My son came home from school with a cornet last week, thanks to the combined efforts of his amazing school and Frome Town Band. I can’t really say the peace has been shattered – that happened long ago in our chaotic home - but it has added a new level of volume to the chaos. All the same, it’s not as bad as it could have been (the much-requested drum kit for example).
I remember bringing a trumpet home from school at about that age. I had a violin for a week too. Neither stuck. I learned to play piano for around four years, but gave that up too. In fact, I gave up a lot of pursuits over the years, from singing to painting, jewellery design to acting. From my forty-four year vantage point, I can see now that I gave up because I thought I wasn’t good enough, or not as good as others, and therefore open to mockery. What I was missing, what I think we often miss in those years between the innocence of childhood and indifference of
middle age, was the ability just to do something for the simple joy of doing it. To paint because I love colour, to sing because it lifts my spirits, to create for the sake of creating. Now, in my middle years, I am learning to enjoy the process and worry less about the outcome (as can often be seen in my cooking). I feel a bit of a rebel - something not encouraged enough in today’s society.
How wonderful it would be for us all to hold on to, or rediscover, the beauty of the act and not the outcome.
When we have children, we often see ourselves in them. Yet what I see in my son is his enviable difference to me. In all the new things he tries, he is able to be utterly in the moment, enjoying the sensory processes of creating, unselfconsciously free to give everything a go and find joy in the doing. We live in a world of comparison, where achievements are specific, measured and often rather hollow. How wonderful it would be for us all to hold on to, or rediscover, the beauty of the act and not the outcome. And to know that, once you discard the weight of comparison, liberty awaits!
Festive Weaving
Vallis Farm, 14th December, 10:00-12:30 and 13:30-16:00 , £55
The time leading up to Christmas can get rather stressful, so what better than to treat yourself to a nourishing session or two of festive weaving at the beautiful Vallis Farm, creating handmade willow decorations to add an alternative charm to your festivities. There are two sessions, morning and afternoon. If you would like to book the full day you will get a delicious home cooked Vallis Farm lunch included at no extra cost. 10:00 - 12.30: Stars and flat weave reindeer 13.30 - 16:00: Tree decorations and a bird feeder or tiny tree. https://www.vallisfarm. co.uk/events/festive-weaving
A Christmas Carol - The Musical
Merlin Theatre, 6th - 14th December various times, £10/£15
Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly encounters come to life in this lavish and thrilling Broadway adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Following their sell out show of Elf the Musical last year, Merlin Theatre Productions are excited to be back with another hit musical and keeping all things Christmas!
The Broadway hit composer and writers Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors and Seussical) breathe new life into the classic tale and create a spectacular musical adaption of Charles Dickens’ most well-known story. This version is not one to miss!
Frome Town Band Christmas Spectacular
Merlin Theatre, 21st December, 7pm, £10, £4
In what is becoming a lovely seasonal tradition, Frome Town Band brings a multigenerational Christmas Concert to The Merlin Theatre. If previous years are anything to go by you won’t find a more Christmassy Christmas event in town! Enjoy Frome’s very own community brass band, showcasing the players of the future, and come prepared to add your own voice in a singalong selection of carols and traditional tunes. There may even be a visit from a certain bearded VIP!
Christmas Tree Festival
Christ Church Frome
9th~15th December 2024 11am - 5pm daily Admission free
The Festival ends with a one man performance of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol by Pip Utton
The Frome Christmas Spectacular
Cheese & Grain, 19th December, 7pm, £40/£28
The annual cabaret extravaganza that brings a great burst of joy to the entire audience year on year in Frome. This sellout show is a sparkling, dazzling sleigh ride of a cabaret show starring the crème de la crème of the UK’s cabaret, circus, comedy, drag & burlesque scene. Stars include Chris Fitchew, Miss Fallon Dee, Tony Deluxe, Sadiq Sadiq , Louisa Jane, Amazi and Jude Elliott. Be sure to grab your tickets quick!
Carols by the Courtyard
The River House, 22nd December 6pm - 8pm
The annual festive fundraiser for Fair Frome returns to The River House, with carols led by Caroline Radcliffe, Nick Waterhouse, and a host of acoustic musicians. Hot drinks, mince pies and mulled wine make this sing along events the perfect little warm up to Christmas. Free entry, and all welcome!
Arranging Landscapes
Kobi & Teal, open until 31 December 2024
Kobi & Teal’s annual group exhibition, ‘Arranging Landscapes’ features both new and returning artists and makers from across the UK. The show brings together an exciting array of artworks that celebrate form and composition created from diverse perspectives and techniques. A refreshing display of contemporary art, craft, and design. Kobi & Teal are at 57 Catherine Street, Frome. Opening times: Monday, Wednesday-Saturday 10-4.
