Frome Times

Frome Times Fromes Times - The town's own independent newspaper

www.frometimes.co.uk

Local resident wins prestigious Women in Innovation awardLocal entrepreneur Lisa Merryweather-Millard has won a prestigi...
08/03/2025

Local resident wins prestigious Women in Innovation award

Local entrepreneur Lisa Merryweather-Millard has won a prestigious Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award for her work in creating a mental health app for children and their families.

The award recognises Lisa and her co-chief executive officer, Charlotte Jenkins, for their work in developing lumin&us, a mental health app for children aged 3 to 12 and their families.

The NHS-approved app has been created with the help of parents and therapists and supports families by building and strengthening relationships, reducing conflict, and improving mental health and wellbeing through play, laughter, and connection.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3QA5UaY

Pictured: Lisa Merryweather-Millard, Photo credit Chris Bailey

Smoothies, litter picks and a flash mob! Big Walk and Wheel 2025A UK-wide active travel campaign is coming to Frome in A...
07/03/2025

Smoothies, litter picks and a flash mob! Big Walk and Wheel 2025

A UK-wide active travel campaign is coming to Frome in April.

The Big Walk and Wheel is coming to Frome between Monday 24th March and Friday 4th April. Schools including Trinity First School, Hayesdown First School, St John’s First School and Avanti Park School will enjoy activities including visits from ‘Dr Bike’ for cycle maintenance, making pedal-powered smoothies, walking buses and litter picks.

This year’s campaign in Frome culminates in a no-rehearsal-required ‘flash mob’ event on the bandstand in Victoria Park, led by local performer Cheryl Sprinkler of Mojo Moves. All are welcome to come to the park to dance with Cheryl between 3.20pm and 4pm on Friday 4th April.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/4ieKGet

Free prostate cancer testing event this monthThe Frome Lions Club, in conjunction with the Somerset Prostate Support Ass...
07/03/2025

Free prostate cancer testing event this month

The Frome Lions Club, in conjunction with the Somerset Prostate Support Association (SPSA), is hosting a free prostate cancer testing event for men aged 40 and over.

The event will take place on Saturday 29th March, from 10am to 4pm, at Frome Masonic Hall, 13 North Parade.

Frome Lions say, “Every year in the UK, 40,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and around 10,000 die from the disease. Early diagnosis can be crucial to successful treatment.”

Appointments take 10 to 15 minutes and must be booked in advance. It will not be possible to be tested on the day without a prior appointment.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/4h1PF13

For any questions regarding the tests, please contact Peter Hopwood via telephone 01458 441669 or email [email protected]

Young artists encouraged to enter competitionEntries are open for a competition for young artists, run by the Black Swan...
07/03/2025

Young artists encouraged to enter competition

Entries are open for a competition for young artists, run by the Black Swan Arts Centre.

The Young Open Art Competition is for young people between the ages of 8 and 19, and is the largest open art competition in the South West. Described as a “wonderful community arts project”, it gives young artists a rare opportunity to have their work exhibited in a major regional art gallery.

Entries are divided into three age group categories (8 to 11, 12 to 15 and 16 to19), with three prize winners in each category receiving a one-off workshop with a professional artist. The three Highly Commended artists in each group will be given vouchers for art materials, donated by Postscript of Frome.

The closing date for entries is midnight on 4th March. The exhibition will be open to the public from Saturday 22nd March until Sunday 27th April.

Entries for the competition are now open at

https://buff.ly/3QCm9Ek

Read more here: https://buff.ly/4hTPoP3

Local man completes the World Marathon Challenge in seven days A local man has successfully completed the World Marathon...
06/03/2025

Local man completes the World Marathon Challenge in seven days

A local man has successfully completed the World Marathon Challenge, running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.

Paris Norriss completed the challenge with his friend James Elliot-Square, smashing the previous record by finishing in five days and 19 hours.

“It wasn’t without some serious difficulties along the way,” says Paris, who did much of his training for the challenge on the small backroads of Frome towards Orchardleigh.

The pair started in Antarctica, where temperatures dropped to -15°C. Both ran a strong marathon before boarding a Soviet-era Ilyushin 76 cargo plane to Cape Town, starting their next marathon just 15 hours later—without any sleep.

