Wells Independents (WIN) is not a political party but an independent group of individuals who set out in December 2014 to encourage new candidates to put themselves forward for Wells City Council.
We currently have six WIN City Councillors, including both the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor, and we hold the chair in the 3 most influential committees. We want to build on what has been achieved in the past by offering fresh faces, a fresh approach and more innovation.
WIN was formed through word of mouth by people from different walks of life who share a passion for Wells. The WIN group is self-organised with interested people offering skills and time to be part of something new and positive for Wells.
The original idea behind WIN is to re-invigorate local government in Wells, invite more people to have their say and bring forth the non-voters and spur them into taking part in what happens to their city.
But WIN is also a community organisation. In April 2016, we launched Wells SOUP, a new event designed to support local charities and have a bit of fun.
It is called Wells SOUP, and while eating delicious soup is part of the deal, there is much more to savour. Click here for details… And during the Covid-19 pandemic, WIN councillors have been at the forefront of initiatives to help and support those whose lives and businesses have been badly affected by the lockdowns.
As a Christian, I feel a sense of duty to be active in the community and do what I can to sustain its vitality and heritage for future generations. As a professional planner, I am keen to apply my experience to my home city by becoming more involved in its direction. Wells Independents appeals to me as an opportunity to take a lead in the development of Wells in way that is free from party politics and reflects the views of both residents and visitors.
I decided to join WIN because I would like to see a council that listens to what people want, is positive and forward thinking, makes decisions that are good for Wells, now and in the future and is open and transparent.
What I’d like WIN to achieve a city where there’s a stronger sense of community and a council that brings people together to work for the greater good by breaking down barriers and actively building stronger links between different groups in the city.
I have run several businesses in Wells over many years but I feel that all the local councils with sway over the city – Somerset County, Mendip District and Wells City – have not done enough to support the businesses that provide jobs and bring money into the city.
I believe Wells Independents could help, for example by lobbying more powerful local authorities and big companies like BT to speed the arrival of superfast broadband to Wells and bring free wifi across the shopping centre.
I care passionately about Wells and all things local since moving here in 2004 and being involved in a local business as well as various local groups. So when I heard about the possibility of an independent non-political party for Wells City Council I jumped at the chance! The mainstream parties can deal with the ‘big’ politics but they have no place at a local level, where party politics just get in the way of local needs. At city council level it should be all about passion and a can-do attitude. I’m really looking forward to helping WIN make a real difference.
It is great to be part of positive change in Wells after more than four years of active involvement in the city I have lived in and loved for 20 years. I am looking forward to seeing policies and actions which will ensure the full potential of this great place is achieved. Everyone can contribute and everyone can benefit.
When I first heard about Wells Independents I knew I wanted to be a part of it. There is an opportunity here to inject new life into Wells, build on it’s standing and ensure a brighter more dynamic future. Wells has buckets of potential and I would like to see that potential achieved.
Wells has always seemed a special place to me since I first visited the city 37 years ago. This was confirmed in 1997 when I was privileged to become editor of the Wells Journal and the rest of the Mid Somerset Series. Now I have retired from that role I want to give my time to making Wells an even better place with the non-party political Wells Independents.
I am an active volunteer in Wells. I support Wells Independents who are a group of like-minded people with a vision to bring all members of our community together to make it a vibrant, fun place to live, to promote our city and to pride ourselves on our hospitality and heritage.
I live in Wells with my wife Judith. I started the Wells Food Festival and help to run a stone masonry company in Godney, where my son and their family live. I believe in the importance of empowering ourselves, rather than waiting on party political action. WIN will help give a new voice to Wells’ residents, refreshing our economy and quality of life.
I live in Wells with my wife and three young children. I also run a small business with my wife and am passionate about making Wells as vibrant and dynamic as possible.
I think the fact that anybody and everybody can get involved with WIN will help it succeed, there is no preconceived party history to battle with, just a clean sheet and passionate local people.
