News and Developments

INFORMATION WANTED FOR NEW TOWN GUIDE

2007-07-24T10:30:00.000Z

A NEW and updated edition of the Wellington Town Guide is to be produced by the town council this year.
It will be a high quality, glossy A5 book, incorporating a full colour editorial content that will inform existing residents, new arrivals and visitors alike, of the services and facilities that exist in the area for both residential and commercial interests.
As well as details of various local public services, shops and businesses, there will be a special section with a comprehensive list of clubs, groups and societies with contact names and numbers plus information about councils and councillors, schools and pre-schools,
A map of Wellington will appear within the guide accompanied by a street index.
Any local club who would like to be included in the guide is asked to send their details, with a brief history of their organisation, to the town clerk Tony Brown at 28 Fore Street, Wellington TA21 8AQ, fax 01823 663311 or email info @wellingtontowncouncil.co.uk.
The closing date for entries is 18th August 2007.

FUNDING FOR MEALS ON WHEELS

2007-07-24T10:07:00.000Z

ELDERLY residents in Wellington are to benefit from hot meals thanks to generous funding from the town council.
Westcountry Health Education and Research Enterprise has been granted £1,136.21 from Wellington Town Council to purchase catering equipment for providing hot meals to residents of Lodge Close.
WHERE, who are based at the Northfield Centre in North Street, provide services to adults with a wide range of needs including mental/physical disabilities, long term chronic health conditions and those who have become isolated as well as providing regular meals at lunchtimes.
Chief executive Barbara Ford said the money had been used to purchase equipment such as a trolley and various insulated containers to transport cooked food to Lodge Close hall.
It also paid for scales, a mixer, and a slicer to provide larger quantities of meals. “We are very grateful for the council’s financial support,” she said.
Presenting the cheque to Mrs Ford, town council chairman Councillor Dave Mitton, said: “We are delighted to award this grant to WHERE which will enable the Northfield Centre to provide more meals than previously and give a particular service to the residents of Lodge Close.
“We are extremely impressed to hear of their good work.”

Pic cap – Wellington Town Council chairman Councillor Dave Mitton presents a grant of £1,136.21 to WHERE chief executive Mrs Ford.

£1,400 CHEQUE FOR ST JOHN AMBULANCE

2007-07-24T10:02:00.000Z

The chairman of Wellington Town Council Dave Mitton has presented a cheque for £1,400 to Wellington St John Ambulance as a grant from the council towards the £1,800 cost of a new automatic defibrillator.

He said that St John was a behind the scenes organisation which was always there when the public needed them and provided invaluable support at a wide range of events throughout the area.

The defibrillator was an important life saving piece of equipment and the council was pleased to substantially fund its purchase.

The officers and cadets were a real credit to the town and the council was delighted to continue to support them.

Receiving the cheque divisional officer Gill Atkinson (right) thanked the town council for its continuing backing: just over a year ago the council gave £3,000 towards a new ambulance vehicle.

Also in the picture are Claire Knighton, the national deputy cadet of the year (second from left) and Charlotte Sydenham, Wellington’s leading cadet.

DELIVERING THE MESSAGE ABOUT CONSERVATION

2007-07-24T09:54:00.000Z

Wellington Town Council has been delivering the message about conservation in the town by distributing more than 300 leaflets to residents.
The action was prompted following a recent decision by Taunton Deane Borough Council to re-draw the boundaries of Wellington’s conservation area.
Council chairman Councillor Dave Mitton personally delivered the conservation area leaflets to more than 300 homes.
He said: “Taunton Deane was not able to distribute the information to residents.
“However, our priority at the town council is to make sure people in Wellington know what it means to live in a conservation area.
“Many people do not even appreciate they live in a conservation area.”
A conservation area is defined as ‘an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.’
In order to assist in the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas various additional planning controls exist within them and planning permission is required for a number of alterations including dormer windows, satellite dishes, and some extensions.
Further information about this is available in Wellington library or by contacting the heritage and landscape department at Taunton Deane Borough Council on 01823 356426 or email: heritage.landscape@tauntondeane.co.uk

Pic caption – Wellington Town Council chairman Councillor Dave Mitton hands out a leaflet to North Street resident Carol Longman.

