Hello again! It’s great to be back, wearing the Mayoral chain!
When I took over as Mayor last time around, I was handed the chain of office at arm’s length, as we were just going into lockdown!
Thankfully, my work is likely to be much busier this year, filled with events and visits to groups, schools and businesses around the town, as well as celebrating festivals, personal achievements and the wonderful creativity that is such a big part of Frome.
I’d like to say a big thank you to Andy Jones, your previous Mayor, although he’s left me with very big boots to fill! A big shout out too, for my partner Steven, who will be acting as my Consort.
My focus this year will be on all those who are ‘Young at Heart’ which includes our fabulous young people and those of us who still consider ourselves to be young in thinking, even though we may be later in years!
We need to support our young people, to hear their voices and to encourage them to become an integral part of our community. A fantastic example is the recent School Council Voice project, where we gathered the thoughts and ideas of young people from 14 education settings about the things they love, and the things that matter to them. It was a pleasure to meet Janet Montgomery, High Sheriff of Somerset, with FTC Children and Young People’s Officer Melody to share the findings with her.
It’s particularly heartening for me to know I shall be working alongside one of our youngest councillors Fiona Barrows, as she takes over as Chair of the Council for this year! Hurrah!
I have lots of plans ahead and I’m particularly interested in meeting as many of you as I can. I’ll be very visible in the streets of the town and would be happy to hear from you if you would like me to attend your event or if you’d like me to visit your organisation to talk about whatever you choose.
I’m YOUR Mayor, so please make use of me, come and talk to me when you see me, visit me on my Facebook page, or just email or write to me. I’d love to hear from you.
I’ve lived in Frome for over sixty years, arriving here as a 16 year old, so I know the town well and have watched it go through many changes. I’m so proud to live in Frome and to be in my seventh year at Frome Town Council, working alongside sixteen independent colleagues.
Over the next twelve months, you’ll have my very best efforts, and I’ll be updating you on the highlights of my work on a fortnightly basis, here in the Frome Times.
Please be kind to everyone you meet, whatever their circumstances, and I look forward to whatever the year holds for us. At least the weather has given us a great start in helping us all to enjoy it!
I wish you all well in your endeavours. Until next time, take care of yourselves and of each other.
