The List Frome - November 2022

with Christmas at the Merlin

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

ISSUE 140

PEACH

NOVEMBER 2022

Festive Gift Guides Are Back

Frome Christmas Lights Switch On

LIFE’S A

ISSUE 140 NOVEMBER

Rose Langley

W

e are housesitting. Dog sitting really, but with the added benefit of a country getaway, rural views and a huge garden.

We are the kind of family who make the most out of our surroundings, especially if they happen to be spacious! We fill out, our bits and bobs on most surfaces and our dog running every square inch of the available grass, gleeful in his temporary good luck, and to be reunited with his best dog pal.

dropping and rolling with her impressive ninja skills as her play growls echo from inside the bottle to make her sound far more fearsome than she really is. She will periodically come and rest her head on my lap – a subtle hint that she requires fuss, or a new milk bottle.

Upstairs is an overflowing dressing up box, which delights our son and his visiting cousin. They dress in an odd combination of clothes, including panto-style knee-high boots, a curly blonde wig, fairy wings, cutlass and shield, a false nose and gaudy handbag. The look complete, they too start to whizz around the sizeable garden, climbing trees and hiding in bushes (from what they are hiding never became clear). Post-it notes become the next highlight of our stay, and my son sits studiously for about twenty minutes (surely a record) and writes a series of very important notes which he places all round the house. They include “no dog should not lisn”, “Baby class for training them baby” and “Dogs training club for dogs not open on Friday”. There is a theme here. More spring up after his cousin’s visit, including information on their intention to “fite zombeez” and so on..

This morning, as I looked out over the fields beyond the garden, I witnessed a calf being born. It took a few hours to stand so I carefully observed it, like a bovine stalker, through binoculars provided by my son (they are yellow and have snakes on).

The dog of the house has a penchant for plastic milk bottles. She hoofs around the garden, chased by our dog,

» The List Recommends » Cover Story » Cook - Eat

It is such moments which create a little life worth living.

The house has a lot of large glass windows. After our first night we came down to find a perfect barn owl smudge on a particularly big window – face, body, wings, all there, capturing one of this owl’s less gainly flights. The poor chap had obviously had a bit of a shock – there were a few feathers on the ground, but thankfully that was all.

There you have the highlights of my week (sorry owl, but the discovery of the smudge was exciting).

Small pleasures, as they say. But I’ll take the privilege of these small pleasures. It is such moments which create a little life worth living.

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» Festive Gift Guide

24-33

» House & Home

34-38

» The Fossil

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Design: blackinkstudio.co.uk Front cover: The Merlin Theatre Cover image: Dave Merritt Photography Copy deadline for the December issue: November 12th

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 «

Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps Clinton Baptiste Cheese & Grain, 20th November, 7pm, £28 As featured in Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, it’s Clinton Baptiste – and his arch psychic enemy Ramone from the massively popular Clinton Baptiste’s Paranormal Podcast! Communicating with the Afterlife? What could be more mind-expanding? The public are rightly hypnotised by mere mortals with extrasensory ability, and Britain is honoured to have spawned two of the most gifted mystics in the world, the coiffured titans of the Unknown – Clinton Baptiste and Ramone Tamine.

Cheese & Grain, 6th November, 7.30pm, £24 Dom Joly is best known as the creator of Trigger Happy TV. And now the writer and broadcaster is undertaking his first UK tour since 2011, giving fans a rare opportunity to see him live. Dom will be talking about his exploits as a serial globe-trotter and seeker of dangerous travel spots. From North Korea though the Congo and Syria to Chernobyl, he’s visited some of the most threatening places on the planet. Joly famously attended school with Osama Bin Laden and now, armed with his trusty Powerpoint, he delivers holiday snaps to provide comedy and a sense of danger. The best-selling author will meet fans after the show to sign copies of his latest book, Such Miserable Weather.

A Weaver’s Journey 8th – 19th November, Round Tower Gallery Black Swan Arts, 10am-4pm daily Frome Weavers, Spinners and Dyers (FWSD) present the craft of hand weaving. Yarns from animal, plant or synthetic fibres are twisted for tensile strength. Functional and decorative cloth is created from tensioned warp threads that are crossed and interlaced with horizontal weft threads.

Working on a range of looms from ancient tabletweaving and simple rigid heddle looms to multi-shaft table and floor looms, a variety of woven textiles are formed that explore weave structure, pattern, texture and colour. Weight, drape and functionality are expressed. Inspiration and creative processes differ for each maker - a specific fibre or yarn; some hand-spun and dyed, a tactile quality, an image, a 4

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technical challenge of weave structure and drafting, a treasured memory of travelling, a beloved landscape, or quite simply an intuitive resourcefulness in usingup yarns and recycling. Demonstrations and ‘have a go’ looms are shared during the exhibition.