£1,000 boost to scout group

2007-07-24T09:50:00.000Z

The excellent work that the 1st Wellington Scout Group does in organising a wide range of activities for young people in the town and district has again been recognised by Wellington Town Council.
The council chairman Dave Mitton presented a cheque for £1,000 to the group towards the £8,500 cost of providing additional camping equipment.

He said the council was pleased to continue to support the local scouts who are celebrating their centenary this year and who have 160 members. Last year the council gave £400 to enable four local scouts to attend the 21st world scout jamboree and in 2005 made a grant of £1,000 to help the group to buy new kayaks and a safety boat.
Group leader Steve Altria replied that the group were extremely grateful for all the financial backing it had received over the years from the town council whose record in helping local organisations was second to none.

Pic caption – Wellington Town Council chairman Dave Mitton presents a cheque for £1,000 to local scouts Jennifer Altria, David Weaver and Sam Pope who will be attending the world jamboree in August.

PRESENTATION OF TOP PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION AT WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL

2007-07-24T09:46:00.000Z

Wellington Town Council is on the way to gaining quality status with the presentation of a top award to one of its officers.
Julia Thorne, assistant to the town clerk, has achieved the Certificate in Local Council Administration, the customised qualification for parish and town council clerks.
Julia, 32, who lives in Twyford Place, Wellington, is the only holder of the qualification in the area.
The Certificate in Local Council Administration has been designed as the test for ‘qualified clerk’ criteria in the Government’s Quality Parish Status initiative and specifically tests candidates against a list of core competencies on the work of a parish clerk.
Presenting the award Somerset Association of Local Councils County Secretary Peter Lacey said: “I am delighted to present Julia with her certificate which demonstrates her proficiency in the administration of a local council.
“There are some 20 holders of the certificate in Somerset which is a component required by the council in a bid for quality status.
“The Association is supportive of staff at our parish and town councils in getting this Certificate and training events are held regularly.”
Council chairman Councillor Dave Mitton said: “I am absolutely delighted in Julia’s success of obtaining the certificate in local council administration.
“We appreciate all the hard work she has done which will benefit both the council and herself.”
The Quality Parish and Town Council scheme was launched in June 2003, following the publication of the Government's Rural White Paper, 2000. The scheme is designed to provide benchmark minimum standards for parish and town councils, and enable them to better represent the communities they serve.

Pic cap – Somerset Association of Local Councils County Secretary Peter Lacey (right) presents assistant to the town clerk Julia Thorne with her certificate also pictured is Wellington town council chairman Councillor Dave Mitton (left).

WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS 2007

2007-05-10T09:53:00.000Z

WELLINGTON EAST WARD
DECLARATION OF RESULT OF POLL
Date of Election : 3rd May 2007
I, Craig Morse, being the Deputy Returning Officer at the Town Council Election for the Wellington Town Council
Wellington East Ward held on 3rd May 2007, do hereby give notice that the number of votes recorded for each Candidate is as follows :-
ADAMS Susan Barbara Conservative Party 507
CRITCHARD Peter James Liberal Democrat 607 ELECTED
GOODWIN Guy Nash Liberal Democrat 541 ELECTED
HENLEY Ross Longhurst Liberal Democrat 684 ELECTED
HINDLEY Kenneth Christopher Conservative Party 523 ELECTED
WINHALL Kenneth Donald Conservative Party 476
WRIGHT David Christopher Conservative Party 477
And I hereby declare that the Candidates so indicated above are duly elected Councillors for the said Town Council
The number of ballot papers rejected was as follows :-
(A) want of an official mark
(B) voting for more than four candidates
(C) writing or mark by which voter could be identified
(D) being unmarked or wholly void for uncertainty 1
(E) rejected in part
TOTAL REJECTED 1
Vacant Seats : 4 Electorate : 2509 Ballot Papers Issued : 1134 Turnout : 45.20%
Dated 4th May 2007 Craig Morse
Deputy Returning Officer
Published and printed by J.J. Thornberry

