Last time I promised to introduce you to some of my hardworking colleagues. Here are some of them:
Aside from their many other duties, Fiona Barrows, as our leader, demonstrates an amazing can-do attitude with an extraordinary grasp of all the work we do, managing it all with enormous enthusiasm. Steve Tanner, Chair of the Planning Committee, has immense knowledge of his area and works closely with developers to ensure they stay on track. Mark Dorrington is lead councillor for open spaces and does a remarkable job, working with the rangers to make the best of all our parks and green spaces. Max Wide brings enormous experience of working with other councils up and down the country, so has great insight what works well and how best to achieve it. Philip Campagna is rightly known as ‘Mr. Bus’ and keeps a close eye on the bus routes through Frome, as well as leading on our twinning activities, and Nick Dove is lead councillor for the town centre, working with the market traders, shopkeepers and the police to keep improving the town, making it more attractive to locals and visitors alike. More introductions for you next time.
We all take part in regular council meetings, and recently it was brought to our attention that there have been instances of racial harassment, humiliation, and intimidation experienced in Frome. I have huge sympathy for anyone who has experienced such instances.
In general, Frome has a reputation for being generous of spirit. It would be deeply disappointing to see us becoming a town where xenophobia is tolerated.
Those whose race or religion is not necessarily ours, live among us, sometimes they have lived in the town for many years, sometimes they come as new arrivals who are often forced to flee their homeland due to political unrest. Most of those people now work locally and contribute much to our community.
Whatever the circumstances, we are all human beings, and for those who generate unacceptable behaviour, I would urge us all to remember that we are above that. Everyone has the right to live in peace without feeling unwelcome, and our behaviour should always reflect that. We mustn’t allow hatred to infiltrate our town and we all need to play a part in allowing everyone to feel safe.
We have over seventy different nationalities living in Frome, as evidenced at the wonderful Multicultural Frome event last week. Come on, Frome, Let’s embrace all cultures and be the example the world needs.
A busy Mayor’s calendar continues, and I was proud to represent the town at the 2025 Remembrance ceremony at the Memorial Theatre on 9 November. I look forward to as many of us as possible coming together to enjoy the switching on of our Christmas lights on Friday 21 November, with its stunning lantern parade. Come early to sample the delights of our food court by the library from 3pm – and maybe book a slot to meet Santa at We Hear You’s office. I really hope to see you there!
