The run up to year end is such a busy and enjoyable time. Since last I wrote I’ve been to the Memorial Theatre for Frome College GCSE presentation where we heard an inspiring talk from local man Tom Dore who is now Vice President of the British Esports Federation. Turns out his grandfather was a previous Mayor of Frome and after the ceremony we found his name inscribed on the Chain of Office. The following evening was the graduation ceremony for students at Wessex Cousenlling & Psychotherapy. They’re based in King Street and provide training for local people starting their careers in this valuable discipline.
Saturday afternoon took me to Rook Lane Chapel for a look around ‘Windrush the Journey – People & Place’. On until December 18th, it’s a beautiful photo exhibition from Jim Grover, a social-documentary photographer with connections to Somerset. Jim’s particular passion is using images to tell stories…especially to celebrate daily life, people, local communities and traditions. The GLADE Centre has enriched the exhibition with artefacts from the era and with people happy to chat about their heritage, making for a fascinating visit.
Council business has been focussed on a review of the first draft of our new Neighbourhood Plan, a community-led framework for guiding the future development, regeneration and conservation of the town. Once finalised and adopted the Neighbourhood Plan forms part of the legal planning process, helping to guide further development of Frome.
But of course the best part of the week was Light The Night when it seemed like the whole town had turned out to watch the lantern parade, and enjoy music and entertainment from festival favourites Jamma de Samba, Frome Town Band, Frome Community Choir, jazz/swing singer and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Andrew Bourn, and popular Frome-based band the Enrichments. Then I led the countdown to switch on the Christmas Lights with the help of the winner of my Christmas Card Competition, Frida Scott. That has to be the highlight of every Mayor’s year. I hope you all enjoyed yourselves as much as I did! Huge thanks to Mel and Aliss, to the musicians and Amirah the stilt walker, the team at FTC, the local businesses involved and of course to everyone who took part in the parade or cheered it on.
