2022AUGUST CeramicsPuroWithFromeofMakers&Artists Y O U R G UI D E T O E V E R Y T H I N G F R O M E 37ISSUE1 FriendsOldNewfromcorkerAnother Get SzymanskiJohnnywithdressed
You can buy Hibi bars from Oakville Naturals, Honey On The Hill and Teals. The Frome Independent Market on the 1st Sunday of each month, on the bridge. www.hibibotanics.com . @hibibotanics Makers of high performance, low waste natural skin & haircare Hibi makes going low waste extra easy, with expertly formulated bars to replace your plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and facial cleanser. These soap-free bars are packed full of plants butters, oils and proteins and leave your hair and skin smooth, clean and happy.Soap Free PalmVeganfree MadeFromein
I am writing this hello under a wet towel, next to a fan, in a dark room. You’ve guessed it – this issue comes to you from the two hottest days of my lifetime (and a bout of Covid for good measure).
I think it’s fair to say that it’s been neither pleasant nor easy. Plastic + pesticides do no-one any favours. It might be a cliché, but this extraordinary heat has been a wake-up call. The planet is heating up, we must adapt. And, as so often when I start feeling terrified in an apocalyptic fashion, my brain veers off into solution mode. I counter my fear with plans. And while I can’t plan the way out of this for the entire country, or world (soz guys), I have been making one for me and my family. And that is: to grow.
» Recipe with Het 14-15 » Artists & Makers 16-17 House & Home 20-21
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I recently read a couple of articles – one lamenting the rise of Astroturfed gardens, their sanitised edges devoid of life. Plastic + pesticides do no-one any favours. The other was by a gardener I love, who discussed how the plants in her garden are helping her through the heatwave. She has plants growing up the outside walls of her house, filtering out the heat of the sun, trees casting shade, flowers offering food and respite for insects and pollinators and, of course, a load of fruit and veg for her to eat. All this was achieved in the small garden of a terraced house. We need plants to absorb heat and carbon, and to release oxygen. We need to embrace patches of wilderness in our own outdoor spaces (time to rebrand the unintentionally overgrown patch at the end of my garden) and we really need to move on from gardens being lifeless and useless. So, along with way too much research into the costs of buying a small farm on the edge of a mountain in Scotland (too much, too far, but so much cooler!), I have made a more do-able plan, to help me feel less helpless. I will grow, as much and as bountifully as possible. I will encourage the wilder areas of my garden (not just with neglect), I’ll plan for areas of shade, research plants which absorb the most heat, and, most importantly, I will get my husband to do all the hard bits.
ISSUE 137 AUGUST
*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.
Rose Langley
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Design: blackinkstudio.co.uk
Front cover: Johnny Szymanski photograph by Tom Hull Copy deadline for the SeptemberAugustissue:15th The List Recommends 4-9
» Cover Story 12-13
Published by Rose Langley, trading as Make a List Publishing, Sole Proprietor Editor Rose Langley 07957878717 rose@thelistfrome.co.uk . thelistfrome.co.uk
» The Fossil 22
Black Swan Arts Open 2022 Exhibition July 17th - September 11th
4 THE LIST FROME » the list recommends « EverythingEverything Cheese & Grain, August 17th, 8pm, £22.50 Everything Everything are back to what they do best - making beautiful, provocative, literate, status quo-challenging, mood-enhancing, twice-Mercurynominated music. Back to everything Everything Everything ever wanted to do. We’re so delighted to host Mercury Prize-nominated art-rockers Everything Everything for the Music Venue Trust/ The National Lottery #ReviveLive Tour on August 17th. Don’t forget you can bring a +1 for free!
Black Swan Arts Open is one of the most prestigious art competitions in the region. The eclectic 190 works of art on show have been created by 153 talented artists, and there are an amazing 32 works by Frome artists, who are not only talented, but young. The winners from Frome include Ellen Carter for the Hauser and Wirth Somerset First Prize; the winner of the Lynda Pelly prize for an artist under 30 is Miranda Collis, and the Geraint Davis prize and two highly commended awards went to Violet Venables-Ziminski. All 190 works are for sale at under £1000, in person and online, and the judges agree that 2022 has been the best year ever in terms of quality and choice. The exhibition is on until September 11th, and the gallery is open 7 days a week, 10am - 4pm.