WELLINGTON NORTH WARD
DECLARATION OF RESULT OF POLL Date of Election : 3rd May 2007
I, Craig Morse, being the Deputy Returning Officer at the Town Council Election for the Wellington Town Council
Wellington North Ward held on 3rd May 2007, do hereby give notice that the number of votes recorded for each Candidate is as follows :-
BISHOP Sydney Frank Conservative Party 371
BOWRAH Elizabeth Ann Conservative Party 402
COPLEY Gloria June Liberal Democrat 592 ELECTED
GOVIER Andrew James The Labour Party Candidate 704 ELECTED
GOVIER Jacqueline Frances The Labour Party Candidate 604 ELECTED
MILTON Terry Dennis Conservative Party 366
MITTON David The Labour Party Candidate 421 ELECTED
WINHALL Christine Anne Conservative Party 303
And I hereby declare that the Candidates so indicated above are duly elected Councillors for the said Town Council
The number of ballot papers rejected was as follows :
(A) want of an official mark
(B) voting for more than four candidates
(C) writing or mark by which voter could be identified
(D) being unmarked or wholly void for uncertainty 4
(E) rejected in part
TOTAL REJECTED 4
Vacant Seats : 4 Electorate : 2995 Ballot Papers Issued : 1167 Turnout : 38.96%
Dated 4th May 2007 Craig Morse
Deputy Returning Officer
Published and printed by J.J. Thornberry

WELLINGTON ROCKWELL GREEN WARD
DECLARATION OF RESULT OF POLL Date of Election : 3rd May 2007
I, Craig Morse, being the Deputy Returning Officer at the Town Council Election for the Wellington Town Council
Wellington Rockwell Green Ward held on 3rd May 2007, do hereby give notice that the number of votes recorded for each Candidate is as follows :-
CLARK John Conservative Party 306 ELECTED
HINDLEY Zelda Sonja Elizabeth Conservative Party 256
MCNICHOLAS William The Labour Party Candidate 216
WALTERS Susan Elizabeth Conservative Party 290 ELECTED
WILSON Nicola Jane Liberal Democrat 482 ELECTED
And I hereby declare that the Candidates so indicated above are duly elected Councillors for the said Town Council
The number of ballot papers rejected was as follows :
(A) want of an official mark
(B) voting for more than three candidates
(C) writing or mark by which voter could be identified
(D) being unmarked or wholly void for uncertainty 7
(E) rejected in part
TOTAL REJECTED 7
Vacant Seats : 3 Electorate : 1816 Ballot Papers Issued : 808 Turnout : 44.49%
Dated 4th May 2007 Craig Morse
Deputy Returning Officer
Published and printed by J.J. Thornberry

WELLINGTON WEST WARD
DECLARATION OF RESULT OF POLL Date of Election : 3rd May 2007
I, Craig Morse, being the Deputy Returning Officer at the Town Council Election for the Wellington Town Council
Wellington West Ward held on 3rd May 2007, do hereby give notice that the number of votes recorded for each Candidate is as follows :-
BOWRAH Robert Conservative Party 614 ELECTED
CAMERON-ROSE Hugh Charles Conservative Party 491
LLOYD Janet Carol Liberal Democrat 620 ELECTED
REED Janet Ethel Conservative Party 600 ELECTED
SELDON Philip George Conservative Party 529
STOCK-WILLIAMS Vivienne Frances Liberal Democrat 648 ELECTED
And I hereby declare that the Candidates so indicated above are duly elected Councillors for the said Town Council
The number of ballot papers rejected was as follows :
(A) want of an official mark
(B) voting for more than four candidates
(C) writing or mark by which voter could be identified
(D) being unmarked or wholly void for uncertainty 15
(E) rejected in part
TOTAL REJECTED 15
Vacant Seats : 4 Electorate : 2720 Ballot Papers Issued : 1260 Turnout : 46.32%
Dated 4th May 2007 Craig Morse
Deputy Returning Officer
Published and printed by J.J. Thornberry

Posters for council noticeboard

2007-04-05T09:41:00.000Z

Community groups and organisations in Wellington are invited to put up their posters for forthcoming events on the council's noticeboard.

