Somerset Guardian and Radstock Observer - 06 November 1931

ESCAPED INJURY AFTER 30-FEET FALL

BUCKET RESCUE

So great was the presence of mind of an 11-year-old boy, when he fell down a 40ft. well at Paulton on Friday, that when rescuers at the top shouted to him, "Are you all right ?" — fully expecting him to be unconscious — he replied: "Yes, thank you; would you please send the bucket down for me?"

The boy was Stanley Chamberlain, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Chamberlain, of Southampton, who are staying at the Winterfield Inn, Paulton, with Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Dando.

The sides of the well are rough, and there is 10ft. of water, the surface of which is 30ft from the top of the well. Young Stanley's escape, therefore, was miraculous, for he did not even suffer a superficial injury.

The cool-headed youngster, after returning from his prison, had a hot bath, followed by a hearty tea.

Feet Wedged in Stones.

Stanley had apparently been drawing water from the well, which is near the Inn. The boy was observed at the well by Mrs. Gibbs, who saw the wooden cover close with a bang. At, the same time she heard someone shout "Mother!"

Mrs. Gibbs fetched Mrs. Martin, who was also staving at the Inn, and on lifting the cover the boy was seen 30ft. down, above the water level, with his feet on the rough stones on either side of the well.

He had fallen into the water, and on coming to the surface secured a hold on stones jutting out of the wall. He was trying to clamber up the shaft when his predicament was discovered.

Mr. Ernest Dando and others, including Mr. Pickering and Mr. Hunt, let the bucket down by the windlass and hauled the lad to safety.

During the ascent the youngster had the presence of mind to grip his feet into the stones on either side, so that he would not be injured by being dashed against the well wall.