WELL, that was a blast and a half!

When we broke the news that Jenson Button was heading home to switch on the Christmas lights on fromestandard.co.uk, we knew it was going to be good.

The response on our website and Facebook page showed just how well it had gone down.

But early predictions of a crowd of 5,000 were swept aside in a frenzy of F1 excitement, as up to 9,000 people turned out to welcome back the town's favourite son.

The sight of the former world champion powering through the streets in a Formula 1 race car will prove an unforgettable moment in the town's history.

The extra special touch afforded by his choice of vehicle for the extravaganza was the best-kept secret since Father Christmas.

Imagine how many more people might have swarmed into Frome had that news leaked out.

We salute once again those who helped to make this happen and thank Jenson warmly for doing his bit – and more – to make this an extra special time of year for Frome.

There's now a feel-goo d factor around the town that forms the perfect backdrop to the festive season.

Let's make this a Christmas to remember.

Frome Town U10 6 Dilton Rovers U10 2

Luke and Josh hit a hat-trick apiece as Frome Town under-10s hit Dilton Rovers for six at the weekend.

Frome started well, with Jordan and Josh combining effectively in midfield. The first chance of the game fell to Lewis but the keeper did well to block the shot.

Dilton almost scored but Lucas made a good save after a goalmouth scramble.

Frome created a number of chances, with Magor's shot well saved and Jordan seeing his effort cleared off the line.

The home team eventually took a deserved lead when Finn broke through and fed the ball to Josh, who nudged it home.

Frome continued to create chances but the Dilton keeper made crucial saves from Josh and Luke before the latter made space down the right and crossed to give Josh a simple tap-in.

Dilton came back into the game when a free-kick for handball was hammered home by Lewis but Frome continued to battle in midfield, with Alfie and Jordan holding firm in defence.

Lewis broke from midfield to set up Luke to restore Frome's two-goal lead with a thunderbolt and Luke grabbed his second with a good finish from Josh's through ball.

Frome were in total control, with Magor and Finn dominating midfield, Alfie and Ruben dealing comfortably with the rare Dilton attacks and Josh and Luke looking dangerous every time they broke forward.

It was no surprise when a long ball from Ruben saw Luke break into the box and unselfishly lay the ball off to Josh, who had a simple tap in to complete his hat-trick.

Dilton were able to pull a goal back with a long-range effort but Frome had the final word as Luke pounced on a through ball to net his third.

Frome Town U9

Frome Town under-9s' month of away trips continued with matches at Mere Town and Melksham Hurricanes.

Both Frome teams acquitted themselves with credit against good opponents, with the team at Mere working hard in defence and midfield while battling to create scoring chances.

Joe, Solly and Harvey marshalled the defence as Josh, William and Riley pushed up as much as possible to support Fin in attack.

Fin had a great shot on the turn saved before Josh forced the ball home from a fierce corner as Frome finished the match strongly.

At Melksham, great attacking from Harry, Raphael and Cameron, solid defending from Robbie and Jacob and excellent all-round play by George were the highlights.

To round off the day, five players warmed up with the Frome Town senior team ahead of their match against Corby Town and also walked out with them as mascots.

David Cameron's visit to China raises a troublesome moral challenge. In the next one hundred years it is likely that China will be one of the most powerful countries on earth.

It could easily vie with India as the global superpower leaving the United States but also the United Kingdom behind. Assuming all goes well for its economy it could easily be the richest country in the world by the middle of the 21st century and with that wealth will come power, military as well as diplomatic.

As a statesman the Prime Minister has to deal with this reality. However, China also remains a despotism without the rule of law, free speech, freedom of religion or protection from arbitrary arrest.

Any contrary spirit is crushed so the Dalai Lama lives in exile, Catholic priests are in prison and the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Liu Xiaobo, languishes in a Chinese gaol.

China, not surprisingly, does not welcome interference in its affairs and is highly sensitive to criticism. This risks making things worse by discussing human rights but not doing so looks weak as if preparing to kowtow.

