At this time of year a mayor spends a lot of their time visiting schools, taking part in end of term activities. Every awards presentation or sports day I attend reminds me that many of our young people are achieving so much in their academic, sporting and artistic endeavours.
It is also apparent that pupils and staff are looking forward to a well-earned break. Many parents will have planned holidays to enjoy valuable free time with their children but some will look forward to the long break with a sense of dread. As well as trying to keep their children amused, the absence of school lunches means they will have the added pressure of finding an extra meal until September.
This problem has been recognised in Frome, and steps have been taken to try and help alleviate ‘holiday hunger’. Frome Children’s Festival, in conjunction with Fair Frome (both supported by Frome Town Council Multi-Year Agreements) and with financial assistance from local business, has organised ‘Summer Lunchin’ events, starting this week and running until the end of August.
On Wednesdays (at Christ Church school), Thursday (Trinity Hall) and Friday (Frome Football Club) mornings, children up to the age of 12 can enjoy cooking, outdoor activities and crafts. They can stay for a hot meal, free for those who cannot afford it. On Tuesdays, children up to the age of 10 will find a similar offer at the Toy Library, based at Portway Methodist church.
Please tell friends who might find these events of use. I am planning to visit them throughout the summer.
