Community news in and around Wellington

The Wellington Basins Volunteer Group met on August 28. The chair, Jeny Vickery, opened the meeting and thanked everyone for the enjoyable BBQ which had been organised recently. She congratulated the members who had helped to clear out one of the containers so that new flooring could be eventually laid.

Much discussion took place about the recent reports from the general public about the amount of fishing tackle left lying around the ponds and in the trees. On occasions tackle had become entangled with some of the wild fowl and causing much distress to the wildlife. As ever, it was hoped that those who fish at the Basins would take greater care with their fishing equipment.

It was also noted that there had been some overnight camping at the Basins. The meeting was reminded that this is not allowed.

WBVG was pleased to see the placement of a new notice/information board by the wildlife pond. This was kindly erected by the Open Spaces team.

Plans for future community events were also discussed. It was hoped to invite groups from local care homes to visit the Basins area and enjoy tea and cakes whilst there and also enjoy an afternoon out. One visit will replanned for this year before the cooler weather of Autumn.

Sue Adams, Secretary

The 91st Wellington Flower Show took place on Saturday at the Alan Rogers Centre, Wellington School. Despite a very challenging growing season, there were plenty of exhibits of fruit, vegetables and cut flowers to impress the visitors. The incredible downpours that occurred just before the show maybe deterred a few folk but there were a good number there to admire what was on display. The show was announced in style by the Town Crier (who got rather wet!) and we thank him for braving the elements.

As always, there were ridiculously long carrots, huge marrows and onions, wonky veg and appetising apples and pears. The new Master Gardener class was won by chairman Andy Russell. The floral art section attracted an excellent number of entries and once again, the judge commented on the very high standard of the exhibits. Rhys Parry Williams won the Championship class with a stunning Summerset exhibit and it really did shout Somerset!

Other Championship winners were Mike Hawkins (veg), David Smith (cut flowers and pot plants) and Judy Payne (cookery). The children’s section was full of wonderfully creative and innovative objects with Bella Angus winning the cup for the second year running for the most outstanding exhibit in the 11 to 16 age group – a Fantastic Mr Fox which really was fantastic.

Once again the Avery family produced some wonderful creations and the most outstanding exhibit in the 5 to 10 year old age group was won by Amelia French.

Cookery and craft attracted a good number of entries and new exhibitor Christina Pugsley won the best cookery exhibit with her chocolate brownies. The photography classes were well supported with Debbie White’s photo ‘Joy’ winning best in section. Saranna Cogswell’s Steam Punk exhibit in the floral art section was the president’s choice for the most outstanding exhibit in the entire show.

This year the refreshments were organised by the Monumental Women of Wellington and they did a roaring trade. There was a huge variety of delicious cakes and they judged the number to perfection, with nothing left over. There were two craft stalls and plants for sale so plenty to see and buy, after a good look round the hall and classrooms and a cuppa.

The committee would like to thank our sponsors: Webbers, Sheppey’s, the Coles family, Willowbrook Nursery, Covenant Care, Risdon’s and Wellington Town Council. Without their support the show could not survive. Thanks too to those who placed adverts in the schedule; again this helps to keep the show going.

Our judges give generously of their time and we thank them for that. And finally, thanks to Wellington School who provide the perfect venue for the event.

Sheena Page, Show Secretary

On August 29 Wellington Bible Society Action Group held its Summer meeting at the Baptist Church, South Street. More than 40 people from several of the town’s churches attended. John Salter welcomed everyone and the Rev Martin Perry’s prayers brought us into God’s presence in the light of a deeply troubled world. Psalm 91, appropriate for the Ukraine situation, was read by Clare Padfield.

John explained that this year the Action Group is raising money towards the Bible Society’s Ukraine project which has been supplying Bibles since the war started over 4 years ago. Although the Action Group’s target is £1000 already more than £2000 has been raised.

Mrs Clare Wilson, who has travelled frequently to Ukraine on behalf of charities, addressed the gathering. She explained in detail how all aspects of life including education, healthcare and agriculture are affected by the war but life goes on, with constant awareness of danger and in spite of it.

Relief work takes many forms from supplying essential equipment such as vehicles and providing support for traumatised people, which is where the Bible Society’s contribution comes in. John Salter, on behalf of everyone thanked Mrs Wilson for a comprehensive and very moving talk and the audience responded with heartfelt applause.

Rev W John Young then led prayers with the Ukraine situation in mind - especially the Bible Society’s contribution. He included grace for the food and fellowship that followed. This was a taste of Ukraine, borsch with garlic bread - a Ukrainian staple, which was prepared by a team, led by Mrs Chris Salter. All enjoyed it along with friendly fellowship.

Those who came were undoubtedly moved by what they heard and the retiring collection raised £457.50 towards the project.

The next event to be arranged by the Action Group will be a Songs of Praise to be held at Wellington Methodist Church at 3 pm on Sunday October 18.

Rev W John Young

PUZZLED looks as we tried to work out why Luke Knight, our speaker, looked familiar, were erased when he introduced himself and said he’d worked in the Wellington Waitrose for several years! His current occupations are very different: content creator, journalist, presenter and producer for the BBC. His talk to us was about one of his ‘sidelines’ - Knight Tales; these are interesting tales about history, paranormal activity and folklore in Somerset and the South West.

We learned that the church in Culbone is named for the Welsh saint Bueno, that Ada Lovelace spent time there, and that because there was a local leper colony, the church has a leper squint through which they could watch church services.

Also, just above Timberscombe there is a hidden, ruined village named Clicket. It was once the home of a corn mill, unusually with a female miller. The repeal of the Corn Laws meant that demand for the corn produced was drastically reduced, as cheaper imports could now be made, so the villagers moved away.

He also told us that the Mendips near Priddy were the location in the 1960s of a successful cold war experiment to try to improve radar technology. The cover story of their efforts was that they were ‘working on a moth migration tracking system’. Interestingly, the area is now a butterfly sanctuary.

After the break we had a quiz about Somerset; unfortunately, scores were on the low side, but we did all learn some new things about the county, including where the speed limit is 4 mph - on the canal.

We will be serving the refreshments at the Wellington Flower Show this month, with cakes baked by our members. Our share of the proceeds will be given to our charity of the year - the Wellington Food Bank - so we are hoping that the tasty offerings will be popular.

Our September meeting will be a social one. We are still unable to welcome new members, but we hope this will change, so if you are interested in becoming a member, please join the waiting list on the Monumental Women of Wellington website.

ANDREW Norris, the town crier, in conjunction with Wellington Museum, did the first of the autumn history tours of the centre of Wellington on Sunday, August 30.

The walk was oversubscribed and the maximum number of 15 allowable braved the sunshine and showers to learn about the historic sites and people of Wellington from the town crier in his own inimitable style.

The next tour is on Sunday, September 27 and to ensure you don’t miss out, bookings, which are restricted to 15 people and cost £5 per person must be booked in person at the museum, which is at The Squirrel, 28 Fore Street, Wellington and open Monday – Friday 10 am – 4 pm and Saturday 10 am – 1pm.

Come along and learn about the history and happenings in Wellington.

Mike Menhenitt, Chairman, Wellington Local History & Museum Society