Frome has approved a new twin town partnership with Pieve di Soligo in northern Italy, expanding the town’s international connections.
The decision was made unanimously by councillors at a full town council meeting on Tuesday 12th March. The Italian town, located in the Province of Treviso in the Veneto region, has a population of around 12,000 and lies about an hour’s drive from Venice.
Presenting the proposal, Cllr Philip Campagna said, “This partnership would provide Frome with another European partner town and extend our outlook beyond our boundaries.”
Frome’s first twinning partnership was formed over 40 years ago with Murrhardt in Germany, followed by Château-Gontier in France and more recently Rabka-Zdrój in Poland. All four towns are linked through a quadripartite agreement, with support from the Frome Twinning Association (FTA), which has coordinated events and exchanges over the decades.
Representatives from each of the four towns meet annually in rotating locations to strengthen ties and promote cultural and educational exchange.
However, at the meeting, Cllr Campagna proposed changing the current twinning model, saying it is “no longer desirable or sustainable” due to financial and organisational pressures, and dwindling participation in the FTA.
He said, “Changing the model is what I have been actively working towards in recent years—to act as a facilitator for groups and partners to develop relationships with as many or as few of the partner towns as desired. This would involve minimal, if any, Frome Town Council time or funding.
“FTA, formed almost from the start, was very active in those early years and fostered strong links and friendships. Many of those who were there at the beginning are still involved in some capacity today.
“However, not being able to attract new members—particularly younger members—and with a decreasing active membership, it has become increasingly difficult for FTA to operate. Community engagement is minimal.
“[The new model] will enable Frome to establish a partnership approach that better serves the people of Frome, particularly our young people as they go out into the world.”
