The List Frome - April 2022

GIANT FUNDRAISING RAFFLE FOR UKRAINE

3-8 May 2022

YO U R G U I D E TO E VE RY TH I N G FR O M E

APRIL 2022

SHREK THE MUSICAL

ISSUE 133

Artists & Makers Of Frome WITH DAN MORLEY

FROME MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY PRESENT

ALL HALLOWS Preparatory School- children aged 3 - 13

Set in a stunning location, just 15 minutes from Frome, All Hallows is a day and boarding prep school for children aged 3 to 13.

A creative and dynamic curriculum, with our pupils’ happiness and well-being at the heart of all decision-making, is producing outstanding results.

An independent school where children move on to their chosen senior school confident in who they are and ready to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.

www.allhallowsschool.co.uk

Open Morning Saturday 30 April and Monday 2 May Prior booking essential, please contact Jackie Truelove, our Registrar, on 01749 881 609 admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk

ISSUE 133 APRIL

Rose Langley

F

rome is a bubble. It is something I become acutely aware of whenever I leave the area, as I did a few weeks ago, to spend a few child-free days with my two old friends. We stayed in a former clock tower, on a beautiful estate in Hampshire. Two days were whiled away, catching up, lying in and pottering around the local town. These towns were beautiful, unhampered by ugly buildings and full of thoughtfully placed baskets of flowering bulbs. We pootled around the shops, ate in the cafes and returned to our clock tower for some well-earned gin.

I wondered aloud, what it was about the town we had visited that, despite it’s obvious beauty, had failed to instil in me any desire to return.

“Well, you live in Frome” said my friend. “Frome is a bubble, and every time you leave you realise that nowhere quite matches up”. She was right of course. There is something about Frome.

It’s in the air and the soil, and most definitely in the people. People with big, full hearts, and open minds. It is somewhere that you’d want to go if you were in a crisis. Or for a holiday. Or for a quick cuppa. Or, really, for anything at all.

Because, sometimes, only Frome will do.

“Frome is a bubble, and every time you leave you realise that nowhere quite matches up”

With this in mind, I wanted to say a personal thank you to all the local incredible makers, artists and businesses who donated prizes for our Giant Fundraiainsg Raffle for Ukraine (see pages 20 - 21). You all jumped at the chance to be involved, and your generosity has been

» The List Recommends » Cover Story » Health & Wellbeing » Fundraising raff le for Ukraine

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astounding. Well done, you brilliant lot!

Design: blackinkstudio.co.uk Front cover: Frome Musical Theatre Company Copy deadline for the May issue: April 11th

Published by Rose Langley, trading as Make a List Publishing, Sole Proprietor Editor Rose Langley 07957878717 rose@thelistfrome.co.uk . thelistfrome.co.uk *The publishers shall not be liable for any loss occasioned by the failure of an advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions or misprints.

» the list recommends «

Legend - The Bob Marley Experience Cheese & Grain, April 9th, 8pm ‘Legend’ is made up of seven great musicians and singers dedicated to the life and music of the late great Bob Marley. This dynamic band, led by the charismatic Michael Anton Phillips, has a pedigree second to none, whose members have worked with such reggae greats as: Beres Hammond, The Original Wailers, Dennis Brown, Rankin Roger, The Beat, Apache Indian, Musical Youth, Gregory Isaacs and Aswad, to name but a few. This two-hour show covers the very best of Bob Marley and The Wailers’ timeless classics.

Utterance Choir Makers’ Yard, Thursdays, 7.30 – 9pm Led by composer Verity Standen, Utterance Choir is a new drop-in singing group for anyone who likes to make noise with others. You don’t need any experience (although seasoned singers are very welcome), and you don’t need to read music, as Verity teaches everything by ear. Verity will bring along a range of songs to get things started, from Björk to Bulgarian folk tunes.

And then she’ll go away and arrange anything that the group suggests – from sea shanties to classic soul – with a focus on rich and playful harmonies.

The choir is run on a donate-what-you-can basis. For more information go to: www.utterancechoir.com

From Balfour to Banksy Holy Trinity Church, April 2nd, 7.30pm, £6 Frome and Bradford-on-Avon Friends of Palestine are jointly hosting a presentation of the film From Balfour to Banksy. This film tells the story of how, just over 100 years ago, Arthur Balfour, then UK Foreign Secretary, had a vision which ultimately led to an occupied Palestine today. It also shows the vision of another Englishman: the contemporary artist Banksy, who has created in Palestine a hotel that is also a remarkable, satirical art installation.

Tickets available from Hunting Raven Books, via EventBrite or on the door.

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Put Pen to Paper at The Write Place The Write Place is a creative haven for wordsmiths in every genre, whether writing for themselves, a publication, university or work. In these distractionfree studios under the eaves of Black Swan Arts, word counts soar as writers stop procrastinating and focus, encouraged by the company of other writers.

