Big Christmas Get-Together!
Frome’s Big Christmas Get-Together is returning for the eighth consecutive year.
This event provides a free Christmas lunch and festive celebrations for about 120 Frome residents who may be alone for all sorts of reasons, or who just want to celebrate Christmas with others. The event brings people together to create a memorable day and provides people with company and good times in a great community gathering.
One of the guests from last year summed up what it meant to them by saying, “I’ve had a really difficult and sad year and was dreading Christmas, so to get such a warm welcome by strangers made me feel very special. I can’t believe that lots of local shops were so generous too. I was so happy to see that people still care.”
Organisers of the event say, “Frome Town Football Club has been the kind hosts for the celebrations for several years now and the event would not be possible without their support and the generosity of over 40 businesses in and around Frome who donate their services or produce to the event. In addition, nearly 200 people volunteer their time in December to make this happen.
“All costs are covered through donations from a phenomenal public response to collections at events like the Christmas Independent Market and the switching on of lights ceremony. This year the Rotary also kindly supported the BCGT with bucket collections at the fireworks show on the 3rd of November.
“The event is free to attend, but places need to be booked in advance. We are working closely with Active and In Touch, Fair Frome, the weekly day centre lunch club and many local groups and community services, to ensure the whole community is welcomed on this special day. Guest forms are available at Frome Library.
“Volunteer positions have been filling up rapidly, but organisers are still looking for a few more volunteers on Christmas day including drivers to pick up guests from, and then back to their homes, help with serving the food, entertainment and carol singers and people to help for few hours with clean-up from 4.00pm.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to be more involved with a worthwhile community project, make new friends and make a real difference to people’s lives at what can be a challenging time of year.”
If you would like to make sure Christmas happens for people who need it, please contact Sam at fromechristmas@gmail.com or through Facebook/ fromesbigchristmas, or on their new website www. bigchristmasgettogether. org. All guest enquiries can also telephone Margaret on 01373 465418 to find out more.
Gift wrap for charity this Christmas
This December new neighbours, Fromie Gifts and The Why Gallery on Stony Street, are collaborating to raise funds for We Hear You, Frome’s cancer counselling charity.
Anything bought in the WHY Gallery from now until the 24th December can be gift wrapped next door in Fromie Gifts for a small donation. Just show your receipt, pop what you are happy to give into the collection box and choose from either: a gift box and tag or recyclable paper and ribbon.
Nicky Bragg, owner of Fromie Gifts said, “Shopping locally has never been more important in today’s economic climate, and charities such as We Hear You are not government funded. It’s imperative to support each other as best we can.
“At the end of the month all donations will be handed over from Fromie Gifts to the charity to help support the great work they do.
“Show you care. Support your local community, and give beautiful presents!”
Shared Christmas Parties
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at The Standerwick Centre at Frome Agricultural Market.
“Shared Christmas parties are the popular choice this year for groups of friends and colleagues, so we have Saturday 8th and Saturday 15th December open for bookings,” says Mrs B’s Catering.
“Book a table or two for your guests and enjoy a Christmas-themed party atmosphere with other groups. You won’t have to worry about a thing, as our professional catering team will take care of the details for you.
“The Christmas package includes a welcome drink on arrival, followed by a festive three-course sit-down meal and entertainment until late from our DJ.”
Tickets are just £28 per person and can be booked by calling 01373 452593 or email office@MrsBsCaring Catering.co.uk.
Tree of Remembrance and Father Christmas float routes
The Frome Lions Club will once again be erecting a tree of Remembrance in front of Rook Lane Chapel over the festive Christmas period, so that people can remember their loved ones or causes special to them.
The people of Frome and surrounding area are invited to make a donation to the Lions club in memory of their loved ones or special causes. The lights on the tree will remember each individual or cause and each donor will receive a personal acknowledgement and the names and causes will be also be displayed at Rook Lane until early January
The tree will be dedicated by the Reverend Colin Horn during a short carol service to which all are cordially invited on Friday 7th December at 6.15pm. Music will be supplied by Frome Town Band and the dedication conducted by the reverend Colin Horn. Following the blessing, light refreshments of mince pies & mulled wine are available. All donations received will be used by the Lions in its local charitable work.
Further details and donation forms can be obtained from www.frome lions. org. uk or you can email Keith.mcLeod@ fromelions.org. uk or clive. smith@fromelions.org.uk
Float Routes
Members of Frome Lions and Rotary clubs are assisting Father Christmas on his travels around Frome and surrounding villages. The float will be making visits across Frome until 22nd December.
