LocalReach Shepton Mallet December 2023

LOCALREACH SHEPTON MALLET – BA4

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Dec 23 No. 06

GARDENING – page 5 COMMUNITY – page 6 PUZZLES – page 8 KIDS – page 12

BOOKS – page 16 RECIPES – page 19 BUSINESS A-Z – page 20

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Downside

SHEPTON MALLET

West Compton Pilton

Dean

BA4 Evercreech

Wanstrow Upton Noble

East Pennard Alhampton Hornblotten

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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

To Auction or Not to Auction Previously just the domain of properties that were generally unmortgageable or sellers that needed a quick sale, there is now a new kid on the block to offer a more attractive option. If your house has been languishing on the open market, please read on.

In the Traditional Method of Auction, there is exchange of contracts as soon as the auction ends, with the buyer required to pay a 10% deposit and must complete within 28 days. Whilst it is the fastest method of sale, it can limit interest to cash and investment buyers – those with a golden cheque book and access to a big money pot.

However the Modern Method of Auction (MMoA) has now arrived. It provides the speed, transparency and security of a Traditional auction but exchange and completion take place within 56 days from receipt of draft contact. This extended timescale allows more interest as it enables mortgage and first-time buyers to participate.

In the MMoA, the seller only has to find the cost of the Auction pack, and only then if the property sells. Fees to the selling agent and auction house are paid by the buyer. Also gone is only listing in Auction Magazines picked up outside High Street Estate Agents. The property is listed on all the main portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla, so generating interest from buyers drawn to the attractive starting bid (but don’t forget you set the reserve price). The auction period is bespoke to each property listed and the level of interest subsequently generated.

This is just a very brief summary of another avenue to selling your home, especially if you have already found your dream destination. Let me help you get there. To have a chat about the different options around auctions, please contact me 24/7 on 01749 600 339 or visit www.EweMove.com/sheptonmallet To find out what your house is worth now in readiness for when you do decide to sell, by whatever platform, the EweMove website features a free online valuation tool that provides an instant valuation report or use the URL link below.

Your Home SellSell Your Home With Confidence With Confidence With Our Happy With Our Happy Sale Guarantee Sale Guarantee

Sell Your Home With Confidence With Our Happy Sale Guarantee No Minimum No Minimum No No No Sale No Sale Contract Cancellation Contract Cancellation No Fee - No Fee TermTerm Fee Fee Anne Flintham

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100%100% happyhappy with our We’re not happy unless you’re happy... that means you can You won’t findother any other agent Younot won’t findhappy any agent walk away at any point if you’re 100% our service. that canyour sell home yourwith home with our that can sell with our risk-free Happy Sale Guarantee.

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Branch Director

Visit www.EweMove.com/Sheptonmallet Visit www.EweMove.com/Wells EweMove.com/York EweMove.com/York Call 24/7 01749 600339Visit www.EweMove.com/Wells Scan MeScan Me Call 24/7 01749 600339 Call 24/7 01749 600339

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EweMove respects any existing sole agency agreement already in place with another agent.

EweMove respects any existing sole agency agreement already in place with another agent.

EweMove respects any existing sole agency agreement already in place with another agent.

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Garden View This month – The story of The Christmas Hellebore Miracle I love hellebores. Their beautiful flowers in subtle colours brighten my garden at this time of year, hence they are also known as the Christmas rose or the Lenten Rose because they bloom from late winter to early spring. My elderly neighbour was admiring my display last year and asked if I knew the folk story of The Christmas Hellebore Miracle.

Well, I love a good story, especially one related to gardening so I asked her to tell me.

In a forgotten corner of the world, shrouded in perpetual winter, there lay a village with an unpronounceable name. The villagers never knew the warmth of the sun, nor the vibrant hues of spring. Their world was an endless canvas of white, save for a brief season when the Christmas Star would appear in the heavens, casting a faint, ethereal glow.

