Jubilant January!
Jo MacArthur • December 27, 2025
As one year ends the beginning of another is like an invitation – a gentle, hopeful invitation to begin again
And to take stock and have a moment to look back at what mattered most and to reconnect with your brain!
January is definitely the month to hibernate on the sofa with a cuppa whilst plotting big dreams and passion projects,
And to have time to think about the future and what you don’t want to do and what you DO want to do next!
The Sodbury Players are back in action with a Snow White pantomime for all to enjoy the slapstick and cross-dressing parts,
And also at the Town Hall there is a tribute act showcasing the legendary hits of Genesis and Phil Collins that touched our hearts.
So let’s get on with fresh starts and make the shift from holiday cheer to the reality of winter weather and possibly the January blues,
And embrace the time for reflection, planning and setting goals, being kinder and only doing things that we want and choose!
Step into the festive spirit and into a month of nourishing suppers, flickering fires and long cold country treks, Not to mention all the sparkle, the act of giving plus the family get togethers with the ‘oohs and aahs’ and the many ‘air’ pecks! After all the weeks of busy preparation and planning it is so lovely to take some time out and enjoy a tipple or two With friends and families and to catch up with stories accompanied by a bottle, a corkscrew and some steaming beef stew! But before we can really relax there is still plenty to do and enjoy in Chipping Sodbury from Guitar Trios to the Crib Fest Displaying an inspiring collection of nativity cribs from far and wide and with delicious homemade cakes to test and digest! The first Sunday in December heralds the arrival of Christmas Sunday with entertainment galore and The Original Santa Floats, With all day live acts, real donkeys, funfair rides and 70 varied shopping stalls to spend those precious bank notes! The Bristol Ensemble present an evening of festive classics at Badminton House, with timeless carols performed in candlelight, Creating an exquisite backdrop with cherished music to surround you in an atmosphere of beauty, celebration and sheer delight! So as the 2025 draws to a close let us take a moment of reflection and look forward to new beginnings alongside the chance to mingle With loved ones, focusing on themes of giving, warmth and peace whilst kissing under the mistletoe and letting those bells jingle!
As we edge towards the month that brings Christmas and all that it entails with the seasonal build up madness, It is hard to believe that this year is almost coming to an end with an air of surprise and perhaps a tinge of sadness! But there is still lots of activities taking place both here in gorgeous Chipping Sodbury, and not so very far away From Craft and Gift Fayres to classical music in the form of The Aglica Trio with a varied programme to play. The ever-popular tribute acts are back with Now I’m Here putting on an incredible show to celebrate the amazing band Of Queen, with energy and excitement to bring to life their greatest hits crafted to transport you on a journey first hand. Up at the nearby Badminton Estate there is a day of Christmas crafting with elaborate knitting and scented candle making, Plus wreath workshops and cookery demonstrations with the chance to taste and enjoy the creations and sample the baking! November is also the month famous for Guy Fawkes Night with bonfires and fireworks to commemorate the failed Gunpowder plot, And Remembrance Day takes place as we all honour the service and sacrifice of those who fought in wars and must not be forgot. On a lighter note Mother Goose, the pantomime, is performed with a tale of golden eggs plus stunning sets and a little horseplay, So come to The Moda House to experience all that the town can offer and enjoy our lovely rooms for a short or long stay!
October heralds the change from summer to autumn and holds the promise of cooler morning mists and fresher days, Along with the most beautiful and glorious colourful blaze, and the final few moments of catching the last of the sunny rays. But life is not slowing down in Chipping Sodbury with several tribute acts coming to town from the one and only Witney Houston to U2UK To perform all of Witney’s hits, and to celebrate the mighty Irish rock legends with a nod to their distinctive sound and political sway. Elvis makes an appearance too, and Rod Stewart is here performing his classics such as You Wear it Well and Maggie May, And if that is not your bag then the Ensemble Renard are performing chamber music, and there is also a Burlesque Creepshow and Cabaret! We can also look forward to the trick and treating rituals, crazy costumes and fancy masks that go hand in hand with Halloween, And the deciduous trees shed their leaves which turn into vibrant colours like rusty red and orange creating a magical scene! So let’s get ready for cosy nights with a blanket, the changing foliage, pumpkins, sweaters, scarves and piping hot soup for lunch And enjoy the sense of transition and reflection with the season’s natural beauty grand finale and the leaves underfoot making a crunch!
