CHILDREN and parents of the German playgroup Biene Maja gathered once again to celebrate St Martin's Day.

More than 50 members and friends of the playgroup met outside Frome Library to start the traditional procession through the town centre.

They were carrying brightly illuminated lanterns and sang songs while walking across the bridge towards Catherine Hill.

The walk ended at the library again where the colourful lanterns were hung up to decorate the tree outside.

Everybody had a good time, enjoying snacks, homemade treats and mulled wine to beat the cold.

Legend has it that Martin was a Roman soldier who devoted his life to help the poor.

Once in winter he rode his horse and came upon a beggar shivering from the cold. Martin divided his coat with his sword and gave one half to the poor man.

Later in life, Martin was asked to become Bishop but he was too reluctant to accept and hid in a stable.

People were looking for him with lanterns and that is why today children in Germany and in other European countries carry lanterns to celebrate St Martin's Day.

A combination of age-related brain shrinkage and falls led to a 92-year-old Midsomer Norton becoming more vulnerable to a condition which led to his death in hospital, an inquest has been told.

Blood collecting in the space between the brain and skull had not been spotted until a CT scan was carried out a few weeks before Hugh Jones died at the RUH. His earlier symptoms had been put down to the Alzheimer's he was suffering from and a urinary tract infection.

Mr Jones died from heart failure which was contributed to by the bleeding in his skull.

Deputy coroner, Dr Simon Fox, was told that Mr Jones' had progressively deteriorated in the last six months of his life before he died in May 2012.

He had been transferred to the RUH from St Martin's Hospital where he was a patient in a small dementia assessment unit.

He heard that there had been a history of falls, including one where he had been found lying bruised on the floor his home on New Year's Day and which resulted in him being admitted to the RUH.

Consultant psychiatrist for older people, Timothy Jelly, said that Mr Jones had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2011 and his condition deteriorated from then.

Dr Fox recorded a narrative verdict.

PUPILS at Selwood Academy in Frome have contributed nearly 150 shoe boxes as part of the Samaritan's Purse Operation Shoe Box appeal.

The boxes will go to deserving children around the world in time for Christmas.

Teacher Jacquelyn Key, who organised the appeal, was impressed with the response.

She said: "This is my third year at Selwood and the pupils have always been very generous and kind.

"I am very proud of them all and the response has exceeded my expectations.

"A huge thank you to all the pupils and parents who supported this appeal."

BUSINESS owners, schools and churches in Wells have joined together to launch their very own community advent trail.

A number of specially-created sheep will adorn shops in the city, creating a "community sheep trail".

Children and parents are invited to find each of the sheep by December 21.

The initiative was the idea of Jane Tibbs, the early years children and families adviser at the Diocese of Bath and Wells.

Jane says: "This is a great way to bring business, community and church leaders together.

"Shepherds are central figures in the story of Jesus' birth.

"This is a challenge to all of Wells' young shepherds – to find all the missing flock."

The event is supported by the Mothers' Union in the diocese.

Jane, who is a member, approached them for help knitting the sheep. Within a short space of time tens of sheep had been knitted and were ready to be found a home in shops up and down the high street.

The Bishop of Taunton, the Right Rev Peter Maurice, has given his support to the scheme.

He said: "What a great way to bring the whole community of Wells together, and put Christ and the wonderful story of his birth at the heart of the nation's favourite time of the year. It is a reminder to all that Christmas starts with Christ."

Each sheep will have a label with a name, which will be chosen by the shopkeeper.

Children are tasked with recording as many sheep names as possible on a special leaflet.

Completed leaflets will be collected and a prize draw will take place at St Thomas's Church at 4pm on December 21.

Leaflets for taking part are available from the Wells and Mendip Museum.

The first stage of a £100,000 facelift for the South Wansdyke Sports Centre at Midsomer Norton has been completed.

There is now a refurbished studio which has air conditioning, new lighting and mirrors, while the squash court has a new playing surface, new lighting and freshly painted walls.

The rest of the renovation is on track to be finished by January, with the work funded by Bath and North East Somerset Council including a new fitness hall, and improved access for people with disabilities.

General manager Paul Vinyard said the upgraded facilities would enable the centre to accommodate its growing programme.