Ultimately, the question is: will rising living standards lead to a natural demand for political rights and therefore, will helping China prosper speed up freedom or will the Communist government believe that if it is accepted by the west it need not change.

In my view the fundamental worry is with Communism, not with the history of China. As it loses its remaining semblance of ideological underpinning so it is likely that China's politics will change. This justifies engagement buy not yet friendship.

AS a result of our appeal for old school photographs, Dennis Barnard came across this one taken in 1946.

Mr Barnard from Chapmanslade was in the third year of Frome Grammar School and was the youngest in the class. On January 9 next year he celebrates his 80th birthday.

He thoroughly enjoyed his school days doing his school certificate aged 15 and leaving three months later at the age of 16.

After leaving school he joined his father Arthur in the family business, the Post Office and grocery store in Chapmanslade before embarking on his National Service.

He then returned to the village shop, running it with his father for ten years until Arthur Barnard's death and then together with his wife for a further ten years.

At the age of 45 his life took a completely different turn when he became auctioneer for Cooper and Tanner. He still works today.

His memory is as good as ever and he has recalled the names of all the young people in the photograph apart from the Christian name of the bespectacled boy he is sitting next to in the front row.

Can anyone help?

Back row: Nancy Norville, Howard Biss, Shelley Henson, Charlie Lange, June Keeping, David Cornish, Michael Saunders, Jean Frost and Michael Jukes.

Middle row: Geoff Scard, Valerie Weeks, John Aven, Barbara Sears, Cecil Ashman, Graham (Dickie) Barnard and Doreen Dyer.

Seated: Les Mortimer, Donald Nicholson, Diana Smith, Janet Clift, Dennis Barnard and ? Way.

A group of disabled campaigners from Timsbury presented a 500-name petition to improve gritting in their area last night.

They are asking Bath and North East Somerset Council to treat a 200-yard stretch of South Road that leads to the Greenhill House residential home.

They say the sloping approach to the home, run by the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability, can be treacherous during severe weather, making it difficult for staff, the emergency services, doctors and suppliers to get access.

On one occasion, food had to be delivered to Greenhill House in a wheelbarrow.

The petition was presented to a meeting of Bath and North East Somerset Council's cabinet.

Parking problems

An open meeting takes place in Peasedown St John on Monday December 16 to discuss parking problems in the village.

Peasedown's first Community Conversation event will focus on pavement parking in Bath Road, Sunnyside View, Church Road and Hillcrest, particularly at each end of the school day.

Local councillor Nathan Hartley (Lib Dem, Peasedown St John) said: "Recently I met with people in Hillcrest to discuss the problem, and after chatting with them I realised that we need to to have a proper Community Conversation about what solutions we can bring forward to address the issue."

Suggestions include creating a car parking area on the Recreation Ground.

Councillors, highways and education officials, bus bosses and Curo staff have been invited to attend the Idwal Close Community Hall, Hillcrest at 11am.

FATHER Christmas will be out and about on his Frome Rotary and Lions float for the next fortnight visiting Frome and the villages around.

The schedule is: THURSDAY 5 from 5.30pm – Parbury,Vallis Road, Wallington Way, Marley Way, Kelsey Court, Brittains, Whatcombe Road Upper Whatcombe, Valley View, Orchardleigh View, Low Water, Hill Ground, Weylands, Hodders Close, Delta Close and the Henley Way area.

FRIDAY 6 from 5.15pm – Nunney, Holwell, Nunney Catch, Ridgeway, Trudoxhill, Marston Bigot and Tytherington.

SATURDAY 7 from 5.30pm – Spring Gardens, Innox Hill, Lower Innox, Vine Gardens, Spring Road, Elliots Close, Rosedale Walk, Wickham Rise, Welshmill Road, North Parade, Fromefield, Stoneleigh Rise, Leys Lane and Bath Road.