Anybody wishing to promote their event on the noticeboard located outside Somerfield on Fore Street should either send or drop it into the council offices at 28 Fore Street, Wellington or alternatively at the Wellington Community Office at 30 Fore Street.

For more information contact Wellington Town Council on 01823 662855.

Town council bids farewell to retiring councillors

2007-04-03T10:36:00.000Z

Members of Wellington Town Council who are stepping down from public office have been honoured for their years of service in a presentation at Monday’s council meeting (April 2).
Town council chairman Councillor Dave Mitton thanked councillors Mrs Valerie Byrne, Gary James and Steve Palmer for their achievements and presented the retiring councillors with Wellington Town Council plaques in recognition of their work.
Councillor Byrne, who is a former chairman of the town council, has served a total of 12 years over two periods on the council.
Councillor James has served on the council for past four years and Councillor Palmer, who was co-opted to the council during the past term of office, has served for two years.
The chairman also presented a silver salver to Councillor Ernie Warren who was retiring after 36 years as a Wellington councillor.
Councillor Warren was first elected in 1971 onto the former Wellington Urban District Council and has served on Wellington Town Council after its formation following the local government re-organisation in 1974.
He is also a past chairman of the town council and was also the first Wellington councillor to be elected as Mayor of under the new Taunton Deane regime.
Councillor Dave Mitton said: “Ernie has contributed more than 36 years of sterling service with many notable achievements and has represented the council on a number of external bodies both within and outside Wellington.
“We would like to present you with this salver to mark all your years of hard work.”
Fellow councillors Ross Henley and Andy Govier also paid tribute to Councillor Warren’s years of service in particular for looking after Rockwell Green interests.

Pic cap – Town council chairman Cllr Dave Mitton presents Councillors Mrs Valerie Byrne, Gary James and Steve Palmer with Wellington Town Council plaques for their work.

Pic cap - Town council chairman Cllr Dave Mitton presents Councillor Ernie Warren with a silver salver for his work.

Wellington Town Council tax unchanged for 8 years!

2007-03-12T11:13:00.000Z

The council approved a precept for the next financial year of £75,506 and fixed its council tax at £16.50 for Band D properties, which means that the town council’s tax has remained unchanged for eight years. The last increase was in 1999 when it was raised from £15.89.
The council’s projected expenditure includes £10,000 for the Wellington Food Town Project which is designed to promote local producers and to encourage more residents to shop locally, with the overall aim of Wellington becoming the food town of Somerset. There is also £11,000 set aside for grants to local clubs and groups, £9,000 for Christmas illuminations, £9,000 for disabled access to the town council chamber with the provision of a stair lift and levelling floors, £4,000 for footpath maintenance and improvements, and £3,000 for a subsidised hospital car service to Musgrove Park Hospital as well as grants of £1,650 for Friends of Wellington Park and £1,250 for Wellington in Bloom Committee.

Concerns about state of town's pavements and roads

2007-03-12T11:11:00.000Z

Concerns about the poor state of some of Wellington’s pavements, roads and gutters have been raised at the town council.
Councillor Gloria Copley asked the council to write to Somerset Highways about the state of disrepair of some of the town’s pavements, road and gutters, particularly at the bottom of George Street and Bovet Street, where there were special homes for the elderly.
The footways were in a poor state because of tree roots cracking the surface and making it uneven.
It was also pointed out there were potholes in the road at Corams Lane near the entrance to the sports centre, in Springfield Road, and at the Station Road end of Holyoake Street.
Members agreed to ask Somerset Highways to inspect all these areas and carry out any necessary repairs.

Council to consider buying a new CCTV camera

2007-03-12T11:08:00.000Z

Wellington Town Council has agreed to consider buying another relocatable CCTV camera to try to deter vandals and anti social behaviour.
The council has agreed to include £11,000 in its budget for 2007-08 for such a camera.
Currently the council has one CCTV camera which is located in Lancer Court and which is due to be moved shortly to South Street car park where as well as damage to cars from time to time the rear of Wellington Baptist Church, which adjoins the car park, has been the target of vandalism.