In the village there lived an old herbalist named Helmi. She was known for her wisdom in healing and her knowledge of plants. But of all the plants, Helmi cherished the Hellebores the most. These rare flowers, also known as Christmas Roses, bloomed in the heart of winter, defying the frost with their resilient beauty.

One particularly harsh Christmas Eve, a mysterious ailment fell upon the children of the village. One by one, they succumbed to a deep slumber, their breaths as faint as the whispering wind. The villagers were stricken with fear and sorrow, for no remedy seemed able to wake them.

In desperation, the villagers turned to Helmi. The old herbalist thought deeply. She had read in ancient scrolls of a forgotten ritual, one that could summon the healing grace of the Christmas Star itself. But to perform it, she needed a bloom from the rarest of all the Hellebores, one kissed by the Christmas Star’s shining light.

Under the watchful gaze of the Christmas Star, Helmi ventured into the heart of the frozen forest, guided only by the star’s gentle luminescence.

Deep within the woods, she found a solitary Hellebore, its petals aglow with a celestial radiance. Carefully she plucked the bloom, whispering words of gratitude.

Returning to the village, Helmi began the ritual.

She crushed the petals of the star-kissed Hellebore and mixed them with many herbs and snowmelt

GARDENING to create a potion of shimmering silver. One by one, she visited all the villagers’ houses, and used the potion to paint a tiny star on the forehead of each sleeping child.

As the potion touched their skin, a miracle unfolded. The children began to stir, their cheeks flushing with life’s warmth. The villagers, once cloaked in despair, now embraced in jubilation.

Their tears, once cold with sorrow, now warmed by relief.

From that day forth, the villagers held a Hellebore festival every year on Christmas Eve with Helmi as their honoured guest. They planted the beautiful resilient little flowers all over the village throughout the year, and every Christmas Eve as the Star returned to the heavens, the villagers hung hellebore wreaths intertwined with stars on the doors of their houses. Then they would gather to sing carols of gratitude and hope, their voices carrying the tale of the little Hellebore that held the light of the stars in its petals and the love of a village in its roots.

Isn’t that lovely? She said that her grandmother told it to her as a child and she’s loved hellebores ever since.

Happy Christmas gardening.

By Rachael Leverton

LOCALREACH COMMUNITY NOTICES Are you a local, club, group, association, charity, school or church?

Would you like to publicise your, news, events and information to your community free of charge?

Then simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and click on the Community Notices page, then fill in the form before 1st of each month. You can also upload a photo or logo. We will then publish in our LocalReach Community Magazines delivered by Royal Mail each month.

Your Community Notice will also appear on our Facebook pages.

Join our growing army of LocalReach Community Editors.

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COMMUNITY

RNLI Winscombe & District Branch Reindeer Run, Sunday 3rd December RNLI Winscombe’s second Reindeer Run will be at 2:00pm on Sunday 3rd December at Winscombe Cricket Club, 31 The Lynch, BS25 1AP. Runners of all standards welcome for a 2.5 Km Santa Santa Trail (Open to all) Adults £12, Juniors £6, Family £32 (2 Adults, 2 Juniors) and a 5 Km Reindeer Trail (Minimum age 11) Adults £16, Juniors £8, Family £42 (2 Adults, 2 Juniors).

Runners are encouraged to get sponsorship, supporters welcome, refreshments will be available. See RNLI.org/WinscombeReindeer or bit.ly/WinscombeRNLI or Tim@moransonline. com or tel 07801 678432.

Christmas. We return on 10th January 2024.

Wells Folk & Barn Dance Club, St. Thomas Church Hall, St Thomas Street, Wells BA5 2UZ Call 01749 674920 or see www.wellsfdc.co.uk

Royal Air Forces Association Mid-Somerset Branch Christmas Celebration Lunch The Branch Christmas Lunch is on Saturday 16th December at 12:15pm in Wells Golf Club, Wells, BA5 3DS. Buck’s Fizz or Fruit Cup followed by a 3-Course Lunch (3 Choices) or 2-Courses (Main & Dessert), coffee and port.

