The List Frome - December 2021 by The List Frome

Frome Musical

DECEMBER 2021

Magical Christmas Markets

Artists & Makers Of Frome with Printmaker Chris Pig

PANTO TIME! Dick Whittington

YO U R G U I D E TO E VE RY TH I N G FR O M E

ISSUE 129

Theatre Company present

ISSUE 129 DECEMBER

Rose Langley

ith Christmas on its way, the topic of presents in our house

out and replaces the sound of my voice with the theme tune for Danger Mouse. But I shall

has been much visited. Like most kids, my five-year-old thinks of the festive period mainly in terms of gain, and we talk endlessly about what he will ask Father Christmas for, what will be in his stocking, will he get chocolate coins, can he finally watch The Snowman again. I get it – I was the same at

persist because, whilst we are not a religious family, Christmas is so special for me, for all the aforementioned reasons, and more. The festive rituals in which we partake fill me with a cosy nostalgia and transport me back to magical Christmasses of my youth. I don’t remember what presents I got, but I can remember singing carols in the cold air with my cousins, making gingerbread houses on my grandmother’s dining table, tying the shoelaces of my relatives together under the table, and listening to the half-cut grownups singing Ain’t Misbehavin’ while my grandma played the piano, cigarette in mouth, glass balanced precariously on the top. In my teens we always had extras – friends who needed somewhere to stay. My parents were openarmed, and everyone got a stocking. We would go round and see the older people in our village. Major Hardy is the one I remember. I thought he was magnificent.

In what have now been officially coined ‘Mummy’s Moral Moments’ in our house, I attempt to discuss gratitude for what we already have, his age. But now, as a parent, I am duty bound to at least try and teach my son that there is more to Christmas than just the receiving of all the things you want. In what have now been officially coined ‘Mummy’s Moral Moments’ in our house, I attempt to discuss gratitude for what we already have, the joy that comes with receiving handmade gifts (unless you receive one of mine – the year of hand-stitched felt slippers shall never be forgotten), of giving to those less fortunate than yourself, of seeing family and friends, singing carols, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and on and on I go as he zones

» The List Recommends » Christmas Markets » Cover Story » Food with Folk » Festive Gift Guide

4-9 10

Merry Christmas to you all.

Design: blackinkstudio.co.uk Front cover: FMTC Copy deadline for the January issue: December 17th

16 - 17 18 20 - 29

» Artists & Makers of Frome

30 - 31

» Home & Garden

32 - 37

» The Fossil

I want to pass on my love for Christmas to my son. Because, if he can learn that it is about more than presents, that it is about people and memories, gratitude and generosity, he might just learn to be as soppy and nostalgic as his old ma.

Published by Rose Langley, trading as Make a List Publishing, Sole Proprietor Editor Rose Langley 07957878717 rose@thelistfrome.co.uk . thelistfrome.co.uk *The publishers shall not be liable for any loss occasioned by the failure of an advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions or misprints.

» the list recommends « Cara Dillon, Upon a Winter’s Night Cheese & Grain, 19th December, 7.30pm Cara Dillon, possessed of one of the most celebrated folk voices to have come out of Ireland, will be performing her Christmas show Upon a Winter’s Night in her home town of Frome this December. This magical and memorable festive experience has become a firm annual favourite for Cara’s fans, and this year, along with her band, she will once again capture the mystery of Christmas with a collection of songs ancient and modern.

Christmas with André Rieu Merlin Theatre, 19th December, 2pm The King of the Waltz brings you a festive spectacular from his newly created Winter Palace in his hometown of Maastricht. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season while singing and dancing away to lovely Christmas carols, romantic waltzes and beautiful melodies like Jingle Bells, O Holy Night, Hallelujah, a show-stopping performance of Walking in the Air and many more! Marvel at the magnificent palace decorations, including 150 beautiful chandeliers, over 50 Venetian candelabras and huge arched windows revealing a joyous wintery landscape including ice rinks and ice skaters. 4

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Exposure – Black and White Fine Art Photography Exhibition The Old Chapel, 21st Nov – 20th Feb 2022 In this latest exhibition at The Old Chapel, Maiden Bradley, British photographer Richard Andrew Spencer debuts with his first solo exhibition Exposure, presenting a collection of previously unseen landscape, figure and still life studies from his Black Sphere series, a continuous body of work which began in 2006. The gallery is open on Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment Monday – Friday. For more information, please visit www.36-nine.com

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A L E X I S TAY L O R (H O T C H I P) DJ SET

C H E E S E A N D G R A I N .C O M M A R K E T YA R D . J U S T I C E L A N E F R O M E . B A11 1B E

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LONDON AFRICAN GOSPEL CHOIR

THE SILK MILL COLLECTIVE

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N E W Y E A R S E V E PA R T Y WITH SOS ABBA TRIBUTE

4 -5 December 10am - 5pm F R I DAY 31 D E C | 8 P M D O O R S £ 17 A DV (+ S E R V I C E C H A R G E )

