Commissioners

Harbour Office Opening Times

Summer
Monday – Friday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Winter
Monday – Friday
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday
9:00 am – 10:00 am

The Harbour Master, or staff on duty, will be present on the tide during peak season (beginning of June to end of August).  For the remainder of the year (September to end of May), a VHF listening watch will be maintained.

Emergencies

For emergencies in or around the harbour and coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.  At sea, call Humber Coastguard, VHF Ch.16.

The Wells Harbour Commissioners (WHC) originated under an Act of 1663 in the 15th Year of Charles II reign, an Act for repairing and better preserving the quay, creeks, channel and landing place of the Port of Wells in the County of Norfolk.  Today, the work of the WHC is regulated by central government.  All commissioners are volunteers and receive no payment for their work.  The revenue from the services offered by the port is used entirely to finance the port’s management and development.

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Mel Catton

A Wells businessman and resident for 50 years and Chairman of the Carnival Committee for 25 years. Mel is passionate about keeping Wells as an idyllic seaside resort while recognising the need for change to allow the town to move forward. Appointed Chair in January 2021.
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Robert Ellis

Moved to Wells in 1976 as a Police Constable and Sergeant, serving the community for 30 years, and was heavily involved in the 1978 floods and the aftermath. A member of Wells Sailing Club and recreational harbour user and boat owner since 1978.
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Nicholas Groom

From a long standing Wells family, Nicholas is semi-retired from an operations management position with a national Telecoms company. He now runs Wells Harbour Tours, and has experience of operations and construction. Appointed in January 2018.
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Denys Hickey

Denys has over 40 years experience as a maritime lawyer in cases involving ports and offshore construction, with experience of dredging and port safety. He has been a senior partner in a London law firm and, more recently, a barrister and maritime arbitrator. Appointed January 2018.
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Sally Wynne

Sally is a Speech and Language Therapist, born and brought up in Wells. After bringing up their 4 children in Norwich, she and her husband have returned to Wells. She sails 12m Sharpies as a member of Wells Sailing Club. Appointed January 2021.
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Liam Pink

Liam is a commercial vessel master, who grew up in Wells. Most recently Liam established Curlew Coastal Charters, operating out of Wells Harbour. Liam has a special interest in the Wells’ Maritime history. Appointed as commissioner in 2023
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Karen Jones

Karen was born and raised in Norwich and now lives and works as a Global Events Director in Wells with her family. Alongside Karen’s freelance work Karen is most passionate about communicating and celebrating all that is 'Wells to the World’. Appointed in January 2023.
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Adrian Dwyer

Adrian has sailed in Wells since retiring from the Army; moving to join family in Wells in the early 1990s. He is a passionate supporter of the heritage harbour and the working port. His professional background is in risk management.