Mr Vinyard said: "The first phase of the development has now finished and feedback from customers has been excellent. I would like to thank members and users of the centre for their understanding and patience while these vital refurbishments are undertaken."

Councillor David Dixon, tcabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: "We're excited to have made such great progress on making this leisure centre even better for the whole community.

"The improved facilities will enhance what's already on offer and we anticipate it should increase people's use of South Wansdyke Sports Centre by about 40 per cent.

"Bath and North East Somerset Council is keen to give everyone the chance to get active and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. The larger fitness suite – offering a greater choice of new equipment and a variety of classes – along with improved access for all, will help us to achieve this."

Jason Curtis, head of operations at Aquaterra, which runs the centre for the council, added: "We're delighted to be partnering the council to deliver this extensive upgrade to facilities. The improvements will bring a much enhanced sports and leisure offer to this popular community facility and we look forward to welcoming a host of new customers."

Some exercise classes will be affected by the work, with the latest information at www.aquaterra.org/south- wansdyke-development-works.

A SERIES of events are being organised to encourage people to have their say on what they would like to see done in The Dippy.

The Dippy, on The Mount estate in Frome, is an area of grassland used mainly by dog walkers. Edventure Frome is working in partnership with Frome Town Council, Participate Frome and the Mount Community Association to gather ideas about the future of the largely redundant land.

The week begins this Monday, December 2, with a public meeting at the Key Centre in Feltham Lane from 7pm where people can find out more about the future plans and present their views.

Other activities during the week include a group walk and talk on Tuesday, December 3, meet at the Culverhill entrance followed by bramble slashing and hot chocolate on Wednesday, December 4. On Saturday, December 7, there will be more bramble slashing, this time with pizza and a treasure hunt for children, and on Monday, December 16, there will be a feedback meeting again at the Key Centre.

FOUR candidates have so far been named in the Frome College ward by-election after Conservative councillor James Godman stepped down last month.

The Mendip branch of the Liberal Democrats has announced Adam Boyden as its candidate for the ward.

Mr Boyden is the district councillor for College and said he is keen to help solve problems.

Mr Boyden said: "I am already one of the two councillors for College ward on Mendip District Council, so I am already working to help people sort out problems and bring about positive changes to the area.

"I live nearby, visit the ward every day, and know many of the residents and community groups in the area well."

Labour has announced David Taylor as its candidate.

Mr Taylor lives in the town with his wife and children.

He said: "I recently retired from the Army having spent 25 years in the armed forces, serving my country home and abroad."

Mr Taylor is an campaigner on issues of education, access to healthcare and the environment.

Mike Rideout will stand as the Conservative candidate and submitted his registration papers this week.

Mr Rideout said: "I am standing as I think there needs to be more and better leisure facilities in the town and I want to see more transparency from the town council on how they spend the tax payers precept."

Tori Allison has been announced as the candidate for Independents for Frome.

She said: "Frome has tremendous community spirit and an appealing vibe.

"Serving as a town councillor is an excellent way to help improve the community and I look forward to shaping the future of our town."

The by-election is set to take place on Wednesday, December 18.

A FORMER Frome woman has retained her World Stone Skimming Champion crown after taking part in a competition in Scotland.

Lucy Wood, 34, first came across the competition in 2011 when on holiday and entered it on the spot, finishing third. Last year she went back to compete and won it, repeating her success again this year.

The Blue Peter team filmed the event for a future programme, and a Japanese film crew followed one of its comedians who is travelling the world to compete in unusual events.

The Dutch team were so impressed with Lucy's skill she has been invited to the European Championships.

Her father Charles said: "Apart from the champion's trophy, Lucy also got a bottle of Oban whisky, which came my way last year as she doesn't drink."

Lucy lives in London with her partner.

Wells Amateur Boxing Club coaches Liam White and Nickie Pidgeon believe they have unearthed a new star in Castle Cary-born Jordon Giles.

The youngster had his first contest on Saturday at King Alfreds Boxing Club in Highbridge and, against a very unorthodox fighter from the home club, Giles ran out an impressive victor over three rounds.

The opening round was evenly balanced as Giles boxed to the instructions he was given by his coaches. Once he had settled, he dominated the second and third rounds and earned a unanimous points decision.

