Antique restorer and a former Mayor

§  Colin Price in his Macebearer uniform outside Wells Town Hall

WCN volunteer Colin Price tells his story:

“Joining the Coronavirus helpline has introduced me to a great number of fellow volunteers that, under normal circumstances, I would never have met. My first contact was through the Neighourhood Watch when the call came for volunteers to man the helpline and nearly two years on I am still there every Monday morning. That then led on to the vaccination marshalling at West Mendip Hospital.

“I am married to Ann, we have two children and two grandsons.

“I started work in 1966 as an apprentice Antique Restorer in Shepton Mallet, the redbrick building at the bottom of Town Street. It started life as the Liberal and Mechanic Hall, a name still to be seen as you drive down the bypass on the right. After many changes in the antique trade, we were made redundant and I bought the business in 2002. Although retired I still keep my hand in to stay in touch with the trade.

“In 1999 I was elected to Wells City Council, becoming Deputy Mayor twice and Mayor in 2003. After 20 years I decided not to stand again but did get the role of Macebearer to the council attending council meetings and civic functions. 

“Two of my interests are railways and cycling so, in 2005, decided to combine them in a four-day touring camping holiday. This led, in 2009, to a Lands End to John-O-Groats solo camping cycle tour. A great experience and a great way to see Britain, although I have to say I could hardly walk for a week afterwards.”