The Gallery, The Silk Mill, Merchants Barton, Frome BA11 1PT

T HE SIL K MIL L COLL EC T I V E

CHRISTMAS ART FAIR 4 - 5 December 10am - 5pm

paintings jewellery fashion ceramics photography drawing printing

The Gallery | The Silk Mill Merchants Barton | Frome | BA11 1PT

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» the list recommends «

Wind in the Willows

Untold Stories

Merlin Theatre, 8th – 11th December

Round Tower Gallery at Black Swan Arts, 8th – 19th December, 10am – 4pm

This riotous comedy follows Mole, Rat, Badger and the impulsive Mr. Toad, whose insatiable need for speed lands him in serious trouble. With his beloved home under threat from the notorious Chief Weasel and his gang of sinister Wild Wooders, Toad must attempt a daring escape, leading to a series of misadventures and a heroic battle to recapture Toad Hall.

The exhibition features work by textile artists CQ West, a group of like-minded people who are striving to promote excellence within the contemporary and art quilt world. The group started in 2012 as Contemporary Quilters West, and recently changed their name to reflect the dynamic and more diverse nature of artists’ work. Each artist presents a small collection of new work, capturing a point in Full of humour, wit, a gorgeous, soaring score and tower time their own creative story. www.blacksw galleries | round | in studios | shop | cafe Registered Char heart-warming lessons of friendship, The Wind 2 Bridge Street,in Frome BA11 1BB | 01373 473980 the Willows is the perfect way for families to kick OPEN: Mon - Sun 10am - 4pm, FREE ENTRY start their festive season!

The London African Gospel Choir perform Graceland Cheese & Grain, 9th December, 7.30pm Over thirty years after its release, the London African Gospel Choir, perform Paul Simon’s iconic ‘Graceland’ album at the Cheese & Grain. This 17-strong ensemble will be live, delivering the Graceland album from start to finish. After coming across a bootleg cassette of South African township music in the early 80s, Paul Simon was totally smitten by the infectious and irresistible rhythms. He travelled to Johannesburg, spending two weeks there, recording with the cream of South African musicians. That epic session went on to form the basis of Simon’s most commercially successful album ever – Graceland. 6

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The London African Gospel Choir is a collective of African singers, musicians and dancers. They have quite literally performed with everyone who’s anyone, including Annie Lennox and John Legend, as well as gaining plaudits from Paul Simon himself.

MARK K AR ASICK E NCAU STIC WORKS 16 N O V - 24 D E C 2 0 21

T O G E T H E R AG A I N 2 0 N O V - 5 D E C 2 0 21

UNTOLD STORIES 8 - 19 D E C 2 0 21

www.blackswanarts.org.uk Registered Charity No.292463

galleries | round tower | studios | shop | cafe

www.blackswanarts.org.uk

2 Bridge Street, Frome BA11 1BB | 01373 473980

Registered Charity No.292463

OPEN: Mon - Sun 10am - 4pm, FREE ENTRY

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» the list recommends « Oakfield Choir Christmas Concert 11th December 6pm & 8pm An atmospheric and festive evening from Oakfield Choir as they perform Handel’s Messiah highlights with traditional carols in two short concerts, to allow for social distancing bubbles. In their first concert since December 2019, the choir perform in Holy Trinity Church, at 6pm and again at 8pm to allow for the church to be cleaned between performances. Tickets available via ticketsource.co.uk/ocf

Light at Marston Park Bruce Munro’s world-famous light installation opens at Marston Park A spectacular exhibition, perfectly timed for the darker nights and festive season, Light at Marston Park is an immersive light exhibition by internationally acclaimed British artist, Bruce Munro. To date, Bruce’s ephemeral light-based works have featured in urban landscapes and remote rural areas around the globe. His world famous Field of Light, which illuminated Uluru in Australia, as well as the Paso Robles wine country in California, has now come to Somerset. This new collaboration with Marston Park signifies a homecoming for Munro, who lives at his 16th-century barn studio just 10 minutes away in Long Knoll, Wiltshire. The exhibition runs until April 2022. 8

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Christmas at the River House Celebrating their first Christmas in their new home at Black Swan Arts, the River House are making things fabulously festive with a range of feel-good events. Starting on the 2nd December with The Little Flower Co, you can enjoy a wreathmaking workshop, with mulled drinks a-plenty and a beautiful wreath to take home. Spaces are limited and booking is essential, so email info@ riverhousefrome.co.uk to confirm your place. Then sip and sing on Friday 17th December for Carols and Cocktails in the Courtyard with Frome’s Songbirds. 8pm start time, free entrance and all ages welcome! This year also sees the return of the infamous River House 12 Days of Cocktails, offering up 2 for £12 cocktails over the 12-day lead up to Christmas. It’s time to get seriously cosy at the café!

