In an event organised by Frome Twinning Association, in collaboration with Frome Town Council, children aged from 6 to 13 ‘captured’ the Town Hall and appealed to the Mayor to answer questions about what has been done for the people of Frome, and to listen to their suggestions for improvements.
Sue Worringham , from Frome Twinning Association said, “This event was inspired by the Carnival tradition of Murrhardt, our twin town in Germany, where a similar parade takes place at the start of Lent each year and the Mayor is held to account for his work over the year. During this parade, townspeople wear costumes relating to events in Murrhardt’s past.
“For Frome’s parade, the children made masks inspired by two of the characters, a water and a fire spirit, in a workshop organised by the Children’s Festival and Creative Cats and Kittens. Children and their families then paraded to the Town Hall in costume and banged on the door for entry. Cllr Rich Ackroyd had been forewarned and agreed to let them in and answer their questions in the council chamber. These focused on issues such as litter, provision of toilets and facilities in parks. He said, “It’s important for young people to learn about other cultures and traditions. This was great fun and the children posed some interesting questions, which is no bad thing for someone in my position.”
Finally they each received a traditional doughnut.
Sue Worringham said, “We are grateful to cllr Ackroyd for agreeing to be part of this event. We are trying to give Frome families a taste of the traditions and culture of our Twin towns. The children really enjoyed taking part, particularly making the masks, and thinking up some interesting questions for the Mayor. If anyone in Frome is interested in finding out more about Twinning, and the links between Frome and our partner towns in France, Germany and Poland, we will be holding an open meeting on Wednesday March 6th at 7.30pm at Trinity Hall. Just come along or look at our website for more information www.frometwinning .btck.co.uk. ”
