Hello everyone, I’m happy to be back after a thankfully short brush with Covid. Many thanks to Council Leader Anita for her great column last issue, which she kindly wrote at short notice while I was laid up.
Back in the world there has been plenty going on to keep me occupied; summer is a busy time for sporty events and openings, and the biggest one has probably been the new pavilion at Frome Selwood Tennis Club.
FTC has been delighted to be able to support the club not only during the building lovely new clubhouse, but with many other initiatives over the last few years, which have enabled them to provide accessible coaching and tennis sessions to a wide range of people, in particular free access for kids from low income and refugee families. The community courts have seen a massive increase in use too. Mental and physical wellbeing of residents underpins our thinking at the council and sports activity is a big part of that; there’s no doubt that having well maintained facilities contributes a great deal to that so do go along and try them out, if Wimbledon has left you feeling inspired!
I was also invited to play a game of Boccia at the Cheese and Grain, in one of the bi-weekly sessions hosted by Key-Ring and run by Nova Sport and Coaching. It’s similar to bowls, only you play from a sitting position which makes it accessible for people with physical disabilities. It’s great fun and open to anyone, so do pop along on Thursday 4th August if you’d like to try it out, the session runs from 1:30 – 2:30pm. I can promise you will laugh even if, like me, your aim is not great!
Last weekend saw the annual twin towns event which this year took place in Murrhardt in Germany. 19 Frome delegates, led by Justin Worringham, our twin towns representative, met with council and twin town representatives there as well as from Château-Gontier sur Mayenne and Rabka-Zdrój. The group heard from the other towns of their developments since the last event and learnt about their situations on matters such as COVID, environmental issues, Ukraine and possible school exchanges and language courses. The party also included young people who made a number of friends for future co-operation across our 4 towns. The Deputy Mayor of Rabka also gave a talk and thanked the three other towns for their support to the 1100 Ukrainian refugees there.
Finally, and on a similar note, I want to mention the incredible generosity of Frome residents who are hosting families displaced by the war in Ukraine. I spoke to some friends of mine who have a young couple and their child living with them, and whilst the process is not without hiccups, they explained that they are really enjoying the experience, and are extremely pleased and proud that they are able to offer some normality and happiness with their family and in our lovely welcoming town. Big thanks to everyone who has been able to offer such wonderful support, it really is life changing.
Until next time, look after yourselves and each other, and don’t hesitate to contact me or my colleagues at the council if you think we can help with anything.