Bank criticised for not supporting the town's Christmas illuminations

2007-03-12T11:05:00.000Z

Wellington Town Council has criticised Natwest Bank for not supporting for the town’s Christmas illuminations.
It was reported at the February council meeting that Natwest had declined to have an illuminated Christmas tree erected outside its Fore Street office at a cost of £35.
Town councillors expressed great disappointment at Natwest’s lack of support for a community project designed to make the town more attractive at Christmas and to encourage more visitors and shoppers.
The town’s other three banks, Lloyds TSB, Barclays and HSBC all put up illuminated trees which were supplied by the town council. In previous years Natwest had a tree erected.

Council encourages residents to make use of grit bins

2007-01-16T10:25:00.000Z

Residents in Wellington are being encouraged to make use of the yellow grit bins in the town during wintery conditions following the purchase of another new bin in the town.
Wellington Town Council has provided a new yellow grit bin for use by Tonedale Residents in icy conditions.
The council decided to place a grit bin at the railway bridge at Tonedale for use by local people to help overcome possible problems with ice on the sloping pavement.
Yellow grit bins have also been provided by the town council in other areas in Wellington in strategic locations where there are likely to be more hazards in icy conditions.
Councillor Steve Palmer, who requested the new grit bin at Tonedale said: “We would like to emphasize to the community the bins are provided on a self-help basis and would encourage people to make use of them.
“The council is unable to grit these areas in the town and it is up to local residents to help themselves and their neighbours.
“In the past residents have told me they did not think they were allowed to use the bins but we want to emphasise they are there for local people to use and would encourage them to do so.”
Other grit bins provided by the town council are located at the junction of Howard Road with Brendon Road, at the top of Hoyles Road at the junction with relief road, at the junction of Swains and Ardwyn, and in Rockwell Green at Popes Lane junction with the main road and also at top of Oaken Ground next to the public toilets.
Winter maintenance of the roads is the responsibility of Somerset County Council.
However, resources are unavailable to treat all the roads and the only route in Wellington which is salted by the County Council is the main route from Taunton to Milverton – from High Street into North Street, Waterloo Road, Station road and onto Milverton Road.
The county council has also provided grit bins at Westford Railway Bridge, in Rockwell Green, and at the bottom of Cornhill on North Street.

Our photo shows Councillor Steve Palmer making use of the grit bin at Tonedale Bridge

Pupils learn about Wellington Food Town

2007-01-03T15:10:00.000Z

Bison on the Blackdowns and Welsh cakes were the topics of a special talk to youngsters at Rockwell Green Primary School.
Wellington town council chairman Councillor Dave Mitton spoke to pupils on the subject of food and drink and revealed to them he got told off on the first day at school for eating Welsh cakes half-way through a lesson.
The talk by Councillor Mitton was to demonstrate the huge selection of local produce available and the children were surprised to learn there were bison on the Blackdown Hills.
Councillor Mitton promoted healthy eating habits and encouraged the youngsters to drag their parents along to the launch of Wellington Food Town on Saturday December 2 to see the variety of food and drink on offer.
The free food event takes place between 10am to 4pm in the big marquee off Wellington High Street where people can taste some of the local specialities on offer and watch free cookery demonstrations including sessions on how to make healthy lunchboxes for schoolchildren.
Visitors will be able to wander around the many stalls of local food producers and suppliers and take in the Christmassy atmosphere.
Cllr Mitton said: “Wellington boasts an enormous amount of food producers in the area and we are very lucky to also have a large variety of food retailers and outlets.
“Healthy eating in schools is very important and I am glad to see that Rockwell Green Primary School are already promoting this.
“I hope that the pupils will encourage their mums and dads to come along to Wellington Food Town on Saturday to find out more and sample the local produce and learn about how it also helps the environment.”
Wellington Food Town is being organised by Wellington Economic Partnership and Somerset Food Links in conjunction with Taunton Deane Borough Council and Wellington Town Council, and is supported by Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Trade and the Wellington Farmers’ Market.More information is available from Nicky Saunter at Somerset Food Links on 01458 241401 or email nickys@foodlinks.org.uk or by logging on to www.wellingtonfoodlinks.blogspot.com.