CALL TO

ARTISTS Submissions open from January 2nd - February 27th

TO REGISTER ONLINE GO TO

www.frome-open-art-trail.co.uk

Open * ART *

TRAIL 2022 JULY 2nd-10th (11am-5pm)

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Christmas MarkeT

here is nothing more festive than a Christmas market, that heady mix of mulled wine, good cheer and the chance of buying a unique Christmas gift. Here is our guide to the best in our area. The Frome Independent – December 5th The final Frome Independent Market of the year is always special, with stalls selling mulled wine, carols sung by Frome choir Songbirds and a host of stalls, perfect for present buying. Find handmade gifts from designers, makers, craftspeople and artists and vintage and antique finds at the flea. You’ll find food stalls along Market Place and up Stony Street, and Somerset Farmer’s Market at the bottom of Cheap Street. 10am – 3pm - Frome Town Centre. thefromeindependent.org.uk Makers’ Yard Christmas Art Market – December 4th The Christmas Art Market will be held at Makers’ Yard and will feature a variety of contemporary artists, makers and designers from across Somerset. Visitors will be able to buy Christmas gifts from their favourite local businesses while discovering new or emerging makers. They will be able to indulge in the festive atmosphere whilst grabbing a bite to eat and a warm winter drink. 2 – 7pm, Makers Yard, 27 Lower Keyford, Frome. makersyard.co.uk Windsor Wonderland Christmas Market – December 12th Showcases produce and gifts from local makers and food producers and brings them all together in one place at this lovely rural setting. Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus will be swinging by between 12 - 5pm to see the local children and to give them a gift (Book via website) 12 – 8pm - Rock Farm, Shepton Mallet thegoodlifeprojects.co.uk

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Ch r i st ma s Ma rket s

Black Swan Arts Festive Makers Market – December 3rd The perfect place to find a host of interesting artisans and makers, Frome’s arts centre will open late for this event, including the gallery shop, courtyard, studio shops and River House café. The courtyard will be decorated and there will be live music to add to the festive atmosphere. 4 – 8pm – Black Swan Arts, 2 Bridge Street, Frome, blackswanarts.org.uk Cheese & Grain Christmas Gift Market – December 5th & 19th Frome’s largest indoor venue hosts two festive markets this month, featuring a wide array of brilliant gift ideas from local artists, craftspeople and producers. The Grain Café Bar will be open for refreshments and lunches. 9am – 2pm – Cheese & Grain, Market Yard, Frome, cheeseandgrain.com Silk Mill Collective Christmas Fair - December 4th – 5th The Silk Mill Collective are having a two- day Christmas Market in the gallery and courtyard of the Silk Mill. The artists and makers will be showing a diverse and beautiful collection of paintings, jewellery, fashion, ceramics, photographs, drawings and prints. The Gallery will be decorated beautifully, to help get you in the Christmas spirit! 10 am – 5pm, The Silk Mill, Merchant’s Barton, Frome. silkmillcollective.co.uk Frome Christmas farmers Marke – December 5th, 11th & 19th Somerset Farmers Market with be running three events in Frome this December. Their usual dates at the Frome Independent on the 5th and the monthly market on the 11th will be followed by a special Christmas market on Sunday 19th, just in time to get stocked up with the very best local produce in time for the big day. With exciting food producers, including brewers, chocolate makers and bee keepers, locally produced Christmas gifts, festive entertainment and even a sprout tree or two. Times vary - Cheese & Grain, Market Yard, Frome somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk

light at

NOW OPEN Field of Light by internationally acclaimed artist, Bruce Munro, comes to Somerset. His world famous ‘Field of Light’, currently illuminating Uluru in Australia, as well as Paso Robles in California, is now coming to Somerset. Immerse yourself in thousands of glowing stems planted along the lake edge and through the woodland.

www.marstonpark.co.uk/light info@marstonpark.co.uk | 01373 48900 Marston Park, Tuckmarsh Lane, Frome, Somerset, BA11 5BP

Hampers & Jamon Festive delights from Lo Rapitenc

fter opening its doors on Cheap Street in October, Lo Rapitenc has quickly become part of Frome’s exciting foodie scene. This brand new Spanish deli sells a wide selection of tasty treats to eat in and take home. It is run by Marc, who grew up on the coast in Spain and is a passionate advocate of the food from his home country. This December, Lo Rapitenc will offer Christmas hampers (perfect for the food-obsessed friend or relative) in reusable jute bags. The hampers cost £35 and £65, depending on size, and will showcase some of Marc’s favourite deli produce. This includes the celebrated jamon iberico, a melt-in-the-mouth delicacy which is made from free range pigs who feed on wild acorns. Hampers will also include some Ortiz fish from the Cantabrian coast of Spain, which is now greatly prized throughout the world. It’s caught using traditional methods and preserved in olive oil, and brings a whole new meaning to the idea of tinned fish. It can be served as a complete tapas dish in its own right. Hampers can be ordered and

collected in store up until Christmas eve. Individual items also make brilliant stocking fillers, such as a tapenade, sherry or onion marmalade. “We have had a real rollercoaster since opening, we were so busy and warmly welcomed and then we had to close due to Covid,” says Marc. “We are now open, Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 5 pm and Friday till 10 pm, and are very grateful to our lovely customers for their support.” December will also see the start of special events at Lo Rapitenc, including: Deli Tasting Table, 4th December, 4-6pm: This will be a chance to sit with Marc and learn about some of his favourite products available at the deli, and to try them too! £20 per person without alcohol, £35 with alcohol. Pre-booking essential. Market Sunday, 5th December: Marc and team will be serving their market special chorizo rolls served with slow cooked onion, alioli and rocket in a brioche roll. New Years Eve Supper, 31st December, 8-11pm A luxurious set menu to begin your celebrations – including a glass of Cava on arrival and steak cooked in iberico fat . Please contact us or drop in for the full menu . Pre-booking essential .

