What does it mean to be mayor of Frome?
It means something different for everyone who holds the position.
Traditionally, within Independents for Frome (IFF), it’s been an annual post, with the deputy mayor taking over once the role becomes vacant.
For me (and I’m lucky enough to have been given another shot after being mayor during lockdown), it’s about making myself as visible as possible to as many people as I can; it’s about acting as the public face of the town council and talking about what we do to take care of the town; it’s understanding what’s important to people, but it’s also about enlightenment.
I’ve lived in Frome for over 60 years and been a town councillor (for Berkley Ward) for six of them. What I’m learning is nothing less than astounding. Together with my IFF colleagues, I get involved in regular reviews of our work plan, our strategy and our budgets. Over the years I’ve been deputy mayor, mayor (twice), deputy leader and leader of the council. I’ve been involved in promoting our projects in radio interviews, grants, planning, the refugee hub, road safety, town matters, twinning, Saxonvale and engagement work, as well as dealing with constituency matters.
More recently, we’ve been working with Somerset Council on the devolution project, which has involved much negotiation, and is ongoing as we speak. There is still much more we’re fighting for, to bring back what was originally owned by Frome before district councils were imposed upon us. This in itself has given me so much insight into what can happen in our town, but it’s a drop in the ocean compared with what you learn as the mayor.
How did I not know about some of the many groups working in mental health, all those involved in providing services for children, the work around music offerings and creating a green and healthy future for us all, growing organic food and supplying much free food and advice to those in need? Every time I’m invited to go into an organisation, I know there is learning ahead and I salute so many self-sacrificing people who give up their time to create safe spaces to help and support others.
As volunteers, most councillors will engage in working with the staff to deliver the aims of the strategy. That in itself can take many hours a week, but as mayor you’re privy to so much more than that, which is one of the reasons I thrive on working as I do. Every day is different, being exposed to new groups, new ideas and new solutions.
It’s a massive learning curve.
I feel truly blessed to play a small part in helping to support all the amazing work that goes on, often under the surface and unrecognised.
I’ve known for many years that Frome is a generous town – a cry for help will invariably be met with an outpouring of support. I also know it can be edgy, gutsy and even at times, a little parochial. But above all, I’ve learned that Frome is different. We buck the trend on a regular basis, we often refuse to accept the status quo, and we will always fight (metaphorically) when the need arises.
Frome Town Council’s headed paper even signs off with ‘Frome, made differently.’
This, for me, is why I love this town so much and it’s certainly why I feel proud and privileged to serve as your mayor.
So, to sum up, I’d like to say, “Thank you, Frome. You mean the world to me.”