“This was when a previous injury that had plagued James for months ruined his day, reducing him to walking and, finally, finishing the race on crutches,” explained Paris. “With five marathons left to go, he committed to completing the entire challenge on crutches, with his mind set on his higher purpose—raising support for underprivileged children through the Sovereign Art Foundation."

Read more here: https://buff.ly/4bl1XR6

Frome International Climate Film Festival is back for a fourth yearThe Frome International Climate Film Festival is back...
06/03/2025

Frome International Climate Film Festival is back for a fourth year

The Frome International Climate Film Festival is back for its fourth year in May continuing to grow and connect more filmmakers from around the world. The team has so far received 900 entries from over 84 countries, which will be judged by the festival film judges, who this year include students from Frome College.

The festival will run two events on Sunday 18th and Sunday 25th May.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3QAkyyP

Children and teachers from schools across Frome celebrated their love of reading today with World Book Day. Local schoo...
06/03/2025

Children and teachers from schools across Frome celebrated their love of reading today with World Book Day.

Local schools, including Oakfield Academy, St John’s First School, Selwood Academy, St Louis Catholic Primary School, Berkley CE First School and Avanti Park School got into the fictional spirit with pupils and teachers dressing up as characters.

Costumes included Charlie in the Chocolate Factory complete with Oompa Loompas, Mr Men costumes including Mr Forgetful and Mr Bump, Matilda, Robin Hood and amongst others.

Read all about it in the next edition of Frome Times out on 13th March.

Young musicians to fill town centre with live music this monthYoung musicians from Frome College and Selwood Academy wil...
06/03/2025

Young musicians to fill town centre with live music this month

Young musicians from Frome College and Selwood Academy will fill Frome Town Centre with music once again on Saturday 22nd March, with the return of Frome Busks.

The musicians will work their way around amplified and acoustic stages around the town centre, including the Westway precinct, Boyle Cross, outside the Cheese and Grain and Catherine Hill, playing 15-minute live music sets from 11am to 2pm. The event marks the final day of Frome Kindness Festival, which runs from 15th to 22nd March.

Frome College music teacher Josh Hampson, who organises the event in partnership with Frome Town Council, said, “We’ve got a really vibrant music department at Frome College, with loads of performers. It’s a big deal for a 14-year-old to come out in public and play and sing – events like this are so important in building confidence."

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3EWrRhJ

Mount Brew Community Cafe extends its openingDue to the success of The Mount’s Community Cafe last year, it will now ret...
05/03/2025

Mount Brew Community Cafe extends its opening

Due to the success of The Mount’s Community Cafe last year, it will now return every Friday, bringing residents together over refreshments.

Mount Brew Community Cafe, held at The Key Centre, is open to the local community from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, offering drinks and cakes.

The project, run by Frome Baptist Church for the local community around The Mount, was previously held on the last Saturday of each month. However, due to its popularity, it will now take place weekly.

For more details, please contact [email protected] or call Clarissa on 07956 784088.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3ESAbyV

Dorothy House Hospice Care launches ‘Together in Adversity’ campaignDorothy House Hospice Care is facing a critical fina...
05/03/2025

Dorothy House Hospice Care launches ‘Together in Adversity’ campaign

Dorothy House Hospice Care is facing a critical financial shortfall which, without remedy, threatens the specialist end-of-life care it currently provides to patients and families across its 800 square mile patch.

Rising costs, National Insurance and minimum wage hikes, alongside stagnant government funding at 20% of total costs, have had a major impact on the financial sustainability of the hospice. Known for its innovation, collaboration and CQC-rated outstanding care, Dorothy House is now appealing to MPs, local influencers and its loyal community to stand together to highlight the gravity of the situation.

Chief executive of Dorothy House Hospice Care, Wayne de Leeuw, said, “We urgently need the support of our community and the government to ensure we continue offering the specialist care and support that our patients and their families deserve."

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3F8mCLO

Pictured: Emma Lynham – patient of Dorothy House Hospice Care in June 2024

Mark International Women’s Day with community action forumIn celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), Frome Town ...
04/03/2025

Mark International Women’s Day with community action forum

In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), Frome Town Council is hosting a forum on Saturday 8th March entitled ‘Accelerate Action: A Safer Future for Women and Girls in Frome.’

