I was horribly right - the weather took a turn for the worst, o boy did snow (and snow), over a foot just three days before Wells Christmastide and the Nativity. The bad weather (an awful lot of dangerous ice) and ill heath caused cast members to withdraw from the proceedings (some without choice as they live hundreds of miles away and just couldn’t get up from the south - thankfully those from the frozen north made it down and lots of hardy locals also made it through). We actually recast some of the Nativity several times over, at one point we lost four (already recast) players in one hour. OK, yes, we had to miss a few readings, but it all happened, not far short of a Christmas miracle! Well, perhaps it wasn't a miracle it was just some really great people pulling together and not letting the side down - a big thank you to everyone who took part in the Nativity. The rest of Christmas Tide carried on regardless too, short of a few stall holders unable to make it through, but unlike Lincoln (Christmas Market festivities) we kept going and a great time was had by all.
I had the delight of reading to over 140 children, whilst they waited for Santa and the rest of my family and friends joined the committee to provide activities for the families queuing to see Santa. Committee members, namely sisters Lucy and Fran, did a superb job of coming up with crafts for the children to do, their Mum, Caroline, stood by issuing tickets - a real family affair. The lantern parade was magical and the fireworks spectacular (although some of us didn’t get to see too much of the firework display as we were hurrying up from the parade to get back to the Maltings ready for Santa’s arrival - but those that saw it rated it as fabulous).
Last, but not least, Father and Mother Christmas were given a very warm Wells welcome and returned the compliment with their kind and gracious hospitality to all the children, their parents and grandparent who came to see them. The committee, their family and friends along with all the many people who came along to help and make sure that Christmastide was successful, all got to have a drink and chat with Santa. It was the end of a very busy day - and the perfect reward to spend time in the company of such a calm and tranquil man.
Don't forget that pictures of Christmastide can be seen at www.wellschristmastide.com and that, God willing, the whole event will be repeated next year.
They say that women are like teabags - it is only when they are in hot water that you find out just how strong they are! Well, after this week I feel I've been well and truly dunked - just hang me out to dry till next year, but I really feel rather good too. May your God bless you. TTFN
Tuesday 14th December
Ha! Just said goodbye to Alison and Clive, regular B & B guests, who come Christmas shopping here. They always leave with lots and lots of goodies and huge smiles on their faces. We have also had our son and grandchildren to stay and we all really enjoyed a visit to the historic fayre in the Cathedral Cloisters. The boys enjoyed all the bows, arrows, helmets & crossbows and the girls (only the two of us versus five chaps) loved looking at the costumes and working out how they were made - and we did get carried away, just a bit, buying authentic historical styled materials. NB. I hasten to add that the Cathedral we visited was in ‘Norwich’. 'Wells' is regularly mistaken for Wells in Somerset (which does have a cathedral). It is probably best not to encourage possible guests into believing we have a Cathedral too - I haven't forgotten the gentleman who asked us how far it was from Wells to the Glastonbury festival!
It is so easy to understand why Alison, Clive and the many other winter guests come all this way and in this very ‘iffy’ weather to shop (or see the Thursford Christmas Show). I really would too, if I didn’t already live here, everywhere seems so magical, friendly and with oh so few multi-nationals. My aunt, who lives and works in London and has her pick of Oxford Street, from Marble Arch to Piccadilly Circus, loves the treat and delight of shopping in Wells & Holt. Of course Oxford Street is not known for it's skein of geese flying above or the number of warm welcoming firesides that we have. TTFN
Tuesday 21st December
Well, that’s it, all B & B guests been and gone for another year. Business wise, we have had a good year, on a personal level it has been a very different and challenging year. Work wise we have to look at where we got it right, where we got it wrong, what we have the ability to change or improve and what we have no control over (sadly, we can do nothing about the weather). Now we can get ready for our Christmas and relax for a week before starting the work of getting ready for next year (ha, we will probably get a cold too - we usually do). As usual, we have lots of plans for the coming year and the expectation of what we will be sent by Mother Nature. We (the Polson Clan) all thank you for your custom, your loyalty and support in 2010 and look forward to seeing all our ‘regulars’ as well as welcoming new guests, both in our home and on the CL in 2011. Cheers, your health and happiness!
Merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year
T'was the night before Christmas, when there was a terrible storm raging over Wells which kept all the little mice awake. Storytelling the Wells Way.
Prattling and Rantings
December 2010
The spirit of the season is always present at Shrublands. Santa is firmly believed in and his number is logged on our mobile - he is, in fact, a lovely man and his wife is just delightful!