Besides the quiet writing studio (no mobile phones), a comfortable chat room provides somewhere for writers to socialise, share knowledge or simply relax in the shiatsu massage chair.

Members can write for as long as they like between 9-5, seven days a week for only £30pm. Zoom members and visiting writers are also welcome.

More information on www.writeplace.org.uk

LEGEND - THE BOB MARLEY EXPERIENCE S AT 9 A P R I L | 8 P M D O O R S £ 17 A DV (+ S E R V I C E C H A R G E ) C H E E S E A N D G R A I N .C O M M A R K E T YA R D . J U S T I C E L A N E F R O M E . B A11 1B E

MAKERS MARKET EASTER SPECIAL S AT 16 A P R I L | 9A M - 2 P M FREE ENTRY

U LT R A B E AT & N -T R A N C E (D J S E T ) S AT 16 A P R I L | 8 P M D O O R S £ 2 0 A DV (+ S E R V I C E C H A R G E )

S O YO U T H I N K YO U K N O W A B O U T D I N O S AU R S ?

T U E 19 A P R I L | 2 :3 0 P M D O O R S £17 A D U LT/ £13. 5 0 C H I L D (+ S .C)

ELIZA CARTHY TRIO M O N 2 5 A P R I L | 7:3 0 P M D O O R S £ 16 A DV (+ S E R V I C E C H A R G E )

U K R A I N E H U M A N I TA R I A N APPEAL EVENT S AT 3 0 A P R I L | 6 P M D O O R S £ 1 0 A DV (+ S E R V I C E C H A R G E )

BOX OFFICE 01373 455420

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» the list recommends « The Three Billy Pigs Merlin Theatre, April 10th, 2pm Once upon a time there were three little pigs…and now it is time for them to leave home. The Three Billy Pigs, from Noisy Oyster, is a show for children of 3 years and over. The show blends two classic fairy tales: The Three Little Pigs and The Three Billy Goats Gruff with beautifully crafted puppets, light-hearted storytelling, live music and a little bit of eco-awareness in a pig sty.

Fundraiser Concert for Ukraine – Slav Spirit

Artists For Ukraine

Christ Church, April 9th, 7.30pm

Black Swan Arts, 1 - 24 April

Save the date for a heart-warming concert celebrating the music of Eastern Europe and raising funds for Ukrainian refugees. The concert features gems by Dvorak, Chopin and Ukrainian composers for piano, piano duet, violin and song with soprano Maria Danishvar, violin Matthew Taylor, piano Stephen Marquiss and Liz Kozlowski.

In response to the war in Ukraine, over thirty local artists have come together to donate work for an exhibition being hosted by Black Swan Arts in the historic Round Tower Gallery.

Tickets at the door, or in advance from OWL Gallery and www.artsandmusic.uk/ukraine

All proceeds will go towards Frome Town Council’s pledge to raise funds for Frome’s twin town Rabka-Zdrój in Poland. Rabka-Zdrój will take in over 500 Ukrainian refugees in the coming weeks and funds raised will provide shelter and food. The exhibition will feature late night openings, talks and events including updates from close friends who have been directly affected. All works will be sold by secret auction. For more details go to artistsforukraine.squarespace.com

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Merlin Theatre Frome Friday 8th April at 7.30pm Join us for an evening in conversation with one of the UK’s leading Psychotherapists, Julia Samuel as we celebrate the release of her latest book Every Family Has a Story.

JULIA SAMUEL PRESENTS EVERY FAMILY HAS A STORY FRIDAY 08 APRIL - 7.30PM

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE HENRY V THURSDAY 21 APRIL - 7PM

NOISY OYSTER PRESENTS THE THREE BILLY PIGS SUNDAY 10 APRIL - 2PM

QUIRKY BIRD THEATRE PRESENTS DNA BY DENNIS KELLY TUESDAY 26 APRIL 3PM AND 7.30PM

Book Online: bit.ly/JuliaSamuelFrome

01373 465949 merlintheatre.co.uk Bath Rd . Frome . BA11 2HG

galleries | round tower | studios | shop | cafe 2 Bridge St . Frome . BA11 1BB | 01373 473980 Open 7 days a week | FREE ENTRY

www.blackswanarts.org.uk Registered Charity No.292463

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» the list recommends « The Vintage Bazaar

that’s the spirit!

