News in Wells

Sweeping changes to kerbside recycling in Wells have been put on hold as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) has been gearing up for its new Recycle More scheme, which will see more items be accepted for recycling via weekly collections.

A record number of musicians from Wells Cathedral School reached the Category Finals of this year's BBC Young Musician Competition, three of them current Wells pupils and a fourth, an Old Wellensian who finished school last summer and is in her first year at music college.

With four in the finals, this year Wells has the highest number of musicians represented from any of the UK's music schools.

A new Coronavirus Status Checker that will help the NHS co-ordinate its response and build up additional data on the Covid-19 outbreak has been launched - and people in Wells are being urged to use it.

People with potential coronavirus symptoms are now being asked to complete the status checker and answer a short series of questions which will tell the NHS about their experience.

The Heads Up charity is still busy helping vulnerable people, despite its site at South Horrington being closed to the public.

Staff are still at Heads Up on weekdays, but with limited numbers for safety reasons, where they are able to answer the many phone calls they have been getting - mainly about concerns of where to go for help with shopping/medicine collection and Outreach support, etc.

Ofqual has released its guidance on how students in Wells will be awarded grades for GCSE, AS and A-level qualifications.

Strode College in Street will be sending students a personal letter from Ofqual in the post today (April 3). The letter explains how this will work and gives answers to frequently asked questions.

The Wells branch of Santander has reduced its opening hours, but the bank is offering mortgage payment holidays and interest free overdraft buffers.

The branch in Wells Market Place will now be open from 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday, staff permitting.

Despite having the bulk of the business suspended in these unprecedented times, Wells Golf Club continues to deliver to the community.

While it is impossible to get out and enjoy a nice meal, Wells Golf Club is offering a free delivery service to anyone within a five-mile radius of the club.

An increasing number of vulnerable people in Wells are needing support as the coronavirus crisis develops.

A host of volunteers are giving their time but money also is needed to cover the Wells Coronavirus Network's costs, including food deliveries, ID for the network's more than 200 volunteers, printing of leaflets and helpline phone rental.

Tidying up the Geraniums by PennyAnne Windsor of Wells

During lock-up

Are you bored with being in lockdown? Wondering what to turn your hand to next?

Why not get those creative juices flowing and enter the Wells Festival of Literature's writing competitions?