Frome Weavers, Spinners and Dyers is a charity that exists for the preservation of and education in hand weaving, spinning and dyeing. More information: fromeweavers.org.uk

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MAKERS GIFT SHOP

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10AM - 4PM

galleries | round tower | studios | shop | cafe 2 Bridge St . Frome . BA11 1BB | 01373 473980 Open 7 days a week | FREE ENTRY

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

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» the list recommends « Somerset Printmakers Whittox Gallery, November 12th to 22nd January 2023 The exceptional talents of the Somerset Printmakers will be on display at the stunning Whittox Gallery for their annual Christmas show. This showcases the group members’ latest work from this renowned collective of professional artists.

Somerset Printmakers was created in 1998 by a group of seventeen professional artists living and working in Somerset, brought together by their dedication to creativity and their shared passion for the craft of printmaking and all its diverse techniques. Their aim, then as it is now, is to promote their work as a collective and to featuree the best of printmaking in Somerset.

The exhibition will include work by returning members to the gallery - Julia Manning RE, Cath Bloomfield, Pennie Elfick, Sue Lowe, Bron Bradshaw and Sebastian Chance. New to the gallery this year will be Jacy Wall, Lisa Takahashi, Sarah Ward and Sally Hebeler. Sarah and Lisa are new members of the group and will be showing their work for the first time here in Frome.

Each artist has their unique style and uses different printmaking methods including etching, lino and woodcut, relief prints, stencil, intaglio, collagraph, screen-printing and mono-printing. The artists will be showing limited edition and one-off prints.

As a group, Somerset Printmakers have exhibited at Spike Island in Bristol, the Contemporary Print Show at the Barbican Centre London, the International

Print Fairs in Bremen and Hamburg in Germany, the Fresh Art Fair in London and numerous galleries throughout the West Country.

Private view on Friday the 11th of November from 6.30pm until 9pm. All welcome for drinks and an opportunity to meet the artists. www.thewhittoxgallery.com

Frome Drama presents

The Frome to Canterbury Tales Merlin Theatre, 16 - 19 November, 7.30pm Chaucer’s vivid characters, the story of their pilgrimage, and the gripping and often raunchy tales they tell on their way, are updated to the early 1950s in this new and original adaptation of ‘The Canterbury Tales’, full of life, energy, and humour.

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A mystery bus tour has attracted a disparate collection of travellers, all based on Chaucer’s pilgrims, and all with their own reasons to want three days away from Frome.

Bus driver Geoff Chaucer and pub landlady Gwen Host suggest they all take turns to tell stories to enliven the lunch stops and evening camps, and so the fun begins…

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01373 471368

@nooktheshop

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» the list recommends «

Folklore Of Frome 13th November, 1pm, £7 Join Frome Town Guide and storyteller Lisa Kenwright for 75 minutes as she veers into the Otherworld of legend and folklore.

Mojo Moves Silent Disco Tour of Frome 12th November, 2pm, £15

You will hear about our Alien Big Cat, a few ghosts, and that time the residents of Frome marched on Shepton Mallet with pitchforks, plus a wealth of other snippets of lore.

Expect some respectable scholarship on traditional beliefs, a couple of folk tales retold, a pinch of modern fakelore and a few quite frankly dodgy anecdotes.

Let Cheryl lead you on a merry dance through the cobbled streets of Somerset’s famous market town.

Learn some facts (and some fiction) about the town’s landmarks and musical ‘whistory’ and get the insider info on the town as we bust out some moves along the route to Disco, 80s, 90s and beyond. This walk lasts 45 minutes.

This event is part of Frome’s Walking Festival.

The walk starts in front of the Cheese & Grain.

This event is part of Frome’s Walking Festival.

The walk starts in front of the Cheese & Grain.

Christmas Lights Switch On November 25th, Town Centre, 5 – 7pm Friday 25th November is officially the start of all things festive in Frome as the Christmas Lights Switch On illuminates our streets.

As always, Frome Town Council has some musical merry-making planned for the town. Starting at 5pm Frome Town Band will deliver the traditional Christmas spirit, followed by Rock Choir with their uplifting festive renditions and then the Mayor of Frome, Cllr Sara Butler’s band Back of the Bus will treat the town to a set with a seasonal twist.

The stunning lantern parade, led by the joyous Samba Band, weaves its way into the town centre, with lanterns of all shapes and sizes made by locals.

