News in Midsomer Norton and Radstock

The thought of meeting a real-life reindeer at a Christmas event is exciting for people of all ages, but the animal welfare charity is concerned that these complex creatures could be suffering.

RSPCA Senior Scientific Manager in wildlife Dr Ros Clubb said: "As Christmas approaches, we and other animal welfare charities are really concerned that reindeer used in festive events across the country could be suffering in silence. Reindeer are kept here in the UK year-round but we always see more calls about them in the build up to Christmas, which is when they're taken out to be on display at festive events.

Members of the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Rotary Club are proud of the rich heritage of the area we are all fortunate to live in and even prouder of how the area came together through the pandemic and pulled together as a community.

Wanting to embrace and reflect upon this community pride, the Rotary Club approached the Radstock Museum for permission to use bygone scenes for their charity Christmas card selection. The museum kindly consented and two photos of Midsomer Norton and two of Radstock have been produced as Christmas cards.

Commenting on the Prime Minister's announcement that mask wearing will once again become mandatory in shops and on public transport Metro Mayor Dan Norris said:

"Mask wearing is a completely sensible measure to help keep you and your neighbours safer.

AS more and more events are being organised locally Nub News is bringing you a weekly round up of what's on in and around Midsomer Norton each weekend.

Every Thursday we will now bring you our top picks of the events in our What's On section for the coming weekend.

Anglican churches in the Peasedown St John and Wellow area have announced dates for two upcoming Christingles services to kick-off the Christmas season.

The Christingle, representing the earth and Jesus as the light of the world, was first introduced into the Church of England by the Children's Society over fifty years ago. It is now used in school plays and children's nativities all over the world.

Whilst many people will be looking forward to Christmas following the pandemic troubles of the last 18 months, others are facing a tough winter ahead.

The challenges that the coronavirus outbreak has led to have been like no other. More people than ever before will be relying on the support of charities this December for food, clothing and financial support.

National Highways is advising drivers to take extra care on the roads and be prepared as Storm Arwen brings very strong winds across large parts of the South West tonight and into Saturday morning.

Winds are expected to strengthen from the north during tonight, with gusts up to 70mph on higher ground, particularly on the A30 around Bodmin in Cornwall, and other higher-ground areas in Devon, from midnight through to 9am tomorrow.

Children at St Julian's School in Wellow have received a special visit from the Royal Navy.

As part of their enrichment activities, pupils in Years 5 and 6 were fortunate to meet Scraggy, Dennis and Frenchy – three serving members from Portsmouth.

Children's Hospice South West (CHSW) is inviting people to a festive afternoon of Christmas fun and treats at Tucker's Grave Inn's new Parlour café.

The Christmas Fair in Faulkland on Sunday 28 November from 2-5pm in the Parlour café will help CHSW provide support and care to families of children with life-limiting conditions.

A toy shop - a gift and the last hand-crafted Christmas scene ready now for the big family trail at the Radstock Museum this weekend.

On Saturday 27th November Somerset Coalfield Life is hosting a free family trail of 25 hand crafted, mini lit-up Christmas scenes. The museum is open between 11am and 5pm to find all 25 Advent windows created by the museum's Education Team volunteers.