“Everybody wins at Wells SOUP!,” said Tessa Munt who was there on her first full day as the newly elected MP for Wells and Mendip Hills.   “It is the most amazing opportunity for local people to hear about wonderful local initiatives and support them.”

The afternoon began with Kim Robinson from Mendip Community Credit Union telling how the money they received from April’s SOUP! had helped working people and children to save money.

Then Tony Frazier from Wells Carnival explained how it costs more than £20,000 to run the carnival each  November but the street collections raise only £11,000 and dealing with the coins donated from 50 foreign countries wasted their volunteers’ time.

Peter Lawrence of Wells Oratorio Society told how singing in a choir raised your spirits after a hard day, but Covid had left them short of funds.

Roxie Ford from Fordhaven explained how it offers separated siblings and other family members an opportunity to spend time together in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.

Wells Scout Group gives skills for life to their 130 young people aged 4-18, said Heather Anderson, but they have 70 on their waiting list.

Fordhaven received the biggest share of the audience’s votes and went away with half the £750 raised while the other three shared the rest of the money.

And there was another rousing cheer. This time for Ross Young, the lead organiser of SOUP! which is run by Wells Independents.

Master of ceremonies Paddy O’ Hagan thanked main sponsors St Andrews Press, Fresh and Good for making the choice of soups, Burns the Bread for the rolls, the Bishop’s Eye for the wine, Morrisons for the soft drinks, Frank Hodgson for the voting slips and Karen Young for the table flowers.