On Wednesday May 3rd, at The White Hart in Midsomer Norton, there will be a memorial celebration of local legend Reg Mann, who sadly died in February, aged 91.

Many of the Journal readers will remember him as the colourful character who ran The Wine Bar in Midsomer Norton for nearly 12 years in the 1980s and ’90s.

He championed live music locally, and started many musical careers off in this area.

Before that he ran folk clubs and festivals in Bristol, subsequently introducing Norton music lovers to many of the acts that he had put on there.

After he left The Wine Bar (originally Reg’s Vine and Victuals and latterly The WunderBar - sadly now closed) he ran a chip shop in Wells, The Island Tea Rooms and B&B in Norton, a greengrocers in Shepton Mallet and then came back to Norton to run another greengrocers - and this was in his 80s! After that he did deliveries for a local pharmacy until very recently.

He had an amusing business card, full of his sense of fun, which listed many of the jobs he’d done over the years (some a little tongue in cheek) - including builder, painter and decorator, jersey farmer, pigman, newt dealer, banana cutter, peanut vendor, poacher, Father Christmas – and so many more!

He continued breeding and keeping his beloved birds, selling their eggs outside his home and growing many vegetables in his garden which he generously gave away to those people lucky enough to know him.

In more recent years he developed a passion for bowling and felt very frustrated when lockdown prevented him going to the club.

He never gave up, always with an idea of how he could make money, always building things, always on the go, ever the optimist!

Musicians have much to thank him for here in the West - he did so much for the local music scene and gave many a budding young musician their first gig.

Anyone who would like to come and celebrate his life is welcome to join the memorial evening, where he will be remembered, songs will be performed, memories and anecdotes shared and a glass or two raised!

The evening starts at 7pm and there will be a short informal ceremony, followed by a scattering of his ashes in The River Somer (for those who wish) and then music from performers whose lives he touched.

If anyone wants to contribute to the night please contact Helena by email [email protected] or by calling 07970 391543 before 1st May.

Helena said: “Please join us at The White Hart, Midsomer Norton on Wednesday 3rd May at 7pm to celebrate the late Reg Mann, and all he did for live music in this area!

“If you would like to perform a song, tell an anecdote, or share a memory of Reg, please contact me. We have a PA and will have a short ceremony where we will scatter Reg’s ashes in the River Somer. Then we’ll raise a glass or three to this wonderful local legend, enjoy some music and share some memories.”