Cheese & Grain, April 23rd, 9am - 2pm

Recognition for Retribution

The Spring Vintage Bazaar comes to Frome this April, showcasing some of the country’s best dealers in vintage textiles, decorative antiques and French brocante as well as a handpicked selection of designer makers. The Vintage Bazaar has been running for over ten years and has earned a reputation for not only providing the best quality vintage but also for the show-stopping displays

Congratulations are in order as Frome-based drinks company Retribution Distilling has received a plethora of awards and accolades for its incredible range of spirits. Owner and Head Distiller, Richard Lock, has been working hard to produce spirits of exceptional quality using locally sourced ingredients, and now his hard work has paid off. Retribution White Rum

each dealer puts on. It has become a firm favourite with fashion and interior designers as well as makers and vintage aficionados, who come to source decorative antiques, vintage fabrics and ephemera.

was shortlisted by Whisky Exchange for 2022 Rum of the Year. It was also featured in a national newspaper, gaining 9/10 in its review. (It is incredible – we’ve tried it!). But more was to come. In the International Wine and Spirits Competition, all four of Retribution’s spirits won medals, with Silver for the Navy Strength Gin and Bronze for the Retribution Gin, White Rum and Just Juniper Gin.

For more information go to www.thevintagebazaar.co.uk

For more information, and to purchase, go to www.retributiondistilling.co.uk

Celebrating Man’s Best Friend at The Frome Independent Market at April’s Frome Independent Market The monthly Sunday market that welcomes designers, craftspeople, food producers and vintage experts to the streets of our beloved town is as popular with dogs as it is with their owners! On Sunday April 3rd, the Frome Independent will be saluting our furry companions with a selection of activities for all to join in on their Village Green, accompanied by the mighty Vintage Mobile Disco, with a stellar line-up of local DJs playing vintage vinyl.

Head over to the Village Green next to the Library and you’ll find artist Sue Palmer and graphic novelist Joff Winterhart bringing their online Art Club Frome into the market. Sue and Joff welcome all abilities, and will provide all materials and inspiration. It’s a drop-in session for older teens and adults (younger makers are welcome to attend with an adult) from 11am - 2pm. The 8

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Frome Independent’s charity partner for April is Dogs for Health, which works alongside professionals in the community to help reduce stress, social isolation and anxiety to improve health and wellbeing with their therapy dogs. Come and meet their gorgeous dogs at the Village Green, and find out more about the vital work they do in Frome and surrounding areas.

Sunday April 3rd,10am - 3pm, Frome town centre www.thefromeindependent.org.uk

in d e p e n d e n t a u s sie c a f E private catering available 14 king st frome ba11 1bh seating inside and out

www.retributiondistilling.co.uk Distilled and bottled in Frome, Somerset

superfood smoothies, cold press juices, specialty coffee, poke bowls, buddha bowls, acai smoothie bowls, sweet treats. nooktheshop.co.uk

01373 471368

@nooktheshop

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A NEW ARTS SPACE AT THE FROME GALLERY

T

he Frome Gallery was opened on February 5th this year by local artist Ray Jones and his wife, Helle Jones, a professional weaver.

This follows the opening of their first gallery in June last year at Woolverton.

The Frome Gallery is situated in the former Steve Bane Fabrics shop on Christchurch Street West. The new gallery specialises in brightly coloured contemporary paintings featuring the work of Ray Jones, five guest artists and a regular turnover of local artists.

The gallery also features a display of work by Helle, including hand-woven silk scarves, linen table throws, place mats, leather finished handbags and alpaca pashminas. info@thefromegallery.com | Tel. 01373 463098 www.thefromegallery.com

David Wilkey

THE FROME GALLERY A NEW CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY

Now Open @ 22 Christchurch Street West, Frome, BA11 1EE

FROME BY NIGHT BY RAY JONES

SUNSET BY ALEX HOWELL

PINE CREEK BY BRIAN BAXTER

Tel. 01373 463098 info@thefromegallery.com www.thefromegallery.com Open: REFLECTION BY DAVID WILKEY

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FROME BY NIGHT BY RAY JONES

Wednesdays Fridays Saturdays

10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 4pm

6 Cheap Street, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1BN 01373 455332

For all your jewellery commissions, repairs, remodelling and valuations We stock a selection of beautiful hand-made jewellery, watches and cufflinks.

We also offer hand-engraving, Antique Silver restoration and repair.

Registered Fair Trade Goldsmith Member of National Association of Jewellers

www.allabouttheyarn.co.uk E: info@allabouttheyarn.co.uk T: 01373 473 557 11, Catherine Hill Click and Collect and Free Delivery within a mile.

The Vintage Bazaar The cheese & Grain Frome, BA11 1BE Saturday 23rd April 9am - 2pm Vintage textiles, french brocante, decorative antiques and artisan makes thevintagebazaar.co.uk @thevintagebazaaevents

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SHREK THE MUSICAL FROME MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY

F

rome Musical Theatre Company is thrilled to be performing Shrek the Musical at the Frome Memorial Theatre from Tuesday May 3rd – Sunday 8th.

