Fulsome praise has been served on the latest Wells SOUP!

"Wow, this event is amazing," said Janet Montgomery, the High Sheriff of Somerset, on her first visit to this grant-giving lunch about which she will now spread the word to other communities in the county.

"Wherever I go in Wells people say how many great organisations we have here," said Tim Stevens, Canon Precentor of the cathedral, "and SOUP! gets a special mention."

More than 100 adults and a few children came along to this SOUP! in its new base – the Transepts of the cathedral.

First to speak was Sue Crisfield from Windsor Hill Wood Refuge who told how they spent the money from the previous SOUP! on raised flower beds and repairing woodwork.

Next was Lauren Clarke and Marcia Dunn from Coxley School's PTA who need money for their outside play area which provides "a place where every child is safe and inspired."

Then Clare Blackmore from the Friends of Mendip Hospital Cemetery explained that they need benches for visiting relatives who come to visit the 3,000 unmarked graves and the little chapel.

Jen Ellis of Children's Hospice South West (CHSW) told how they make the lives of the children they care for as comfortable and fulfilling as possible, saying: "We can't stop the journey but can inspire laughter."

The last of the four presenters was James Gladwin, a resident of Wells Almshouses, which took him in when he was left with "no home, no marriage, no money."

Then the audience voted and gave most to CHSW. They received half the funds available and the other three good causes shared the rest. All four benefit from the publicity and raised profile.

Paddy O'Hagan, the MC of the event, thanked the sponsors Bowleys Garage of Wells, praised all the presenters and gave them bouquets.

·      The next Wells SOUP! will be in the cathedral at 1pm on Saturday December 13.