I would like to start my first Frome Times column by thanking all of you who congratulated me, whether in-person or online, on becoming Mayor of Frome. It seems my last attempt at this role in 2019 has stayed in some people’s memories, and I promise to try and make an even better job of it this year
In May every year, the Frome Town Council meeting selects the mayor and members of its committees, and begins the council’s year of work and events. Some are traditional, such as Remembrance Sunday and Frome Carnival, while others are newer, such as the Pride celebrations. The first job of the new mayor is always to attend the blessing of St Aldhelm’s Spring, at the top of King Street. This is the source of the water that flows from under St John’s and down the leat in Cheap Street. It reminds us that we can trace the creation of our town to 685AD, when St Aldhelm founded his church and the Frome we know started to grow around it.
I was pleased to be invited to an art exhibition in the new Westway Workspace, created from previously disused space above the Westway Centre. This space provides offices and co-working spaces for companies who wish to grow and thrive in Frome. Another new event was the YOU (Young Opinions Unite) young people’s grants awards. For the first time, Year 8 pupils worked together to influence the award of grants to projects in Frome that directly benefit our young people. It was gratifying to see the enthusiasm these students showed for the project and it was a great experience for them to work in teams with students from other schools
So, a time for new beginnings. But we must remember the endings too. We were all saddened to hear of the death of Martin Bax, founder and president of Frome Festival, and a previous Frome Town councillor and mayor. His influence on Frome’s cultural and civic life will be felt for many years to come and we give thanks for all he achieved for Frome
On a personal level, I was delighted to meet my new (first) grandchild for the first time but in the same week attended Chris Page’s funeral. I have known Chris since 1970 and many of you will know him from his tireless volunteering, whether for Fair Frome or in the Frome Rotary shop and walking beside the Father Christmas float. Frome charities rely on volunteers, and Chris was a great example of the difference they make to the well-being of our town.
If you’d like to get in touch with me or invite me to an event,you can email me via lflaherty@frometowncouncil.gov.uk.