Based on the story and characters from the Oscarwinning DreamWorks animation film, Shrek is the story of the swamp-dwelling ogre who, in a faraway kingdom, embarks on a life-changing adventure to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wisecracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a firebreathing dragon, rescues the feisty Princess Fiona, and learns that real friendship and true love aren’t only found in fairy tales.

Prepare to be transported far far away as we join Shrek and Donkey on their quest to rescue Princess Fiona.

Prepare to be transported far far away as we join Shrek and Donkey on their quest to rescue Princess Fiona. Plus enjoy performances from our Duloc dancers, tap-dancing rats, and your favourite story book characters as you’ve never seen them before.

Not forgetting an incredible set of castles, woodlands, a fiery dragon, plus larger than life, vibrant costumes, it is truly enchanting.

The company are ‘ogre’ the moon to be back after a twoyear break with this massive show. This family friendly show is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.

Performances at the Frome Memorial Theatre run from Tuesday May 3rd to Sunday 8th.

Evening performances start at 7pm (Tuesday – Saturday) and Matinees at 2pm (Saturday & Sunday).

All the beloved characters, including Shrek played by Jon O’Loughlin, Fiona by Nicole Wooldridge, Donkey

by Davey Evans, and Lord Farquaad by David Hynds will be brought to life from screen to the stage.

With all-new songs, and well known favourite “I’m a Believer” this hilarious and spectacular production turns the world of fairy tales upside down in an allsinging, all-dancing, fast-paced musical comedy.

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C o ve r S t o r y

Tickets are on sale from the Frome Memorial Theatre box office, open Monday to Saturday 9.30 -1pm. Visit, call 01373 462795 or book online at www.fromememorialtheatre.org.uk Adults £18 / U16 & OAP £16 Group booking £15 (bookings of 10+ people) Family ticket £65 (4 tickets, no more than 2 adults)

FROME ARTS SOCIETY

F

rome Art Society is busy preparing its Spring Exhibition, which will once again be held in the Black Swan Arts Long Gallery. After what has seemed like the longest two years ever, Black Swan Arts have made their splendid Long Gallery available for this much loved, normally annual, event. The exhibition opens on Friday April 8th and

If you are interested in finding out more about the FAS and this year’s programme of events, please visit the website at https://fromeartsociety.co.uk.

any local NHS worker joining now will not

will run for two weeks, closing on Sunday April 24th.

Entry is free.

have to pay a membership

The Society has members of all abilities, from professional artists to enthusiastic beginners, and the exhibition offers the chance to appreciate the work of many talented local artists. You will find work in all mediums and with many different inspirations, and it provides a fascinating window into the artistic world of Frome. Offering an opportunity for everyone to get involved in art has always been at the heart of FAS. It all started in 1979 when Charles and Vera Appleyard and Charles Hopkins formed an art club.

Since then, it has always been about giving practical help through talks, artists demonstrating their techniques, getting involved in artist-led workshops, group painting and drawing sessions, and being able to chat to like-minded people.

New members are always welcome and, if you are interested in joining, please email: fromeartsociety@ gmail.com and FAS will be in touch.

fee till 2023.

The current annual membership fee is £15, although as a small thank you to the NHS, any local NHS worker joining now will not have to pay a membership fee till 2023.

welcomes new members

During the pandemic, Zoom was used to provide talks, demonstrations, workshops and a monthly painting topic, together with art history essays and outdoor painting. However, now that restrictions are easing, the next in-person workshop (£35 for members) in April is mixed media landscapes with Amanda Bee, together with artist demonstrations and a full outdoor painting programme for the summer.

WORKSHOPS, TALKS AND DEMONSTRATIONS OUTDOOR PAINTING DAYS EXHIBITIONS Enthusiastic beginners to professional artists welcome Membership fee £15 per year.

For more details email: fromeartsociety@gmail.com Website: fromeartsociety.co.uk Instagram.com/fromeartsociety Facebook.com/fromeartsociety

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O pe n Mon d ay - Satu rd ay 33 C at h e rin e H ill

AFFORDAB LE FINE ART DIREC T FROM LOC AL MAKER S Annemarie Blake • Hans Borgonjon Tess Chodan • Anny Colgan • David Daniels Phaedra Politis • Rebecca Wordsworth

SHOP ONLINE AT

w w w. owl ga l l er y frome . co. uk

Hibi Botanics create high performance, low waste skin & hair care that is:

Vegan . Palm Free Soap Free . Synthetic Free You can buy Hibi bars from Oakville Naturals on Badcox, The Frome Independent Market (on the bridge) @hibibotanics . Handmade here in Frome . Free delivery in Frome www.hibibotanics.com .

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hPo e b il p s

Em aHousle y

RosieWesle y

FROME ART FAIR

O

ne of Frome’s most popular annual arts events returns! For two days, Frome Art Fair gathers an incredible array of local artists and makers across two venues. It offers the general public the chance to meet with, and buy from, the artist, and for the artists it creates an opportunity to reach a new and engaged audience.

