What a great week to write my first column with lots going on to feel positive about, as I’m standing in for Cllr Punk Rock Mayor himself, who’s having a little break.
A blast of warmer weather has meant that people have been able to make the most of what Frome has to offer. Last weekend I was lucky enough to catch a free performance in Rodden Meadow by the talented Kerchief Theatre Company, who are made up of Frome-based duo Esme Patey Ford and Madeleine Herbert. Their play ‘Boxes: a show about hope’, was exactly what it said on the box! Based on the myth of Pandora’s box, it looked at how we deal with our challenges in life and ‘the ways in which hope creates resilience’. There’s no doubt its been a tough 18 months for almost everyone, but the play’s uplifting message and feelgood performance was a great antidote and a definite boost of positivity. Try and catch them when they return in November.
Speaking of our Mayor of irregular proportions, I used my deputy’s clout to get him along for a visit to OpenStoryTellers, where I work one day a week. OpenStoryTellers is a brilliant charity working with adults with learning difficulties in a range of practical and creative ways, through drama, work skills, film making, wellbeing and so on.
Everyone loved chatting with Andy, and many knew him from his old Co-op days; he answered questions, looked around at all the great things being done and even played drums for a member who’s making a record!
Last Sunday was of course the return of the brilliant Frome Independent Market, which I for one have missed very much. It gives such a great buzz to the town, and this return was no exception. The sun shone, the live music was back and there was plenty of local produce, crafts and delicious food for browsing. While not to everyone’s taste, it’s undeniably a huge boost to many local businesses and traders, especially after such prolonged economic challenges. Another huge boost is breaking the skittles record! Subject to the pending verification, an epic 671 players bowled at least one skittle to keep the chain going, which was an increase of 203 of the existing world record.
Finally, look out for the Great Big Green Week later this month, for events celebrating how Frome is taking action to tackle climate change and protect our green spaces. We’re all well aware of the risks to our wildlife and biodiversity, and this event is aiming to influence decision makers at a major climate summit in November. Find out more about how to get involved on the Frome Town Council Website – www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/great-big-green-week
The next column normal service resumes, and you’ll be hearing from Andy again, but I look forward to my next time!