Come for fun, fitness and a warm welcome in a warm hall. Bring a friend or come alone.

This event is open to any RAFA Member, Current and Ex (RAF Personnel and Reserves & Commonwealth Air Forces Personnel), Members of the RAF Family and General Public that support the aims and purpose of RAFA in BS25, BS26, BS27, BS28, BA4, BA5, BA16, TA10 & TA11.

We only have one evening this month, 13th December 7:30pm - 9:30pm, then a break for

Contact rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com or 01458 224057.

Time to keep warm with dance

And the Christmas Number One is…

When I hear the words ‘Christmas Number 1’ I think about Slade’s glam rock classic Merry Xmas Everybody (1973) or Fairytale of New York (1987) or even Cliff Richard’s Mistletoe and Wine (1988). But over the years some…erm… less conventional songs have also made it to the top of the festive charts.

Like Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West) by Benny Hill (1971): An innuendo-heavy ditty of a milkman who falls in love with a widowed customer and later fatally succumbs to a pork-pie-wielding love rival in a dairy-versusbaked-goods duel.

6 | www.localreach.co.uk

Or Mr Blobby by Mr Blobby (1993), a novelty song created as part of a character on the show Noel’s House Party, and which became a surprise hit.

And talking about TV shows, Bob the Builder got in on the act with his eponymous song Bob the Builder (2000) Probably the most unconventional Christmas chart topper though was Killing in the Name by the American band Rage Against the Machine (2009), some 17 years after its original release.

It was adopted by a Facebook campaign and promoted heavily with the ultimately successful goal of blocking X Factor’s winner Joe McElderry from claiming the top spot. It was also the first song to reach the Christmas number one through downloads alone.

The 2023 Official Christmas Number 1 will be announced on Friday, December 22. The full Christmas Top 40 will be counted down on BBC Radio 1’s The Official Chart with Jack Saunders from 4pm.

By Kerrie Connor

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LOCALREACH

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PUZZLES

Across

Crossword

1 Not dangerous (4) 3 Erect, upright (8) 9 Acrobat’s swing (7) 10 Bowl, container (5) 11 Bare, in the buff (5) 12 Appeared, gave the impression (6) 14 Removed impurities (6) 16 Substance, material (6) 18 Indirect route (6) 19 Title, label (5) 22 Type of seafood (5) 23 Indian rice-based dish (7) 24 Lady-love, paramour (8) 25 Assistant (4)

Down

1 Devil-worshipper (8) 2 Thermos / vial (5) 4 Nevertheless (4,2) 5 Mealtime etiquette (5,7) 6 Most snug (7) 7 Touch down (4) 8 Tailor, seamstress (12) 13 Fame, influence (8) 15 Antennae (7) 17 Families, clans (6) 20 Florida city, seaside resort (5) 21 Bathed, moved through the water (4)

Word Search

Mindbenders

candles candy carols chimney Christmas elves fairy

family festive frankincense fruitcake gold holly jolly

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merry mistletoe myrrh nativity presents reindeer rudolph

Santa sleigh stocking tinsel turkey yuletide

Solutions: Turn to page 15

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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

Pride in Whitstone School’s Exceptional Success Whitstone School has a considerable amount to celebrate. Not only have the Year 11 results achieved by students in the summer placed the school as one of the most improved in the whole country, the school is also celebrating one of the best Ofsted inspections seen in recent years within the local area.

This Ofsted inspection report commented on the quality of leadership within the school, the vision of the school for young people and the uniquely strong teaching and learning on offer to all students. There was also recognition that students at Whitstone School study an ambitious and broad curriculum, which has grown in recent years with the introduction of Statistics, Animal Care, Photography, Further Maths and a range of bespoke courses offered for students who benefit from an adapted approach to learning.