Father Christmas would ask that residents are considerate when parking their vehicles on the day of his visit, in order that as many people, young and old can enjoy this long-standing Frome spectacle.
All monies raised will be used by the Lions and Rotary clubs in their local charitable work.
Thursday 6th, from 5.15pm. Wallbridge, Great Western Way, Rivers Reach, Fishers Brook, Garsdale, Portway, Newland Gardens, Victoria Road, Garston Road, Avenue Road, Wallbridge Avenue, Portway, Locks Hill, Buttlers Gardens, Knightstone Heights, Charles Road, Foster Road, Walker Road, Adderwell Road, Knights Maltings, Primose Court Etc.
Friday 7th, from 5pm. Nunney, Berry Hill, Ridgeway, Dalemore Mead, Towards Nunney Catch, Flowerfield Glebelands, Westover, Towards The Bridge, Bridge Street, Horn Street, Towards Holwell, Towards Nunney Catch, To Trudoxhill, Ashfield Close, Towards Marston Bigot And Tytherington.
Saturday 8th, from 4.30pm. Great Elm, Through To Mells. Top Street, Little Green, Down Past School, Mells Park, Towards Vobster, Mells, Longfield, High Street, New Street, Fairview, Then To Buckland Dinham, Higher Street, Rogers Close, Main Street, Church Close, St Michaels Close, Main Street, Lowere Street.
Monday 10th from 5.15pm. Stonebridge Drive, Beaconsfield Way, Laburnam Close, Pine Court, Poplar Close, Gypsy Lane, Briars Close, Larchfield Close, Lavender Court, Mulbery Court, Walnut Walk, Brunel Way, Alder Walk, Holly Court, Birch Walk, Laurel Close, Accacia Drive, Magnollia Drive, Wedmore Close, Somerton Gardens, Charterhouse Drive, Wellow Drive, Foxcote, Shos-combe, Cheddar Close, Priddy Close, Collett Way, Hawksworth, Wainwright, Blagdon Walk, Compton Gardens, Doulting Court, Croscombe Gardens, Stevenson Drive, Trevithick Close, Gooch Close, Chuchward Drive, Dean Close, Braithwaite Way, Sterling Way.
Tuesday 11th from 5.15pm. Vine Gardens, Parkhill Drive, Clumber Drive, Lewis Crescent, Heath Drive, Foxbury Close, Leystone Close, Hawthorn, Leys Lane, Leys Hill, Packsaddle Way, Chapmans Close, Pedlers Grove, Farmhouse Drive, Grange Road, Meadow Road, Champney Road, Fairfield Close, Tankeys Close, Northcote Crescent, Mendip Drive, Selwood Crescent, Mendip Close, Eastleigh Close, Leversedge, Lilly Batch, Sedge Mead.
Wed. 12th – Clear.
Thursday 13th, from 5.15pm. Windsor Crescent, Berkley Road, Fermoy, Clink Farm Court, Forest Road, Pennys Piece, Elmleigh, Nightinggale Avenue, Jay Close, Blackbird Way, Chaffinch Avenue Swallow Drive, Linnet Way, Wren Close, Chestnut Close, Sycamore Drive, Cypress Way, Stonebridge Drive, Aspen Close, Lime Close, Beech Court, Rowan Court, Ashtree Road, Maple Court.
Friday 14th, from 5.15pm. Roddenbury Close, St Johns Road, St Marys Road, Armstrong Road, Boundary Avenue, Wythburn Road, Coronation Road, Monmouth Drive, Winscombe Court, Wynford Road, Wyville Road, Linsvale Drive, Linsvale Close, Whitestone Road, Woodhayes Road, Wivenhoe Close, Bramley Drive, Bartlett Close, Farley Close, Waverley Close, Whichelm Road, Whitehorse Drive, Wayside Close, Westcott Close Ludlow Close, Holmbury Close, Stanier.
Saturday 15th, from 4.30pm. Butts Hill, Slips Close, Newington Close, Water Lane, The Butts, Rossitors Road, Cherry Grove, Lower Keyford, Rossitors Hill, Keyford, Sunnyside, Stevens Lane, Culverhill, The Mount, Austin Close, Southfields, Mountsfield, Feltham Drive, Feltham Lane, Tower View, Aldhelm Court, Mount Pleasant, The Robins, Little Keyford Lane.