5THE LIST FROME The List Recommends WEDNESDAY 17 AUGUST EVERYTHING EVERYTHING £22.50 THURSDAYADV25 AUGUST DEADLETTER £10 - GRAIN BAR FRIDAY 26 AUGUST MORCHEEBA £22.50 ADV (+ SERVICE CHARGE) SUNDAY 28 AUGUST THE PARTYBANKHAMMERVILLES’HOLIDAYBEACH £10 ADV (+ SERVICE CHARGE) BOX 01373OFFICE455420 Last Thursday of the month 7River9:30pmHouse at Black Swan Arts
This year, Georgina has exhibited at the Royal Commonwealth Society exhibition: Hope and Humanity, at 44AD Artspace in Bath, and at the Royal Society of British Artists Annual Exhibition 2022 at the Mall Galleries, London and NEAC Annual Exhibition 2022. Georgina is currently exhibiting a piece in the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2022.
The Why Gallery, now to September 2nd
» the list recommends « 6 THE LIST FROME The List Recommends
Spaces cost £45 each and are strictly limited to 16 children (suitable for 9-12yr olds). You can book at www.marstonpark.co.uk/happenings
Marston Park, August 8th and 9th 9.30am – 3.30pm, £45 Join author Lucy Reynolds and illustrator Jenna Herman for a day of nature-themed workshops in the magical setting of Marston Park. Jenna and Lucy will take children through a wonderful day of nature walks and creative workshops. Children will learn how to pause, notice and focus… finding inspiration from the beauty of nature around us. They will learn techniques to help turn these ideas into poetry and Jennaillustrations.andLucy aim to give young poets and illustrators a ‘writing and illustration toolkit’ to use when working on their own creations in the future. Each child will go home from the workshop with an illustrated poem of their own, and the chance to exhibit their work at the Marston Park Gallery if they wish! Your child does not need to feel particularly talented in writing or illustrating to attend this workshop, just enthusiastic about stories, and a love for writing and/or drawing would be a bonus!
Poetry illustrationand Summer workshops for kids
Georgina Heywood-Smith has become known for her signature black and white engraved artworks, all inspired by her surroundings across the south-west of England. Her work is founded in realism and is a close observation of her environment in the south-west. Her artwork ranges from the permanence of history and architecture to the fragility of seasons and nature.
Georgina HeywoodSmith, Scenes’‘South-West
7THE LIST FROME The List Recommends Open Monday - Saturday 33 Catherine Hill AFFORDABLE FINE ART DIRECT FROM LOCAL MAKERS Annemarie Blake • Hans Borgonjon Tess Chodan • Anny Colgan • David Daniels Phaedra Politis • Rebecca Wordsworth SHOP ONLINE AT www.owlgalleryfrome.co.uk
THE MERMAIDLITTLE
8 THE LIST FROME The List Recommends » the list recommends «
Tickets are available www.fromememorialtheatre.org.ukfrom
Keeping AppearancesUp Merlin Theatre, August 3rd – 6th, £16.50 Project Play are back with their take on yet another classic. Prepare for continual belly laughs as Hyacinth continues her attempts to prove her social superiority, and to gain standing with those she considers upper class. Her attempts, as ever, are constantly hampered by her lower class extended family, that she tries and fails to conceal. Her determination to be involved in the local play is ever-strong and whilst this provides some peace and quiet for her long suffering husband Richard, it is of no consolation to Onslow, Daisy, Rose Emmett and Elizabeth – not to mention anyone else she encounters!
Frome Memorial Theatre, 4th - 6th August 7pm, 6th August 2pm. If you are looking for a bit of escapism this Summer, look no further than the Broadway adaptation of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, expertly produced and performed by Frome Musical Theatre Company’s award-winning youth group Spellbound. Based on the incredibly popular 1989 animated film, the story revolves around rebellious mermaid Ariel, who is fascinated with the world above the ocean. Bored by her life under the sea with her friends Sebastian the Crab and Flounder the Fish, she spends her days visiting the water’s surface to explore with Scuttle the Seagull, a pastime forbidden by her father, King Triton. Sing along to songs from Alan Menken’s awardwinning score including ‘Part of Your World’, ‘Kiss the Girl’ and ‘Under the Sea’. This show feaures stunning choreography, beautiful puppets, dazzling costumes and an extraordinarily talented cast of young performers.
