I’ve just been reflecting on my last few weeks as Mayor. When I was inaugurated on 21st May, I hit the ground running and haven’t really stopped. By the time you read this, I will have already attended 34 events, snatched a few days of sun in Crete, been to over 20 Council meetings, enjoyed all ten days of our wonderful Frome Festival (including some magnificent hidden gardens), plus entertained visitors over a four-day weekend and enjoyed spending time with my grandchildren. If you’re interested in knowing more, you’ll be able to see most of my activity on the Mayor’s Facebook page.
Why do I do it, you might ask? It’s because I genuinely love this town and all it has to offer. Not only was that evident throughout the festival with 250 events across 50 venues, but in so many groups who work tirelessly and quietly in the background, offering help and support for isolation, poverty, mental health, refugees, medical issues and so much more.
We are an extraordinary town with a generous heart, and as is so often the case, it’s common to see those who have very little, offering their services by volunteering across so many groups in the community, giving their time freely and graciously.
I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work they do, for without their selfless help and dedication, many people in need of support would be left to flounder.
I see part of my role as Mayor to honour the work they do, by visiting as many groups as I can, to recognise and appreciate everything they give to the town.
As a council, we do whatever we can to support and enable their work, by giving access to grants, promoting their work on our website and making suggestions about possible collaborations with other similar groups.
I’ve always believed it’s important to give. Selfishly, it creates a sense of wellbeing and satisfaction, but even more importantly, it makes life better for those who need support, whether they’re individuals, groups or institutions.
I personally enjoy my role, volunteering as a councillor, as it’s a great way to give back to the town that I love. We hope others will put themselves forward as IfF candidates (Independents for Frome) at the next election in May 2027, to fill the shoes of those who will be stepping down. If that’s you, now’s the time to start thinking about what you might be able to offer. You don’t need to be experienced in local politics because life skills and a genuine commitment to do your best for Frome is a great starting point. Whatever your field of expertise, I can virtually guarantee that you will find an area of interest within council work, that will benefit from your contribution. If you think the idea may appeal, we’d love to welcome you to any of our public council meetings where you can get a feel for how we work – you’ll be warmly welcomed. I won’t deny it requires commitment, dedication, and ability to work alone, as well as enjoying being part of a team, and yes, there will be meetings, but the sense of accomplishment when you can see the fruits of your labour is enormous, so please give it some thought.
One of the matters councillors are discussing at the moment is the best way to communicate with you – there’s a short survey out and we’d love to hear your thoughts about where you currently access council information and anywhere else you’d like us to share it. It’s very short – please spare five minutes if you can and complete it at https://bit.ly/ftc-comms or drop into the town hall during office hours for a paper copy.
As always, if I can help you can reach me through: lflaherty@frometowncouncil.gov.uk
