – a busy time for our members at Mendip Golf Club!

Picture: Philip Welch

BOWLING: The ‘first wood’ was sent down the City of Wells Bowling Club’s pristine lawn on Sunday, 12th April to open the new season by the Mayor, Louis Agabani. “We are a very friendly club at Wells Bowling and new members are always welcome,” said their secretary Paul Henry. “If you are interested, phone 01749 674446.” They are open on the Recreation Ground in May on Mondays from 6pm for Club Nights and Sundays from 11am-1pm.

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May 2026

45

n SPORTS

In a thrilling game, Wells City FC beat Avonmouth FC on penalties to reach the playoff finals on Saturday, 26th April against Sturminster Newton

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This is the winning quiz team, so no wonder they all look so happy

Support for club fundraiser TENNIS WELLS Tennis Club are currently very busy fundraising for their new clubhouse.

The most recent event was a well-attended Spring Quiz, masterminded by Juliet Matthews and held at The White Hart in Wells. They would like to thank everyone who came along or brought raffle tickets to support the event, but also to the large number of local businesses who

were very generous with their prizes and vouchers. The club raised a tremendous £840.

There have also been a number of successful LTA Tournaments for the club’s juniors over the last month, and the adults are busy preparing for the new summer season which has just started.

If you would like to join the club members on court, visit their website at www.wellstc.co.uk to find out more.

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May 2026

n TAKE A BREAK

Sudoku

Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

2

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Rules the same as the Fiend, but only four numbers in each box, row and column

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Easier sudoku Solutions E

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Theme: Capital cities

Use the phone keypad to decode the clues.

For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST

A

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For younger readers

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