Headteacher Guy Swallow has been at Whitstone School for the past 3 ½ years and has overseen a dramatic improvement in the school’s fortunes, leading the ambitious, yet inclusive school, to two years of successive record results and behaviour data which sets the school apart from others in the local area. Mr Swallow commented, ‘I am immensely proud of the progress our school community has made in recent years. Despite the developments we have seen in recent years, we remain a school which is completely committed to knowing each individual student well, supporting them in developing as a young adult and challenging them to achieve the very best they can. I am proud to lead an exceptional staff group, which has subject specialists in every classroom, delivering lessons to classes which we have kept small to ensure the best provision for each child and supported by a strong pastoral team’.

Regular ‘Open Morning Tours’ are offered by Whitstone School, whereby prospective children and their families can visit the school ‘in action’ and observe lessons, meet students and speak to staff. These tours are always popular; to join one, check for upcoming dates on the school website or contact for a bespoke tour with the Headteacher.

Quotes from Ofsted: ‘A happy school community’ ‘Everyone is equal here’ ‘Pupils understand that there are high expectations and are proud of their school’

A community focused academy school in Shepton Mallet ‘One of Somerset’s highest performing schools’ *

Ambition, Respect, Excellence

* Quote from Ofsted

01749 345555 info@whitstoneschool.org www.whitstoneschool.org Whitstone School, Charlton Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5PF

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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

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Incontinence care at Christmas If you experience bladder weakness, Christmas can be an anxious time. Planning ahead can alleviate some of those worries, and enable you to relax and enjoy the festive period.

If travelling long distance by road, plan your route with plenty of stops, or book your train or coach seat with easy access to the toilet facilities. You might find our chair pad a useful addition to your travel items.

A radar key provides access to over 9,000 accessible toilets in the UK in shopping centres, bus and train stations, bars and restaurants. They can be purchased for £5 via Disability Rights UK and are definitely worth that peace of mind.

When staying with relatives, arrange to have a bedroom near the bathroom. Disposable or washable bed pads will improve your confidence and you might also consider using more absorbent products while away from home.

Alcohol can irritate the bladder, making you ‘go’ more frequently and urgently, and also dehydrating you in the process. So keep an eye on the number of units you consume, and make sure you drink plenty of water to counteract the impact.

Foods that contain caffeine or artificial sweeteners, citrus fruits, salty or spicy foods, some dairy products and even fizzy drinks can all worsen incontinence symptoms. You may not need to eliminate these products, just monitor which have an effect on you and consume with moderation.

Order enough supplies: here at Arelle we will advise you of our last delivery date and of when normal service will resume, and we can always advise on your best value buys should you want to order in bulk.

It can help to know that you are not alone and that there are people you can talk to during this time – we particularly recommend connecting with the Bladder and Bowel Facebook group, a safe space to meet other people who can relate to how you’re feeling.

We really hope that incontinence doesn’t take away your enjoyment of Christmas – whatever you plan on doing, we’d like to wish you a happy, safe and well Christmas and New Year

10% off when you sign up to our e-news!

High quality continence care products for men and women For advice, free samples and a brochure call 0800 389 3597 or visit www.arelle.com Based locally in Spaxton, Somerset for over 20 years 10 | www.localreach.co.uk

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COMMUNITY

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‘SOM’ FOR 10%

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KIDS’ PAGE

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LOCALREACH

What an Experience!

Embrace the trend of giving experiences rather than physical gifts

In an era dominated by consumerism the traditional approach to gift-giving has been anchored in the tangible: gadgets, clothes, jewellery, and the like. However, these material possessions, while often appreciated, can contribute to a cycle that emphasizes acquisition over connection. In contrast, the gift of an experience offers a memorable and engaging alternative.

One of the most compelling arguments for experiential gifting is its emphasis on human connection. Experiences, whether shared or given for someone to enjoy solo, have the unique capacity to bring people closer. They create stories and memories that can be cherished and revisited, long after the physical gift may have lost its lustre or fallen into disuse.

