Hi everyone and welcome to my latest column. We have had a huge amount of rain during February but as spring approaches, we are seeing many trees in bud and blossom all across our town. Snowdrops are giving way to daffodils and crocuses. I am more of an ‘edible plants’ gardener rather than ‘display’. I have been working in my greenhouse and raised beds, as I know many of you are doing, in gardens and allotments across town. Growing our own vegetables has so many benefits. As the warmer weather approaches, we will soon be able to enjoy the fruits of our labour.
It was with sadness that I heard the news that Active and in Touch is to close as a registered charity. Active and in Touch have provided much-needed support and befriending to so many people, and their considerable achievement was rightly recognised with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services in 2021. A huge thank you to all of those who have worked so hard over the years to provide their invaluable services. The cafe at Frome Medical Practice will continue as a CIC (non-profit company) which is good news for all those who use it and meet up with friends there. I will still be volunteering every Thursday morning, making sandwiches and helping in any way that I can.
I was pleased to meet with Richard Lines, defibrillator coordinator for Friends of Frome Hospital, following the installation of a DHSC defibrillator on the community tennis courts. A crowdfunding campaign was conducted by Frome Tennis Club, with additional contributions from Frome Town Council, Frome Town Bowling Club and Frome Tennis club. Thank you to all these organisations and all who donated to make this important addition to our network of defibrillators.
Two upcoming events are firm favourites in the Frome calendar.
The 2024 runs 1st to 4th March, from 5.30pm to 10pm, with people signed up to decorate their windows across the town. The workshops have been very well attended and the new team of Katie, Susie and Tori have been working tirelessly to help us ‘transform the street into a magical outdoor gallery for all to enjoy!’ Pick up a window wanderland pack from Frome Town Hall, Black Swan Arts or Discover Frome for £1 to help you with your display. Find out more information on the Frome Window Wanderland Facebook page.
Frome Kindness Festival will be with us again from 16th to 22nd March. Organised and coordinated by Alison and The Good Heart, a wide range of events across the town give us all the opportunity to think about others and how kindness can help us all in so many ways. A full list of the events on offer is on The Good Heart website.
I recently had the great pleasure of presenting a Mayor’s Commendation to Josh Hampson, Head of Performing Arts at Frome College. Josh has been the creative force that has inspired so many students at the college to engage with the music and performance with a record number taking various courses and examinations. But Josh is also an outstanding teacher and member of staff. He received the National Anti-Bullying Alliance School Staff Award. Congratulations Josh.
If you know of an unsung hero or someone you believe deserves recognition, please contact me. There are so many people in Frome who do so much for others, people who work tirelessly and seek no reward. The Mayor’s Commendation is a way to show our appreciation for all that they do.
So, take care of yourselves and those around you, family and friends. Show a little kindness and make a difference to someone’s day. As always, do not hesitate to contact me or any of my colleagues if we can help in any way. This is Frome.