CHRISTMAS
Made In Frome Festive Fair
Silk Mill, 7th December, 10am - 4.30pm
If you want a big dose of festive spirit then head on down to the Made In Frome Festive Fair, now in its second year, taking place at the beautiful Silk Mill. A brilliantly Frome affair, with truly local makers selling the perfect items for gifting, this is your chance to buy small, buy local and buy unique. This year’s visitors will find quilted waistcoats, for kids and adults, from Wolf Kind, ceramics from Emma Chapman Potter and Annabel Pettigrew, leather work from Badger House, natural skincare by Hibi Botanics, Laura Holden Studio with her beloved cushions and charms, colourful jewellery from Scatter, aromatherapy candles by Self Care Co, wreaths and dried flower goodness from Deadhead, vintage kimono creations from Japonica, neon artwork from Jo Norman, willow work from Mary Cross, stunning wood and Lino cut prints from Ella Clogstoun and whimsical fabric creatures and creations from Izabela Gkagkanis.
Once again the delightful Lucy from Pomona will be there with her beautiful vintage caravan, serving up seasonal goodies including last year’s hugely popular hot buttered rum (it’s incredible), handmade cakes, sweet treats and pulled pork rolls, along with meat free alternatives.
Follow Made in Frome on Instagram @ madeinfrome
Mr Teds presents It’s a Wonderful Quiz
The River House, 5th December, 7.30pm, £5
For a mega one off Christmas special, don’t miss this frantic festive fun fuelled evening of wild quizzy madness. It’s A Wonderful Quiz is the ultimate ‘feelgood’ quiz, starring the incomparable and incomprehensible Mr Teds, widely considered to be one of the most inspirational and beloved quizzes of all time. Tables of up to 6, £5pp for entry to the quiz show & shot. Message, or email info@riverhousefrome.co.uk to book your table.
Windrush the Journey: People & Place
Rook Lane, Open until 18th Dec, 10am - 4pm
A first visit to Somerset of a photo exhibition from Jim Grover, social-documentary photographer based in Clapham, South London. With connections to Somerset, Jim’s particular passion is using images to tell stories. Along with Jim Grover’s photography, the exhibition includes a front room installation from the 1950s, with reminders of the contribution of the Commonwealth, service and sacrifice. Packed suitcases provide an insight into migration and travel, and the exhibition includes a range of interpretation and engagement sessions, plus a guided tour and artefact handling.
CRAFT
An exhibition by Rory McNicols
Palmer Street Bottle, 6th December, 6pm
Join artist Rory McNicols at his first exhibition of paintings, a series entitled CRAFT. This celebrates all artisans – the brewers, the bakers, the candlestick makers (okay, not them). Whether it’s lovingly crafted beers, handmade macarons or expertly made pizzas, CRAFT blends realism and impressionism to celebrate the real artisans out there - the ones who have found their calling through the process of brewing, making, and cooking. Rory is a contemporary artist with a background in illustration, taking inspiration from popular culture, icons, punk rock, film and lighting. Rory now adopts an impressionist approach to building eye-catching compositions (he also paints skateboards!). Chris is taking Christmas commissions and can be followed and contacted via @rorymcnicolart
BY RORY MCNICOL
6.12.2024 /// 6PM
Sculptural hand made ethical jewellery
@emmaaitchisonjewellery www.emmaaitchison.com
The Winter Market at Black Swan Arts
10am - 4pm daily until 31st December
Visit Black Swan Arts this festive season and find the Long Gallery transformed into a glorious Winter Market, bringing together the unique talents of more than thirty local artists and makers. Choose from original paintings, prints, leather handbags and belts, cushions, lampshades, tea towels, handwoven textiles, screen printed linens and T-shirts, stained glass, sculpture, jewellery, handmade toiletries, ceramics, gift cards and knitted and woven scarves and mittens, and you will not only have bought a unique gift but also supported a maker and Black Swan Arts all at the same time!
Dirty Laundry
Christmas Special
Silk Mill, 19th December, 8pm, £10/£14
Live storytelling and spoken word poetry night with open mic. Christmas special, featuring standup poet, rabble-rouser and owner of ‘England’s most pretentious moustache’ – Jonny Fluffypunk. Plus, writer, artist and historian Amy Jeffs, author of Storyland, Wild, and her new book, Saints. Also, a stellar open mic lineup of storytellers and poets. It’s gonna be magic. Prepare to be moved. Surf the buzz all the way to Christmas Day and maybe, just maybe, you’ll be able to stomach your in-laws.
Meet
Listen
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Step into a World of Wonderment
at The Newt
AChristmas Showcase Weekend, visits to St Nicholas and enchanting estate events are just a few of the things to look forward to as the magic of the festive season descends on Somerset.