Frome Lanterns’ special ‘how to’ workshops are 8

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free to attend - you just need to purchase a kit to get started and book a spot. Once you’ve made your own lantern, on the night you are welcome to join in with the parade or, if you’d prefer to watch, you can line the route with your creations in hand. Find out more about the workshops and lantern parade at www.fromelanterns.co.uk In addition, lots of Frome’s fabulous cafes and eateries will be extending their opening hours and putting on some special Christmas treats for the event.

welcomes new members

WORKSHOPS, TALKS AND DEMONSTRATIONS, OUTDOOR PAINTING DAYS, EXHIBITIONS

Enthusiastic beginners to professional artists welcome For more details email: fromeartsociety@gmail.com Website: fromeartsociety.co.uk Instagram.com/fromeartsociety Facebook.com/fromeartsociety

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» the list recommends « Abigail Reed ‘The Gloaming Hour’ 26th November - 29th January, The Why Gallery These atmospheric drawings are inspired by walks at dusk through the streets of Frome, down the lanes and into the fields and woodlands that surround us. Rich charcoal is used to capture the shadows we walk past as day turns to night. The skeletal branches on trees are drawn with extreme precision as they reach up to touch a darkening deep blue sky.

You may even see the moon hanging silently above as you walk through this works on paper show.

Abigail is a local artist based at The Silk Mill studios.

She describes herself as a Modern Ruralist who works predominantly on paper with charcoal, soft pastel and watercolour, making drawings of the surrounding landscape. See @abigailreedartist for more information Exhibition opening Friday 25th November 6-8pm

Frome Musical Theatre Company presents

Cinderella Frome Memorial Theatre 28th December – 3rd January

5th November - 24th December, Kobi & Teal

Frome Musical Theatre Company bring this classic fairy tale to the panto stage. Poor Cinders works night and day, but dreams of a very different life.

With an invitation to the royal ball it looks as if her wish may be granted. But will her nasty stepsisters succeed in ruining Cinderella’s dreams of happiness, or will her Fairy Godmother and loyal friend Buttons be able to thwart their wicked plans? You’ll have to come to watch to find out!

Kobi & Teal present their 6th annual group exhibition, celebrating the many talented artists and makers shown during the past five years. Join them for a glass of something over the opening weekend on 5th/6th of November and enjoy an abundance of original art, contemporary craft and design.

Featuring spectacular scenery, beautiful costumes, toe-tapping songs, and plenty of audience participation there’s no need to go to Bristol or Bath, the Frome Musical Theatre Company pantomimes are renowned for their professional production values - early booking highly recommended.

Gathering Ground

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December 28th 2022 ~ January 3rd 2023 Evenings at 7pm: 28th, 29th, 2nd, 3rd Matinees at 2pm: 29th, 1st, 2nd Morning at 11am: 31st – relaxed performance Matinee at 4pm: 31st TICKET PRICES: Adult £15, U16/OAP £13, Family ticket £50 (4 tickets, no more than 2 adults), Group bookings £12 (10+)

Frome Memorial Theatre

01373 462795 www.fromemtc.co.uk

www.fromememorialtheatre.org.uk Box office Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 1.00pm

» the list recommends « Teatime Concert at Rook Lane Mikekeiz Zucchi Duo 6th November, 3pm, £12

B O O K YO U R W E D D I N G , PA RT Y, E X H I B I T I O N , TA L K O R C O N C E RT, AT RO O K L A N E CHAPEL FOR 2023.

Contact Venue manager Sara to make an appointment to view and for more details.

This prize-winning duo’s repertoire spans everything from reimagined traditional works to modern compositions and improvisation, all vividly rendered by the unique combination of saxophone and accordion. Expect music by Bach to Gershwin, Praetorius to Piazzola Eblana String Trio 20th November, 3pm, £12 The Eblana String Trio consistently wins praise from audiences and critics alike for the depth and insight of their performances. The programme includes two beautiful trios by British composers, Ernest John Moeran (full of folksong references) and William Alwyn (probably written in the 1920s but given its first performance in 2017 by the Eblana Trio).

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rooklane@nvbarchitects.co.uk 01373 468040 | www.rooklane.org.uk

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE:

THE SEAGULL 08 NOVEMBER – 7PM

FROME DRAMA PRESENTS

THE FROME TO CANTERBURY TALES 16 - 19 NOVEMBER - 7.30PM

MATTHEW BOURNE’S NUTRACKER! 20 NOVEMBER – 2PM AND 7PM LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD 26 NOVEMBER – 2PM

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

BRITISH MADE APPAREL & ACCESSORIES CUSTOM MADE & READY TO WEAR WWW.JOHNNYSZYMANSKI.COM @johnny_szymanski 6 Palmer St, Frome, BA11 1DS

Bespoke copywriting, editing and proofing services.