Giles' victory was impressive in that his combination punches were scored almost at will, whereas his opponent did his best to score with punches over the top, which failed badly, and the home boxer was to suffer a lot of punishment and was left hanging on at the end.

SALLY Morgan, of Wells, has raised £1,000 for St Margaret's Hospice and Somerset Cancer Care, a branch of the charity.

She had celebrated her birthday earlier this month, but it was an evening tinged with sadness.

Sally's mother died earlier this year, after being cared for by the St Margaret's Hospice community nurses and also having received support from the Wells group of Somerset Cancer Care.

To show her appreciation for the support and care which her mother received, Sally organised a cheese and wine evening and asked friends to make donations to the charity instead of giving her presents.

Dan Holland of Queen Street Delicatessen and David Schroetter of Sante, both businesses which are individually supportive of the hospice, provided the cheese and wine for the party.

Sue Medlicott, fundraiser with St Margaret's, said: "We are very grateful to Sally, her family and friends for their generosity and support of St Margaret's and Somerset Cancer Care.

"Sally wrote a wonderful letter with her donation in which she mentions that 'raising money on the night seemed a fitting way to make celebrating worthwhile.' With her friends she has certainly done that.

"This wonderful donation of £1,000 will bring St Margaret's care and support to other local people living with a life-limiting illness.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who contributed to the birthday donation."

Clarrie Dunbar Indoor Bowls Club came through a close contest to beat Bristol in their second Wessex League Central Region fixture of the season.

With two rinks played at each club, the tight match swung one way then the other as Clarrie took a 24-17 lead after five ends but Bristol turned it around to be ahead by the same margin after 15 ends.

Clarrie fought back again to go nine shots clear and they held on to win 83-77 overall.

Rink scores: At Clarrie: John Freeman, Fred Pope, Glyn Jones, Keith Bailey 20 A Poulman, R Johnson, A Forster, P Birmingham 20; Dick Discombe, Trevor Batchelor, Alan Colebrooke, Russell Francis 26 M Parsons, S Neal, P Michiche, P Bryant 17.

At Bristol: Andy Taylor, Brian Hawkins, Dale Taylor, Andy Colebrooke 21 J Bennett, A Sparey, T Barnes, E Seavill 15; Ian Perkins, Mike Sawyers, Duncan McGovern, Craig Doughty 16 A Roslini, F Hogg, J Horstead, G Coffield 25.

Elsewhere, ten Clarrie men helped Somerset to a 121-99 victory over Dorset in the Liberty Trophy, a national inter-county knockout competition.

Keith Bailey, Andrew Colebrooke, Craig Doughty, Russell Francis, Terry Perkins, Graham Shadwell, Andrew Taylor, Dale Taylor, John Freeman and Neil Collett all contributed to the win at Taunton Deane Bowls Club, booking Somerset a tie against Wiltshire in Chippenham in the next round on January 11.

This weekend, Clarrie's men will take on Bristol again, this time in the Denny Cup third round. The fixture will feature two rinks at each venue, starting at 10am on Saturday.

A mixed team will play Clevedon in the Egham Trophy third round at the same time on Sunday.

For more information about Clarrie Dunbar IBC, visit www.clarrie.co.uk, find the club on Facebook, call 01373 830092 or pop into at the club in Standerwick near Frome.

Cheddar Valley Rifle Club had mixed fortunes during both the indoor and outdoor events this autumn.

In the indoor summer leagues, Tom Paisey finished third in Division 2, Dave Oatley was second in Division 5 and Cliff Simmons matched that result in Division 8.

In the Somerset Open shoot, an outdoor competition at the Long Ashton Ranges, Keith Thickett and Mike Griffin were joint top Somerset shooters in X class with a total of 581 points each.

Ruth Bell, Cheddar's new club secretary, was second of the Somerset shooters in A class and Simmons was first in C class.

In another outdoor event, the Major Hutchinson Trophy, Griffin was second of the county shooters, just ahead of Thickett, in X class, with both scoring 100 points at 100 yards. Bell had a difficult day to finish ninth, while Simmons was third.

In the inter-county shoot, three Cheddar members – Carolyn Olsen, Simon Ellis and David Oatley – shot for the reserve team in Division 4. The 12-strong team finished in fifth place.

