December’s Episode - Let’s Get Pickled
- Daisy Steel
- Dec 2, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 3, 2025
December in Frome has arrived in its usual style - full of sparkle, drizzle and the kind of well-meaning plans that end with me sprinting between events, carrying microphones, snacks and a mild sense of panic. Our final episode of the year, “Let’s Get Pickled”, is a joyful mix of festive chaos, community spirit and questionable scheduling. Here’s what went into it.
The Cobble Wobble
We kicked the show off with the Cobble Wobble. I’m still not certain whether I rode my bike up Catherine Hill or whether the bike dragged me. Either way, I came embarrassingly last. But I rode it for my son Ben, who we sadly lost two months ago, and together with my husband Johnny and the extraordinary kindness of so many people, we have raised almost six thousand pounds for Mind. That support has meant everything. I reached the top of Catherine Hill wobbly but upright – and still smiling.
Christmas Lights and Lantern Parade
Next came the Christmas lights switch on. I went along with Becky, my daughter and granddaughter, who was absolutely transfixed by the whole thing. The lights were glowing softly in the cold, and the whole event felt unmistakably Frome - full of handmade lanterns and creative flair. The samba band filled the air with the sound of beating drums, while the mayor counted down to the big moment. It was atmospheric, joyful and wonderfully homegrown – exactly what makes this town feel so special.
Pickling with Paula
Next up was our pickle workshop with Paula. I arrived thinking I had a basic grasp on fermentation. I left knowing I’d been deluded. Paula is a force of nature. She makes fermentation feel like both an ancient ritual and the most fun you can have with vegetables. The workshop is why the episode is called “Let’s Get Pickled” because by the end I was ready to preserve anything that would fit in a jar.
The Team Getting Pickled with Paula!
Gin Tasting at Still Sisters
And then there was the other reason the episode got that title. On another team trip out, we visited Still Sisters for an evening of gin tasting. Somerset apple, watercress, rose and hibiscus. All delicious, all sampled in the name of serious journalism. Their chocolate vodka joined us for the next segment - and I’m considering whether to start demanding gin tastings as a condition of future recording sessions…
The Team Tasting at Still Sisters
Frome Chocolate Fair
In a move that can only be described as optimistic, my next stop was the Frome Chocolate Fair and I brought my granddaughter Ren along for the adventure. That meant a fair amount of multitasking as I juggled a microphone, a baby and an alarming amount of chocolate. Thankfully Garfield, our ever patient photographer, was on hand to help with Ren while I attempted to record something usable. She tried chocolate for the very first time (don’t tell her mother – granny’s prerogative!) and immediately decided it was the most delicious thing on earth. Garfield and I visited the Still Sisters stall to find out about their chocolate vodka and ended up leaving with more chocolate than any reasonable human needs on a rainy Sunday.
Delicious morsels from the Frome Chocolate Fair
Local Legend: Mark McGann
Sonia balanced out the sugar and spirits by interviewing this month’s Local Legend, the actor Mark McGann. Wise, kind and full of brilliant stories. Her interview is a wonderful moment of calm in the middle of this month’s whirlwind.
Mark McGann
T Barry Bingo
Then came bingo. Sonia versus the legendary T Barry. High energy, fast numbers, plenty of singing and a lot of laughs. She kept up brilliantly and managed to win several prizes - it sounded like a fantastic night.
Stanchion Pod: Becky Talks Football
Somewhere in the middle of all the pickling, lanterns and gin, Becky managed to squeeze in an interview with the lads from Stanchion Pod, Frome’s brand new football podcast. It was a brilliant talk about how it all began, the chaos of WhatsApp group chats, and the joy of discussing football with your mates. Luke and James were funny, sharp and insightful, and I’m looking forward to tuning into their show - and learning a bit more about the beautiful game.
Stanchion Pod
Becky’s Fabulous Frome Forecast
Becky rounded the podcast off with her what’s on guide to December. Markets, pantos, concerts, discos and all the festive gatherings that make this month so special. She remains the organised one of the team - and thank goodness for that!
A Family December
Away from the microphone, life has been just as full. We decorated our tree this weekend which has instantly lifted the house. I opened the first window on my advent calendar this morning and felt that small flicker of childlike joy that December brings. My granddaughter turns one later this week, and we are busy planning her first birthday party which all feels rather magical.
It will be a sad Christmas without Ben. That sits quietly under everything. But it matters so much that the whole family will be together. There will be tears and laughter and probably moments where both happen at once, and that’s exactly how it should be.
Wrapping Up the Year
By the time we finished editing, “Let’s Get Pickled” had become more than a festive episode. It’s a warm, messy, heartfelt tribute to Frome. Pickles, chocolate, gin, lanterns, bingo and the incredible people who make this town feel like home.
Where Can I Listen to the When in Frome Podcast?
You can listen to the When in Frome December edition right here on the Fabulous Frome website, on all major podcast platforms, or on Frome FM throughout the month. And if you spot us in town next month, do come and say hello. We’ll probably be carrying a microphone and winging it as usual!
If you’ve got a story, an idea, or a local legend you think we should feature in a future episode, do please get in touch! Especially if they’ve got a tunnel under their house or an alpaca in their garden. You know, the usual Frome stuff.
If you are a business and would like to have a Spotlight feature written about you and published on Fabulous Frome, please contact Becky on +44 7793 561696 or email her at becky@fabulousfrome.co.uk. For prices, click here.
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