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Tuesday 11th November
Dear Volunteers,
What a fantastic weekend it was at the Artisan Market, despite the rain! A huge thank you to all of you who made it happen. From welcoming and directing visitors to shifting tables and keeping things running smoothly. We sold a record 3,120 tickets, with two-thirds coming on Saturday alone. A real team effort, and Chris and the team are already planning how to build on the success and refine things for next year.
A few things to note coming up:
🌺 Somerset Poppies
The Somerset Poppies are now on display near the Well House in the Outer Gardens until 19th November. Created by local school children in 2018, there were originally 7,986 poppies each representing a Somerset serviceman lost in WWI. Lots were sold to raise money for SSAFA and other charities so we now have around 1000 displayed. It’s a moving and beautiful tribute. Do take a look.
🫖 Bring a Friend day – Thursday 13th November
A lovely chance to introduce someone new to The Palace. Please bring your volunteer lanyard.
🎡 Wells City Carnival – this Friday 14th November
Expect some road disruption and road closures around Wells this Friday mostly from 6pm. We will still open as normal 10 – 4pm. Full details here: Wells City Carnival | Road Closures
🚪 Site access and closures
- Monday 17th November – The Bishop’s Eye gates will be closed all day and no on-site parking is available. (No vehicle access from Market Place to Palace – pedestrians can still walk through)
- Monday 17th November – Sunday 30th November – East Gallery closure
- Saturday 22nd November – Palace building closure from 1pm
- Tuesday 25th November – Palace building closure all day
- Saturday 13th December – Palace and Gardens closure from 12.20pm
- 24th – 26th December – Full site closure
- 5th – 7th January 2026 – Full site closure
☕Volunteer Meet Up – Thursday 20th November 2pm
Join us for a relaxed cuppa on Thursday 20th November in the Laundry Room. A chance to catch up with fellow volunteers, we’d love to see you there.
🎶 Volunteer Carol Service
Our Annual Volunteer Carol Service will take place at 2pm on Thursday 18th December in the Chapel, followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the Undercroft. Please RSVP to me by the end of November if you’d like to attend so we can get an idea of numbers. You’re very welcome to bring a guest.
Thank you again for your time, energy, and enthusiasm, especially during a busy period. We truly couldn’t do it without you!
Warm regards,
Gemma
Pictures of the Month – April
Here is a heartwarming picture of one of the cygnets hitching a ride. It’s by Trevor Lever, a Drawbridge Welcomer.
