So here it is, my final column as Mayor, and what a week it’s been. On Thursday 8th May it was great to see so many gathered at Frome Memorial Theatre for an event to mark the 80th anniversary of VE day and speak to Mohammed Saddiq, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset. The mayoral chain stood out less than usual among such a well-dressed crowd, with many veterans donning uniforms from their time in the services. May thanks to Jane Norris and the Frome Royal British Legion for all their hard work making it happen and dressing the town with red, white and blue bunting created by the community!
Then Saturday dawned sunny and bright for the Skate Jam on Mary Baily playing field. Loads of people of all ages turned out to enjoy the day, either participating in wheeled sports like skateboarding and BMX bikes, learning to juggle with Luke from Life Juggling, or just sitting enjoying a picnic while they watched the impressive stunts! Frome Town Council also took the opportunity to gather thoughts and ideas about the plans to relocate and redevelop the Skatepark, so hopefully that project will be able to raise the funding it so richly deserves.
Several people have asked me if I’ve enjoyed my year as Mayor – and the answer is yes! I took the job on because I am still relatively new to Frome, and I saw this as a great way to better understand what makes Frome tick. I’ve certainly done that. I’ve probably made over 100 mayoral visits in total this year, from dropping in to informal tea & cake gatherings at the Chatty Café tables in Cordero Lounge and Victoria Park Café, to set piece events like Remembrance Sunday and Light The Night. I’ve met a huge number of local people all playing their part in making Frome the very special town I’ve come to know better, and love even more.
Will I be sorry to step down? – Yes, though I’m looking forward to a less busy calendar.
Do I want to do it all again? – Yes, but I need to recharge my batteries for a few years first!
My thanks to everyone who has made this year very special for me. Come along to the council meeting on 21st May to find out who will be mayor in 2025/26 or watch on our YouTube channel.