Moreover, experiences are inherently more personal than their material counterparts and from an environmental perspective, they leave a much lighter ecological footprint, aligning with principles of sustainability and responsible consumption. And experiences can contribute to personal growth and learning, whether it’s mastering a new skill, discovering a hidden talent, or gaining a new perspective, the intrinsic value of experiences is often educational and enriching.

Here are ten ideas that could make for memorable and thoughtful presents: Cooking Class: Perfect for the foodie or aspiring chef, a cooking class can be a fun way to learn new culinary skills and recipes.

Hot Air Balloon Ride: For those who appreciate a touch of adventure and breathtaking views, a hot air balloon ride is a unique and exhilarating experience.

Concert Tickets: Music lovers would cherish the opportunity to see their favourite artist or band live in concert.

Art Workshop: A session with a local artist or a day at

an art studio can be a wonderful gift for the creatively inclined.

Spa Day: Offer the gift of relaxation and pampering with a day at a spa, complete with massages, facials, and other treatments.

A Masterclass subscription: For the lifelong learners, a subscription to an online platform like Masterclass allows them to delve into a variety of subjects taught by experts.

Theme Park Annual Pass: For rollercoaster-lovers. It provides a year’s worth of fun.

Theatre Tickets: A night out at a play, musical, or dance performance can be a culturally enriching experience.

Wine Tasting Tour: A tour of a vineyard with wine tasting is a delightful experience for wine aficionados.

Adventure Sports Experience: For the thrill-seekers, consider gifting an experience like skydiving, scuba diving, or rock climbing.

Why not gift your loved one an experience this year?

Happy Christmas.

By Louise Addison

LOCALREACH COMMUNITY NOTICES Are you a local, club, group, association, charity, school or church?

Would you like to publicise your, news, events and information to your community free of charge?

Then simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and click on the Community Notices page, then fill in the form before 1st of each month. You can also upload a photo or logo. We will then publish in our LocalReach Community Magazines delivered by Royal Mail each month.

Your Community Notice will also appear on our Facebook pages.

Join our growing army of LocalReach Community Editors.

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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

It’s the most wonderful time to hear…

By Simon Swindells, Director and Clinical Lead Audiologist at South West Hearing Care

There is nothing like the festive season with one social engagement after another. From the Christmas office party, drinks with friends and the buzz of the family gathering on the big day, December is a time for fun and social interaction.

However, for someone with hearing loss, the Christmas period can cause a lot of anxiety.

One in six people across the UK experience some form of reduced hearing, but nowhere near that amount act to improve their hearing. Many believe that they are being a martyr by ‘getting on’ with hearing loss, when actually if you prioritise your hearing, you can nurture relationships with those closest to you.

Hearing aids can make such a difference to someone’s quality of life, especially at this time of year.

Modern hearing aids are much smaller and more discreet than they ever used to be and packed full of amazing features that will help during the festive period.

At a Christmas gathering, directional microphones built into the hearing aids will adapt to pick up sound from in front of you and dampen noise from behind you. Also, nearly all hearing aids have Bluetooth connectivity which means you can enjoy a Christmas film with your family by streaming the audio directly into your hearing devices.

Don’t let another Christmas go by just ‘getting on’ with hearing loss, take this opportunity to look after your hearing health. Booking a FREE hearing assessment is such a simple action, but it can have a huge wealth of benefits.

If you’d like to speak myself or the team for further advice or to book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Street: 01458 555533 | 7 The Bayliss Centre, High Street, Street Westbury: 01373 823076 | 2 High Street, Westbury www.swhearingcare.co.uk

T’is the season to be hearing!

Whether it be the office Christmas party, drinks with friends, or dinner with the family on the big day, don’t allow hearing loss to let you miss a thing.