The Frome Art Fair, or FAF, is organised by The Why Gallery to raise finds for Frome-based charity We Hear You. We Hear You (WHY) offers free, professional counselling to those bereaved by, or suffering from, serious illness.

This year FAF is running a series of artist-run workshops, with local professional artists, including Steven Jenkins and Mel Day, and a special children’s M a h e Sw o t e r

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RobieWJones

workshop with Polly Alizarin Harvey. Workshops will take place at the Round Tower at Black Swan Arts and the Bennett Centre.

The Fair runs over two days: Saturday April 30th - Sunday May 1st, 10am - 4pm.

The preview evening (with wine): Friday April 29th, 6 - 8pm Art Fair venues: Silk Mill, Merchants Barton, Saxonvale, BA11 1PT Bennett Centre, Vicarage St, BA11 1PX For more information: Facebook and Instagram @fromeartfair Faf@wehearyou.org.uk | www.whygallery.co.uk y Ln K e d i

LENGTHEN

and breathe y'all

bridgehousepilates.com group classes 1-1s

pre/postnatal

Break Out: Free course in meditation and Buddhism Over the course you’ll learn two liberating meditation practices and train in the path of the Buddha in a way that’s relevant here and now in your everyday life.

Start with a taster evening on Thursday 14 April | 7pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Innox Hill, BA11 2LN and the opportunity to take part in a rural retreat 1st - 5th June. Free of charge. frometriratna@gmail.com

Emotional Freedom Technique A short term, solution focused therapy for personal or professional change & growth

Gentle, effective, non-invasive, therapy for aches, pains, restricted movement, injuries, stress & many other problems.

Janie Godfrey - Frome Bowen Clinic 01373 452 422 www.bowenclinicfrome.com

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H e a lt h & w e l l b e i n g

Anxiety • Phobias • Procrastination Trauma • Limiting Beliefs • Weight Loss Addiction Discounted Block Therapy Sessions Frome • Bruton • Online Free Consultation Accredited EFT Practitioner www.eftcoach.co.uk

take a look over the page to see the incredible prizes you could win

Giant Frome Fundraising Raffle for Ukraine

To raise money for the Disaster Emergency Committee’s work in Ukraine, we asked Frome artists, makers and businesses to get involved and donate items for a raffle.

It’s fair to say we’ve been blown away with the exceptional generosity from these brilliant people.

In fact we had so many donations that we decided to give you two chances to win, dividing the prizes in to two pots.

More items may be added to each pot before the draw on April 15th.

To enter just go to justgiving.com/fundraising/ thelistfrome or follow the button on our website thelistfrome.co.uk Make your donation in multiples of £10, making sure your name is visible. Then email hello@thelistfrome. co.uk to confirm your name, contact details and number of entries. You will be contacted straight after the drawer at 11 am on April 15th.

Now, take a look over the page to see the incredible prizes you could win - Good luck!

Each raffle entry costs £10. For example if you donate £40, your name will be entered in to the drawer four times. As there are two pots of prizes, you will have two chances to win per entry.

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1. A soft lined leather shoulder bag, from Badger House Leather 2. Christina Oswin - Beginners Jewellery Making Day 3. Special Edition Lamy Safari Fountain Pen Dark Lilac from Postscript 4. Hēt Feast Menu for 2 delivered to your door 5. Gift box from Hibi Botanics 6. Fromie Gift Card worth £20 7. £40 voucher from Dead Head Flower Farm 8. 2 nights in a Canvas Studio bell tent for 2 people at Marston Park 9. A bottle of Retribution Gin by Retribution Distilling Co 10. Bundle of 3 colourful nature-themed children’s books

by Lucy Reynolds & Jenna Herman 11. 3 x group reformer or mixed equipment classes with Frome Pilates 12. Selection of Rosie Fox jewellery from Marchbank Jewellery 13. Angela Lai Yen “Mountain & The Moon” print 14. Silver necklace by Colour Designs 15. Quilted, block-printed bag by Sissoo Organic 16. Brunch for 2 + coffee & cake from The River House 17. “For Ukraine” Print by Polly Alizarin Harvey 18. A Victoria Ball print of your choice from Kobi & Teal 19. 5 figures from the Colour Me Happy Pegs Inspirational Men and Women Collection.

20. Box of 6 cupcakes from Petals Bakehouse 21. Photoshoot with Celie Photo 22. 2 x Risograph prints, a tote bag & brooch by Jo Norman

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1. A hand stitched A5 leather journal sleeve from Badger House Leather 2. Pottery painting session at Nest, with a hot drink and cake.

