OUR guest speaker for this month was the mayor of Wellington Cllr Janet Lloyd whose subject was ‘The Devolution of Services from Somerset County Council’.

What a wide swathe of coverage. From toilets to playing fields, schools to parks on into preservation of listed buildings and funding the note worthy Pop-Up shop on the high street, opposite one of those listed buildings which is now the museum.

Now the park is looking as it should with that great Garden of Light evening that was so well attended and enjoyable. The park has retained its Green Flag Award and has now carried it for 15 years in no small part, with the help of volunteers. The paving has made such a difference to walking in the dark as can be said for the playing/football/cricket ground with the very smart railing surrounding it. Much safer for young and old alike.

The town council are now in charge of public toilets, The Squirrel listed buildings, The Victorian Park, and bus shelters that needed revamping.

The Kings Arms is now a bright space they call The Hub, with lots of comfortable space for Joe Public to hold meetings.

One of the questions at the close was about a missing dustbin. The mayor answered honestly she didn’t know, but that she would find out and rectify it.

The staffing level has improved with 11 full-time and five part-time employed.

Questions are still being asked by the town council on the viability of things like more housing, a railway station and the overloaded road system both around and particularly through the town.

The mayor has been elected to post on five occasions, but was very clear, concise, knowledgeable and relatable with no avoidance of any question asked so that, along with her co-worker, project assistant Rebecca Hunt, this meeting was held to be one of the best the u3a have had, particularly from an informative point of view.

The December meeting will be Christmas party time, usual time and place but, hopefully a very different vibe; Monday, December 8, Rugby Club, Corams Lane, 10.15am (don’t be early as the committee will be setting up for the party). All are invited to come along and enjoy a pre-Christmas Christmas treat.

ON Sunday, November 16, the touring group branch of Wellington Operatic Society will be performing a selection of songs in commemoration of 80 years since the end of World War Two.

Filled with rousing chorus and haunting melodies, the ‘Sentimental Journey’ performances promise a show that is a celebration of songs that are embedded in the country's history.

The performances in Wellington Arts Centre will be at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and entrance is free with a donation bowl by the exit.

The operatic society’s touring branch is well-known throughout the area for their visits to residential homes and care homes and look forward to welcoming full houses for this ‘Sentimental Journey’.