I’ve just come to the end of a two-week break. It’s been incredibly restful, and I know my body is grateful for it. If I’m honest, I’ve still been taking phone calls and answering emails, as well as accepting invitations to visit as the Mayor. The good thing is that I’ve done it all from my armchair.
I’m back now with renewed energy, starting with a lovely day at Field 2 Fork’s Pumpkin Day and Harvest Festival, and looking forward to all the wonderful things ahead. The Multicultural Festival, the Remembrance Day service and the Christmas lights switch on, to name but a few. If you want to know everything that’s happening in the town, you need look no further than the new Discover Frome website, giving loads of ideas about what to do and where to go.
Winter is actually my favourite time of year – a time when I think of warm food, warm shelter and family get togethers.
For many in our town we know this is not so easily achievable, which is why I’m calling on as many of you as possible to think of others as we go into this time of year. Please be mindful to support Fair Frome, to help the children’s charities who collect gifts for Christmas, and best of all please think about volunteering for our great charities. I know they will need extra hands over the coming months.
It’s a busy time for many and that’s certainly true for the council. We’ve just been through a recent by-election, our Town Clerk has retired and we’re still working with Somerset Council for Saxonvale, road safety, planning issues and the devolution project. We are also planning on engaging with the public on the public toilets, on how we can improve home energy efficiency, as well as gathering information that will help us provide for our young people.
Your voice will always be heard and I would urge you to come along to council meetings if you can. Dates are posted on the Town Council website and it’s a great chance to keep abreast of what’s happening in the town and to ask questions. We’re always happy to be challenged and held to account. It’s all very informal and we rarely restrict your speaking time like other councils, so please use the opportunity to come along. We’d love to see you and to hear your thoughts.
Next time, I’ll start to introduce you to my council colleagues, the wards they are responsible for, and give you a flavour of what they’re working on. Sixteen other hardworking people whose passion equals mine and who are there to support you, ready to work with you to offer help in whatever way possible. Please make use of your councillors – residents’ queries are a big part of our caseload and if we can’t help, we can certainly signpost you to those who can.
Until then, stay safe and warm.
