Mayor’s Christmas Message – Looking forward to another exciting year for Frome

As we approach Christmas and the end of another year we all get the opportunity to plan some celebrations, look back over the last 12 months and decide how we’ll approach 2017. That’s exactly what I’m doing now as mayor.

This Christmas will be busier than ever for me as I attend presentations, openings and celebrations with many different town-based groups. I hope to see hundreds of different Frome people across December but if I don’t get to your particular celebration, I hope you have a great time.

This year has been a strange one with surprising national and international political decisions being taken but not yet implemented. Amongst all the confusion and, at times unhealthy debate, Frome has had another bright year with wonderful festivals and performances, great sporting events and so many opportunities for the community to get together.

In particular, I hope you enjoyed the switch on of the Christmas lights in the town centre which launched Christmas in Frome.

2017 looks like being another exciting year in Frome. The Town Council will be bringing you Participatory Budgeting where you get to decide how certain parts of the town’s budget is spent; Crowdfunding where you can help fund the projects and services that you want to see in the town and of course the opening of the new Town Hall.

Frome is a special town. I know some people get tired of hearing that, but it remains true. There’s so much to see and do in Frome over the festive period I hope you find the time to be part of it. We have the most amazing independent shops and a range of markets, and December in town is always a highlight for me and my family. We love the fact that our little town provides a fantastic opportunity to do almost all our Christmas shopping whilst enjoying a mulled cider with friends and neighbours.

And there’s no let up on the big day itself. I will start Christmas day opening presents with my children and then I have been invited to Frome Hospital to say hello to those too ill to get home to celebrate with their families. Then my family and I are off to enjoy the Big Christmas Get Together at the Football Club, I’m really looking forward to that. Then home for a relaxing evening in front of the fire with a Christmas movie (Muppets Christmas Carol for me and my boys every time).

I am mindful that whilst I am enjoying this happy family day there are all those dedicated people who work in our emergency services, in health and in care who will continue to do what they do so the rest of us can remain safe and looked after during the festive season. We all owe them a huge debt of thanks.

Here’s to a fabulous 2017 for all of Frome. Merry Christmas everyone.