Monday 17th from 5.15pm. Spring Gardens, Innox Hill, Lower Innox, Leonards Barton, Mill Close, Welshmill Rd Spring Road, Elliot Close, Wickham Rise, Rosedale Walk, North Parade, Fromefield, Stoneleigh Rise, Leys Lane, Rodden Road, Beechwood Avenue, Beechwood Close, Bath Road, Mendip Lodge Site, Oldford Caravan Site.
Tuesday 18th from 5.15pm. Christchurch Street East, Alexandra Road, Summer Hill, Randolph Road, Singers Knoll, Woodland Road, Keyford, Knights Court, The Cooperage, Locks Hill End At Junction, Locks Hill & Knightstone, Go To Chapmanslade. Through Village, On Way Down To Brimhill Rise.
Wed. 19th – Clear.
Thursday 20th, from 5pm. All Of The Estate Behind Asda, Wallbridge, Harris Close, Waters Edge, New Road, Hillside Drive, Ellworthy, Frome Care Village, Styles Hill, Styles Park, East Hill, Styles Avenue, Styles Close.
Friday 21st, from 5pm. The Butts, The Grove, Cabell Road, Pinmore, Cabell Court, Marston Road, Masons Way, Courts Barton, Barton Walk, Marston Lane, Marston Close, Marston Mead, Cranmore View, Georgian Court, Whitewell Road, Stourton View, Weavers Court Richmand Road, Malthouse Court, Delmore Road, Firwood Road, Whitewell Close. Somerset Road.
Saturday 22nd from 12.30pm Christchurch Street West, Bath Street, Park In Town Centre Leave 2.45pm For Hospital
Saturday 22nd from 3.45pm. Church Street, Frome Road, Warminster Road, Sandy Lane, Sandy View, The Weavers Homefield Close, Goose Street, The Lays, Bath Road, Mill Close, Horse Close, Old Road, New Estate, End Here Go To Rode. Church Street, Orchard Road, Nutts Lane, Marsh Road, Main Road, High Street, Fairfield, Brewery Close, The Mead, Lower Street, Walnut Close, The Mill, Trowbridge Road, Bradford Road, Churchfields, End At The Bell
Pop-up shop sells items from across the globe
MATICO gifts, formerly of Cheap Street, will be holding a pop-up shop over the coming months in Warminster, selling unique pieces from around the world.
Sarah Winter, of Matico, loves to travel and explore the world, bringing back clothing and gifts from talented craftspeople to share with her customers. She sells an eclectic mix of items from South America, Nepal and more.
Her pop-up shop is open now in the Three Horseshoes Walk in Warminster, open from 9am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on a Sunday. The shop will be open until the end of January.
Three hours’ free parking nearby will allow you to browse a range of felt decorations, Indian cushion covers, Nepalese blankets, Indian paper lanterns, Ecuadorian ponchos, singing bowls, hats, gloves, and gifts to suit every budget.
Sarah said, “I want to invite my previous customers from Frome and welcome new customers to come and take a look and pick up something unique and interesting.
“I’ve always traded at Christmas markets every year, but decided this year to come inside and trade in a pop-up shop. Why don’t you come on in for a browse, you may find the perfect Christmas present for that someone special.”
Generosity and Fun: All Wrapped Up In The Town of Frome
The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in the town of Frome as local organisations reach deep to provide Frome Children’s Christmas Party with seasonal gifts.
In time for the whole family to join the celebrations, on 16th December at The Cheese and Grain, the organisers are delighted to thank Frome Town Council, Fair Frome, the YMCA, Lettings-r-us and Harris and Harris for playing their part in the serious business of having fun!
This year’s Christmas Party, which has an open invitation to all the youngsters of Frome, includes a Santa photo booth run by Frome Town Council, to capture those magic, special or just downright silly moments with the little ones. Children can also make their own delicious, healthy fruit-kebabs with the town council, helping them to avoid the early over-indulgence of too much sugar as the inevitable piles of candy canes and tree-chocolates start to arrive for the big day. The town’s Mayor, Richard Ackroyd, shared his thoughts about the day when he said, “It is marvellous to be able to support the Children’s Festival party again. Their programme of accessibility, inclusivity and opportunity for all children is particularly important at this time of year.” Thanks also to the generosity of Frome organisations such as the Rotary and Lions clubs, this also means that entrance to the party is set at only £1 per child. Just turn up and pay on the day.
