in praise of wells-next-sea
by harriet howell

our friendly happy little town
has time and room for all
come to our corner of the world
you'll be welcome when you call

we've a little railway engine 
that trundles from the quay
with a pleasant friendly driver
who will take you to the sea

come shopping in our small quaint streets
no vast supermarkets here
just friendly old fashioned service
and you'll even be called m'dear.

cargo boats you'll see unloading
clustering round our harbour wall
graceful swans float by so grandly
as the waters rise and fall.

the frary family with their shellfish
you will find upon the quay
and as whelk boats ride at anchor
they'll sell you fish straight from the sea

we've another little railway
and if a pilgrim you would be
it will take you to our lady's shrine
o'er hill, or vale, or lea













wander through our lovely pinewoods
as the evenings softly close
find peace and real contentment
just before you take repose

the scent of pines and flowers
bird song at eventide
will for ever be remembered
though you travel far and wide

so come dear friends to our little world
though grander places you may find
but none with a heart more gentle
and none grant you more peace of mind