Book your FREE hearing test with our experienced team, and improve your hearing in time for the festive season.

swhearingcare.co.uk STREET: The Bayliss Ctr 01458 55 55 33

WESTBURY: High Street 01373 82 30 76

Your local, independent hearing care specialists

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We also provide ear wax removal

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COMMUNITY

Dance into New Year with our Scottish Country Dancing Group

We’re a group of female singers singing in 3 parts

Lots to learn and lots of fun to be had as we begin a new term on January 11th. Our classes are held on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at The Blue School Sports Centre, Wells. All ages (over 18) welcome. No experience necessary. No partner needed. However, a reasonable level of mobility is necessary for this lively and sociable activity.

We meet on Thursdays at 7:30pm - 9:00pm in the comfort of my house at Downside.

It is not essential to be able to read music as we learn the pieces thoroughly. Its all very relaxed and full of fun.

Why not come along and see if it’s what you’re looking for.

Don’t hesitate to contact me for further information.

Email: annstilton@btinternet.com

To learn more about Scottish Dancing or to register your interest, call Ann Filer on 01934 740065 or email ann.wellsdancers@gmail.com

Interested in local history - why not join us!!

We’re not just about postcards!! We welcome new members at the Mendip Postcard Club which meets in Wells Town Hall, on the 3rd Monday of each month, at 7:30pm. Our members, & invited guests, give enjoyable presentations supported by postcards, maps & other memorabilia from their collections.

Why not come along & meet us - were a friendly lot, & there’s time for a cuppa & a chat too!! Find us on Facebook to see what’s happening this month - Mendip Postcard Club!

Keep well at home with Age UK Somerset Keeping active is vital for our health and wellbeing.

If for any reason you can’t get out, there’s no need to miss out on your favourite exercise class- you can join in from the comfort of your own home with Age UK Somerset’s online classes.

Specially designed for people over 55, choose from Tai Chi and Pilates.

Find out more here: www.ageuksomerset.org. uk/onlineexercisesessions. Call 01823 345626 or email ageingwell@ageuksomerset.org.uk for more information.

Puzzle Solutions

Mah-Jong: a beautiful game filling you with joy and curiosity The Penscot Inn (Shipham) would like to welcome people to join their regular Mah-Jong group.

Whether you’re a novice, experienced Mah-Jong player or someone who would like to learn to play please come along. My hope is that we can make these enjoyable social evenings playing a game that originated in the Far East.

1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month, 7:30pm start.

Free.

Contact details: mark.trenchard53@gmail.com or phone / text 07815681580.

Mindbender: 1: Rocking around the Christmas tree 2: Last Christmas 3: We three kings

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BOOK REVIEWS

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A Good Read

The Christmas Mystery

by Jostein Gaarder

Gaarder, is an author renowned for weaving intricate philosophical musings into compelling narratives. His best-known novel is probably Sophie’s World, but here he gifts readers with a story, that at its heart is an advent calendar in prose, where every chapter unlocks a door to the mystery of Christmas.

Beginning in modern-day Norway, the tale unravels as young Joachim discovers a magical advent calendar in an old bookstore. As he opens each window, not only does he unveil a portion of the nativity story, but he also follows the journey of a little girl named Elisabet, who somehow travels back in time to Bethlehem. This dual narrative connects the ancient past to the present, reminding readers of the timeless resonance of the Christmas story.

Gaarder’s prose manages to make the vast journey across time and space seem intimate.

The cast of historical figures and the diverse landscapes they traverse offer a panoramic view of human history, all leading to that poignant moment in Bethlehem. Through Elisabet’s innocent eyes, readers experience the wonder, challenges, and humanity that has always surrounded this sacred event.

Beyond its captivating story, the book is also a reflection on faith, hope, and human connection.

While it may appear to be a children’s book on the surface, its layers of meaning will resonate deeply with readers of all ages. I came to it as an adult and love it every bit as much as Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Like Dickens’ work, it serves as a delightful reminder of the profound significance of the Christmas story, and I think it is a must-read during the holiday season.