Lo Rapitenc is a Spanish deli and a tapas Bar. Selling a selection of amazing products and serving delicious tapas. @lorapitencspanishfood @lorapitenc_frome 21 Cheap Street, BA11 1BN , Frome

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www.retributiondistilling.co.uk Distilled and bottled in Frome, Somerset

O pe n Mon d ay - Satu rd ay 33 C at h e rin e H ill

AFFORDAB LE FINE ART DIREC T FROM LOC AL MAKER S Annemarie Blake • Hans Borgonjon Tess Chodan • Anny Colgan • David Daniels Phaedra Politis • Rebecca Wordsworth

SHOP ONLINE AT

w w w. owl ga l l er y frome . co. uk

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STILL LIFE GIN CATHERINE HILL’S NEWEST RESIDENT

rome is wellknown for its amazing variety of businesses, and Catherine Hill newbies Still Life Gin will be upholding this reputation when they open their doors this December. Still Life Gin was created by husband and wife team Geoff and Sam Lodge, both with a background in engineering, who decided to follow their fondness for alcohol and swap spreadsheets for spirits. “For us, gin production is where art meets science,” says Geoff. “Whilst our scientific side comes to the fore in the distillation process, the art is in blending the botanicals

post distillation to create the perfect gin – and it’s this that customers will be able to do themselves from spring next year.” Geoff and Sam plan to launch their first gin ‘Exposure’ at the December Frome Independent market from their shop on Catherine Hill (next door to Moo and Two). “It’ll just be a pop-up shop initially, but we’ll be selling our brand new gin, some Christmas hampers and a hot spiced gin and apple punch to keep customers warm on the day,” says Sam. Next spring, Sam and Geoff will officially open their ‘lab’ on Catherine Hill. Here, in just a few minutes, customers will be able to design and blend unique gins, with flavours balanced to their individual palates. To keep up to date with events and opening dates at Still Life Gin, you can follow them on Instagram @stilllifegin or go to stilllifegin.com.

our blend, ready now

your blend, coming soon

26 Catherine Hill

gin lab open spring 2022 www.stilllifegin.com

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AUSTRALIAN INFLUENCED CAFE superfood smoothies, cold press juices, river roasters coffee, poke bowls, bROTH bowls, acai smoothie bowls, sweet treats.

Your Local Independent Sandwich Shop

we are selling katsu curry + our wonderful chai lattes at the december independent market - come find us opposite ellenbray. private catering available nooktheshop.co.uk

01373 471368

Take away gourmet hot and cold sandwiches, snacks & coffee. Tuesday - Friday 10am - 3pm Saturday 10am - 2:30pm Market Sundays 10am - 3pm

14 king st frome ba11 1bh @nooktheshop TUE-sat 8:30-4

3a Stony Street, Frome, BA11 1BU 07814 593989 @hamper_sandwich_shop

8 -10 DECEMBER 7PM 11 DECEMBER 10AM, 3PM & 7PM THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS 19 DECEMBER - 2PM ANDRE RIEU: CHRISTMAS WITH ANDRÉ 6 JANUARY - 7PM ANYTHING GOES

CHEESE & GR AIN  FROME S U N D A Y 19 T H D E C E M B E R 10 A M 2 PM

01373 465949 merlintheatre.co.uk Bath Rd . Frome . BA11 2HG

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Frome Musical Theatre Company presents

Dick Whittington a traditional family pantomime

Expect fun on the open seas, slapstick in the galley, bright costumes, live music and hilarious entertainment for all the family...

anto season is upon us… oh yes, it is! And this year’s ‘purr-fect’ family pantomime is the rags to riches tale of Dick Whittington. Expect fun on the open seas, slapstick in the galley, bright costumes, live music and hilarious entertainment for all the family as you join our hero Dick Whittington and his faithful feline pal Tom seeking fame, fortune and happiness in London. Last year’s events saw the company cancel the pantomime for the first time in 42 years, so the cast are particularly excited to be back in the theatre and performing on the Frome Memorial Theatre stage to a live audience. The company has scheduled a relaxed performance for this production, where house lights will remain dimmed, and sound will be reduced. In addition to this, there will be a relaxed attitude to movement in and out of the auditorium, to make the show as inclusive as possible.