Supporting you to communicate in the most articulate way possible, in your own unique tone. contact: littleblackdot@gmail.com littleblackdot.co.uk

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FESTIVE MarkeT Feeling festive? Well, you will be once you’ve got a few Christmas markets under your belts.

And there are quite a few to choose from…

The Frome Independent

Christmas Makers Market

Sunday 6th November

18th November, Black Swan Arts, 5-8pm

Sprawling throughout the town centre, the exceptional array of traders at The Frome Independent make it easy to while away an entire day, browsing makers’ stalls and the flea market, munching on street food and stocking up on local produce at the Farmers’ Market. Held on the first Sunday of each month. _

The ground floor of Frome’s arts centre will open late for this event, showcasing the talents of wonderful local makers. The shop, courtyard, studio shops and River House café (with their festive menu, selection of hot, alcoholic and soft drinks) will all be open too. _

Magpie Market 6th November, Cheese & Grain, 9am – 2pm The Cheese & Grain’s Magpie market is a haven for vintage and contemporary gifts, crafts, jewellery and produce, perfect for Christmas gifts. _ Christmas Pop-ups 17th November 10am – 4pm, 25th November 5 – 9pm Home in Frome Christmas shopping in the comfort of Home, Frome’s newest eatery. Handmade gifts and foodie treats await. Pop in during Frome’s Light The Night for a warming mulled cider. _

Makers Market Christmas Special 19th November, Cheese & Grain, 9am – 2pm This is a lovely market for crafters to show off their skills and sell their wonderful creations. You’ll find a huge selection of handmade items, covering everything from woodwork to needlepoint. _ Christmas Charity Fair 26th November, Cheese & Grain, 9am - 2pm A variety of brilliant local charities will be fundraising by running stalls at this festive fair. They will be selling gifts, toys, cakes, cards and much more. There will also be tombolas and raffles. _ Makers Market at The Glove Factory 27th November, 10am – 3.30pm This stunning venue in the village of Holt, just outside Bradford on Avon, is known for its wonderful makers’ markets. As well as wonderful gift ideas, you’ll find fantastic festive food courtesy of Wild Herb Kitchen. _

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Fe s t i ve M a rk e t s

1 Oct 2022 – 2 Jan 2023 Durslade Farm, Bruton, Somerset BA10 0NL www.hauserwirth.com Orbits and Gravity (detail), 2009, etching, watercolour, ink and pencil on paper, 14 × 24.1 cm / 5 1⁄2 × 9 1⁄2 in ©️ The Easton Foundation / Licensed by VAGA at ARS, NY and DACS, London 2022. Photo: Peter Butler

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15.09.22 17:52

Fabian Peake an eye either side 1 Oct 2022 – 2 Jan 2023 Durslade Farm, Bruton, Somerset BA10 0NL www.hauserwirth.com Pierrot’s Message (detail), 1972, oil on canvas, 182 x 243 cm / 71 5/8 x 95 5/8 in © Fabian Peake. Courtesy the Artist and Hauser & Wirth. Photo: Fabian Peake

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15.09.22 08:38 THE LIST FROME

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Merlin Theatre Productions presents

© Dave Merritt Photography

JAMES & THE GIANT PEACH (WOOD)

by Roald Dahl, adapted by David Wood

Award-winning Merlin Theatre Productions are back this Christmas following their sellout version of Wind in the Willows last year.

Directed by Merlin Director Claudia Pepler and designed by Michael Witt, the story of this magnificent peach is faithfully told by James himself and the insect characters – Miss Spider, Old-GreenGrasshopper, Centipede, Ladybird and Earthworm as they rescue him from his two vile Aunts, Sponge and Spiker.

James Henry Trotter is a boy who lives happily with his parents in a house by the sea. Unfortunately, when he is four years old, a rhinoceros with a strange carnivorous appetite escapes from the zoo and eats James’ parents, so he ends up with his two cruel aunts, Spiker and Sponge. Instead of caring for him, they treat him badly, feed him horrid food, and force him to sleep on bare floorboards.

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C o ve r S t o r y

After James has been living with his aunts for three years, he meets a mysterious man who gives him a bag of magical crystals, instructing James to use them in a potion which will change his life for the better. While returning home, James stumbles and spills the bag on the ground, losing the crystals as they dig themselves underground. Soon after, a nearby peach tree produces a single peach which soon grows to the size of a house. Spiker and Sponge earn money by selling viewing tickets to tourists; James is locked in the house, only able to see the peach through the bars of his bedroom window.

