Our Health & Wellbeing
In consultation with Axbridge and Wedmore Medical Practice and with the support of Wedmore Parish Council here is this month’s item relating to our health & wellbeing. Also published in December’s Isle of Wedmore News
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
This is how Andy Williams sung about Christmas in 1963. It’s a joyous song, full of visions of a perfect festive season. Here are a few more of the lyrics. ‘There’ll be much mistltoeing, And hearts will be glowing, When loved ones are near.’ ‘When friends come to call, It’s the hap-happiest season of all.’ Those of us who are old enough will remember seeing Andy Williams on the television, dressed in a Christmas jumper sitting by an open fire, probably chestnuts a-roasting as well! If you want to refresh your memory and hear Andy Williams sing, then click here. For those of you who are too young to remember, this is a piece of nostalgic history! If you want to read the lyrics, click here.
At this time of year we see adverts on the TV of happy families having fun! I expect this is what we all aspire to and it can be such an enjoyable time to be with friends and family. Christmas is a time to be with those you love. However I am reminded of another song with lyrics by Stephen Stills. “If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with”.
Click here if you would like to hear Crosby, Stills and Nash sing this song on Youtube. For information on the inspiration for the song click here.
For many reasons it may not be possible to be with the people who you are close to, friends, family, loved ones. Perhaps they are no longer with us or live miles away, there are many reasons for ‘loved ones not to be near’. And so this is the time to be with other people!
In Wedmore and surrounding areas we have so many opportunities to connect with other people at the many events, for example, Wedmore by Lamplight, Living advent calendar, special services. For example, at Bagley Church they will be holding festive events as well as their famous Coffee With a View on 17th December, with carols and mince pies. Phone 01934 710779 to find out more. I’m sure there will be many opportunities to connect with people this month.
If you need transport or someone to go with, ask Wedmore Good Neighbours – they may be able to help. Phone 01934 806299 or see their piece in this journal. Perhaps if you are going to an event why not ask someone you know is by themselves to go with you? I’m sure we all try to be aware of people who may be on their own at this time of year. The ‘happy families’ ads and syrupy songs can make ‘being alone’ feel worse and for some people can lead to ‘feeling lonely’. So whether we are with family & friends or not, we all deserve to feel a bit festive at this time of the year! The health & wellbeing team and I wish you a joyous festive season with whoever you are with!
Support for people with dementia and their carers in Wedmore
Carer’s Group
Do you care for or support a person living with dementia? Then this friendly informative group is for you! Come along on the first Friday of the month to The Swan Hotel, Wedmore between 10am and 12md, next meeting on 5th December 2025. If you want to find out more about the Memories Workshops and Carers’ Group, phone HeadsUp on 01749 670667 or email wedmorecarers@yahoo.com If you need help with funding for attending HeadsUp, just ask, help may be available.
Coffee and a Chat
For general support with mental wellbeing Somewhere House, a charity based in Burnham, visits The Bluebird Café in Wedmore on the first Wednesday of the month, from 10-12md. They offer an opportunity to meet and chat. For more information contact them on 01278 780769
Cathy Butterworth
Wedmore Health & Wellbeing Project
01934 806266