In addition to the photo booth, there will be sparkly cake-decorating, thanks to Asda and Mrs B’s Caring Catering, plus a cardboard city, dressing-up, music, loads of festive crafts, Santa’s grotto and a whirling world of magic, theatre-play and song from guest entertainer ‘Simon Sky’ of Theatre Space. All this to keep the children enthralled from 10am-2pm and to encourage the grown-ups to join in valuable family playing time too.
Party organiser Sue Willis of Purple Elephant Productions, who run this and all events for Frome Children’s Festival said, “We are so excited about this day. It’s due to the action of organisations such as the council and Lettings-r-us, who have become our latest year-round sponsor, that these activities go ahead. One of our most important aims is to be inclusive and to ensure fun and play is offered to all the youngsters of Frome, in particular those with additional needs.”
The Frome Children’s Christmas Party will be held at the Cheese and Grain on 16th December from 10am-2pm. Any other local businesspeople willing to become sponsors or donors for the party, the Children’s Festival, Sports Festival, activities in the school holidays or the Frome Toy Library are encouraged to contact the organisation via their website www.fromechildrensfestival.org or to email sue@ fromechildrensfestival.org
Fair Frome fundraiser
Lungi Babas (recently mentioned in the Sunday Times) invite everyone to a Winter Celebration Fundraiser at the Silk Mill on Saturday 8th December, 3pm-12am, which will be full of fun, food and folklore!
Organisers say, “This is a family friendly event with games, drumming, storytelling, kid-friendly food and post food activities 3pm-7.30pm
“This will be followed by more adult-friendly food, storytelling, a cosy fire, mulled wine, acoustic music and dancing with dub club in the evening. 6.30pm-12am.
“Tickets are children £6, adults £15 and concessions £12, now available from Loop de Loop (Wed-Sat lunch-times) or through their facebook page and eventbrite – www. eventbrite. co.uk/ e/lungi-babas-winter- celebration-fun-food-and-folklore-fundraiser- tickets-52937483438
“This year we have chosen to raise funds for the fantastic local charity Fair Frome; after a local fire affected our family and community, Fair Frome’s actions have been crucial in supporting people affected. The money raised will go towards Fair Frome community lunches.
“Fair Frome works in Frome with those people most in need of help, and offers practical support, such as ensuring that everyone has access to food, furniture, white goods and kitchen equipment.
“Fair Frome also aspires towards greater financial, educational, social and health equality in Frome and runs projects designed to bring people together from different backgrounds and across generations to find common solutions.
“So come and help celebrate life, love and our community, and support this worthwhile cause!
“Lungi Babas is a Pop up Café, creating delicious, healthy, vegetarian ‘soul food’ with South Indian influence. Our homestyle food is cooked fresh, all from scratch, using whole spices, the six tastes of nature and five colours on every plate! We open Wednesday-Saturday and Independent Market Sunday at Loop de Loop in Market Yard in Frome, cater for private events: weddings, festivals, retreats, parties and community events, and share our knowledge through workshops.”
Cara’s Upon a Winter’s Night Christmas Tour is coming to Frome
one of the most celebrated folk voices to have come out of Ireland, Cara Dillon, will be touring her Christmas show “Upon a Winter’s Night” for a third year running this December – and will bring it to her home town of Frome on Sunday 16th December.
The overwhelming success of previous tours has cemented this magical and memorable festive experience as a firm tradition. Cara and her band will once again capture the mystery of Christmas with a collection of songs ancient and modern providing a welcome reminder that the festive season is about more than commercialism.
There is another side to Christmas – far away from Bing crooning, Noddy screaming and a world apart from Jingle Bells and Santa Baby – it’s a place where the story of Jesus’ birth is retold with genuine wonder and celebrated with the dignity, passion and beauty it deserves. Christmas is one of Cara’s passions as her live show and album prove.
Cara will be joined by her wonderful band who weave Celtic and folksy rhythms alongside reverent and atmospheric carols while Cara holds the darkness at bay with the renowned purity of her voice. Husband Sam Lakeman (piano, guitar) will be joined by Toby Shaer on fiddle and whistles, Ed Boyd on guitar and Luke Daniels on accordion.
With 17 dates throughout England, Ireland and Scotland there is plenty of opportunity for people to catch this uplifting and moving concert, on a tour starting in her native Derry and ending at Suffolk’s celebrated Snape Maltings.
As modest and down-to-earth as they come, Cara admits to being taken aback by the success of her Christmas album “Upon a Winter’s Night” when it reached Number 1 in the Indie Album Charts not once, but twice in 2016.