THE LIST FROME The List Recommends 9 16th BookingSeptember–openssoon at… www.fromelitfest.com 14 king st TUE-satba11frome1bhseatinginsideandout 9-4@nooktheshopnooktheshop.co.uk 01373 independent471368aussie cafE superfood smoothies, cold press juices, specialty coffee, poke bowls, buddha bowls, acai smoothie bowls, sweetavailablecateringprivatetreats. 6 Cheap Street, Frome, BA11 1BN 01373 455332 www.marchbankjewellery.com 01373 Bathmerlintheatre.co.uk465949Rd.Frome.BA11 2HG PROJECT PLAY PRESENTS KEEPING UP APPEARANCES WEDNESDAY 3 AUGUST THURSDAY 4 AUGUST FRIDAY 5 7.30PMSATURDAYAUGUST6AUGUST FOLKSY THEATRE PRESENTS MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING SUNDAY 7 AUGUST - 7PM THE WIZARD OF OZ: YOUTH EDITION WEDNESDAY 17 AUGUST THURSDAY 18 AUGUST - 7PM
Dunlop, who is both writer and director, said, “We are utterly thrilled to be touring a brand-new show despite the impact of the pandemic still being keenly felt; regional touring is so important and joyous. The Bath audiences loved the tennis-y nonsense of the whole thing and we can’t wait to take it up and down the country. Setting a murder mystery against the backdrop of a sporting competition gives us a whole new palette of clichés and expectations to play with. Staging a tennis match safely on stage has been a hugely fun challenge, and this time we’ve decided to add in close four-part barbershop harmonies too. Sung by the hedges of Whombledun obviously. It’ll make sense(ish) once you’ve seen it.”
T he latest comedy thriller from New Old Friends will see the action play out on the courts of Whombledun with another dose of mirth, murder and mayhem, this time with a side of tennis. Crimes on Centre Court, based on a story from New Old Friends’ award-winning podcast (#2 in iTunes fiction chart), opened at the Theatre Royal Bath earlier this year and will now begin a national autumn tour, kicking off at Frome Memorial Theatre on September 9th and 10th, serving countless characters with quick-fire changes and quicker wits. Lord Knows, the chair of The Whombledun International Invitational Tennis Tournament, has died and his son, Hugh, is suspicious. The police won’t take the case so Hugh calls in Perry and Penny Pink, private investigators. This deucey summertime treat will rally the spirits and leave you wanting a second serve-ing of the volley of gags and visual delights.
THE LATEST COMEDY CAPER SERVED UP BY NEW OLD FRIENDS
10 THE LIST FROME Cover Story
CRIMES ON CENTRE COURT
New Old Friends are an award-winning theatre company dedicated to creating original comedy theatre, founded in 2008 and run by husband and wife team Feargus Woods Dunlop and Heather Westwell.
2020 saw New Old Friends release the first in a new audio drama series Comedy Whodunnits for your Ears, with their festive show Crimes Against Christmas (OnComm Award winner) charting at #2 in the Apple iTunes Fiction chart and inside the top 200 overall podcast charts, as well as featuring on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row. Recent instalments also include Crimes, Clues and Christmas, Crimes of a Country Garden and the original podcast form of Crimes on Centre Court.
“A thigh-slapping, belly-aching romp of a whodunnit comedy full of ingenious skits” British Theatre Guide Tickets at £15 and can be purchased at www.newoldfriends.co.uk#CrimesOnCentreCourt@newoldfriendswww.fromememorialtheatre.org.uk
The Bath-based company have built a national reputation with their wildly inventive set-pieces, twisty plots and commitment to unadulterated Feargusentertainment.Woods
In August 2020, in the midst of the global pandemic, Johnny took the bold decision to open his own shop on Palmer Street. “It was a very risky move but then all the best moves are. And I didn’t know it was the right time, it was just what I needed to do at that point in
JOHNNY SZYMANSKI Mells, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Frome New Zealand and also in the Hunter Valley in country New South Wales in Australia. This was a fantastic life spent outside and was something I utterly loved.”