SUNDAY 9 from 5.30pm – Dommetts Lane, Green Lane, Critchill Road, Westover, Westwood Drive, Eastwood Drive, Catherston Close, Beverley Close, Whitemill Lane, Marston Lane, Stourton View, Richmond Road, Whitewell Road, Firwood Road, Delmore Road, Whitewell Close and Somerset Road (to the top of Weymouth Road).

TUESDAY 10 from 5.30pm – Badcox, Weymouth Road, Ecos Court, Somerset Road, Oakfield Road, Broadway, Dorset Close, Nunney Road, Lynfield Road, Portland Road, Robbins Lane, Houston Way,Vallis Way, Horton Street, Orchard Street, Selwood Road,Trinity Street and Welshmill Hill.

WEDNESDAY 11 from 5.30pm Rosetti House, Park Hill Drive, Clumber Drive, Lewis Crescent, Heath Drive, Foxbury Close, Leys Lane, Leystone Close, Leys Hill, Packsaddle Way, Chapmans Close, Pedlars Grove, Farmhouse Drive, Grange Road, Mendip Drive, Selwood Crescent, Mendip Close, Leversedge Road, Lilly Batch and Sedgemead.

THURSDAY 12 from– 5.30pm – Berkley Road, Badgers Hill, Clink , Fermoy, Forest Road, Elmleigh, Pennys Piece, Nightingale Avenue, Blackbird Way, Swallow Drive, Chestnut Close, Sycamore Close, Stonebridge Drive, Beaconsfield Way, Larchfield, Stonebridge Drive, Ashtree Road and Princess Anne Road.

FRIDAY 13 from 5.30pm – Windsor Crescent, Rodden Road, Beechwood Avenue, St John's Road, St Mary's Road, Coronation Road, Monmouth Drive, Wynford Road, Wyville Road, Whitestone Road, Woodhayes Road,Bramley Drive, Holmbury Close, Wychelm Road, Whitehouse Drive and Wayside Close.

SATURDAY 14 from 5.15pm – Hapsford Mill, Great Elm, Mells and Buckland Dinham.

MONDAY 16 from 5.30pm – Stanier Close, Brunel Way, Churchward Drive, Stephenson Drive, Blagdon Walk, Collett Way, Priddy Close, Wellow Drive, Cheddar Close, Wedmore Close, Acacia Drive, Magnolia Drive, Laurel Close and Holly Court.

TUESDAY 17 from 5.30pm – Garsdale, Rivers Reach, Great Western Way, Fishers Brook, Portway, Newlands Gardens, Victoria Road, Garston Road, Avenue Road, Wallbridge Avenue, Locks Hill, Butlers Gardens, Knightstone Heights, Charles Road, Foster Road, Walker Road, Adderwell Road, Knights Maltings finishing at the top of Locks Hill.

WEDNESDAY 18 An emergency night only in case of any breakdowns.

THURSDAY 19 from 5.30pm – Gore Hedge, Christchurch St East, Alexandra Road, Summer Hill, Randolph Road, Singers Knoll, Woodland Road, The Cooperage, Keyford, Butts Hill, Slipps Close, Newington Close, The Butts, Rossiters Road, Rossiters Hill, Keyford, Culverhill, Austin Close, Feltham Drive, Southfields, Mountsfield, Tower View, Feltham Drive and Little Keyford Lane finishing at Manor Road.

FRIDAY 21 from 2.45 to 7.00pm) ASDA Superstore. From 7pm – from ASDA to Styles Hill, Styles Close, Styles Avenue, Styles Park, New Rd, Elworthy and Walbridge.

SATURDAY 22 at 1.00pm –Rowden House, Christchurch St. West, Bath Street and the Market Place. SATURDAY 22 from 4.15pm – From Castle Corner, in Beckington and Rode

MONDAY 23 from 2.45 to 7pm – Sainsbury's Superstore. From 7pm – The Butts, Marston Road, Cabell Road, Pinmore, Courts Barton, Masons Way, Marston Lane, Marston Close, Cranmore View to end at Critchill Road.

