The following is taken from Gerb's column from this week's SNJ (Dec 12).

Another cracking big market this week folks.

Take your mind off the turmoil and come and stand in the crush of people to remind us we are all brothers and sisters and that we are about to celebrate the birth of compassion and unconditional love as the way to live.

Certainly, the market is full of traders who love what they do. What they create, they create with passion and skill.

Things to look out for this week, especially those in for the last time before Christmas, include Hillside Brewery from the Forest of Dean, a very popular monthly stall with some great beers including a very strong lager, bitter, porter and pale ale.

In A Spin are also in for their last market pre Chrimbo with their fabulous range of knitwear, all hand-spun, knitted and unique. A must for the local cheese board, Jonathan Crump’s unique single and double Gloucester cheeses and Bath Soft Cheeses are both not here next week and it’s the last chance for award winning Christmas cakes and Puddings from Faithfull’s Quality Bakers and for free-from baking from Jack Bakes.

Last chance on Liz Dart stained glass and several potters too! Tortworth Plant Nursery and Julian Harvard will have a range of table decorations, seasonal sprays and wreaths and there will be mistletoe and holly to make your own decorations.

It’s also the last chance to place your orders for all the festive meal essentials.

All order collections will be next Saturday’s market, December 22.