After the tourists have gone, James is ordered to clean the rubbish around the peach and finds a tunnel inside it. He enters and meets Centipede, Miss Spider, Old Green Grasshopper, Earthworm, Ladybug, Glowworm, and Silkworm who become his friends and take him on a life changing adventure.

This production is a beautiful reimagining of Roald Dahl’s classic tale; a perfect Christmas treat for the whole family to enjoy.

The production is enhanced throughout with incredible puppetry, enchanting animation by Howard Vause, and innovative choreography from Amy Morgan-Bell. Benjamin Hardy Phillips has risen to the difficult task of writing music to accompany Roald Dahl’s wonderful rhymes, as always, filled with Dahl’s typical nonsense words and humour.

This production is a beautiful reimagining of Roald Dahl’s classic tale; a perfect Christmas treat for the whole family to enjoy.

Shows run from Wednesday 7 December through to Saturday 10 December with a ‘Relaxed’ performance on Saturday 10th at 11am. Tickets cost £10 & £14.

Tickets can be purchased online www.merlintheatre.co.uk or by calling the Box Office 0137 465949

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C o ve r S t o r y

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THE ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHT AT THE AMERICAN MUSEUM & GARDENS

B

ath’s American Museum & Gardens has announced the return of The Enchanted Garden of Light, a sparkling festive trail

of illuminations through gardens and woodland this December.

Families and friends will be transported into a magical after-dark adventure through light displays which will emblazon the entire house, gardens and woodland in glorious colour.

This year’s trail has a new hour-long route, and all new exciting light installations. There will be an atmospheric American style woodland lodge meeting point at the start of the trail, for friends and family to join together and enjoy a range of delicious warming food and drink.

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The event is perfect for families of all ages, with a step-free route throughout, perfect for pushchairs for tired legs. Children can collect a lantern at the start to carry along the way, plus there’s a great climb and slide play area along the route, and under-fives go free! You can even bring furry family members as dogs on leads are allowed.

For more information and to book your tickets go to:americanmuseum.org/Christmas.

Light up the holidays!

Wander through our trail of dazzling illuminations 1 - 31 December 2022 Don’t miss out, book now americanmuseum.org/christmas

SLI E T A T IM FE

WHET RAN HOLLY BROWN

F

rome-based artist and illustrator Holly Brown trained originally in illustration, and has enjoyed a successful year’s career illustrating over thirty children’s picture books which are published worldwide.

After the birth of her first child, Holly felt a impulse to work with oil paint. So she bought her first easel and set of paints from Studio Art and Frame in town, and taught herself to use them. A true passion for painting developed, both in the open air and in her garden studio.

Holly paints instinctively, working quickly in response to the imagery of everyday life, landscapes and coastal seascapes. “I’m deeply inspired by colour and light. My work has a focus on being strategic with colour as well as capturing the essential feeling of light,” says Holly. Painting, she adds, is her way of thinking through what she is looking at. An obvious joy for life, which is translated from painter to canvas, engages the onlooker and allows them to feel the light of the coast, the intimacy and simplicity of a still life or the beauty and atmosphere of the countryside.

“I find real excitement in what is revealed during the simple act of looking. The shapes between things, and the beats of tone and light that create form and composition. The challenge of how to simplify and create marks to give the effect of movement. The looking becomes more than a naming of objects or places. It gives me a chance to look at the world without words, through interesting shapes, cool darks, warm lights, tonal differences that can involve the abstract, senses and memory.”

LIFE AND LAND is Holly’s upcoming solo show, which will run from the 24th - 27th November at Gallery at the Station. A vibrant collection of her contemporary landscape & still life paintings, all individually hand framed and available to buy. The private view is Thursday 24th, 6:30 - 9:30pm with low impact, eco friendly wine from Somerset-based More Wine. Open daily 10am - 4pm, 25th -27th November.

Holly will be running a short course, Two Day Introduction to Still Life in Oils, at Makers Yard in Frome. If you would like to take part then visit her website for full details.

For a preview of her digital catalogue for Life and Land and exclusive offers, shows and news thereafter sign up to her mailing list via her website. holly-brown.co.uk @hollybrownartist

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cook - eat

BY O U R R ES I D E NT FO O D I E K ATIE FR ASER

Dudhi Bharta . Oil (olive preferably) as required . 1 medium pumpkin/several munchkin . . . . . . . . . .