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C o ve r S t o r y

The Cast: Dick Whittington – Astrid Bishop Alice Fitzwarren – Anna Lee Tom the Cat – Ai Baker Queen Rat – Dora Bishop Dame Dotty Dumpling – Jon O’Loughlin Idle Jack – Ben Griffiths Alderman Fitzwarren – Simon Joyce Captain Cuttlefish – George Langley Scupper – Rebecca Bidwell Fairy Bowbells – Nicole Wooldridge Sultan of Morocco – Mike Perry. Performances run from Tuesday 28th December – Monday 3rd January at the Frome Memorial Theatre. Evenings at 7pm: 28th Dec, 29th Dec, 2nd Jan Matinees at 2pm : 29th Dec, 1st Jan, 2nd Jan, 3rd Jan Matinee at 4pm: 31st Dec Morning at 11am: 31st Dec (relaxed performance) Ticket Pricing: Adult £14.00 Over 60’s & Under 16’s £12.00 Family Ticket £45.00 (4 tickets, no more than 2 adults) Groups (10+) £11.00

A TRADITIONAL PANTOMIME

This Christmas! Evenings at 7pm: Dec 28th & 29th / Jan 2nd Matinees at 2pm: Dec 29th / Jan 1st, 2nd & 3rd Matinee at 4pm: Dec 31st Morning at 11am: Dec 31st RELAXED PERFORMANCE

Tickets available via the Frome Memorial Theatre Box office open Monday – Saturday 9.30-1pm. Call 01373 462 795 or visit www.fromememorialtheatre.org.uk Photography – Dave Merrit www.fromemtc.co.uk

Frome Memorial Theatre 01373 462795 www.fromememorialtheatre.org.uk

BOX OFFiCE: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9.30am - 1pm

www.fromemtc.co.uk

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My Devils on Horseback (Makes 12) For the Prunes 500g good quality prunes 1 unwaxed orange 100g caster sugar 1/2 vanilla pod, split 1 small cinnamon stick 400ml water 1 liquorice tea bag 100ml brandy

MY FESTIVE DEVILS seasonal Recipes from our resident Foodie Laura Coate

For the Canapés 6 rashers unsmoked streaky bacon Approximately 60g Stilton, or whatever blue cheese you happen to have to hand, cut into 12 small cubes 12 marinated prunes 12 wooden cocktail sticks Oil, for brushing

his Christmas finds me forward-planning somewhat more than usual. We’re expecting a baby at the beginning of January, so on top of the usual mincemeat-making, Christmas puddingsteaming and decoration-making, I’ll also be spending many of my December days digging out newborn garments and wondering where on earth we stored the baby car seat.

Line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper.

This canapé recipe requires a smidgen of forwardplanning, in that the devils/prunes need a day or two steeping with some choice ingredients, but once soused, you will have have a jar of unbounded festive potential.

Place the Devils on Horseback on the lined tray and place in the fridge until needed.

Serve over ice-cream for dessert or decant into tiny sterilised jars for Christmas gifts.*

*Or, should you be lucky enough to own a copy of, The Complete Nose to Tail: A Kind of British Cooking by Ferguson Henderson, I can tell you that the soused prunes can be put to excellent use in his recipe for Prune Loaf.

Follow Laura for updates and recipes: Instagram @foodwithfolk

With the exception of the prunes, tea bag and brandy, place all the ingredients in a pan and bring gently to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the prunes and simmer for a further minute or two and then turn off the heat. Add the tea bag and leave to steep overnight. The following day, remove the tea bag and place the prunes and their liquid in a jar and add the brandy. Leave for at least a day or two before using.

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Fo o d w i t h Fo l k

Cut each bacon rasher in half horizontally and, using the flat part of the blade of a large knife, flatten and stretch the bacon until it is about 2mm thick. Slice each prune in half, open it up (removing the stone if necessary) and place a cube of cheese in the middle. Fold the prune back again and place at one end of the bacon rasher. Carefully roll up the prune and secure through the middle with a cocktail stick.

When you’re ready to cook the canapés, preheat the oven to 190C (fan oven) or gas mark 6/7. Brush the bacon with a little oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp.

Gentle, effective, non-invasive, therapy for aches, pains, restricted movement, injuries, stress & many other problems. Janie Godfrey Frome Bowen Clinic 01373 452 422 w w w.bowenclinicfrome.com

G I V E

the gift of movement bridgehousepilates.com group classes

1-1s

pregnancy classes

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Annemarie Blake Miniatures, on wood Owl - from £50

Rachel Jackson London Eternal Sun Mini Hoop Earring Marchbank Jewellery - £55

festive Gift GUIDES S h o p Lo ca l

Cashmere Lounger Socks Woollen - £40

Mobile by Forme Frome Independent Market - £40 - £90

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Gif t Guide

Tess Chodan Tropical Moth Case Owl - £265

Spanish Foodie Hamper Lo Rapitenc - £35 - £65

Mojo Moves Organic Cotton Tee Mojo Moves £20

Loud Mouth Coffee Selection Box The River House - £20 Open Fire Popcorn Pan The Golden Goose £19