3. Burrito Boi Voucher £20 + t-shirt 4. Woollen Blanket (of your choice) from The Golden Goose 5. £50 voucher from Hunting Raven Books 6. Bottle of wine from The Crown 7. £25 voucher for Nook 8. Silken Favours ‘5 a day’ silk cushion 45x45cm 9. James Markan Photography - 1 hour photoshoot (family, couple, branding etc) 10. ‘When All Seems Dark’ moon limited edition print by Stephanie Le Cocq 11. Bunting Making Kit from Millie Moon 12. 1 – 1 Pilates session with Bridge House Pilates 13. Eleri Pendant by Sarah Straussberg 14. VIP table for 4 + a round cocktails at Flow Bar 15. Two prints by Hannah Carding 16. Emma Chapman Teapot 17. Bottle of Still Sisters Gin + two bottles of tonic 18. “Cley Hill” framed print by Chris Pig 19. Two cellulose acetate bangles with silver detail by Lesley Strickland 20. Fox Wall-hanging by Robbie W. Jones Woodcuts 21. Earrings from Scatter Jewellery 22. White Velvet Peace Dove by Laura Holden

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ARTISTS & MAKERS OF FROME WITH DAN MORLEY

W

e talk to fine artist Dan Morley about his past as a chocolatier, why realism speaks to him, and how he finally felt at home when he came to Frome.

What made you follow this path?

Ever since I left school, I always felt like I should be an artist, but to be honest, it’s not really a career choice that people encourage. After many years of being a hobby artist, I realised that I wouldn’t be happy in life unless I was making art as much as possible, which led me to the conclusion that I need to do it as a full-time job.

What is your physical creative process? What materials and techniques do you use?

I’m mainly a painter, although I do some printmaking here and there. I pretty much just stick to oil paints. My work centres on realism techniques; I’ve always enjoyed the immediacy that people can relate to realism, you don’t need a lengthy essay to explain it. You can take it at face value and dive deeper if you prefer.

What is your artistic background?

I always dabbled around from an early age, drawing and making things. I did art GSCE which was by far my favourite lesson, and was fortunate to have a very supportive art teacher who just let me do what I wanted. It wasn’t until I turned thirty that I decided to take art more seriously and turn it into a career.

I looked at doing an online degree but decided it wasn’t what I wanted to learn. I even looked at the possibility of going to the Florence Academy but that was very expensive. In the end, I settled for some books that teach academy training and went from there; learning the foundational skills and putting in lots of hours of practice.

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A r tists and Makers of Frome

What inspires your work?

I’m currently in a phase of transition in my work. It’s both exciting and a little daunting. The work I have been doing focussed on small objects, things I’d find or be given, some natural and some man-made. I’ve been doing these small paintings for some time now and have decided it’s time for a change. Currently, I’m working on outdoor scenes that are often unnoticed, things we pass every day but which wouldn’t normally be viewed as scenic or beautiful; I like doing things like that, it makes people rethink how they can see the world around them. I am currently working on a set of postcard-sized paintings, which will be exhibited at the WHY Gallery at the end of April, exploring this theme.

How did lockdown affect the way you work and create?

Lockdown gave me the final nudge I needed to take the leap into doing art full time. I had a small chocolate business before, which I put on hold when the first lockdown came, mainly due to lack of ingredients. There were loads of artists on Instagram

doing the Artists’ Support Pledge, and they seemed to be doing well with it so I joined in. I did ok and then decided I wouldn’t go back to the chocolate making.

It was bittersweet to say goodbye to that part of my life, but it had to be done.

Where do you work from? Tell us about your studio.

I have a studio at the Silk Mill, which is a converted building full of artists and makers. It’s a great community that we have there. My studio is on the top floor. It has made a huge difference in the way I work and the ability to explore larger pieces.

What is your favourite place to be for artistic inspiration?

My own head space really, I get inspired by all sorts of things. I have lots of ideas for projects that I’d like to do. Alas it really is just finding the time to realise them all!

What artists inspire you, and why?

Mia Bergeron’s work inspired me into becoming a professional artist. I’m a big fan of George Shaw, mainly for his subject matter. He also won the Turner Prize which, for a realist painter, I find especially motivating. Andrew Wyeth for his subject matter and technique, his many paintings of windows and doors are just beautiful. Edward Burne Jones for his sheer body and breadth of work. There are also many artists that I follow on Instagram who inspire me daily, I never get tired of seeing the creative genius that fills up my feed.

If you hadn’t become an artist, what would you have done?

Well, in the real world I probably would have continued making chocolates, perhaps in another life I may have been a musician or a scientist or a vegetable grower.

How do you find the Frome area, in terms of creativity and artistic community?

I love it here in Frome, I moved here 5 years ago and the whole reason I settled here was because of the artistic community. I have moved around a lot and this is the first place I finally feel at home. I’ve met so many amazing artists and makers, and it’s a privilege to be part of such a community.