Smashing Pumpkins Pumpkins are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, calcium and healthy heart nutrients.

They can lower blood pressure, improve your vision and even help you get a better night’s sleep.

Waste not your pumpkin patch haul, and enjoy the goodness.

This Dudhi Bharta (Squash Mash) is a great pumpkin recipe to add to your repertoire this winter. Roasting the flesh of the pumpkin brings out the sweet, nutty flavours that marry so well with Indian spices. Omit or adjust the chilli content to suit those with a less spicy palate.

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Recipe with Het

pumpkin/1 butternut squash 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 large tomatoes 15g garlic, minced 15g ginger, minced 1-2 chilli, finely sliced 1 tbsp cumin seeds 1/2 tbsp ground turmeric 1 tbsp garam masala Salt to taste Coriander leaves

Peel and roughly chop the pumpkin/ squash and roast in oil until soft, caramelly and mashable. Sauté cumin seeds in oil until they crackle. Add minced garlic and ginger paste and chillies, and sauté slowly for another 4 minutes, being careful not to burn. Add onion and more oil if needed, and fry until they are soft and starting to brown. Add tomatoes and continue to cook until they break down into a sauce. Add your turmeric and garam masala, stir well, then mash your sweet, roasted pumpkin into your spiced mixture. Cook through over a low heat, mashing all the ingredients together until it’s as smooth as it will go.

Serve with rice and raita as a main, or part of an Indian ‘mezze’ plate.

Katie runs hēt – a Frome-based takeaway serving up tasty food with heat.

Follow on Instagram @het_frome or email hetfrome@gmail.com to order.

Hand block printed on recycled cotton paper from Kobi & Teal £80 each

Foraging Bag by Bric, at Market Place during the Frome Independent £42

The Grumpus and his Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan from Hunting

festive Gift GUIDES

Raven £14.99

S h o p Lo ca l

Glass Candlesticks (available in two sizes) from Kobi & Teal £30/£35

Eco-friendly and totally portable activity packs for kids by Time Flies for Kids, at Suitcase Sale during The Frome Independent from £6

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Fe s t i ve G i f t G ui d e

Angela Harding advent calendar from The Golden Goose £10.95

Dope On A Rope from Hung Drawn Quoted £6

Geo Signet Ring Christina Oswin Jewellery £135

The Satsuma Complex

by Bob Mortimer from Hunting Raven £16.99

Stacking Candles

by Design + Made from the Shop at Black Swan Arts £1 - £10

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Fe s t i ve G i f t G ui d e

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Hibi Botanics, based right here in Frome, create low waste, plastic free alternatives to everyday skin & haircare products. Our soap free, palm free botanical bars are professionally formulated, made by hand and designed to leave skin and hair soft, smooth and happy.

“I absolutely love your products. You’ve restored my faith in shampoo bars. I don’t even need a conditioner as my hair is all smooth and silky”

All Hibi Botanics products are: Vegan . Soap Free Palm Free . Cruelty Free Made with 100% Natural Ingredients

“Really impressed with the Ultra Glow Facial Oil. My lifeless 55 year old skin feels soft, smooth, tighter and fuller.

I’m a convert”

You can buy Hibi products from our incredible stockists: Oakville Naturals, Honey On The Hill and Teals.

You can also purchase at The Frome Independent (on the bridge) or via our website. www.hibibotanics.com . @hibibotanics

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

REPAIRS . REMODELLING . COMMISSIONS . JEWELLERY CLASSES

SHOP LOCAL

@FROMIEGIFTS

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FROMIE.CO.UK 24-25 Catherine Hill Frome, Somerset, BA11 1BY www.milliemoonshop.co.uk

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Fe s tive Gif t Guide

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Rose Gold and Mink Suede watch by OWL from Marchbank Jewellery £90.00

Chocolate ‘Election’ Box from Hung Drawn Quoted £7.50

Handmade Pin cushions and needle cases from Millie Moon from £5

Posy Bloom Loop Necklace

by Alex Monroe from Marchbank Jewellery £210 Luxury Low Waste, Vegan and Palm-Free Skin & Haircare from Hibi Botanics £10 - £14

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Stainless steel flask with leather sleeve from Frome Hardware Plain - £22 Engraved - £30

Stoneware mugs

by Liu Ying Ceramics from Whittox Gallery Shop £28

Mini Christmas Hamper containing a selection of Spanish food from Lo Rapitenc £25

Creative box with high-quality materials for exploring, playing and learning ‘Japanese cat’ screenprint

by Phoebe Philips

FROM POST SCRIPT £19.99

from The Why Gallery £28

Candle with scents of rich tobacco, vintage leather and aged cognac from Johnny Szymanski £25

THE LIST FROME

Fe s t i ve G i f t G ui d e

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STAT ION ER Y G IFT S A RT S & CRA FTS PR INT IN G DESIG N 15 STONY STREET FROME, SOMERSET, BA11 1BU

01373 462466

POSTSCRIPT@POSTSCRIPTFROME.CO.UK

NEW TREASURES IN STORE It’s beginning to look a lot like Autumn…

GIFTS • CARDS • TOYS • INTERIORS

Get Christmas ‘conkered’ early this year at Hunting Raven.