December is a magical month, as that festive feeling seeps into every corner of The Newt. The heady scent of spiced mulled cyder wafts through the Courtyard, and memorable touches abound from the moment you step into the Threshing Barn. Peek into the magic and folklore of Georgian times with this year’s reimagined Christmas Story, “I Believe in Miracles”, and follow a girl named Apple on a journey through a doll’s house to enchanted forests and candlelit feasts. This very Somerset fairy tale has inspired a world of white enchantment, sprinkled like freshly fallen snow across the estate.
Little ones can race around sculptural sheep searching for clues on a mythical Christmas Trail on the Christmas Showcase Weekend over 7 - 8 December. In a matter of days, the Courtyard will be transformed into a hive of festivity filled with makers, farm fresh produce and wares. Visitors are encouraged to sample everything from Somerset cheese and estate-grown veg to bakery sweet treats and fabulous festive tipples. There’ll be a central Christmas tree, fires roaring and chestnuts roasting, with Bruton Choral Society and Glastonbury Brass providing the heartlifting soundtrack to drop-in activities, Christmas crafting and gift inspiration by the sack full.
Seasonal workshops take a festive turn throughout the month, with foraged decorations crafting, Christmas card creating, and pressed flower bauble making offering perfect pause to get into the festive spirit and bring cheer to your home.
Dark nights and twinkling lights bring a warming atmosphere and set the tone for festive feasting...
The House & Garden and Farm Shop are bedecked with festive foliage, transformed into a treasure trove of heartwarming hampers, gifts, estate produce and treats. If you’re in need of inspiration to tick off your lists, Newt elves will be on hand to signpost their favourite festive picks.
Dark nights and twinkling lights bring a warming atmosphere and set the tone for festive feasting with loved ones and friends. Chefs, bakers, butchers and drinks makers have created celebratory menus at the Garden Café, Farmyard Kitchen, Botanical Rooms. And just a short hop away is The Creamery Station Café and shop at Castle Cary station, which is also open to non-members. If you’re not already a Newt member, it’s the most wonderful time of the year to join!
The Gift of Newt Membership
For a Christmas gift that keeps on giving, consider a Newt Membership for a year. Recipients can experience the estate throughout the seasons, enjoy exclusive hotel spa offers and member only events. Members also receive perks throughout the year, as well as free entry to a long list of Partner Gardens across the country such as the Eden Project, Kew Gardens, Blenheim Palace and The Lost Gardens of Heligan - making the investment all the more worthwhile.
Fancy winning the best Christmas present ever this year? Well, take part in our big fundraising raffle and you will be in with a chance of winning a hamper full of incredible prizes donated by local artists, makers and businesses. All the money raised will be donated to help the vital work of Medical Aid for Palestinians, working on the ground in Palestine in the most unimaginably distressing conditions.
We have new items to add to the already stuffed hamper, including pottery classes from Kim Birchall, cranio-sacral therapy from Jenny Jones, a garden transformation consultation from Evie Pace and preloved goodies from Paddy’s Vintage. We will be raffling off a huge festive hamper, filled with incredible gifts from some of Frome’s best businesses and creatives, including a stunning print of Cley Hill from Chris Pig, a painting from Amanda Bee, a jewellery goodie bag from Marchbank Jewellery, a full skincare gift box from Hibi Botanics, a crate of beer from Palmer Street Bottle, prints from hugely talented artists including Kate Talbot of Hung Drawn & Quotes, Hannah Carding, Polly Harvey, Violet Von Riot, bespoke drawing from Gillian Usher, Pilates session with Restock Pilates, goodie box from Loud Mouth Coffee, and items from Emma Chapman Pottery, Pippa Flack Pottery, Sweet & Wild, Laura Holden Studio, Millie Moon, Hook Me Up, Japonica, The Stores and Geraint Davies. The hamper also contains vouchers for Christina Oswin Jewellery, Postscript, Frome Boulder Rooms, Kobi & Teal, Neighbour Utility and The River House.
Entries cost £10 and you can buy as many as you like. For a full list of items in the hamper, to find out how to buy entries and to be in with a chance of winning the best Christmas present ever, go to https://www. justgiving.com/page/thelistfromefestivehamper.
The draw will take place on 16th December. We are so grateful to everyone for their donations so far, both prices and ticket fee. Thank you!
