The Radstock Mayor writes:

So Christmas is with us once again, but without much of the usual joy. I feel a great deal of sympathy with those who have looked forward to this week and being with their loved ones. After all, this is what the feast is all about: the Holy Family with its divine addition made real and reflected in our own families, expressed through love. Yet for many it is not to be and it can only be hoped that the current situation is a temporary glitch, with normal festivities resuming next year.

As a child, I was packed off to a choir school and from the age of nine to thirteen missed four successive Christmases with my own folk, the reason being that the choristers were expected to see out the yuletide until 2nd of January. I can't say that I was wholly disappointed. We were well looked after; no lessons, a lot of singing admittedly, visits to the Natural History Museum, cinema and - what joy – a visit to Bertram Mills Funfair at Olympia!

After a stonking Christmas lunch we filed down to the Clergy house where we were treated to pop and Christmas cake of boot polish texture. Finally presents were distributed by the Cardinal's Gentleman and we made our way back to our school, clutching our booty, in my case a printing set.

My return home was an occasion for further festivities, to wit, another Christmas dinner which more than made up for what had been missed.

With those distant memories brought to the surface may I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.