Due to be held at the Frome Football Club from 10am to 12.30pm, the forum aligns with the International Women’s Day theme in 2025, ‘Accelerate Action’, and will bring all interested parties together to explore ideas to combat male violence against women and girls and generate tangible actions for the community.

Cllr Fiona Barrows, who is facilitating the discussion, said, “This International Women’s Day, let’s get together to explore how we can tackle violence against women and girls and the cultural influences that perpetuate it. Join us on 8th March to explore what is already working well, share ideas and information and come up with a set of actions that we can take, here in Frome, to make women and girls safe in our town."

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3QzYQuR

Free tickets can be booked in advance at http://bit.ly/safer-future-iwd25.

Pictured: Cllr Carla Collonette, Cllr Fiona Barrows, Cllr Tracey Ashford and Cllr Anne Hills

Speak Up, Rise Up! Frome’s men and women take the mic for International Women’s DayResidents are invited to an evening o...
04/03/2025

Speak Up, Rise Up! Frome’s men and women take the mic for International Women’s Day

Residents are invited to an evening of five-minute Lightning Talks for International Women’s Day.

The theme of the free talks on Thursday 6th March is Accelerate Action, and people are invited to register to take the stage.

Organised by Frome Town Council, the event will be held at the Rye Bakery on Whittox Lane.

“Whether it’s a bold idea, a personal story, or a rallying cry for change, this open mic night with purpose is your chance to share what action means to you. No long speeches—just real voices, real impact,” says one of the organisers, Somerset Councillor Dawn Denton.

“Come to listen, come to cheer, or come to be heard.”

To sign up or for more information, contact Cllr Dawn Denton via email at [email protected].

Read more here: https://buff.ly/4bf3h7X

Frome takes action for menstrual equity with Plastic Free. Period. eventsPeople in Frome are invited to attend events ce...
04/03/2025

Frome takes action for menstrual equity with Plastic Free. Period. events

People in Frome are invited to attend events celebrating International Women’s Day, which are aimed at advancing menstrual equity through the Plastic Free.Period. campaign.

The events are being organised by Frome Town Council and Frome Medical Practice, who say period poverty, stigma and lack of access to sustainable products are all barriers to menstrual equity.

The Plastic Free. Period. campaign aims to ensure all menstruators have access to the information and products they need to support their menstrual health, without causing environmental and health harm.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/4gXFDxZ

Frome celebrates love at annual lamp-lighting ceremonyThe town turned out to celebrate love at the recent Valentine’s Da...
03/03/2025

Frome celebrates love at annual lamp-lighting ceremony

The town turned out to celebrate love at the recent Valentine’s Day Ceremony which saw the annual lighting of Frome’s gas lamp on Catherine Street.

Held on 14th February, residents gathered, despite the rain, as Valentine’s stalwart Reg Ling handed over lamp-lighting duties to his successor Eddie Young.

At the event there was mulled wine, an accordion player, a humorous and aptly themed ‘cry’ by the town crier, followed by poetry and a rendition of Amazing Grace played by Reg on the harmonica.

Frome’s mayor Cllr Andy Jones, also presenting Reg with a Mayor’s Award marking his service to Frome.

The ceremony has been running for over 30 years, after Reg salvaged the lamp in 1993. The Friends of Frome’s Valentine’s Lamp are currently writing a book to preserve the landmark’s history.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/41jANFD

Pictured: Eddie Young lighting the lamp. Mayor Cllr Andy Jones, Reg Ling, Eddie Young and Martin Scott, the town crier. and more photos from the event

Frome bookshop named regional finalist for Independent Bookshop of the Year awardFrome bookshop Winstone’s Hunting Raven...
03/03/2025

Frome bookshop named regional finalist for Independent Bookshop of the Year award

Frome bookshop Winstone’s Hunting Raven Books has been named a finalist in the Best Independent Bookshop regional category of The British Book Awards 2025.

Frome’s much-loved bookshop – which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year – has been shortlisted in the South West region alongside other popular contenders, including fellow indie Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights in Bath.

