As we write this year’s newsletter Christmas is fast approaching. As we look back across the year we are thankful and blessed to have been able to share our Somerset home with so many friends and family members.
Here is a snapshot of the last twelve months…….
January
New Year’s Day was a MasterChef experience with friends from Bristol who were staying for a few days. Vic was Head Chef whilst others took on the roles of Commis Chef, Sous Chef and just Chef! Great fun was had in producing an amazing meal together, especially in working out how the new steam oven probe worked for the meat.
Later in the month a visit to a National Trust site enable us to catch up with some friends from Reading. It was a bit cold but did not stop us having a walk and a warm up in the café.
February
A busy month of entertaining with friends from church, swimming group, an old LEBC youth group member and Jeanette’s sister. Plus another National Trust visit with friends from Reading.
March
The start of March saw a visit from a friend in Reading staying for a few days. Jeanette enjoyed a Westlife Tribute night with her friends from the Water Babies group.
We went to Birmingham for a couple of nights to watch the semi-finals of the Yonex World Badminton event (a belated birthday present for Vic), it was a fantastic time, even Jeanette got excited!
A catch-up with one of Jeanette’s cousins who now lives in Bovey Tracey was a trip down memory lane.
April
Jeanette enjoyed another Tribute night with her friends from the Water Babies group.
This time ABBA and yes they did all dress for the occasion!
Also with the group Jeanette braved a swim in the Sea at Exmouth,
wetsuits were worn plus warm bobble hats, gloves and socks followed by a hot coffee!
The end of the month saw a visit to stay with friends in Reading.
May
Lots of visitors this month. We enjoyed taking friends and old work colleagues around
varying places in Somerset and Devon. We have become very good tour guides!
A special highlight this month was a 3 day trip to Edinburgh where we visited the zoo to
see the pandas (now returned to China) and a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia.
We also met up and had a meal with someone we had not seen for many years.
June
A highlight this month was a visit to the Royal Mint in Wales. We even made our own coin!
It was another busy month for visitors, we love having people to stay. We may end up on “Four in a Bed” one day!
July
You’ve guessed it, more visitors! The start of the month ex neighbours from Reading coming to stay for a few days and at the end of the month a visit from Jeanette’s niece, great nephew and sister .
August
Vic and Paul spent a day at Taunton Cricket ground watching a match, a very hot day but nonetheless very much enjoyed.
And yes more visitors! It was good to have friends to stay who we had not managed to see for a while.
We both continue to give our time each month in helping to prepare meals at the warm place project in Wellington and Jeanette at the church café and warm feast project in Creech St Michael.
September
Our friends from Bristol came to stay at the beginning of the month.
Mid September we flew out to Lanzarote for 10 days. The weather was amazing the whole time we were there and it was very relaxing to have a villa with its own pool. Vic had an ear infection whilst we were there but the medical provision was superb and he was on antibiotics within an hour of being seen by a doctor!
October
A day trip to Reading involved a trip to the dentist (we have not changed since moving) then across to Basingstoke for ears and eyes (also not changed since moving). All were successful with no treatments needed.
A much quieter month for visitors which enabled us to work on the garden to get it ready for winter.
November
Our friends from Bristol came to stay and together we went to a ‘Learning and Growing Day’ Conference at Bovey Tracey Baptist Church (the church Jeanette’s cousin goes too). The title was ‘God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today’. Rev. Dr. Helen Paynter who is a lecturer at Bristol Baptist College, was a passionate speaker and gave a really inspiring lecture and it was a very thought provoking day.
The outdoor Christmas tree was purchased from the Christmas tree farm in time for the arrival of our friends from Melton Mowbray who were staying for a few days before heading on down to Cornwall for a short break.
December
Christmas is nearly here!
We have just visited friends in Reading and enjoyed going to Wisley for the GLOW trail. It was a lovely evening, although very cold, it certainly felt a bit more like Christmas. (Click Here for Video)
We are looking forward to going to the Exeter Christmas Market and visiting the Cathedral’s free exhibition.
Paul and Jeanette’s sister will be with us over Christmas, we need to try and beat Paul at Scrabble this year if we can!
Between Christmas and the New Year we will be helping to provide a meal at the Warm Space project here in Wellington.
And finally………
This has been an amazing year, shared with so many in so many different ways. We have both remained very active with badminton, swimming and aqua at least 3 days a week. Our local involvement with friends and activities both inside and outside of the church keeps our diary busy week by week and we are never bored. We look forward to 2024 and welcoming visitors once again to our God given and blessed home here in Somerset.
We send out warmest Christmas greetings to all who are reading this newsletter. May the true meaning of Christmas fill your hearts and homes with love, faith and hope.
Christmas Blessings
Jeanette & Vic