Forty jobs are to be created by a care agency based at the Somer Valley Enterprise Park at Paulton.

Bluebird Care (Bath and North East Somerset), which also has officers in Bath, will be holding pop-up recruitment fairs in the New Year to attract the extra staff.

Bluebird Care already employs 80 staff locally who provide care and support to the elderly, people with physical disabilities and adults with learning disabilities.

The company provides care in the home and specialises in working with customers who suffer from dementia, physical and learning disabilities.

It works alongside their families, social services, GPs and NHS trusts to ensure each person receives the care they need.

Managing director, Tim Rowland-Jones, pictured, said: "Employing committed and passionate care staff has been a huge part of our success.

"We will only ever be as good as the staff we employ and our staff are excellent.

"They are always professional and have real empathy for the people they look after."

Mr Rowland Jones set up his business in 2010 after being inspired by the quality of care his late grandfather received in his final months.

He runs the local franchise of what is a national operation.

Its services range from from 15-minute check visits to full live-in support.

THERE will be no Cobble Wobble in Frome this year.

The annual bone-rattling bike ride up Catherine Hill has been postponed for the first time since it was founded in 2009. Organisers posted on their Facebook page saying that they hope to be able to stage the race in February instead. The race has been a popular fixture and attracts big names from the cycling world.

The festive season will be reflected in Midsomer Norton starting with the first Thursday Social at Welton Rovers today.

Between 2pm and 5pm at Welton Rovers, there is the chance to meet friends, have a laugh and dance or foot tap the afternoon away to music.

The following day sees the Paradis Palm Court Trio celebrate the end of their first year of residency at Midsomer Norton Town Hall.

They will be performing in theAssembly Room between 12.30pm and 1.30pm on the theme of winter wonderland classics.

Both events are run by the Midsomer Norton Community Trust.

For further details visit www.midsomernorton communitytrust.co.uk or phone 01761 418701

Craft fair aids charities

Four charities are to benefit from funds raised at a craft fair held in Stratton-on-the-Fosse.

The event was held at the village hall and organisers raised £1,600.

The money will be split between Bath-based SANDS (the Stillborn and Neonatal Death Society), Cancer Research UK, the Mark Box Dorothy House Tulip Fund and the Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team in the Lake District.

A FROME company is helping a leading anti-racism charity to combat racism in schools across the UK after a pilot scheme was given the green light.

DNA Worldwide, which specialises in the testing of DNA, drug and alcohol services, has joined forces with Show Racism the Red Card, on a project to test children's DNA and it is hoped this will provide a long-term anti-racism message – by allowing children to see they have ancestry from many parts of the world.

DNA director, David Nicholson, said at a young age the views of our children are greatly influenced by parents, their friends and teachers all of whom have a responsibility to raise and nurture children.

He said: "Why do we find children who naturally see no difference between one another regardless of skin colour change their views as they grow older?

"The problem is both simple and complex, parents, piers and society can have extreme or hidden views which get imposed on our children.

"The children start to think this is normal and another generation with the same issues develops."

Education manager at Show Racism the Red Card charity, Jeff Morgan, said some of the young people he meets have very fixed views.

He said: "Some of the young people we meet have very fixed views on immigration, views which are often comprised of untruths and myths. We feel these tests will really open their eyes to the history of migration and their own heritage being not necessarily 100 per cent British and questioning why this would matter.

We think that this unique approach will have a long lasting impact, changing perceptions of themselves and the world around them and challenging the us 'and them' racist ideology."

Mr Nicholson added: "It will be wonderful to see the children being armed with information that helps them stay firm to what the young children feel – that skin colour does not make you different."

DNA Worldwide will be reporting on the results of the pilot project, which includes samples from famous footballers and X-Factor winners, as well as the children in the selected schools – as soon as they are ready. We also welcome any other schools that are interested in taking part and look forward to sharing the results.

Wells U16 23 Gordano U16 14

Wells under-16s reached the final of the Bristol Combination Cup after a tough contest against Gordano.