CHRISTMAS CLOSURE

2006-12-19T09:58:00.000Z

Please note that Wellington Town Council office will be closing for Christmas on Friday December 22 and will re-open again on Tuesday January 2.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everybody at Wellington Town Council!

2006-11-21T11:02:00.000Z

NEW TOWN COUNCILLOR

John Clark is the new councillor for the Wellington west ward on the town council.
John, who has been a Taunton Deane councillor for 18 months and who is the portfolio holder for leisure, art and culture, fills the vacancy caused by the resignation of Andy Horsman in September when he moved to live in Taunton.
John, who is a former governor of Court Fields School and who lives at Hyacinth Terrace, Wellington, was chosen at a special co-option meeting of the town council.
The other applicant for the casual vacancy was Bill McNicholas, a retired care home proprietor, of Longforth Road, Wellington, who is a member of Wellington Wheelers Cycling Club, the Arts Centre and the local Folk Music Club.
The political make-up of the town council is 6 Liberal Democrats, 4 Conservatives, 3 Labour and 2 Independents.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

2006-11-01T09:46:00.000Z

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON
Wellington High Street
Friday December 1 at 7pm
Free entertainment from 6pm to 8pm

Free face painting for children by Liz Ashwell, Hannah and Jennie in One Stop Store
Free roundabout rides
Magic shows & balloon modelling by Colin John
Display by Wellington Majorettes
Traditional carol singing by adults and children from the Wellington Churches
Free gas filled balloons and sweets for children from Father Christmas and hot mince pies for mums and dads at Wellington Weekly News office.

Please note: High Street will be closed to traffic from 5.30pm-8.30pm from its junction with Longforth Road to its junction with North Street

LAUNCH OF WELLINGTON POPPY APPEAL

2006-10-30T12:04:00.000Z

Pupils at Rockwell Green Primary School had a special visit this week by members of Wellington Town Council to mark the launch of the town’s poppy appeal.
Town council chairman Councillor David Mitton and vice chairman Peter Critchard joined youngsters from the school for their monthly march to visit Wellington’s war graves along with poppy organiser Monica Summers, Wellington branch chairman Brian Summers, and women’s section chairman Madge Covey.
Every month a different class from the school make the trip to the cemetery to lay flowers at each of the 26 war graves located there in honour of the servicemen.
The flowers, which are paid for by the town council, are provided at a reduced price by Judith Goss.
In launching the appeal, Councillor David Mitton praised the children for all their efforts.
“It is wonderful to see the children recognise the sacrifice of the past and we hope that Wellington as usual will support the poppy appeal,” he said.
“I would like to say many thanks to the support of the British Legion, Rockwell Green Primary School, and Judith Goss.”
In recognition of the town council’s support of the Legion’s War Graves Flowers Scheme, Mrs Summers presented the chairman with a RBL Certificate of Appreciation.
A Field of Remembrance Service will be held at the Baptist Church, South Street, on Sunday November 5 at noon.
There will also be a two minute silence in the town centre on Saturday November 11 at 11am, the start and end of which would be marked by the firing of two maroon rockets.
The Remembrance Day parade on Sunday November 12 will start at Wellington School at 3pm and will finish at Wellington Park for the ceremony and laying of the wreaths at 3.15pm.
Wreaths will be on sale in the Scout Hall next to Somerfield from 9am to 1pm on Saturday November 11 except during the 2 minute silence.

Photo – Schoolchildren from Rockwell Green Primary School get ready for their trip to visit the war graves of Wellington. From back, left to right - Wellington branch chairman Brian Summers, town council chairman David Mitton, deputy head Claire Marsland, poppy organiser Monica Summers, vice chairman Peter Critchard and women’s section chairman Madge Covey.

Plaque presentation to young Everest climber

2006-10-13T10:31:00.000Z

Wellington Town Council chairman Councillor Dave Mitton presented a plaque to James Hooper, from Wellington, who is the second youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest.