Soundings White Rum Retribution Distilling - £36

Fru Zippe Woollen Cross Stitch Kit: Knitting Chickens Cushion Cover All About The Yarn £80.00

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G i f t G ui d e

66Cheap 1BN CheapStreet, Street,Frome, Frome, BA11 BA11 1BN 01373 01373455332 455332 www.marchbankjewellery.com www.marchbankjewellery.com

20A Cheap Street . Frome . BA11 1BN . 01373 472505 Christina Oswin Jewellery @christinaoswin christinaoswin.co.uk

REPAIRS . REMODELLING . COMMISSIONS . JEWELLERY CLASSES

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Gif t Guide

1 Bath Street, Frome, BA11 1DG _ 01373 764 472 hello@matthewpaulinteriors.co.uk Matthew Paul Interiors Matthew Paul Interiors

British-made woolly socks, knitting yarns and tops for crafting. 47 Vallis Way, Frome, BA11 3BA 015395 68341 | info@arbonsocks.co.uk

It’s beginning to look a lot like Bookmas! From the biggest bestsellers to The most special hidden gems... We have something for everyone at Winstone’s Hunting Raven Books Visit us at 9-10 Cheap Street, Frome Shop online shop.winstonebooks.co.uk 01373 473111 winstonebooks3@gmail.com

www.allabouttheyarn.co.uk E: info@allabouttheyarn.co.uk T: 01373 473 557 11, Catherine Hill Click and Collect and Free Delivery within a mile.

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Gif t Guide

Hans Borgonjon Gold Mandala Mug and bamboo coaster Owl - £15

Recycled Sterling Silver Cuff Bangle Christina Oswin - £275

Starry Roundscape by Hattie Buckwell The Why Gallery A4 £24 , A3 £40

Wood Fired Grilled Sardines Lo Rapitenc - £13.50

Velvet Beaded Eye Mask The Golden Goose - £20

Oceanarium by Loveday Trinick & Teagan White Hunting Raven - £25

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G i f t G ui d e

festive Gift GUIDES S h o p Lo ca l Phaedra Politis Glass Coasters Owl - £12 each

Viking Raven Armring with Runes Northan Viking Silver £185

Wonka Bar Clutch POP Supermarket - £29

Rocks Stacking Rings Christina Oswin Jewellery from £70

Frome Fairisle Socks Woollen - £18

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G i f t G u i d 25 e

Pure Plant Power

A range of low waste, high performance natural skin & haircare, including: Ultra Glow Facial Oil Super Shampoo Bar Deep Conditioner Bar Body Wash Bar Facial Cleanser Bar

All Hibi products are: Vegan - Palm Free - Synthetic Free Paraben Free - Handmade in Frome Buy from: Makers Yard Christmas Art Market - 4th December The Frome Independent Market - 5th December Oakville Naturals @hibibotanics | Free delivery in Frome Via Instagram

NEW TREASURES IN STORE

GIFTS • CARDS • TOYS • INTERIORS

Open 7

days a week until Christmas

10-5 Monday to Saturday and 11-3 on Sunday

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Gif t Guide

Rebecca Wordsworth Porcelain Vessels Owl - various prices

Print by Twofold Print Studio Frome Independent Market from £15

Decorate Your Own Paper Watch POP Supermarket - £10

Limited Edition Cheryl Tee Mojo Moves - £20

Gift Box containing Facial Cleanser, Face Oil, Shampoo, Conditioner & Konjac Sponger Hibi Botanics - £50

Laura Galasso Jewellery Snake Ring Marchbank Jewellery from £120

THE LIST FROME

G i f t G ui d e

Festive Baubles Beginners Punch Needle Kit All About The Yarn £45

festive Gift GUIDES WHERE AND HOW TO BUY

The Why Gallery 3 Stony Street, Frome. www.thewhygallery.co.uk Loud Mouth Coffee The River House at Black Swan Arts Owl Gallery 33 Catherine Hill, Frome. www.owlgalleryfrome.co.uk Hunting Raven 10 Cheap Street, Frome. www.winstonebooks.co.uk Christina Oswin Jewellery 20A Cheap Street, Frome. www.christinaowsin.co.uk Hibi Botanics Frome Independent Market and @hibibotanics www.hibibotanics.co.uk All About The Yarn 11 Catherine Hill, Frome. www.allabouttheyarn.co.uk Marchbank Jewellery 6 Cheap Street, Frome. www.marchbankjewellery.com The Lyrics, Paul McCartney Hunting Raven - £65 (£10 off RRP)

Pop Supermarket 18a Cheap Street, Frome Retribution Distilling www.retributiondistilling.co.uk and The Frome Independent

Viking Dragon Bracelet In Urnes Style Northan Viking Silver £180

Matthew Paul Interiors 1 Bath Street, Frome Golden Goose 5 Palmer Street, Frome Mojo Moves www.mojomoves.co.uk Lo Rapitenc 21 Cheap Street, Frome Northan Viking Silver www.northanvikingsilver.com Woollen 47 Vallis Way, Frome www.arbonsocks.co.uk THE LIST FROME

Gif t Guide

CHRIS pIG Artists and Makers of Frome

e talk to arguably one of Frome’s best known and liked artists, printmaker Chris Pig, about the addictive nature of the cutting process, the need for an audience and the community and beauty of his studio.

