The countdown to Christmas begins in Lush Places
Every now and then, this village, this lush, lush village, jumps up and tugs on your sleeve. 'Hey,' it says. 'Remember me? I am the place where magical things happen. I am the place where the ley lines cross, where people gather and share their joys and sadness. I am the place where villagers come together to have fun.' I've been a bit preoccupied lately, and otherwise engaged, for one reason or another. My brain has been burbling; there's been too much going on. And then a light shines and a bell rings. We've had the vicar leading carols around the village Christmas tree, after Dave Goulden from our local radio station, Wessex FM , did the honours and switched them on, and wonderful generosity from our new publicans, who handed out selection boxes to the children and burgers and hot dogs to anyone who wanted one. Apologies for the photo quality but you get the picture. We are blessed. Our church is looking particularly vibrant and full of...