There’s been lots going on recently. I was in Victoria Park for the Carnival fun day, dog show & royalty selection on 1st June. Sideshows, ice creams, fairground rides and more, all in support of our amazing carnival. The sun was shining, there were lots of happy people out to enjoy themselves. Thanks to June, Mandy and everyone else involved in making it such a lovely afternoon.
The following morning, I joined the Pride Parade into Frome Independent Market – such an upbeat event in every respect. It was great to be invited to speak and as I said, great to come together like this to recognise the importance of, and need for, diversity and inclusion in our town. Thanks to Frome Pride for leading the way – they have grown enormously over the last few years and have created a welcoming space where people feel safe and heard. But there is always more to be done. We must continue to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and ensure that everyone in our community feels comfortable and at home here.
I have been out of town for a few days for a gathering of my extended family and it just reminded me how much our lives are enriched by community – whether it’s relations, friends or co-workers, we all function better when we can bounce off each other and collaborate. One of the many reasons that Frome Town Council continues to work towards ‘A positive and inclusive town where no-one gets left behind’.
On 6th June, Frome remembered the courage and dedication of those who fought for our freedom at a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day at the Memorial Theatre, a fitting tribute from the town to those who sacrificed so much. Thank you to Jane Norris and the Frome Royal British Legion, to the Memorial Theatre and to everyone involved, for bringing people together.
With the general election looming, can I encourage everyone who has a vote, to use it? Our democracy relies on participation, and when you look around the world today it’s easy to see what a privilege it is to be able to choose who will govern us. Those who know even quite recent history will know it’s a hard-won privilege, and not one to be taken for granted. As a new constituency, no-one can predict what will happen in Frome and East Somerset. It’s up to you to make that decision. Let’s show how much Frome cares about our country by having the biggest possible turnout. You can join FTC at the Frome hustings on Tuesday 2nd July at the Cheese and Grain – look out for a booking link on the FTC website or social media, or in this edition of Frome Times! However you choose to vote, make your voice heard on Thursday 4th July.
