Christmas in and around Westbury

Support your town: Shop Local this Christmas!

RESIDENTS are being reminded to ‘shop local’ this Christmas, and use independent retailers in Westbury when buying your presents, cards, decorations and local festive food.

Mayor of Westbury, cllr Ian Cunningham said, “Lots of people comment on shops closing in Westbury and it’s easy to say “use it or lose it” – and it’s obviously true. But Westbury still has quite a few shops and many of them are independent traders with a range of goods you really won’t find in other stores. I’d encourage everyone to have a go at shopping in Westbury.

 “We have two hours of free parking in the High Street (if you can’t walk or cycle). I fear that many people who complain about local shops closing, don’t always vote with their feet.

 “And if you need an excuse to visit our town centre to try a few shops, don’t forget that there will be Christmas activities going on such as the free to visit Christmas Tree Festival in All Saints Church on Friday 30th November 2pm-8.30pm, Saturday 1st December 10am-8.30pm, Sunday 2nd December 11am-4pm and of course, Christmas in Westbury on the 1st of December at which there are a host of events such as a fun fair, right next to many shops.

“You could also drop into the Heritage Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-4pm, Wednesdays 10am-12pm and Saturdays 10am-1pm. And of course, there are plenty of places for a coffee, drink, snack or a meal before or after your shopping spree!

 “So see you in the town centre I hope.”

Claire Rumary, owner of CardsPlus in Westbury High Street said, “At Cards Plus we pride ourselves on our customer service and our excellent range of cards and gifts. We have an Aladdin’s cave of cards, gifts and personalised items. Shop local this Christmas and help to keep the town thriving.

“When you buy from an independent retailer, they do a little dance. So whether it is big or small, help someone do a little dance this Christmas! Shop local!

Christmas tree festival

Toddlers and parents have been checking the decorations ready for their tree at this year’s Christmas Tree Festival in All Saints Church Westbury, which runs from 30th November to the 2nd December – see picture on the right.

First Steps toddler service is held in the church every Wednesday in term time at 9.30am. All welcome for stories, music and refreshments.

Christmas coffee morning

A CHRISTMAS coffee morning will be held at All Saints Church this Saturday, 24th November.  

From 10am to midday in the church hall enjoy a hot drink with cake, raffle and the sale of Christmas cards. 

Festive open house event at library

WESTBURY library is holding a free festive open house event on Monday 3rd December from 5pm. 

To celebrate the start of the Christmas season at the library, there is a range of festive activities on offer. At 5pm enjoy a festive storytime for children aged 4-11 years old with their parents. Alternatively, you can book to see a heritage tour of Westbury, free of charge, but booking is required. 

At 5.30pm, enjoy Christmas carols with the White Horse Community Choir. If you missed the first tour, join another heritage tour of the library at 6pm, booking required. 

There will also be a Christmas quiz for grown-ups and a Christmas treasure hunt for the children and young at heart! 

For all of these activities parents are responsible for their children’s supervision and children aged 8 and under must never be left unsupervised in the library. For more information contact the library on 01373 822294. 

Christmas shopping at community centre

LEIGH Park Community Centre is holding a Christmas fayre on Saturday 8th December from 11am-3pm. 

Stalls of handmade gifts, Christmas gifts, local jewellery, candles, cards, cakes and many more will be available for you to begin your Christmas shopping and find the perfect gift.

Refreshments will also be available. 

If you are interested in trading at this event, you can book a table by emailing leighparkcommunitycentre@hotmail.co.uk

Celebrate Christmas at White Horse Country Park

START thinking about your Christmas party and get booking at the White Horse Country Park for their ‘80s 2 now’ 3-course meal and live music. 

Reminisce times of nightclubs in the 80s and enjoy music of today as you celebrate Christmas at The White Horse Country Park. 

On Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd December book a 3-course meal, Christmas novelties followed by live music from two bands. 

There is a minimum booking of 8 people with a £5 deposit per person taken when booking. Pre-orders and full payment at least one week prior to the event. If you have a party of over 20, the organiser goes free! 

Don’t leave it until the last minute, book a Christmas celebration that your group won’t forget! 

For more information or to make a booking, call 01373 822323 or email  enquiries@whitehorse countrypark.co.uk. 

Bratton’s Christmas switch-on!

BRATTON invites you to wrap up warm, put on your woolly hats, scarves and gloves and join in the Bratton Christmas Lights Switch-on event on Friday 30th November.

The event starts at 5pm when Bratton schoolchildren’s lantern procession will leave from the school and parade to the village green/pavilion with their hand-made lanterns.

Mince pies, mulled wine and other refreshments will be on offer in the Pavilion, being organised by the Bratton Baptist Church. 

Also, market stalls will be on the Green from 5-7pm, where many local businesses will have their items on sale, for those of you looking for a festive gift or two.

Father Christmas will then arrive on his sleigh at the village Jubilee Hall, supported by the Lions Club, where he will give a small gift to the children.

The “Lights Switch On” will be at 6pm, with a lovely Christmas Tree, lights and carols played by some sections of the Bratton Silver Band. There will even be snow!

After soaking up the festive atmosphere, The Duke, which is also being supported by Wickwar Brewery, will be serving some festive nibbles and the raffle will take place. (Raffle tickets can be bought on the evening, but can also be bought in advance, through Busy Books’ office in Bratton).

Busy Books said, “We hope that people will come to support the event and look forward to seeing everyone there. If anyone would like to run a stall at the event or donate a raffle prize for this community event, please contact Karen at Busy Books on 01380 830205.”