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The Girl Who Saved Christmas

by Matt Haig

Matt Haig weaves a whimsical, heartwarming tale that blends magic, adventure, and a potent message about the power of hope. Written as a follow-up to A Boy Called Christmas, the story easily stands on its own, inviting readers into a Victorian world where the magic of Christmas is threatened, and only a young girl’s belief can restore it.

Amelia is an ordinary girl with an extraordinary heart. Living in Victorian London, she faces the kind of adversity that could easily douse her Christmas spirit. Yet her unwavering belief catches the attention of Father Christmas. When trolls, elves, and a festive calamity put Christmas in jeopardy, Amelia’s hope becomes the beacon that might save the holiday for everyone.

Haig’s language is imaginative and touching, weaving a rich tapestry of fantasy elements with real human emotions. His portrayal of Victorian London is atmospheric, juxtaposing the city’s grimy reality with the luminous world of festive magic. Amelia’s character development throughout the story is poignant, and readers will be rooting for her every step of the way.

The illustrations by Chris Mould further enhance the narrative, bringing Haig’s world to life and adding visual depth to the prose.

In The Girl Who Saved Christmas, Haig reminds readers young and old of the enduring magic of belief and the strength to be found in hope.

It’s a delightful, touching read that deserves to become a modern Christmas classic.

By Tash Donovan

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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

ACES Have you heard of ACES? It stands for the Acute Community Eyecare Scheme.

ACES is a free service available to all patients registered with a Somerset GP. This service provides patients experiencing recent onset eye conditions, treatment in their local Opticians, without the need to see their GP or go to hospital. Accredited Optometrists in Somerset have the specialist skills and knowledge to carry out this service, and our Optometrists at Eyetech Opticians are accredited.

The following eye Conditions/symptoms are covered by ACES: • Sudden or recent reduction in vision in one or both eyes.

• Red eye(s) or eye lids.

• Pain and /or discomfort in the eyes, around the eye area or temples.

• Recent onset or sudden increase of flashes and/or floaters in one or both eyes.

• Mild trauma, for example a scratch to the outer surface of the eye(s) or lid(s).

• Suspected foreign body in the eye.

• Recent onset of double vision.

• Significant recent discharge from or watering of the eye.

The Optometrist will discuss your eye history, any symptoms you may be experiencing and any related medical history at the appointment and you will have an assessment according to your symptoms. At the end of the assessment, the Optometrist will either suggest a treatment plan and a follow up appointment if required, refer to your GP if your condition is linked to your general health, or refer directly to your local hospital if more serious.

Following your appointment the optometrist will notify your GP about the outcome of your consultation in order to ensure your medical records are updated.

If you are unsure if your symptoms are suitable for an ACES appointment, please call us on 01458 442178 to discuss your concerns.

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A Song Through Time The Enduring Tradition of Christmas Carolling would dance and sing to commemorate the passing of the shortest day of the year, celebrating the impending return of the sun. As Christianity spread across Europe, these customs were absorbed into the Christian traditions, particularly the celebration of Christmas.

The word ‘carol’ originally meant a dance or a song of praise and joy, and carols were not necessarily associated with Christmas. However, by the late Middle Ages, carols became synonymous with the festive season, often narrating the story of the birth of Christ. These early carols were composed in Latin and were primarily sung in churches as part of the Christmas liturgy.

Christmas carolling, the beloved tradition that heralds the festive season, is steeped in history, and has evolved over centuries. It is an embodiment of communal spirit, joy, and the celebration of Christmas through song and verse.

The origins of carolling can be traced back to the pagan celebrations of the Winter Solstice. People

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The tradition of door-to-door carolling began to take shape in the Middle Ages. Carollers, known as ‘wassailers’, would go from house to house, singing and offering good tidings in exchange for food, drink, or money. Wassailing was part of a wider tradition of celebrating the season, which included feasting, drinking, and merriment.

