* Plethora comes from a similar Greek word meaning “fullness.” It was first used in English in the 16th century to describe a supposed medical condition marked by an excess volume of blood causing swelling and a reddish complexion.

Our plan today was to make an early start and go to Wells market as well as seeing all the other delights of this historic town.

I believe we can program ourselves and the environment in advance to produce encounters that are interesting and valuable and with this in mind I proceeded forth as we parked our car on the main approach road to Wells from Bath.

NB Parking in the central area in Bath is not impossible but my Volvo is very long; the car parks have been designed for slightly smaller cars in mind so I always have difficulty in reversing.

A couple moving from Bristol to Wells

Our first meaningful contact was in the gardens of the Bishop’s Palace, Wells, with a couple who lived in Bristol and wanted to move to Wells, as they were sick of the Bristol environment and wanting a change. The male partner runs a remote IT group of 15 from home, and the female does ironing for living.

My ‘mother hen advice giving machine’ clicked in which had  me ask what their professions were. I wasn’t surprised with the IT part but was somewhat taken aback with the ironing part. I don’t know what prejudice was ensnaring me but I imagine people who did ironing as a certain Mrs Mop variety and this very well dressed and turned out lady was definitely not in that category.

So, my initial reaction to moving from Bristol to Wells.

Coming from Bristol to Wells is not quite like moving from London to Somerset. The average London property price at the end of 2024 was something over £675,000 but there is a huge variation in this due to the size of London. 

The average property price in Wells is £553,420 . The average property price in Bristol is £390,731 so our couple seeking a new life in Bristol have to be careful and of course the key factors how much they’ll get for their present property. They may have to downsize expectations with regard to the number of bedrooms.

I gave the view that they might consider looking slightly outside Wells for a property but this would not be so convenient for the wife who does ironing, pick up and drop off etc,.

The IT guy discussed the difficulties of trying to persuade his boss to entertain AI, artificial intelligence and not set restrictions on it. We agreed that if people have been in the IT business for 20 years, an update in mindset required by AI would be difficult. Also, AI is expanding at a huge rate so the parameters that applied last year would not apply this year.

Harold Wilson said ‘A week is a long time in politics’ but a year is a generation in AI. Thank you China.

I considered this conversation had substance. Current matters were discussed in a way that you don’t see in the mainstream media, and I felt both parties left the encounter more informed and stimulated.

This was the model that I aim for on a daily basis.

American Tourists

Our next fruitful contact was with an American couple who had based themselves in for a week and we’re doing various tours. They  were thinking about visiting York, Lincoln and Canterbury.

Sometimes think that visitors from outside Europe do not realize how big UK is and how cumbersome and expensive it can be to get around. I recommended York as number one Canterbury as number two and Lincoln as number three in terms of attractiveness to a visitor.

It turned out that they were Republicans and learned that if you even said the name Trump you would be set on by the Democrats whom I described as brainless people.

Apparently the couple both work for the US Airlines industry as air stewards which was where they met. I joked about how you have to remain smiling while being firm with people especially those who don’t behave properly and I did an impression of someone smiling and looking in a steely eyed way towards the passenger.

The man showed me a wonderful thing, a spoof $2 note with the head of Donald Trump on the front. The wife wanted me to pose holding the note with the cathedral in the background from an evident need to impress her sister back in the States. I was quite happy to comply, why not?

A wonderful historic church

We also attended St. Cuthbert’s Church, BA5 2AW which is near the main high street, an establishment noted for its open  mindedness and inclusivity. We went in past a sign at the door saying  please please keep the door closed because pigeons love to come in and sure enough there was a pigeon flying around inside which must be a real nuisance during services.

We arrived when there was no one else there and a very friendly assistant spoke to us about the history of the place and drew our attention to the remarkable 16th Century nave ceiling which could best be viewed through a mirror that could be wheeled around on a stand.

There was a party of five French people, and I was very attracted by the voice of one of the ladies who had a distinct singing lilt so I asked her if she was a singer and she said no where upon I said that she should start. She laughed in an embarrassed way but others in the party were encouraging to my suggestion.

I think that many people undervalue themselves because no one has taken the trouble to draw attention to their qualities.

A regal allotment Holder

We also had a conversation with an allotment holder in the wonderful and historical allotments that lie within the cathedral precincts.

He was basically standing there not really dressed for work, more like dressed for a party on a very attractive man with a beard and we engaged him along with one other person and asked what he was growing where upon he said he was growing sweet corn and he took the view of farmers where they plant so closely together that other plants don’t have a chance.

He had had the plot for three years and he was very lucky to inherit it from someone who had looked after it carefully. The whole allotment area is sheltered so it has a micro climate which benefits early growth.

An art exhibition on The Green

This was the last day of an art exhibition on The Green by the cathedral entitled iD-artists, ‘Crossing Spaces’ and I went there with the intention of seeking out a couple more artists for my next networking/birthday event which takes place on the  8th of June.

I was lucky enough to find a knowledgeable lady who told me about someone who had a 35 year career as paintings conservator and restorer at the Tate gallery in London and now he is an anti-war and activist artist.

They also told me about someone called Andrew who works extensively with people on the fringes of society to enhance their self-respect and make them feel part of something and thus avoiding lonely and everything that springs  from it.

Meeting with a street musician

I also met someone who was playing an electric piano by the arches leading to the Bishops Palace and because of the respectful way he said ‘thank you’ to someone for giving him money I gave him some more money and a ‘thank you for entertaining us’.

Use the system to everyone’s advantage

So my dear people I hope you can see how intention brings results.

Remember, the average person is shy and will not take the initiative in talking to strangers but they LOVE being engaged and they don’t care if they don’t know you from Adam.

I relish the opportunity of talking to people I don’t know but they have to show even the slightest bit of interest or evidence of brain activity for me to launch out. If so they are in my sights. 

You never need to be lonely

If you are on your own you never need to be lonely or alone because the world is full of people who are more than happy to be talked to or should we say talk to with. You start by something that is very plain and simple and if they want to talk you will know about it very quickly.

When I’m out and about on my own I am not lonely because I look forward and actively seek all opportunities to speak meaningfully with people and there are always people around open for chatting.

There is no exception to this and no occasion, except perhaps first thing out Wetherspoons when I have my breakfast, where I have not interacted with others. 

I understand that people may say  ‘well it’s all very well for him’ but I was one of these shy ones who wouldn’t say boo to a goose as we say and I just had to learn the hard way and indeed the long way about these things. I know there are some people who do have chronic shyness or have an affliction such as autism.

It has taken me many years and they decades to get to my present state and I write this in the hope that I can shorten other people’s learning times in this direction. Everyone has something to learn and everyone has something to teach you no matter what their external appearance is. Ignore it and go for it. If things go wrong you will not explode or die.

Today I had a hit rate of 100%; each time I do it I get better so this is an occupation, completely free of charge, that is guaranteed to enlighten you, to enrich you, and give you lots of nice feelings that you have validated others as human beings and met a new person.

Just do it.