Our Bishop Michael's wish has come true – and it proved a resounding success.

Two years ago as the new Bishop of Bath and Wells he came to the grant-giving lunch Wells SOUP! where four local charities go away with money and a raised profile four times a year. He warmly praised this initiative and hoped to see it hosted in Wells Cathedral.

Now this has happened, tables were set up in the cathedral's transepts, all 120 chairs were filled and Bishop Michael opened the event saying: "SOUP! is one of the best things that happen in Wells and I am really grateful to the Dean and Chapter and Virgers for making this possible."

Next to speak was a volunteer from Youth with a Future who explained how their charity had spent the money they received at the previous SOUP! in October on supporting young people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. 

First of the four presenters was Eliza Wylie from Music for Wellbeing which provides a warm and friendly space to bring together people living with dementia but which almost ran out of money last year.

Then Michelle Blackmore of Owl Enlightment explained how interacting with owls can improve people's mental health, reduce tension and blood pressure. One person who was normally silent began to speak after meeting one of their owls.

Sue Isherwood said Dance 4 Parkinson's brought people with this progressive disease together and was therapeutic. She said: "I felt lost before I joined this group."

The final presentation came from Wells Youth Club which brought six young people to the microphone to tell the audience why they liked going there.

Then the audience marked their crosses on the voting forms supplied with the youth club getting most votes and receiving half the £700 prize money which will be spent on a trip to an activity centre. The other three shared the rest.

"SOUP! is a brilliant initiative here in Wells and it was wonderful to see January's meeting take place in the Cathedral," said Bishop Michael after the event. 

"As always, it was extraordinarily moving to hear the stories of the excellent work being undertaken by the four causes that presented to those of us that gathered to hear them.  

"So much news at this time is about gloom, challenge and destruction. SOUP! is one of the best possible antidotes to this that anyone can take. It reminds us powerfully of human goodness, dignity and of all that can be achieved when we work together for good."

The compere Paddy O'Hagan praised Fresh & Good for making the choice of three tasty soups, Loaye Agabani for donating the wine, Karen Young for making the beautiful flower arrangements on the tables and St Andrews Press for doing the photocopying free of charge.

Ross Young, who organises SOUP! on behalf of Wells Independents, said: "We give huge thanks to all who took part and contributed to such a wonderful, worthwhile event."