Are there any artistic processes/disciplines which you haven’t worked in/with, but would like to?

I’d love to explore print making more, lithography especially, and I like the idea of playing with film and sound, the idea of combining poetry and image appeals to me too. Perhaps in the future….

How can people see and buy your work? www.danielmorleyfineart.com @danielmorleyfineart You can always visit me at my studio to see work by appointment too! Just email me at info@danielmorleyfineart.com and we can talk art and drink tea.

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A r t i s t s a n d Ma k e r s o f F r o m e

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Some Like it HEt FR O M E’S L ATEST FO O D I E FAVO U RITE

“We have been blown away by the local support and positive feedback; we feel very lucky to call Frome our home. So far, we have delivered feasting menus from Kashmir, Sri Lanka, Iran and Malaysia, to name a few. We believe in fresh flavour and high quality, locally sourced ingredients. We hope our food brings something deliciously different to your table, to share with friends and family.”

Looking for someone to cater for your celebrations?

Get in touch to discuss bespoke menu planning for your special event.

Follow on Instagram @het_frome or email hetfrome@gmail.com to join the mailing list and receive weekly menus.

I

n a town so full of amazing foodie businesses, you’ve got to be doing something pretty spectacular to get noticed. Enter Hēt. After launching in January 2022, Hēt became an instant hit with their knowledge and flair for all things spice. “Hēt was born from a love of food, language and travel,” says Katie, the chief cook. “Our feast menus are inspired by dishes eaten throughout Asia and South America, and the clever people that cooked them.”

HEt makes food with heat, and is delivered to Frome doorsteps. Food arrives freshly prepared and chilled in recyclable pots and is ready to heat when you’re ready to eat.

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Recipe

Naan M a k es 6 1 xg 7 sachet dried yeast 2 tsp sugar 1 tsp salt 30 g strong wh ite bread our 1 /2 tsp baking powder 2 5g melted bu er 1 50m l yoghurt 1 tbsp nigella seeds

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Sprinkle yeast and 1 tsp sugar over 125ml of warm water, stir and leave for 10 mins.

Place all dry ingredients in a large bowl, create a well and pour in the melted butter, yoghurt and bubbly yeast mixture.

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Now mix, first with a spoon to prevent too much stickiness, then with hands. Knead for 10 mins or until the dough is super soft and smooth.

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Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean tea towel and leave for an hour or until it’s doubled(ish) in size.

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Divide dough into 6, coat in flour and roll out on a floured surface to about 5mm thick.

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Heat a heavy non-stick pan until almost smoking, put the floured naan in your pan and wait for it to bubble. Once a lovely dappled brown, flip it to cook the other side.

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Eat straight away, or make a bag out of foil to keep naan soft until you’re ready to warm in the oven. For a treat, paint them with a garlic or herb or chilli butter. The options are endless.

K atie Fraser is the chief cook at Hfflt and our new resident foodie.

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TRAIN THE BRAIN THROUGH FORAGING

BY DAVE H A M I LTO N

I

n squirrels, the hippocampus – the part of the brain that deals with long term and spatial memory – is very active. This helps them find the hazelnuts in spring that they buried in the autumn, months before. In London cabbies, this organ is much larger than it is in the rest of the population; it swells as they learn “The Knowledge” they need to get around the capital.

Prior to driving taxies, the hippocampus helped us find food and avoid trouble. With it, we could remember the best fishing spots, the location of edible tubers, and routes through the forest to avoid the domain of a constrictor or the outer reaches of an enemy tribe.

Nowadays, with satnavs and smartphones, we don’t need to rely on the hippocampus quite so much. We can look up the nearest café or supermarket and simply follow our phones to it. There aren’t many sabre-toothed tigers or cave bears on the M25, but the right phone app will help us to avoid tamer worries such as congestion and road works.

Next time you are out on a familiar walk – be it in the city, town or countryside – look out for any edible plants on the route.

All might seem lost for this ancient part of the brain.

Yet it isn’t hard to exercise the hippocampus, and foraging does this in the way it actually evolved to work. Next time you are out on a familiar walk – be it in the city, town or countryside – look out for any edible plants on the route. Find the stand of nettles, the clump of wild garlic, or the spring blossom in anticipation of fruit in the late summer or autumn.

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Ho m e & G a r d e n

It might at first be that you only know a handful of food plants, but your foraging knowledge can be expanded with a wild food guide book (see right) or by attending a wild food course (see ad on page 27). Soon you will find that route will take on a different context. The way to work could be down a bramble patch road, past the cherry cut-through before crossing the road by the sour apple tree.

Now try it somewhere less familiar, learning the landscape by its edible plants. Follow the elder, sloe and dog rose of the hedgerow, walk by the bulrush, meadowsweet and water mint of the riverside, and pass by the mushrooms and burdock of the woodland. It’s amazing how differently you start to see the landscape and how your route takes on a whole new light.

