Wells gets to know new mayor Denise Denis
By Laura Linham 28th May 2026
Wells has a new mayor with a life story that has taken her from Africa to Wales, Norfolk, Birmingham, London, Italy and finally to England's smallest city.
Cllr Denise Denis has become the 652nd Mayor of Wells.
Born in Africa, she is the eldest of five children and spent her childhood in Wales and then Norfolk.
She later studied Biological Sciences at the University of Birmingham before training and working as a social worker.
Her working life has been as varied as her house moves.
After starting her own family, she set up and ran a small food business in North London for five years.
She later taught English while living in Italy before returning to Norfolk, where she ran a care home for 23 years.
Cllr Denis has two sons and three grandchildren.
After retiring, she chose to move to Wells, a decision she says she has not regretted.
In the city, she found the joy of joining a community, living closer to family, becoming a grandmother and building friendships in a beautiful setting.
Since arriving in Wells, Cllr Denis has thrown herself into local life.
She has joined organisations including U3A, Monday WI, Somerset Wildlife Trust and Wells City Bridge Club.
She has also volunteered as a gardener and guide at The Bishop's Palace.
Her other community roles have included serving as a visitor volunteer for Somerset Sight for 10 years, volunteering with WCN, acting as a Neighbourhood Watch coordinator and listening to children read at St Cuthbert's Junior School.
She is currently chair of Wells Dementia Alliance.
Cllr Denis was elected to Wells City Council in 2022.
She said becoming mayor is a great privilege, particularly as she is a direct descendant of a Mayor of Launceston who served in the 1700s.
Her interests include painting, reading, birdwatching, listening to music and walking.
She is fluent in Italian, comfortable in French and can get by with some German and Spanish.
Cllr Denis will be escorted by her daughter-in-law, Olivia Denis, as Mayoress.
She will also be supported during the year by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sarah Powell.
Her year as mayor will now see her representing Wells at civic events, community occasions and local gatherings across the city.
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