A major research project is coming to Frome, and local residents are invited to help document the town’s civic life and imagine its future.
The project, called Civic Imaginaries of Frome, is a collaboration between the University of Glasgow, Frome Town Council and Edventure. Civic imaginaries are the different ways people sense, feel and dream about the futures of their places. This work is part of a four-year Civic Imaginary Partnerships study also happening in Chester, Glasgow, Hull, and Southampton.
Between November 2025 and March 2026, researchers Dr Michael Howcroft and Dr Ellen Bishop will be in Frome, running activities that explore the town’s independent culture and the ways residents connect and co-operate with each other. They’ll be carrying out interviews and workshops and will be working with Frome’s voluntary groups. Everyone in Frome over the age of 18 is invited to take part.
Dr Michael Howcroft explained, “There’s growing interest in community-led solutions to big challenges like climate change, loneliness, and community cohesion. This project aims to build solid evidence on whether, and how, communities can make a difference, looking closely at ideas like capacity, capability, and pride in place.
“The findings will be shared directly with national and local policymakers, and local organisations. Frome is the first place the project is launching, chosen for its reputation for independent thinking, its strong arts scene, and local businesses.”
However, project leaders also recognise that not everyone feels included in the town, and they are keen to hear from all residents, whatever your view or level of involvement in community-action.
Dr Ellen Bishop added, “Everyone who takes part will be paid for their time and has the option to remain anonymous. We’re really looking forward to hearing what people have to say.”
Emily Osler, Community Engagement Officer at Frome Town Council said, “We’re thrilled to work on this project, which gives Frome a voice in an important national conversation. We hope many people across the town will join in.”
Two activities are currently open for residents:
Oral History Project: This involves a recorded interview where you can share your personal experiences of living in Frome, how the town has changed, and your future hopes.
Community-Led Film: Work with the researchers and other Frome residents to create a film that shows what Frome’s future could look like. You’ll decide what goes in the film and share your stories. No experience or equipment needed. Full training and support will be provided by leading community-film expert, John Sealey from Fabians Films.
If you’d like to take part in either of these activities, fill in the survey on the project website. The survey has a few questions to ensure people from all walks of life are included in the research.
To find out more, visit the project website at www.civicimaginaries.gla.ac.uk/blog.
Pictured: Dr Michael Howcroft and Dr Ellen Bishop
![Town-wide programme brings month of social activities in May
A month-long programme of activities and events is set to take place across the town in May as part of an initiative encouraging residents to connect with themselves, each other and local places.
The scheme, Frome Connects, will run throughout the month and includes a mix of social activities, creative events and informal meet-ups in community spaces.
Highlights include the return of Dress Up Fridays, which began during lockdown and invites people to wear formal clothing or fancy dress and turn the town into their catwalk each Friday.
Set-piece moments include a Kate Bush-themed flashmob (Running Up That [Catherine] Hill) on 30th May, followed by a bell peal at St John’s Church where the bells will play Running Up That Hill.
There will also be a whole-town drone photo on Friday 30th May, with everyone encouraged to ‘look up’ at around 12.30pm.
Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
Pictured: l-r Jenny Hartnoll and Ginny Adams](https://scontent-lhr6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/684201964_18069463433653265_2722712448142239347_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=lpPD1lkIpzUQ7kNvwGc5hdb&_nc_oc=Adpzr2hnI58mBzDyMxcnkdK_pr7-84FAARfoTk3dgtKJKwIbvYouQytEkAdXpaUAvxU&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=QKz5uslOl1wFJGffej9rcQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQEhS3JmIIRGVtdvc7NeDg-szHPgOZvSeqR7PYflJsqm1cp0XCNujCDPTyODWI0mmJV4mujraOr9&oh=00_Af2_0pgXuakjMTfphq9JSx7v6C2RU__qPFT1d7jQmFh5EA&oe=69F7C6AA "Town-wide programme brings month of social activities in May
A month-long programme of activities and events is set to take place across the town in May as part of an initiative encouraging residents to connect with themselves, each other and local places.
The scheme, Frome Connects, will run throughout the month and includes a mix of social activities, creative events and informal meet-ups in community spaces.
Highlights include the return of Dress Up Fridays, which began during lockdown and invites people to wear formal clothing or fancy dress and turn the town into their catwalk each Friday.
Set-piece moments include a Kate Bush-themed flashmob (Running Up That [Catherine] Hill) on 30th May, followed by a bell peal at St John’s Church where the bells will play Running Up That Hill.
There will also be a whole-town drone photo on Friday 30th May, with everyone encouraged to ‘look up’ at around 12.30pm.
Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
Pictured: l-r Jenny Hartnoll and Ginny Adams")
