SOUP! on 5th October 2024

EVERYONE’S a winner at Wells SOUP! and a full house at the Connect Centre on Saturday 5th October saw four more good causes go away with money and a raised profile.

(L to R) Michelle Payne, Ann Ralls, Saskia Johnson, Denise Denis and Deputy Mayor Louis Agabani

First to speak was Roxie Ford of FordHaven which offers separated siblings and other family members an opportunity to spend time together in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. They won £350 at the July SOUP!, and Roxie said:

“Without the support from organisations like yours, charities like ours could not function.”

Second up at this grant-giving lunch organised was Ann Rolls from Youth with a Future,

“A small charity with a big heart, which supports young people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness with their education, training and employment, such as providing a suit for a job interview."

Then Saskia Johnson from St Cuthbert’s Junior School took to the stage explaining that she was raising money to restore a sensory garden for children with additional needs. The last stage would be to build a new tool-shed safe for the youngsters to use for their gardening and pottery courses.

Next was Michelle Payne from Heads Up, the mental health and well-bring charity based at South Horrington which offers a range of activities and courses on pottery, gardening and much more. They have a minibus and would like funds so they can use it to take their clients on more days out.

The final presenter was Denise Denis from Wells Dementia Action Alliance which raises awareness of this feared disease, runs a Memory Café in Wells Methodist Church Hall, supports the Music for Pleasure sessions in Seager Hall and gives talks to businesses about how best to help customers living with dementia.

While the audience’s votes were counted Heather Anderson from Wells Scouts told how Wells Mayor Jasmine Browne’s charity was raising money to restore their Scout Hut. There will be a concert by Tim Pitman and guests in Wells Town Hall at 7.30pm on Saturday, 23rd November, with a bar, auction and raffle. Tickets cost £20 cash from the Town Hall reception.

Then Youth with a Future were announced as the winner to warm applause. They went away with £350, the other three shared £350. All four benefitted from raised profile and publicity.

The compere Simon Lawder thanked Fresh & Good for making the two tasty soups, Burns the Bread for the rolls, Morrisons and the Bishop’s Eye for the wine, Morrisons for soft drinks, and Karen Young for making the beautiful flower arrangements on the tables.

Photograph and report by Philip Welch