The word ‘Christmas’ when it is mentioned in October can strike dismay as well as delight into the heart of the reader, but prudent societies and organisations have already started planning their festive happenings. The Chamber of Commerce is hoping for a big take-up of the offer of Christmas trees that can fit into the brackets on most premises in Bruton High Street and other streets in the town (see page 17). The trees certainly look wonderfully festive in December with their variously coloured lights twinkling or shining through the gloaming.