The early passages of play showed how much Gordano had improved following a one- sided contest between the teams in last season's Plate competition.

The Gordano defence stood firm against Wells' early advances and showed signs that they were willing to take the game to their opponents by moving the ball quickly through the hands.

Matt Trickey evaded tackles to score the opening try after seven minutes and Harry added the conversion to give Wells a 7-0 lead.

Both packs then held firm, although Wells did disrupt the Gordano lineout, while committed tackling prevented further scores until the 20th minute.

An overlap on the wing allowed Gordano to score their first try but Wells responded with a Harry drop goal to regain the lead before half-time.

Harry added a penalty after the break before Trickey went on an unstoppable run for his second try, with the conversion attempt coming back off an upright.

Despite the 11-point gap, the mood was still tense until Wells took control with a try from Dan five minutes from the final whistle.

The visitors came at Wells late on and scored a converted try but it was too late to change the result.

Wells will play St Mary's in the final in two weeks' time.

Cheddar Valley Juniors

Cheddar Valley RFC's junior section did not play a game at the weekend but instead enjoyed their annual 'Super Sunday' event.

The event involved coaches and players from Bristol RFC's 1st XV and academy teams visiting Sharpham Road for training before the Cheddar players went to the Memorial Stadium to see Bristol take on Leeds Carnegie.

More than 100 youngsters from the under-7s, 8s and 9s formed a guard of honour as the teams came out for the second half.

As well as training sessions for the juniors in the morning, the Cheddar coaches were given pointers by one of their counterparts at Bristol.

A Cheddar spokesperson said: "The event is now a regular fixture for the club and the boys were delighted to get up close and personal to some real-life professionals and role models, and to be able to watch the game and even critique where the grown-ups were going wrong as Leeds ended up running out the winners in an exciting game.

"The day was capped off nicely as the whole Bristol team took time out after the match to sign autographs and meet the juniors before they headed home."

10 years ago

THURSDAY, December 11 2003: Up to 80 homes and offices could be built in the Garsdale area of Frome as part of plans submitted this week.

But community leaders have expressed concerns about the proposals, the first sizeable plans brought forward for the site.

Earlier this week, a firm of developers submitted a planning application which they hope will transform a section of the Garsdale and Saxonvale site for housing and offices.

The 37.5 acre site has been the subject of regeneration plans for a number of years following the closure of some of Frome's primary industries.

But the planning department at Mendip District Council say that the latest plans for homes and offices on the former Cooper & Bussman site are the most significant to date.

The proposals have been drawn up by Newland Homes and Terramond, a Cheltenham-based from who propose to convert a 1.5hectare site into a mixture of detached and terraced houses and apartments with provision for affordable houses.

Jenson Button has revealed he believes he is capable of become world champion in 2005.

The Frome-born driver is still chasing his first Formula 1 podium finish as he gears up for his second season with the British/American racing team.

But the 23-year-old is convinced next year will be a breakthrough year for him and the team, with both having struggled to live up to the hype surrounding their entry into the sport.

"If, as is the plan, we are challenging for podiums in 2004 plus a possible win, then there is no reason why we can't start competing for the title in 2005," said Button this week.

25 years ago

FRIDAY, December 9 1988: The new £6,000 Christmas lights in Frome are being criticised by shopkeepers and residents.

The display was designed by the company that lights up buildings in Paris, New York's Central Park ad Regent Street In London. People are saying the displays in Trowbridge and Warminster are better..

A huge campaign to raise extra cash for the new lights was launched earlier in the year after it was discovered the old bulbs had to be scrapped because of new regulations.

The organisers, the Chamber of Commerce, approached dozens of shopkeepers, companies and industries for donations. Frome Town Council pledged a one-off £2,000 grant

Traders are complaining that this year's lights are worse them ever despite the thousands sunk into the new ones.

Mr John Collier of Stony Street said: "I am not very impressed with them. We realise people have given up their time and no one wants to criticise them, but the result is far from satisfactory."