We’re stacked to the rafters with exciting books, gifts, and cards.

Come and visit our shop at 9-10 Cheap Street

Open 7

days a week until Christmas

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

9.30-5.30 Monday to Friday 9.30-5 Saturdays Open Sundays throughout December

Or shop online at

https://shop.winstonebooks.co.uk/ THEGOLDENGO OSE _THE_GOLDENGO OSE 5 PA L M E R S T R E E T, F R O M E T : 0 1 3 7 3 3 0 2 6 0 3

THEGOLDENGO OSE .CO.UK

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TH ELI S TFR O M E

Fe s tive Gif t Guide

An independent, traditional hardware store specialising in utilitarian objects for the home.

We also offer laser etching and cutting as a service on a wide range of materials and can create bespoke items to order.

info@fromehardware.com | fromehardware.com 14 Catherine Hill . Frome . BA11 1BZ @fromehardware

6 Cheap Street, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1BN 01373 455332

For all your jewellery commissions, repairs, remodelling and valuations We stock a selection of beautiful hand-made jewellery, watches and cufflinks.

We also offer hand-engraving, Antique Silver restoration and repair.

Registered Fair Trade Goldsmith Member of National Association of Jewellers

TH E LI S T FR O M E

F e s t i ve G i f t G u i d e

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25. Marbled leather key rings by Willow from Whittox Gallery Shop £9.50

Rocks Stacking Rings from Christina Oswin Jewellery from £70

23. Folding Japanese Pull-Saw, from Frome Hardware, From £38.50 £44.95

Sewing boxes from Millie Moon £25

Loud Mouth selection boxes with 4 speciality coffees Loud Mouth Coffee £20

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Paperblanks journals and Skincare Set with brightening eye cream, caffeine gel booster and lightly tinted SPF moisturiser from Johnny

diaries are known for their beautiful covers from Postscript £14.99

Szymanski £50

Afropop Socks, med - XL from The Golden Goose Frome Gift Card

£10

from Frome Gifts £10 - £100

Hydrating Facial Serum & Ultra Glow Facial Oil gift set from Hibi Botanics £35

‘Joni’ screen print by Phoebe Phillips fROm The Why Gallery £30

THE LIST FROME

Fe s t i ve G i f t G ui d e

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Silent Auction For We Hear You

L

ocal cancer charity We Hear You (WHY) is hosting a ‘silent auction’ to raise funds for its free specialist emotional support services for children and adults affected or bereaved by cancer. Auction lots, which have been donated by local businesses and supporters of the charity, include meals out, vouchers for beauty treatments and family attractions, bespoke pet portraits, home delivery of afternoon tea with prosecco, and a Victoria Pendleton classic ladies’ Dutch-style bike.

Fundraising Officer Helen White says, ‘Our auction is a chance to support WHY and treat yourself or someone you love at the same time! We’ve got so many amazing lots on offer this year and have been blown away by our supporters’ generosity, especially in these very difficult times. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, and in advance to our bidders; your kindness makes our vital, free services possible.

Although we have some very exciting larger auction

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Ho u s e & h o m e

lots, we try to have something for all budgets, so don’t be shy, come and have a look! The prizes can be viewed online ahead of the start date on 7th November, so have a look at the auction page and create a list of your favourites!”

The We Hear You silent auction is at:

32auctions.com/why22 and runs Monday 7th November at 9am to Sunday 13th November at 9pm. All proceeds from the auction support We Hear You (WHY) a charity working across Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, which provides free counselling, mindfulness, nature connection courses, art and drama therapy for children, young people and adults impacted by cancer and life-threatening conditions.

A RETRO FEEL GOOD WORKOUT CHEESE & GRAIN | TUESDAYS | 6:45PM RISE | FRIDAYS | 9:30AM Classes run up to 23rd December Now taking bookings for Christmas parties

WWW.MOJOMOVES.CO.UK

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

SW Plumbing We provide a full range of services from installation, service and repair of full central heating systems and boilers through to bathroom, kitchen and water softener installations.