The team won the regional award in 2020, just two days before the country went into lockdown, and this is the first time they have entered the competition since.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3EYaOfq

Residents criticise leisure centre over cleanliness and ‘lack’ of facilities Frome’s leisure centre has come under fire ...
03/03/2025

Residents criticise leisure centre over cleanliness and ‘lack’ of facilities

Frome’s leisure centre has come under fire from local residents, who have raised concerns about cleanliness and the reliability of its facilities.

Complaints include a lack of heating, issues with shower and gym equipment, poor hygiene, inadequate lighting on the sports pitches and the recent closure of the swimming pool due to a broken boiler.

“The roof leaks, with water running down the walls. The gym floor has tape on it instead of proper repairs. The boiler is broken, and the family fun floats look ‘chewed.’ The perimeter fencing is patched and held together with jubilee clips. I’m sure people can add more examples,” said one resident on social media.

Another resident added, “The pools are freezing cold, and the changing rooms stink of urine.”

Frome Medical Practice echoed these concerns at January’s Frome Town Council meeting, where a representative said the practice was ‘concerned’ about the lack of wellbeing facilities in the town.

Read more: https://buff.ly/4ianm1e

Pictured: Frome Leisure Centre

Residents air concerns over proposal for Oldford Hill developmentResidents have raised concerns over a proposal to devel...
02/03/2025

Residents air concerns over proposal for Oldford Hill development

Residents have raised concerns over a proposal to develop 330 houses on Oldford Hill, north of Gypsy Lane, following a public consultation held earlier last month.

The consultation, held at the Rugby Club, was organised ahead of a planning application being submitted, which is expected in spring. The development is proposed for land between Frome and the village of Oldford, and residents have expressed worries about the potential impact on the town and surrounding areas.

Concerns raised include the lack of infrastructure in Frome, pressure on facilities such as doctors’ surgeries and schools, the loss of green space, and the risk of flooding.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/41xaPzx

Fans pack out Cheese and Grain for one of the UK’s most successful artists.The Cheese and Grain hosted one of the UK’s m...
02/03/2025

Fans pack out Cheese and Grain for one of the UK’s most successful artists.

The Cheese and Grain hosted one of the UK’s most successful artists last week, when Frank Turner played a sold-out show in Frome.

The singer-songwriter returned to town for the fifth time with his band, the Sleeping Souls, on Wednesday 19th February, to play the show that was part of Frank Turner’s Road to Show 3,000.

The Road to Show 3,000 marks a milestone in Frank Turner’s career and included performances in Belfast, Dublin, Wolverhampton and Frome, before ending with an epic sold-out gig at London’s Alexandra Palace on Saturday 22nd February, in front of over 10,000 fans.

Read more here; https://buff.ly/43bk0a8

Address

31 Market Place
Melksham
SN126ES

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Frome Times posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Frome Times:

Videos

Celebrations in Frome as Frome Town promoted
Celebrations in Frome as Frome Town promoted

Frome Town FC promoted to the Southern League Premier South! Celebrations in Frome as Frome Town beat Bristol Manor Farm 3-1 in the Division One South play-off final to clinch promotion to the Premier South

'Close Encounters of a Frome Kind' at the Showground on Saturday 4th November.

Independent candidate and Frome resident Rosie Mitchell spoke to Frome Times about how her campaign had gone and said this was build up for the general election next year.

We have been speaking to Martin Dimery, the candidate for the Green Party in tonight’s by-election. Have a listen to what he has to say below.

Christmas has begun in Frome! The lantern parade on the way to the Christmas lights switch-on

Part two of our exclusive interview with David Warburton MP where he answers our readers' questions. This part covers local issues such as his thoughts on the Saxonvale development, local crime and policing and internet connectivity in rural locations. You can read this interview in the latest issue of the Frome Times, out this week.

Part one of our exclusive interview with David Warburton MP where he answers our readers' questions. This part covers national issues such as his thoughts on sleaze within the government, NHS privatisation and second jobs. You can read this interview in the latest issue of the Frome Times, out this week. Part two, which covers local issues, will be published both here and in the Frome Times next Wednesday.

Shortcuts

Share

Category