Cllr Stewart Cursley is the new Mayor of Wells – the 648th Mayor of Wells to be exact.

We find out more about Cllr Cursley, and what he hopes to achieve during his time in office.

How long have you been a Wells City Councillor?

Three years. 

What first made you want to stand for council?

I was always complaining that nothing positive was ever achieved in Wells so I decided to do something about it by standing for election as a councillor.

How do you feel about becoming Mayor of Wells?

I am very proud and honoured to be the 648th Mayor of Wells.

How have your first few weeks in office been?

It's been hectic. Because of the pandemic, events we are invited to had been put on hold are now starting up again. These visits enable us to meet lots of people and organisations for the first time and hopefully gives them increased media exposure.

Is there anything in particular you would like to achieve during your time in office?

Yes, together with the council, we would like the return of assets to Wells which were transferred away in the local government reorganisation of 1974 – these include things like the Market Place and markets, and public car parks.

What are you most looking forward to about being Mayor of Wells?

Meeting lots of residents and local organisations as well as promoting the wonderful city of Wells to other towns and cities

What charity will you be supporting and why?

This year, we decided to have a local charity. PROMISEworks (is a local  charity that provides mentoring to vulnerable children in Somerset. They are urgently looking for new mentors who, after being be fully trained will  provide mentoring to children from an ever increasing backlog of hundreds of children in this county desperately needing support. 

Do you have any amusing anecdotes about growing up in Wells?

When I was a youngster in Wells, I was playing with friends in the park near the bandstand. It seemed a good idea to ride my bike off the edge of the bandstand, but I ended up with a broken arm!!