Dear Editor,

Midsomer Norton Methodist Church welcomed the 50 diners to the Annual Christmas lunch.

They enjoyed a traditional roast turkey meal with all the trimmings, followed by a selection of sweets including Christmas pudding. Rev Christine Coram led Carol singing which were accompanied by Doreen Dando. The event finished with a raffle to boost the profits which will go to Julian House for the homeless in Bath .

During the year we prepare meals every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at midday to which anyone who would like some company and reasonably priced meal is welcome.

We are thankful for a happy band of volunteer helpers.

Helen Green and Kathy Dymond

Midsomer Norton

Dear Editor,

Just as Christmas gives us hope of a better world breaking into history with real peace and justice for all, so a New Year should give us hope and determination to work together to change things for good. Many of your readers must have had a very difficult year, just as I have done, so that I cannot wait to bring the curtain down on 2025. I have learnt much about life here.

Firstly, most people are amazingly kind and helpful, especially when they see my white stick, and when I fail to recognise people’s faces. A seat on a bus is much appreciated, especially when I have spent half an hour in the pouring rain waiting for the bus.

Secondly, the NHS is not broken, as some politicians would have us believe. Six days from referral to a (negative) mammogram for a suspicious lump is hard to beat and not a striker in sight, only over-worked and in my view under paid medical staff at the RUH, getting waiting lists down.

Cheerful volunteers so helpful I find though I am sure the RUH needs more of them as well. What is defective is the AI system operating for some clinics and poor communications at times with GPs not to mention long delays in sending some letters out. Getting letters for appointments on the day of the appointment itself wastes NHS money. Sticking plaster and goodwill, especially from charities such as Macmillan, seem to hold some parts together, and that must change.

So must the bus service. We should not only have a hospital flyer service direct from the park and rides to the RUH , but better regular rural buses, and my own New Year’s Day resolution is to get that done not least through WECA.

Using the buses you get a good idea of residents’ priorities. I shall be supporting Labour colleagues campaigns but also working hard on problems of homelessness or poor housing, low wages and too much commuting.

I will still aim to conduct a surgery three weeks out of four at Trinity Methodist Church on Saturdays 10am to 11am, call 07979 68416 or email [email protected] but I am always happy to meet residents elsewhere by appointment. If I have not campaigned as much as I would like this year it is because I always prioritise individual residents’ issues.

Make 2026 a good year and get a shingles jab if you can. My problems could have been much worse…

Best wishes,

Cllr Eleanor Jackson

Westfield

Dear Editor,

Residents at Somer Valley House care home have been reflecting on Christmases from their childhoods through to later life, offering a glimpse into celebrations that ranged from simple family traditions to unforgettable holidays abroad.

Ann Mills, 85, remembers Christmas mornings beginning long before the sun came up. Ann said, “I would get up early with my brother in the dark and feel the presents — I usually found mine before Christmas Day,”

Ann’s grandmother joined the family for Christmas dinner each year, turkey with chestnut stuffing which her dad cooked, before a trip to their local church.

Boxing Day brought a more unique tradition: a visit to the dog racing track. Ann added, “My father owned a greyhound, so we always went to watch the races.”

Fellow resident, Jack Rugg (100), grew up in different circumstances. Jack said, “My family were quite poor when I was a child, and there were nine of us kids. We were lucky if we got a big present when I was really young, but when I was 11 or 12, I got a bike which was the best gift I’d ever had.”

As a member of the local church choir, Jack’s Christmas also included a service on Christmas Day, followed by a family dinner. Jack added, “We didn’t have anything lavish, usually beef or pork if we could afford it.”

Reflecting on Christmas today and how times have changed since his younger years, Jack said, “I’m just glad to be at Somer Valley House where I’m looked after, and I can still spend the holidays with my family. All I want this Christmas is a peaceful world, for the sake of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

Ann and Jack are both enjoying the Christmas celebrations at Somer Valley House this year, most recently taking part in the home’s Christmas Fayre with the local community.

Somer Valley House

Midsomer Norton