The plaque was presented on behalf of the town council in recognition of his great achievement on 19th May 2006 at the age of 19 years and 28 days.

Cllr Mitton told James he wished him well for his further adventures.

GRANT FOR SAMBA BAND

2006-10-13T10:26:00.000Z

GRANT FOR SAMBA BAND

Samba music is set to fill the air in Wellington thanks to a generous grant from the town council.
Skintight Samba Band, based in Wellington, has won a £500 award from the town council to buy musical instruments for the group.
With the money it has received, the newly-formed band is aiming to perform at community events and also run workshops where members of the public can try their hand at samba music.
With the financial help it has received, including a grant from the Somerset Community Chest, the group is hoping to buy new musical equipment such as snare belts, tambourine beaters, Ganza shakers, and Surdo mallets.
Wellington town council chairman Dave Mitton said the council was pleased to support newly established organisations as well as older groups in the town.
He said: “Wellington Town Council thinks it is important to support the arts in Wellington particularly where we feel groups involved in the arts are going to contribute to local society.
“We are hoping Skintight Samba Band will be holding Samba workshops in schools in the town in the future.
“Skintight Samba band is banging the drum for musical diversity.”
Band fundraiser Cher Kenyon said they were thrilled to receive the money which enabled the group to develop.
She said: “The samba band is being aimed at community groups that want a musical contribution to their local events, or members of the public who want to participate in music-making as we will work with all ages and abilities.
“We already have future bookings, and have been asked to perform at a range of charity and community activities.
“We rehearse weekly at Courtfields School in Wellington and most band members live in or around the town and we welcome any new members.”
Contact Skintight Samba Band on 01884 840240 or email skintightsamba@aol.com
Ends

Pic cap 1 – (from left to right) Wellington town council chairman Dave Mitton tries his hand at Samba music with band treasurer Judith Smith and fundraiser Cher Kenyon.
Pic cap 2 - Wellington town council chairman Dave Mitton presents a £500 grant to members of the Skintight Samba Band.

WELLINGTON FOOTPATH GUIDES

2006-10-13T10:25:00.000Z

WELLINGTON FOOTPATH GUIDES

RESIDENTS and visitors to Wellington are being encouraged to explore the town and surrounding countryside with the publication of new footpath guides produced the town council.
‘Wellington Walks’ covers five different footpaths in and around the town with options for shorter or longer strolls.
The route guides entitled ‘Beyond the Basins’, ‘Priory Perambulation’, ‘Rockwell Rambles’, ‘Strolls around SW Wellington’, and ‘Wellington to Nynehead’ feature some beautiful photos of local scenery.
Each guide also provides details of distance, time, a description of the area it covers, as well as offering advice on the terrain and local refreshments.
Walkers can also learn a little local history as they pass by some notable buildings and features in and around Wellington.
The guides have been published with assistance from Somerset County Council’s Community Access Fund 2006 and are part of Wellington Town Council’s policy to open up the footpaths.
Town Clerk, Tony Brown, said: “I feel the new guides will make the footpaths more accessible.
“We have replaced three old styles at Rockwell Green with three new Bristol gates to make it easier for walkers to access the footpaths.
“It is our policy to convert all styles on our footpaths and replace them which is ongoing and more will be done during the year.”
The guides are available for free from Wellington Town Council offices at 28 Fore Street, Wellington, or they can be picked up at the town’s tourist information office at 30 Fore Street.

GRANT FOR WELLINGTON CARNIVAL COMMITTEE

2006-10-13T10:23:00.000Z

GRANT FOR WELLINGTON CARNIVAL COMMITTEE

Carnival goers will be enjoying a safe and colourful fun event in Wellington this year thanks to a grant from the town council.
A grant for £700 has been handed over to Wellington Carnival Committee to cover the mounting costs of health and safety provision for the event.
Vice chairman Councillor Peter Critchard said: "Wellington Carnival is the biggest event in Wellington and gives pleasure to thousands of people both local and visitors.
“All carnivals are facing increasing costs often to do with red tape so the council is more than pleased to provide this grant to cover the cost of putting up barriers and signs to make it safer for both spectators and floats.
"Wellington has a long tradition of carnival and we hope it will continue for many years."
The cheque was presented by Councillor Critchard to carnival committee treasurer Geoff Harwood who said he was extremely grateful for the generous donation.
Wellington Carnival takes place on Saturday September 30 and the procession moves off from Rockwell Green at 7.30pm.
Ends

Pic cap – (from left to right) Wellington town council vice chairman Peter Critchard hands over the cheque to Wellington Carnival Committee treasurer Geoff Harwood.

