abattoirs are often overlooked. they�*re the unglamorous part of the food supply chain. but without them and without smaller units that support local economies, there�*s a real risk that farms and the countryside may be forced into significant change. gareth barlow, bbc news. now, just in case you�*re struggling to feel christmassy, take a look at these pictures. they�*re from manger square in bethlehem. with three weeks to go until christmas day, this was the moment that the town�*s christmas tree lights were switched on. the festive season actually began there last weekend with a christmas market and a service at the church of nativity. three christian denominations — the armenians, roman catholics and greek orthodox — share control of the church in the west bank town. better go shopping! you can reach me on twitter.