Johnny went on to study Design and Fashion Business in Melbourne at the Whitehouse Institute of Design and RMIT University. “I built a great foundation of knowledge, and then added to that with practical experience and also a lot of self education. You never stop learning, and there will always be people who can teach you something that can improve the way you do things.”
12 THE LIST FROME Cover Story S itting on the high side of Palmer Street, elevated above the cobbles, is a shop that, like the very best newcomers to Frome, feels like it has always been there. Johnny Szymanski is a small yet perfectly formed menswear shop, exclusively selling clothes and accessories designed by Johnny. His career has not been a linear journey, but one of varied routes, all of which have culminated in where he is today. “My career path has not been conventional by any stretch of the imagination and I have worked in several different industries and parts of the world. I was a PR executive in London after university and I also did a stint in Hong Kong, helping to set up the regional office of the agency. I’ve also worked in the equine world, specifically polo. Training horses, grooming and playing the game as well as being a jackaroo (cowboy) in the off season. This was over on the North Island of
To complement his personal brand of slow fashion, Johnny has ensured that all his products are British made. One reason for this is convenience, he says; being able to visit the manufacturers in person rather than working remotely means time saved. “But also, by using British factories I’m supporting the UK economy, which is vital. British-made garments are also renowned for quality, and that’s so important, especially to overseas customers.”
Johnny’s approach to design means that he is free from the constraints and demands of fickle, fast fashions. “I don’t design to follow trends, I design to a certain inspiration. It could be a concept, a theme or even a vintage fashion piece. We need to move away from the fast fashion model and towards something more sustainable. I want people to be wearing the clothes 5-10 years after they bought it, so quality is vital to the brand. “I’ve always like creating things, but it’s the reaction of people wearing my stuff that drives me. When I see people wearing it or carrying it the buzz is huge. Having someone decide to spend their hard earned money on my clothing is a big privilege and one I don’t take for granted.”
“More shops, not just in the UK, and growing the etc.”kids,women’sothertoIstudiodesignaswell.alsowantmoveintoareaslikewear,homewares
Though very settled in Frome, Johnny isn’t sitting still. He has big plans for the Johnny Szymanski brand. “More shops, not just in the UK, and growing the design studio as well. I also want to move into other areas like women’s wear, kids, homewares etc. It’s just a case of growing at a sustainable pace, but always moving forward.”
THE LIST FROME Cover Story 13 my career.” But what made him choose Frome? “Well, Frome is really the perfect place to start a business like mine. A town that is independent business-focussed, has a high tourist and foot traffic count and is open to new concepts and ideas. Because of this the response has been amazing. Local people and those visiting have really embraced the brand, and I’ve now got an amazing collective of loyal, supportive customers who love the product and keep coming back. I’m now at that point where people come in because they’ve been told about the shop by someone else, and they wanted to see it or they were bought something as a gift and wanted more. It’s very special when that happens, word of mouth recommendations mean a lot.”
I use other local businesses where and whenever I can (The brilliant Frome photographer Tom Hull took the photos for this spread and the model is Callum, also waiter extraordinaire at 8 Stony Street!) and many of these business owners have become friends.”
6@johnny_szymanskiwww.johnnyszymanski.comPalmerStreet
Prior to opening the shop, Johnny was living with his parents and job hunting for a design role in London. “I was always going to do my own label but the original plan was to keep it online only. But the best laid plans and all that…… the opportunity to take the space on Palmer Street came up and it just seemed like something I should do.”
Johnny grew up in Mells, and went to school in Frome, so opening his shop has been somewhat of a homecoming. And in a town famous for its independent retail, what was it like for Johnny to return and become part of that community? “It’s a very special thing, to be honest. It’s a very supportive community that is all focussed on the same objective. What I love most about it is the friendships I’ve gained.