What is your artistic background? I was a sickly child with a much reduced curriculum. I spent most of my time in the library or the art room. I had a fantastic teacher and luckily there was an etching press at school, so I was up and running with printmaking from the age of fourteen. What made you follow this path? Nothing else has ever engaged me and I find it virtually impossible to apply myself to something that doesn’t interest me. What is your physical creative process? What materials and techniques do you use? I abandoned etching when I left Spain and now concentrate solely on relief-printing, mostly linocut and wood engraving. It’s compulsive and obsessive, I don’t joke about the addictive element - the cutting process can entirely take you over in a reverie of meditation. The outside world just disappears. What inspires your work? Everyday life. I’m a genre artist and so almost entirely work with what the world around me presents. Our kids feature heavily.

TH ELI S TFR O M E

A r tists and Makers of Frome

How did lockdown affect the way you work and create? Home schooling was really hard, and I missed the regulars in the studio a lot, especially my best mate, but what I didn’t expect was the need for an audience. I thought I could just pootle along, happy for some free time because I’d never given the idea of an audience any thought at all. It turns out, though, that social interaction is a vital part of the process, and without it the whole creative process just unravels. Where do you work from? Tell us about your studio. I work at Black Pig Printmaking Studio which is a collective resource for artists and a teaching facility. I have a little corner just for me, and it’s the most beautiful space in the world, full of light where ugliness is banished. I don’t print editions for other artists any more, my daughter Stella does that job.

What is your favourite place to be for artistic inspiration? In bed. What artists inspire you, and why? My first real love was Frans Masereel, then Felix Valloton then Gustave Doré’s engravers and Victorian engravers in general . Then there’s Martin Lewis, George Bellows and the American school in general. Too many loves, not enough time. How do you find the Frome area, in terms of creativity and artistic community? The community is fantastic, very anarchic, friendly and supportive. The studio has between twenty and twenty-five regular users, so I get plenty of artistic input from some amazingly talented artists right on my doorstep. They’ve enjoyed a great deal of success, even through lockdown, with solo exhibitions, election to national and

international open print shows and of course Amy Jeff’s stunning book Storyland, which has had stellar success. I don’t look at art or go to exhibitions in my spare time, I get enough of that in my day job. Are there any artistic processes/disciplines which you haven’t worked in/with, but would like to? There’s so much still to learn within the narrow confines of relief printing. I wouldn’t mind doing something really big, though, six metres long perhaps. How can people see and buy your work? In this country blackpigprintmakingstudio. com and of course the WHY Gallery, who are really lovely people to work with. I also have a youtube channel that shows lots of ‘how to’ videos on printmaking techniques and history; just search for ‘Chris Pig’. www.blackpigprintmakingstudio.com

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A r t i s t s a n d Ma k e r s o f F r o m e

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Trees, Marvellous Trees THE Trug & Lettuce

e all love trees, and this time of the year is a really good time to plant them. The soil is still warm from the summer – believe it or not – and that means planting a tree now will give it the best possible start to get really growing in the spring. We can buy trees that have been planted and grown on in pots at most times of the year, but over the late autumn and early winter bare root trees are widely available (and cheaper). This means that the availability of varieties and types of tree is at its greatest. Trees add height to our gardens, giving them an extra dimension. They can be chosen to provide colour and seasonal interest throughout the year – with their differing flowers, fruit, autumn leaves or winter silhouettes. It’s important to select the right size and number of trees to fit your garden. What works now might not in the future. You need to consider the eventual height and spread of what you’re planning to plant. We hear a lot about how planting trees can be good for the environment, and specifically to mitigate the effects of climate change. Earlier this year councils in and around Glasgow pledged to plant over 18 million trees as a legacy of the recent COP26 Climate Summit. More locally our own Frome Town Council has been busy planting trees – including some oak saplings that can trace their own roots back to the ancient Royal Forest of Selwood. But how does planting trees actually help when it comes to Climate Change? Well, it’s because trees can act as carbon sinks. This is because: • Trees require carbon dioxide (CO2) to live. In the complex process of photosynthesis, the tree will take CO2 from the surrounding air and use the sunlight to break it down into carbon and oxygen.

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Ho m e & G a r d e n

• The oxygen is released back into the atmosphere and the carbon is used in a variety of essential living processes. These can include the creation of sugars (carbohydrates) and the creation of substances, like cellulose, that are used in the formation of new cells and ultimately the formation of woody tissue. • A tree will also produce CO2 in the process of respiration whereby oxygen is used to release energy stored in the carbohydrates – in much the same way as we do. However, a tree takes more CO2 from the atmosphere in the process of photosynthesis than it releases in respiration.