Britannica All New Children’s Encyclopedia
Hunting Raven
£27
Zaara Porcelain
Teapot in Matt Petrol 0.9L
Cup Of Tea
£38.30
SHOP LOCAL
Frome Rodeo Club Cap
Johnny Szymanski
£45
Concertina Christmas Houses
Card/Decoration
Kobi & Teal / £4.80
Recycled sterling silver & resin
clay Colour Dot Stacking Rings
Colour Designs
Jewellery
£40-£48
Christina Oswin Jewellery
Great Gatsby 1000
Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Hunting Raven
£16.99
Hammered 14ct gold bangle (silver also available)
Marchbank Jewellery
£498.00
The Sea & Star
Collection
Visit us on 6 Palmer street to browse the new Sea & Star Collection, a celestial treasure trove inspired by mythology, the ocean and human kind, making the perfect gift this Christmas.
Available in store, or online. Available in sterling silver or Fairmined gold plated silver. 6 Palmer Street, Frome, BA11 1DS www.josiemitchelljewellery.com
Guy watts originals, prints and cards available at 9 Wine St. Frome. Appointments only. guywatts.com | 07845530572 | guy@guywatts.com
Bespoke framing service included. Plenty stock for you to choose from. LocalDelivery.
Home care and support the way it should be. We care. Our commitment to supporting our care team, ensures you get happy, well-trained carers that guarantee your care and support is done the way you would want it. Whether you or a loved one need immediate support or are exploring options for the future, we’re here to guide you through your care journey.
• Home help and light housework
• Laundry and bed changing
• Shopping and meal preparation
• Trips out / Help attending appointments
• Support with interests / Gardening
• Dementia support
• Hospital discharge support
• Welfare checks / Medication prompting
• Help with admin / IT support
• Respite breaks for carers
• Dog walking / Pet care
• Companionship / Just being there
Frome 01373 452225
Melksham 01225 617779
Trowbridge 01225 754021
Warminster 01985 213350
Westbury 01373 301448
garstonvets.co.uk
The Frome Independent Market
Frome Town Centre, 10am - 3pm
Frome Open Art Trail
Christmas Market
The Bennett Centre, 10am - 4pm
Christmas At Frome Museum
10am - 3pm, free
Friends of Vallis Open House and Garden
Vallis Farm, 9:00 - 15:00. Membership required, £15/yr
Trio Paradis Cafe Concert:
A December Evening
Christ Church, 1.15 - 2pm
Mrs Ted’s presents It’s A
Wonderful Quiz The River House, 7.30pm, £5
Jazz Night The Talbot, 7pm
CRAFT Exhibition Palmer Street Bottle, 6pm
A Christmas Carol The Musical
Merlin Theatre, 7pm, £15/£10
Made In frome Festive Fair
Silk Mill, 10am - 4.30pm
One Day Introduction to Pottery Course
Vallis Farm,10:00 - 16:00. £95
Frome Faerie Fair
Christ Church Hall, 10am - 3pm
A Christmas Carol The Musical Merlin Theatre, 11am (relaxed performance) & 3pm, £15/£10
Song Writing with Jazz Morley
Vallis Farm, 10:00 - 18:00. £100
Frome Record Fair
Cheese & Grain , 10am - 3pm
A Christmas Carol The Musical Merlin Theatre, 11am & 3pm, £15/£10
Christmas Tree Festival
Christ Church, 11am - 5pm
Christmas Tree Festival Christ Church, 11am - 5pm
Christmas Tree Festival Christ Church, 11am - 5pm
A Christmas Carol The Musical Merlin Theatre, 7pm, £15/£10
Frome Festival Fundraising Quiz The Grain Bar, 7.30pm, £4
Friends of Vallis Open House and Garden Vallis Farm, 9:00 - 15:00. Membership required, £15/yr
Christmas Tree Festival
Christ Church, 11am - 5pm
A Christmas Carol The Musical Merlin Theatre, 7pm, £15/£10
Christmas Tree Festival
Christ Church, 11am - 5pm
Burnt Sugar Supper Club
Vallis Farm, 19:00 - 22:00. £45
A Christmas Carol The Musical Merlin Theatre, 7pm, £15/£10
Frome Farmers’ Market
Boyle Cross, 9am - 1pm
Festive Weaving Vallis Farm, 10:00 - 18:00. £55
Christmas Tree Festival Christ Church, 11am - 5pm
A Christmas Carol The Musical
Merlin Theatre, 2pm & 7pm, £15/£10
Stolen Moments - Beautiful
Ballads Rarely Heard
Christ Church, 3 - 5pm, free
Dickens’ A Christmas Carol by Pip Utton
Christmas Tree Festival, Christ Church, 4pm, £10
The Talbot Christmas Quiz
The Talbot, 7.30pm
The frome Christmas Spectacular
Cheese & Grain, 7pm, £40/£28
Dirty Laundry Christmas Special
Silk Mill, 8pm, £10/£14
Wolf Witch Giant Fairy (screening) Merlin Theatre, 6pm, £18/£8
