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.

Advance notice of Bruton Choral Society’s festive event Carols by Candlelight is given on page 25 – it is always a joyous occasion and it’s well worth making a diary note of it. Look out for details of other forthcoming Christmas celebrations in the next two issues of the magazine. And of course the full range of Christmas church services throughout the benefice will appear in the December issue.
Autumn and winter are the seasons for brisk walks in the crisp air, returning to a warm fire and comforting food. A livelier form of exercise is offered by Cary Reels (page 17), when everybody who has ever enjoyed Scottish dancing can join in with a large, like-minded group. The Caryford Hall is big and modern, with excellent facilities including extensive parking.
Among the achievements of the summer you can read about the Bruton Abbey Field dig and Bruton Cricket Club’s unbeaten run, as well as the outstanding A Level and GCSE results achieved by many of the pupils at our schools: all good reasons to be proud of our town and benefice.
Elisabeth Balfour