PAELLA
14 THE LIST FROME Recipe
• 2 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
• 4 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped
• A litre stock of choice (infused with a good pinch or two of saffron)
• 250g Spanish paella rice
• 2 handfuls frozen peas
• loads of lemon wedges and chopped parsley to serve This dish looks, smells and tastes like summer. It’s a perfect dish to cook on the barbecue or hob, when you have friends and family to feed. If you can achieve ‘socrato’ (the ultimate crispy crust, full of flavour), you’ve nailed it! Tag us if you do - @het_frome
. BY OUR RESIDENT FOODIE KATIE FRASER -cookeat
• 2 tsp smoked paprika (la Chinata or similar)
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and diced
hunksvegToEnjoy!wedgesandparsley(andchillioilifyouwish).yourbasepaella,youcanaddanyyouplease,orjuicykingprawns,offish,spicychorizoormarinatedcookedchicken,someorall,atthe sametimeasthepeas!BuenProvecho! RECIPE
- Heat oil in a paella pan, or the biggest frying pan you have, and slowly fry onion and garlic for 6 minutes, upping the heat to colour in the last minute. Add the pepper and paprika and fry for a further 2 minutes. You should start to see some caramelisation on the bottom of the pan. This will bring the flavour (and hopefully the ‘socrato’) - just be careful that it doesn’t burn. Now add the tomatoes and use their juice to ‘clean’ the sticky flavour from the bottom of the pan. Add the rice and coat every grain in the onion mix, then pour in the saffron-infused stock. Stir as little as possible (you don’t want risotto) to evenly distribute your flavour mix and rice. Cover the pan (large lid or foil) and leave. Check after 10 minutes, scatter over the peas and more water if needed, but don’t be tempted to stir. Cover for another few minutes until rice is al dente, and all stock is Removeabsorbed.from heat, cover and leave to rest for 5 minutes. Serve with loads of lemon
Katie runs hēt – a Frome-based takeaway serving up tasty food with heat. Follow on Instagram @het_frome or email hetfrome@gmail.com to order.
THE LIST FROME Recipe 15
What made you follow this path? Growing up in Tuscany instilled in me a joy in the process of making. I have always found great pleasure in creating and building things by hand – it came easily and naturally. The growing love of creativity invoked a hunger to explore, and I soon moved to Florence and then to London, seeking a wider perspective. Over the twists and turns of the years that followed, I found myself stuck in my design day job, in front of a computer, unfulfilled, in a world that was going in a direction I couldn’t relate to – consumerism, disposable low-quality products, seasonal trends and so on. It didn’t feel real to me. I realised I needed to reconnect with nature and a slower, more natural way of living and being. This new path led me to seek out ways to connect more deeply with the Earth, organic shapes and raw materials, ultimately leading me to the elemental world of clay and the craft of ceramics.
ARTISTS & MAKERS OF FROME With Fabio from Puro Ceramics THE LIST FROME Artists and Makers of Frome16
What is your physical creative process? What materials and techniques do you use? I mainly use stoneware clay, but I’m in the process of testing a new collection with terracotta – so I might expand on that. My ceramics are hand-built using slab, coiling and pinching techniques. I like organic shapes and the beauty behind imperfections. They make it feel real to me and connected to the natural world. In my process, I try to celebrate imperfections and be guided by the tactile qualities of the materials. When glazing, I try to let the shapes and clay speak for themselves, using as few touches as I can and playing on the contrast of roughness of the clay and smoothness of the glaze.
What inspires your work? Connection with nature is at the core of my work, and nature’s simplicity and beauty constantly inspire me – its shapes, colours, textures, and imperfections. I also take my inspiration from the land I come from. I saw lots of tableware around me growing up as a child, which got imprinted into my memory and worked as a source of inspiration for my work. Tuscany has a long tradition of ceramics, architecture and sculpture; all of it was imprinted and transferred into my work somehow.
My background is in graphic design and web design, but before that, I also had a brief stint in fashion. I’ve loved to design, create, make things by hand and paint since I was a child. I initially explored fashion, but it didn’t work out for me. I moved into the graphic design industry, where I worked for a long time –until finally, the craft of ceramics called me again, and I decided to embrace my true passion.
What is background?artisticyour
How did lockdown affect the way you work and create?
