MORE than 120 people attended the SOUP! lunch on Saturday, January 11 – held for the first time in Wells Cathedral.
And so popular was the event that more than 30 people had to be turned away.
The Cathedral may become the regular home for the SOUP! fundraising lunches after their relocation from the Connect Centre, and the Dean of Wells, Toby Wright, told the audience: “We will ensure we have greater capacity next time.”
Bishop Michael – who asked if the event could take place in the Cathedral after attending one of the lunches himself – also addressed attendees, thanking everyone for making it such a special day, and saying: “SOUP! is one of the best things that happens in Wells.”
He expanded on this afterwards, saying: “SOUP! is a brilliant initiative here in Wells and it was wonderful to see January’s meeting take place in the Cathedral. As always, it was extraordinarily moving to hear the stories of the excellent work being undertaken by the four causes that presented to those of us that gathered to hear them. So much news at this time is about gloom, challenge and destruction. SOUP! is one of the best possible antidotes to this that anyone can take. It reminds us powerfully of human goodness, dignity and of all that can be achieved when we work together for good.”
The four good causes to make presentations were Music for Wellbeing, Owl Enlightenment, Dance 4 Parkinson’s and Wells Youth Club.
The Music for Wellbeing presentation was introduced by Eliza Wylie. Sessions take place on Wednesdays in Seager Hall, bringing together people with dementia and learning disabilities to socialise, support each other and have fun singing and playing instruments.
Michelle Blackmore described how Owl Enlightenment use owls for therapeutic and educational purposes. Funding is important to help them continue their work, she said, because “the people who need us most can’t afford us”. While she spoke, other members of the team walked between the tables displaying three of their 15 owls.
Dancing is one of the best things that you can do if you have Parkinson’s, said Sue Isherwood from Dance 4 Parkinson’s. She said that the group has grown from three to 12 people, necessitating a move from South Horrington to Henton Village Hall, and that they would like money for another dance facilitator.
Abigail David, Team Leader at Wells Youth Club, said that the club had been running successfully since its launch in October, and that funding would go towards a trip to Mendip Activity Centre. Some of the young people who attend the club were also there, and they described things they like about it such as meeting friends, socialising with people and taking part in fun activities.
The audience vote saw Wells Youth Club leave with the biggest share of the money, £350, while the other three causes each received £118.
This SOUP! was sponsored by Wells Chamber of Commerce.
SOUP! is organised by Ross Young on behalf of Wells Independents.