GRANT AWARDED TO TAUNTON AND DISTRICT CAB

2006-10-13T10:17:00.000Z

GRANT AWARDED TO TAUNTON AND DISTRICT CAB

Residents in Wellington will continue to benefit from an important service in the town thanks to the money given by Wellington Town Council.
Taunton and District Citizens Advice Bureau which provides a service at 28 Fore Street, Wellington, has been awarded £1,200 by the town council.
The cheque was presented by town council chairman Councillor Dave Mitton to bureau manager Liz Fothergill.
Councillor Mitton said: “The Citizens Advice Bureau provides an excellent service to hundreds of people on their doorstep here in Wellington rather than having to travel into Taunton.
“We are pleased to once again support the service in any way and believe it is worthwhile way of spending taxpayers’ money.”
Last year the CAB Wellington outreach centre saw 221 clients, who generated 240 enquiries, and with repeat appointments it resulted in 325 contacts with, or on behalf of, the clients.
Mrs Fothergill said to run the Wellington outreach for a year costs nearly £1,850 even when staffed by volunteers.
She said: “We have continued to offer a service on two mornings a week on Mondays and Wednesdays where we serve the population of Wellington and areas, by giving advice and support to the community.
“We provide advice on all issues but debt and benefit topics cover nearly 50 per cent of our work.
“We therefore believe that we have a positive impact on poverty and social exclusion not only for the benefit of the client, but also on the economy of Wellington.”

Pic cap – Taunton and district CAB manager Liz Fothergill receives a cheque for £1,200 from Wellington town council chairman Councillor Dave Mitton.

WELLINGTON SPORTS CENTRE PLAQUE UNVEILLED

2006-10-13T10:13:00.000Z

WELLINGTON SPORTS CENTRE PLAQUE UNVEILLED

A plaque marking the role a late councillor played in the building of Wellington Sports Centre more than 30 years ago has been unveiled.
The plaque is dedicated to Maurice Jennings who was a member of both Wellington Town Council and Taunton Deane Borough Council and served as a councillor for more than 40 years.
He was chairman of Wellington Urban District Council’s sports centre committee which to decided to go ahead with the construction of the centre despite opposition and controversy surrounding the project.
The sports centre was officially opened in 1973 by Dr Roger Bannister who was the first man to run a mile in less than four minutes.
The unveiling was performed by Maurice Jennings’ widow Margaret who said she was sure he would have been pleased that his role had been recognised because he fought hard for the centre.
Chairman of the town council, Councillor Dave Mitton, said Councillor Jennings was not only remembered for his hard work for the town but also for his affection.
Councillor Ross Henley, a member of the county, borough and town council, said Councillor Jennings had been an inspiration to him as a young councillor.
Among those also attending the unveiling ceremony were Councillor Jennings’ son Michael and grandchildren Fin and Ruth, local MP Jeremy Browne, Taunton Deane Borough Council leader Councillor John Williams, TDBC leisure portfolio holder, Councillor John Clark, Councillor Nicola Wilson, a member of the borough and town Council and vice chairman of the town council, Councillor Peter Critchard.
Thanks were expressed to Wellington Town Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council and Tone Leisure for their help in organising the ceremony.
The plaque, which is sited on the wall on the right-hand side of the sports centre entrance hall, reads ‘Dedicated to Maurice C. Jennings a councillor for Wellington from 1961 to 2003, who as chairman of Wellington UDC Sports Centre Committee, was the driving force behind the building of the centre in 1973’.

Wellington Town Council News and Developments

2006-10-05T10:21:00.000Z