Whilst the international and national news has inevitably been dominated with the Omicron virus developments, locally, we in the Town Council like everyone else need to strike a balance between reducing infection spread whilst supporting the economic and cultural revival of Shepton. Internally we are bringing back some of the original early pandemic guidance for our meetings but until we hear otherwise, we continue to put on our Winter events series. I simply ask all participants and attendees to take common sense precautions and be respectful that some residents are nervous about any gatherings of people so please respect other's distance where possible. 

Off the back of the town's first Literary Festival, last week saw another Window Wanderland event; an amazing display of creativity in all corners of the town. Carrying on the colourful theme, the Art Bank is continuing with it's giant Christmas Wreath making workshops this week. Also happening this weekend, there is a Christmas decoration making workshop put on by The Wild Ones Forest School in the market place and a Lino Print Card workshop in the library. As always, check out the dedicated page on our website for more details: sheptonmallet-tc.gov.uk/winter

Last week also saw local charity The Food Forest Project transform a neglected piece of land at the back of Hillmead and Meadow Rise into an edible food forest that in years to come will grow a variety of free food for the community whilst also providing a habitat and safe environment for wildlife. It's great to see so many grass roots projects like this take place across town.

Finally, you may have noticed our town centre bunting has been taken down (it'll reappear in the Spring) and our brand-new Christmas lights take its place. Tomorrow (Friday 3rd) sees them and the tree is officially switched on. See you at the marketplace at 6.30pm. Now it's December, you can allow yourself to start to feel festive!

Until next time, 

Matt Harrison, Chair, Shepton Mallet Town Council