Mr Colin Thompson of the Frome Security Centre said: "The effort is commendable but the effect is disappointing."

Penniless peer, Lord John Kinsale, is flinging himself into the seasonal spirit by hiring himself out as an upper-crust Father Christmas.

The Premier Baron of All Ireland, who lives in Nunney, has tried his hand at most jobs, from plumbing to part time kitchen fitting.

Lord Kinsale will be kitted out in ermine robes, topped off with a red cap and coronet. He hopes that an enterprising store may like to install a throne in their toy town grotto. He said: "I am trying to perfect my Ho Ho Hoes."

Lord John is currently two thirds of the way to completing his autobiography and hopes to take a trip to the United States where he is expecting to do a TV documentary.

50 years ago

FRIDAY December 6, 1963: Frome magistrates were told on Wednesday about what was described by the prosecution as the most "despicable type of hooliganism" started on the dance floor and continuing into the Market Place. A series of fights and beatings up of a very "vicious nature" were alleged to have taken place amid "scenes of chaos."

Before the court were eight Frome men who were charged following incidents at a local hockey club dance in the George Hotel a month ago. All elected to go for trial at the next quarter sessions.

Within ten minutes of the opening of Nunney Scout's second annual Christmas bazaar on Saturday the church rooms were packed with nearly 200 people. This start was the a measure of pride Nunney has in its Scout group, which with a membership of some 50 boys, is one of the strongest groups in the district. Its programme certainly shows it to be one of the most active groups in the country, with regular weekend camps, holidays in Germany last summer and weekends of adventure hikes by senior members.

Much of the success of the group is the strong parent/friend association which is behind it, and members of the association who are responsible for the very tasteful decoration and layout of the rooms, the staffing of the stalls, and the Scouts and Cubs doing the fetching and carrying.

100 years ago

FRIDAY December 5 1913: The prizes and certificates gained by the students of the Frome School of Art and Science will be presented by the Rev Prebendary Randolph on Friday evening December 12 in the lecture room.

The chair will be taken by the Rev J S Paige at seven o'clock. An exhibition of the work by the students will be open in Room 1 after the distribution.

Lovers of Dickens in Frome were afforded the opportunity of hearing another recital from their favourite author on Tuesday afternoon by Mr Arthur W Hayes. The recital on this occasion took place in the Market Hall, which is scarcely compact enough for such entertainment as the recital is regarded as one of the literary treats of the year. It was greatly enjoyed by a large and appreciative audience. Arrangements for the show were made by Mr H G Chislett and the proceeds were devoted to Badcox Sunday School.

The sale of work which is promoted only in a day for Holy Trinity Church funds has a reputation which makes it one of the most popular and successful of such functions in Frome.

There is no glamour about it - it requires very little "booming" it succeeds chiefly because it is the outcome of steady united effort and everything sold bears a hall mark of quality and is sold at a reasonable price.

Villagers in Peasedown St John are gearing up for their Christmas festival

The Beacon Hall will host the village's fourth Christmas in the Park on December 19.

Organised by members of the summer Party in the Park festival team, the event will feature live music and carols from the 20-piece Bath Spa Brass Band, hot food and drink, a visit from Father Christmas, and a performance of the Nativity story organised and led by Peasedown St John Methodist Church.

Peasedown community activist and parish councillor Jo Davis, who is one of the organisers, said: "Our event last year attracted almost 300 people. It was a great evening for the whole family which we hope to recreate again this year.

"We're creating a magical feel."

The festivities are being sponsored by Bath and North East Somerset Council, Bath Audi, which is based at the Bath Business Park, and Lilley's Cider Barn.

Bath Audi head of business Julian Drew said he was delighted to be supporting the event by sponsoring the Santa's grotto.

"Bath Audi is always pleased to support family events like this. As a part of the Peasedown St John community, we are keen to take part."

The event runs from 7pm to 9pm.

Event-goers are asked to wrap up warm and bring a torch. Children are invited to come along dressed as a shepherd or angel.