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WIN in the community

From the outset, Wells Independents' purpose has been to contribute far more to the local community than winning the right to serve on the City Council.

 

Each of us, whether as councillors or as part of our own private life, gets actively involved wherever we can be useful in as wide a variety of projects and causes as time allows.

And, of course, that’s in addition to the projects that we ourselves initiated – notably the quarterly SOUP! grant-funding lunches and the award-winning Meet & Greet team (now Wells Ambassadors), who welcome coach passengers to our city. 

Side shot of the glorious Wells Cathedral at the heart of the Wells Community, Somerset
Achieved

How we've made a  
WIN-ning difference

Control of important landmarks, such as the Bishops Barn and the Recreation Ground, has been returned to Wells, and we hope others will follow.​​

Bishops Barn, Wells Somerset returned to control by Wells City

Along with hundreds of local people, WIN volunteers got out and joined the Wells Coronavirus Network, supporting those in most need during lockdown.

WCN Denise volunteering

A temporary and now a permanent new Post Office facility has been set up in the centre of Wells.

Package scanning - new permanent Post Office set up in Wells, Somerset

The Wells Neighbourhood Plan gives local people a voice about their particular area. The plan covers housing, transport, heritage, the natural environment, retail, tourism and biodiversity.

Aerial view of the City of Wells, Somerset

The part pedestrianisation of the Market Place, recently completed, has given the centre of Wells a truly ‘café society’ feel, welcomed by visitors, residents and retailers alike.

Wells Market Place, with crowds enjoying seating outside in the sunshine at the heart of the city

The Portway Annexe has been purchased for the Community, to provide a centre for local learning, charities, good causes, as well as a home for the council’s Open Spaces team.

Portway Annexe, Wells, Somerset, purchased for the Wells Community

In April 2016, WIN launched SOUP!  The quarterly programme of fund-raising lunches has so far benefitted 71 good causes in the Wells area.   

SOUP Winners July 13 2019, delighted at the fundraising support for their charity

Wells Ambassadors (another WIN initiative) greet visitors to Wells and help them to find and enjoy the city’s many tourist attractions.

The Wells Meet and Greet team stand ready by the coaches to help tourists around Wells

What next for WIN in Wells?

The thriving network of volunteers who supported the Wells Coronavirus Network, has been re-named the Wells Community Network CIC. They plan to develop this as a resource for less fortunate Wells residents.

Wells Coronavirus Network volunteers from Wells Independents

Live Music in Wells is being brought back to life with the help of WIN. The Wellspring project is raising funds for performances in the Market Place this summer, starting on Bank Holiday Monday, May 3rd.

Jazz Live Music in Wells Somerset

Negotiations continue with Mendip District Council (soon to be wound up as part of the move to a Unitary Authority) for the return of Wells’ assets to be under the direct responsibility of Wells City Council.     

two woman reviewing papers in negotations

The award-winning Wells in Bloom has relaunched this year, and we will soon see the centre of our city decked in colour.

Flowers in Wells City Centre with plaque for Councillor Philip Welch, supporting Wells in Bloom, Wells Somerset
What next or WIN
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