Call us now for a FREE no-obligation quote!

Emotional Freedom Technique A short term, solution focused therapy for personal or professional change & growth Anxiety • Phobias • Procrastination Trauma • Limiting Beliefs • Weight Loss Addiction Discounted Block Therapy Sessions Frome • Bruton • Online Free Consultation Accredited EFT Practitioner

southwest-plumbing.co.uk 01373 301379 / 07974 075221

www.eftcoach.co.uk

TH E LI S T FR O M E

House & Home

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ALL HALLOWS Preparatory School

Nestled in the heart of rural Somerset, in a stunning location just 15 minutes from Frome, All Hallows is a day and boarding prep school for children aged 3 to 13.

A school with pupils’ happiness and well-being at the heart of all decision-making, an Educational Psychologist leading the way as Head, a creative and dynamic curriculum, which is producing outstanding results.

Last Year, 69% of our Year 8’s received a scholarship to their chosen Senior School.

Over the past 5 years, our Year 8s have been awared 224 scholarships covering all aspects of school life.

Part of the Monkton Family of Schools, All Hallows is an independent school with children moving on to their chosen senior school confident in who they are and ready to make the most of the opportunities that await.

www.allhallowsschool.co.uk

Open Morning ~ Saturday 26th November Please contact Jackie Truelove, All Hallows’ Registrar, to find out more, secure your place, or to arrange a bespoke tour.

01749 881609 admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk

CREATE SPACE WITH A GARDEN ROOM

Not all veterinary practices are the same We are available to care for your pets, horses and animals 24/7 If your pet is overnight with us, they are never left alone Garston vets - a truly independent approach to animal care for over 100 years.

Frome

01373 452225

Melksham

01225 617779

Trowbridge

01225 754021

Warminster

01985 213350

Westbury

01373 301448

www.garstonvets.co.uk THE LIST FROME

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ANOTHER VINE MESS Th e Fr o m e Fo s s i l

H

38

alf a century ago, I was pushing a VW camper van onto the Plymouth ferry. My fellow pusher was a mate from college, but the ginger bloke behind the steering wheel I scarcely knew at all. His name was Diggle (which may ring a bell with loyal readers), and he owned the van. We planned to drive down to Bordeaux to join in the grape harvest. But things looked bleak – largely because the pigging thing wouldn’t even cough, let alone start. It seemed likely that when we reached St-Malo we’d have to push it off again. Humiliation beckoned. No wonder the crew and passengers gazed at us with a wild surmise.

This mechanical triumph left us permanently euphoric – a state aided by the sun, the food, the general air of festivity, and the female French students. Plus, of course, the wine. After work, sweaty and knackered, we would queue at a hatch, through which we could see lines of bottles stretching away into the far shadows. There was no limit: you were handed as many as you asked for. We clanked back to the camper van, showered, changed, cooked our food (also handed through the hatch) and drank. All this, along with the fresh air, the labour and the handfuls of fresh grapes we ate all day, meant I have never been healthier in my life.

Diggle - who even then bore a striking resemblance to the Carry On actor Charles Hawtrey – spent the voyage staring fixedly into the bowels of the engine, frozen with horror. The boat docked, the ramp clanged down, the smug drivers revved their cars, and we clambered glumly into the van, ready for the worst. When everyone had gone, Diggle halfheartedly turned the key. And – abracadabra – the engine purred into life. What’s more, it powered us without a hiccup all the way south to the heartlands of claret, where we camped in the grounds of a chateau and spent a blissful fortnight picking grapes.

The harvest ended with a gigantic banquet and booze-up which dwarfed all that went before – and over which I shall draw a discreet veil. Then we went our separate ways. My mate and I got a lift north with two students, and eventually arrived back in England having spent all our hard-earned francs. Meanwhile, Diggle drove eastwards. His van – miraculously - took him all the way to Tehran, where he found a job and grew rich. There’s a moral there, somewhere.

THE LIST FROME

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

Ground breaking 2, 3 and 4 bedroom, zero carbon homes and bungalows in the Village of Chapmanslade, near Frome. Current availability from £349,000.

Imagine zero carbon living in a charming corner of Wiltshire

£5,000

deposit contribution

www.newlandhomes.co.uk/chapmanslade Book your tailor-made appointment to view Honey Glade, Cleyhill Gardens, Chapmanslade, Wiltshire, BA13 4AL *Terms and conditions apply. Selected plots only.

Please speak to a Sales Consultant for further details. Offer expires 30th November 2022.

01373 476766

NEAR

FROME