Cheddar Valley Rifle Club is an established and fully- approved 0.22 calibre target rifle shooting club, with their own 25-yard indoor range.

New members are welcome and equipment is provided. The club is open from 7.30-10pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

For more information, contact the secretary on 01934 518098.

Street manager Dan Badman says there is "no room for complacency" as the club looks to cement its position as the leading side in the area.

After making a flying start to the Toolstation League Premier Division, the Cobblers have lost their way in recent weeks but still lie fourth in the table.

Several players have left the club in recent week in search of regular first-team football but Badman says that they will maintain their attempts to develop the best youngsters in the area and scotched rumours of the demise of Street's under- 18 team.

"As a club, our initial aim has been to establish ourselves as the leading club in the area and I feel over the past couple of seasons we have been able to do this," he said.

"However there is no room for complacency, particularly with the impressive developments at Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet, and we continue to strive to improve as a club both on and off the field.

"We recognise that being the leading club in the area we do have to deal with the expected negativity from others, although it has been disappointing to hear rumours being spread of our under-18s folding just to focus on the first team.

"This rumour was quite simply untrue and it is disappointing that as a local football community people feel it is necessary to make things up.

"In fact, we at Street are very clear that our format is to develop the cream of local talent into players which are capable of competing for a place at the top end of the Western League or higher. Having an under-18s side and reserve team are integral to these plans."

Badman praised the influence of some of Street's established players, as well as a couple of new arrivals, and said he hopes to add to the squad again soon.

He also believes that playing alongside the top players in the squad will help the development of his younger charges.

"In Ben Amghar, Nathan Truckle and Jack Malone, we already have top-drawer, established, local Western League players who are integral to our plans going forward," he said.

"We also recognise that to compete at our desired level it is necessary to bring top players like Mark Salter and Keith Emmerson to the club. These players have already been instrumental for us.

"Dale Hunt and Connor O'Neill are two examples of young players who have the undoubted ability to play for our club and who have this season developed and impressed massively.

"Over the past few weeks we have lost several players who felt it best to seek regular first-team football elsewhere. I wish Karl Baggerley, Dave Pearse and Craig Mawford all the best with this.

"Jake Brown has decided to leave and sign for Wells due to him feeling that he would enjoy the social side more at Wells and that took priority over the footballing opportunities he had with us. I wish him all the best and hope things work out for him.

"On a more positive note I have been delighted with the instant impact of Lee Smyth, he is a terrific player who offers so much going forward.

"I also hope to add one or two more players over the forthcoming weeks to add a bit more competition to the squad."

A WOMAN from Westbury- sub-Mendip has returned from an "extraordinary" trip to Ethiopia.

Jackie Laws travelled to the drought-stricken country to see the work of Send a Cow – a charity which helps farmers produce food all year round.

The rains fail frequently and millions of Ethiopians rely on food aid between harvests.

Jackie explained how the charity helps.

She said: "Over a period of two to five years Send a Cow helps families make the best use of soil and rainfall by giving training in livestock management and vegetable growing to develop a productive farming system and backyard gardening that does not harm the fragile environment.

"This closes the three month deadly hunger gap and creates self-sufficiency throughout the year."

In some cases the charity provides livestock. Chickens can provide meat and up to 200 eggs a year – a vital source of protein and income. A donkey can share a family's burden by carrying water, fuel and produce to market.

Jackie said: "Finally, there is a wonderful chain of giving. Each farmer promises to pass on a gift to another family in need – something they thought quite unimaginable – so each gift multiplies."

On her trip, which was self- funded, Jackie visited a Send a Cow project with a group of Oromo herdsmen in the remote Ethiopian highlands. She lived with Oromo where she saw the project's work in action.

She said: "The impact of the project was astounding and their gratitude was overwhelming.

"Send a Cow helps farmers understand the potential of their land.

"They are given confidence and hope.

"Then there is their unstinting determination to improve their own lives and of their neighbours – I find it quite humbling."

Jackie is available to speak to schools and local groups about the work of Send a Cow. She can be contacted on jackie.laws@btinternet.com.

Anyone wishing to learn more can visit www.senda cow.org.uk where Christmas gifts supporting their work are available.