Welcome to your new home in Frome. Have a great Christmas.

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www.garstonvets.co.uk THE LIST FROME

Home & G arden

Now let’s talk about how you actually plant a tree. Follow these simple rules, whether you’ve got a bare root tree or one that’s been grown on in a pot: 1. Remove your tree from the pot or any fabric wrapping that might be wrapped around the roots. 2. Tease out and spread the roots to get an idea of size of the hole they will need. Dig a planting hole that is no deeper than the roots, but is up to three times the diameter of the root system. 3. If the sides or base of the planting hole are compacted, break the soil up with your hands or a fork before planting. 4. If the tree arrived in a pot then scrape away the top layers of compost. The point where the roots start should be near the soil surface. 5. Place the plant in the planting hole. At this point and if the tree is bare rooted you can use something called Rootgrow – it’s the only plant treatment that’s endorsed by the RHS. It’s a mycorrhizal fungus that helps the rapid development of the root structure for the tree. 6. Then refill the planting hole carefully making sure you place soil between and around all the roots to eliminate air pockets. 7. Firm the soil gently, avoiding compacting the soil too much. 8. Add a stake as necessary – and perhaps protection at the base of the tree if rabbits or deer might be a problem. Over the past twelve months we’ve sourced, supplied and planted a number of different types of tree including four metre tall flowering cherries, twelve pleached holm oaks, a number of eucalyptus , mature acers and more fruit trees than we can remember. On the planting whiteboard in the office at the moment we have a few more pear trees that will be trained as an espalier to replace an old hedge and form some “living railings”, and another Prunus – a flowering cherry! And in the garden we’ve got a

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Ho m e & G a r d e n

variety of colourful acers and magnificent shrubs that we’re holding as stock. Get in touch if you’d like to know more. Follow the Trug and Lettuce for gardening ideas and inspiration: @the_trug_and_lettuce @thetrugandlettuce

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INDY EXPOSURE Th e Fr o m e Fo s s i l

magine you’ve never been to Frome. But you’ve heard about it. A lot. People keep banging on about what a peaceful, friendly place it is. Then one day you say to yourself “Let’s tootle over and see what all the fuss is about. How about Sunday morning? There won’t be many people about: i’ll have a quiet firkle round”. You summon the ageing dog, jump in the car and bowl blithely through the leafy lanes. And there it is. Cripes! Call this peaceful? There’s nowhere to park, for a start. Barely even anywhere to walk. Everywhere you look, stretching away down to the market place and beyond, there are tables and stalls and gazebos and food vans and street food bars - and people. Hordes of them. The streets are crammed tighter than a gannet’s gullet with bright-eyed punters lugging bags and babies and pint glasses. Live music thumps from a marquee in front of the Oxfam shop. It’s bedlam. What the feck is going on? You spend half an hour finding somewhere to squeeze the car, put the dog on a lead and head off into the pullulating chaos that Frome has turned out to be. Progress is slow. Wherever you turn, your way is blocked by people queuing for samosas, or trying on hats, or sizing up ceramics, or riffling through old postcards, or sniffing handmade unguents. Although mostly they are just standing about yacking. At last you reach the market place, but beyond that is a narrow cobbly hill where the crush is even denser. The dog is knackered and so are you. You turn off and collapse gratefully onto a low wall. The stream of humanity rolls unstoppably on. Presently an old guy collapses next to you with a groan, dumping his bulging bags. They contain - as far as you can see - cheese, salami, rapeseed oil, a bottle of cider, a haunch of venison, a bag of pistachios and a belt made from recycled car tyres.

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Fo s s i l o n F r o m e

“I only wanted a walk,” you say in a stunned voice. “I didn’t expect all this.” The old guy mops his brow, strokes the dog and explains about the Frome Indy and its manifold wonders. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he says. And you look round and think, yes – it’s utterly enchanting. I’ll come back next month. With a backpack.

ALL HALLOWS ALL HALLOWS “I

Set in a stunning location, just 7 miles from Frome, All Hallows is a day and boarding prep school with a difference. Set in a stunning location, just 7 miles Frome, Our creative and dynamic curriculum, with from pupils’ happiness All Hallows is a day and boarding prep school with a difference. and well-being at the core of all decision-making, is producing Our creative and dynamic curriculum, with pupils’ happiness outstanding results. and well-being at the core of all decision-making, is producing outstanding results.

have a very happy child who embraces everything at All Hallows… I just wish I had known about the school “I have a very happy child who embraces everything at ago!” about the school All Hallows… I justmany wish years I had known many years To find our more, please contact Jackieago!” Truelove on 01749 881609.

a dm allhallows s cho o l.co .uk | wTruelove w w.allhallowssc Toi ssi findons@ our more, please contact Jackie on 01749hool.co.uk 881609. a d m is s io n s @ a l l h a l l ows s ch o o l .co .u k | w w w. a l l h a l l ows s c h o o l . co . u k

The List Frome - December 2021

Articles inside

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