The practice of carolling saw a decline during the 17th century when Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans came to power in England. They frowned upon the frivolity and celebrations associated with Christmas, leading to a suppression of carols and public festivities. However, the tradition did not die out entirely and continued in more subdued forms.

The Victorian era marked a significant revival of Christmas traditions, including carolling. The publication of ‘Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern’ by William Sandys in 1833, along with Queen Victoria’s enthusiasm for Christmas, helped rekindle interest in carols. Songs like God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, The First Noel, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing became staples of the Christmas repertoire.

In contemporary times, carolling remains very much part of Christmas celebrations. Community choirs sing carols in public spaces, churches hold candlelit carol services, and groups of carollers continue the tradition of singing door-to-door.

The history of Christmas carolling is a tapestry woven through centuries of cultural and religious change but the essence of spreading cheer and goodwill through music has remained unchanged.

By Louise Addison

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RECIPE

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Photography and Poetry Competitions.

The theme, ‘Nature Unbound’, is a creative challenge to explore the interaction between the human world, nature, and its recolonisation of landscapes, habitats and abandoned terrain.

Each competition has three age categories, with a money prize for the winner of each: 18 and over £300; 12-17 - £100; and 11 and under - £50.

Once again, award-winning photographer, Jason Ingram, will judge the Photography Competition.

In 2022 he was the Garden Media Guild (GMG) Gordon Rae Photographer of the Year, and the GMG Features Photographer of the Year.

For the second year poet and author, Wendy Pratt, will judge the Poetry Competition. Wendy’s latestpoetry collection, When I Think of My Body as a Horse won the Poetry Business Book and Pamphlet award 2020. Her non fiction book, The Ghost Lake, long listed for the Nan Shepherd prize, will be published in Spring 2024.

For more details, and information about how to enter, visit the Festival website: www.sheptonsnowdrops.org.uk/competitionsphotography-poetry/

Volunteers are desperately needed for our Community Car Service that enables vulnerable people to attend medical appointments out of their local area when they don’t have any other form of transport.

We are looking for people with a full driving license, their own vehicle and spare time on their hands to join our friendly team. We would be happy to chat with anyone interested and answer any questions.

Please give us a call here at Mendip Community Transport on 01749 880613 or via email at chantel.difford@mendipct.co.uk

Shepton Snowdrops - 2024 Photography and Poetry Competition details announced Organisers of the 2024 Shepton Snowdrops Festival are hoping to see another strong global response to their call for entries to the 2024

Tartiflette

Serves: 6 Preparation time: 20 mins Cooking time: 1 hour Ingredients: 1.2kg new/waxy potatoes, we used Charlotte 250 g smoked bacon lardons or diced pancetta 1 large onion, finely sliced 175 ml white wine 1 garlic clove, crushed 200 ml crème fraiche 400 g Reblochon cheese (or substitute), chopped into 2cm pieces

Method: Bring a large pan of water to the boil and cook the potatoes for 15-20min, until just tender. Drain well, rinse briefly under cold water and set aside to cool.

Fry the lardons over a medium heat until they are beginning to turn golden. Using a slotted spoon, lift them into a bowl, leaving any fat behind.

Add the onions and a pinch of salt to the pan, lower the heat and cook gently for 10min, until softened. Turn up the heat and cook until the onions are become golden.

Return the lardons to the pan along with the wine and garlic. Bring to the boil and allow to reduce until most of the liquid has evaporated (about 5 minutes). Set aside to cool to room temperature, then stir in the crème fraîche and add some seasoning.

Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) gas mark 6.

Slice the cooled potatoes into bite-size pieces, then transfer half of the slices to the base of a 2.5-3 litre ovenproof casserole dish. Spoon over half the crème fraîche mixture, followed by half the cheese. Repeat the layers to use up the other half of the ingredients.

Cook in the oven for 20-25min, or until golden and bubbling. Leave to rest for 5min before serving with a green salad.

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