As we wandered, we munched on hawthorn leaves, which are only edible as they emerge in the spring.

A few years ago, I was on a country walk with my eldest son, who was then too young to talk. As we wandered, we munched on hawthorn leaves, which are only edible as they emerge in the spring.

The following year, by chance, we found ourselves walking down the same lane. Now, with a bit more vocabulary, he pointed to the hawthorn leaves and said, “Daddy, eat?” I was staggered. Not only could he remember the leaves themselves – but also the exact location in which we ate them the previous year. This seemed to suggest the link between plants and place may be something we are born with. With a little bit

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of training, we can re-awaken this ancient skill and see the landscape in the same way as our distant ancestors.

Dave’s book Where the Wild Things Grow is available from Hunting Raven bookshop, or find him and his book at the Frome Independent Market, usually near Swallows Estate Agent.

2022 Wild Food Courses with Dave Hamilton @davewildish 28th May Frome Family Walk £95- 2 adults up to 3 kids 29th May Bath City Park Foraging Walk £45 per person 29th June Nesta nr Frome Forage and Feast £75 per person inc wild buffet & drink 17th September nr Frome Woodland Walk £45 Per Person 18th September nr Frome Family Walk £95 a family - 2 adults up to 3 kids 1st October Nesta Nr Frome Forage and Feast £75 per person inc wild buffet & drink email davejohnhamilton@gmail.com or Visit davehamilton.co.uk and click courses

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Home & G arden

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www.garstonvets.co.uk THE LIST FROME

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DAWN AND OUT Th e Fr o m e Fo s s i l

T

he first thing I heard this morning was the drumming of a woodpecker. A great spotted one, whacking its cushioned bill into the sweet spot of a telegraph pole – just as any bloke would when trying to attract the opposite sex. It’s a pleasing sound to wake to, because it means Spring is on the way and all’s right with the world. This (traditionally) is the time of year when the dawn chorus swells towards its crescendo, as more and more birds join in their great shout of joy and lust and territorial defiance.

So, alert with anticipation, I squoze down into my pillow and listened. The woodpecker went on pecking wood as before, in short frantic bursts.

Other sounds drifted in. A wood pigeon wheezed its unchanging demand “Take two cows, Taffy”. There, in the distance, were some rooks and jackdaws bickering in their hoarse, coarse way. The sparrows in our yew hedge chirped bossily at each other. A robin added the odd trill. Anything else? Well, no. I strained my ears to hear more, but that seemed to be that. Not exactly a chorus – more a sparse collection of hoots and squeaks and throat-clearings.

Is this what we have been reduced to? Whatever happened to that vast variety of songs mingling and counterpointing, rising and falling, which boomed across the fields and valleys and echoed from woodlands? And not just during my childhood. For, throughout most of my life, the dawn chorus has been a mighty thing which inspires you to leap out of bed at five in the morning, fling open the window and soak it all up. It’s only in the last decade that this seems to have faded away, along with the last vestiges of cuckoos and nightingales and nightjars and turtle doves.

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Fo s s i l o n F r o m e

Well, we all know what happened to them. It’s the same old villains – chemical sprays, impoverished soils, poisoned waterways, monocultural deserts, habitat destruction and all the rest. But the shock of the loss does not fade. All day, the thought of those birdless trees and hedges followed me about. Then, that evening, I spent a quiet hour hoeing beds and spreading compost. As I leaned gloomily on my fork, I heard the bubbling song of a blackbird, which sat on a branch just above my head. The sweetness of it was irresistible, and swept away all that forlorn unease. There’s still a lot right with the world.

The skies were as louring, the railway staff as surly, my prospects as bleak as ever. Gloomily, I watched the last of France slip away. Then we crossed the border and the train squealed to a halt. Immediately everything changed. The sun came out. The air lightened. Doors swung and banged as French officials got off and Italian ones got on. Now the train seethed with squat men in showy uniforms, shouting and gesticulating and rushing about. Joy seemed to flood out of them. I sat up. A policeman, armed like a brigand, examined my passport. An inspector flamboyantly checked my ticket. We were in Italy, and the world was vibrantly alive again.

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*Help to Buy Terms & Conditions: YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Credit is secured against your home. Subject to status, Help to Buy Terms & Conditions and regional property price cap. Eligible applicants will be able to reserve with a 5% deposit and offered an equity loan up to a maximum of 20% of the purchase price (based on the open market value). Applicants are required to secure a 75% of the purchase price by means of a conventional mortgage, savings/deposit where required. The equity loan is interest free for the first 5 years. This offer is not available in conjunction with any other promotion. Full details will be provided on request. Images used for illustrative purposes only.

Prices correct at time of print.