Throughout an enviable career which has seen her explore opportunities to tread many different paths – from releasing folk crossover albums on indie label Rough Trade to recording a Disney soundtrack and collaborating with leading UK dance DJ/producers – Cara has always chosen to plant herself firmly within the landscape of her cultural heritage.
Holding a position at the very top of the Irish Folk genre, this extraordinary singer has been captivating audiences, winning awards and achieving exceptional acclaim for over 20 years. She has (according to Mojo magazine) “quite possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice”.
See her in From on Sunday 16th December at the Cheese & Grain, 7pm. Tickets £25: Box office 01373 455420/ www. cheeseandgrain.com
Pop up Nativity at Truly Sopel
TRULY Sopel’s Pop Up Nativity will take place on Christmas Eve from 6.30pm till 7.30pm in the entrance way of the shop at 14 Stony Street.
The event will help raise money for the Donkey Sanctuary.
Truly says, “The shop will close at 6pm on Christmas eve, when the lights will go out, candles will burn, hymns will play and we’ll get in character and stay relatively still for one hour. All figures will be represented by our friends, locals and some customers too.
“Come and see our fun, live display recreating the Nativity scene – it’ll be lighthearted and heartwarming. We hope to raise money for the Donkey Sanctuary who rely entirely on donations so they can provide the best lives for the donkeys in their care).
“The event will last for one hour. Bring your children and take photos and feel the joy this Christmas.”
Christmas Fayre and movie afternoon at Gracewell of Frome
Gracewell of Frome, on Welshmill Lane, have some festive activities planned for the month of December to get their residents in the Christmas spirit.
The team has organised a Christmas Fayre on 8th December and a Christmas movie afternoon on 16th December.
Everyone is invited to attend an afternoon of fun festivities at the home’s annual Fayre on the 8th – from 11am. Frome town mayor, cllr Richard Ackroyd, will be attending and opening the fayre, and there will be mulled wine, mince pies, a lucky dip, festive stalls and a Christmas raffle.
Gracewell of Frome will also be holding a Christmas movie afternoon for the residents and representatives from Contact the Elderly, who have also been invited. The movie day will be held in Gracewell of Frome’s very own cinema and tea and ‘naughty’ hot chocolate will be served after the movie, in the home’s bistro.
For more information about the Fayre, please get in touch by calling Gracewell of Frome on 01373 486716.
The Osmonds – Rockin’ Christmas!
Just as the name Osmond is synonymous with music, they are also known for their TV Christmas specials since the early 1970s. Performing songs from a career spanning over six decades, join Merrill and Jay Osmond at the Cheese & Grain this month for a Rockin’ Christmas show.
The Osmonds are still as active now as they ever were and still fronted by Merrill and Jay.
The Osmond Brothers – Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay – recorded their first record album in 1963 and since that time, with the addition of Donny, Marie, and Jimmy, collectively and individually, the family has had approximately 200 albums released.
The Osmonds have had a phenomenally successful recording career, having sold over 100 million albums worldwide and 59 gold and platinum award records to their credit. Their 1974 hit, ‘Love Me For A Reason’ (written by 70s’ hitmaker, Johnny Bristol) went global again over 20 years later, when covered to huge success by Boyzone.
From the start, The Osmonds knew that variety was their key to a successful recording career and they have covered just about every music genre imaginable, including barbershop, pop, rock, disco, country, gospel, Broadway, swing and jazz. In addition, they have recorded in eight different languages – Swedish, Japanese, Samoan, German, Spanish, French, Latin, and of course, English.
The Osmonds’ first big hit ‘One Bad Apple’ recorded on MGM Records, went straight to No.1, staying at that peak position for six weeks.
Merrill found success on his own and recorded several solo projects as well.
Jay fronted the band with the global hit ‘Crazy Horses’ (their biggest international hit) a song ahead of its time written by the band about pollution. The Osmonds have also proven to be very talented and successful songwriters, and have penned a majority of their biggest hits – including ‘Down By The Lazy River’, ‘Let Me In’, ‘Goin’ Home’, ‘The Proud One’, ‘I’m Still Gonna Need You’, etc.
With each album recorded, The Osmonds’ talents and abilities continued to grow musically and they still know how to touch the hearts and souls of their fans. No other musical group or family can match their harmonies. Through it all, The Osmonds have never stopped recording and continue to experience great success worldwide! The best is only yet to come!
The Osmonds come to Frome on Friday 14th December with a show organisers say will get you out of your seats and will be a show that you can bring the whole family to.
Tickets are available from www.cheeseandgrain.com.