Lockdown gave me the chance to spend more time creating ceramics. Before lockdown, I worked 1-2 days a week as a ceramist and most of the time as a web designer. During lockdown, this situation changed for the better. I increased my time working with clay and got the time and the motivation to develop more. Now I’m working almost full-time as a ceramist. Where do you work from? Tell us about your studio. I have a small, cosy studio in Makers’ Yard, in Lower Keyford. It’s a vibrant contemporary event space, artist studios and creative community. My kiln is the king of the studio, as it takes most of the space –its name is Primo (it translates to: First), and we have a special relationship. I also have little good-luck helpers (kiln gods) I made from clay to bless the kiln anytime I fire. What is your favourite place to be for artistic inspiration? A walk in the woodlands is always where I find a deeper connection with myself and where inspiration seems to flow more easily. I love the Longleat Woods, just a few minutes away from where I live, and I tend to go there when I’m stuck to expand my view, take a deep breath and come back re-energised and hopefully with some new ideas. Also, the ocean has very expanding and nurturing energy for my creativity. I love cold water and feel it always works as a powerful reset and refresh button. What artists inspire you, & why? I admire lots of artists, so it’s tough to choose. A few ceramists are a constant source of inspiration for me: Paul Philp, I like his vases’ organic shapes and texture; they give me a feeling of timelessness; Wu Wei Cheng is a self-taught ceramist like myself; he makes beautifully sculptured, minimal functional ware; Poggi Ugo Ceramiche for their traditional Tuscany vases and home objects.
If you hadn’t become an artist, what would you have done? I cannot think about myself not being an artist of some sort. However, using my hands in contact with the earth is a possible alternative scenario. I think I could have been a happy organic farmer if not a ceramist.
THE LIST FROME Artists and Makers of Frome 17
How do you find the Frome area, in terms of creativity and artistic community? Frome feels like home to me, and I find there are so many inspiring creatives and artists here. It’s a great community, and it feels open and vibrant. I also love that people around Frome are very supportive of creatives, artists and small local businesses. Are there any artistic processes/ disciplines which you haven’t worked in/with, but would like to? I would love to explore wood firing in my work. That’s something I never tried but always fascinated me. Outside my field, I would love to learn woodcarving – a beautiful technique to deepen my connection with nature. How can people see and buy your work? They can buy my tableware and home objects via my website www.puroceramics.co.uk and follow me on social media. They can also find me at The Frome Independent on the first Sunday of each month or visit me in my studio at Makers’ Yard in Lower Keyford (by appointment only). www.puroceramics.co.ukPinterest:@puroceramics@puroceramics@puroceramics
18 THE LIST FROME 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 Emotional Freedom Technique A short term, solution focused therapy for personal or professional change & growth Anxiety • Phobias • Procrastination Trauma • Limiting Beliefs • Weight Loss Addiction Discounted Block Therapy Sessions Frome • Bruton • Online Free AccreditedConsultationEFTPractitionerwww.eftcoach.co.uk A RETRO FEEL GOOD WORKOUT WHICH COMBINES COMEDY WITH PROPER DANCE AEROBICS. CHEESE & GRAIN | TUESDAYS | 6:45PM RISE | FRIDAYS | 9:30AM CLASSES, HIIT, SILENT DISCO HIRE, TOURS & PARTIES, STAFF, SCHOOL & CORPORATE WWW.MOJOMOVES.CO.UKWELLBEING
E X P L O R E S T O N A R A T O U R O P E N D A Y S R E C E P T I O N - 1 6 S E P T E M B E R S E N I O R - 2 4 S E P T E M B E R S I X T H F O R M - 1 4 S E P T E M B E R W e l c o m i n g b o y s a n d g i r l s f r o m 2 t o 1 8 y e a r s S t o n a r h a s a h i s t o r y o f e x c e p t i o n a l p u p i l a c h i e v e m e n t s e n a b l e d b y a r e m a r k a b l e , s u p p o r t i v e e d u c a t i o n a l e n v i r o n m e n t t h a t e n g e n d e r s h a r d w o r k a n d t h e d e s i r e t o g e t i n v o l v e d . P u p i l s f e e l f r e e t o b e t h e m s e l v e s , w h i l e f l o u r i s h i n g a c a d e m i c a l l y , a n d a s i n d i v i d u a l s . N E W F R O M E B U S R O U T E F O R S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 COTTLES PARK, ATWORTH, SN12 8NT | TEL: 01225 701744 | WWW.STONARSCHOOL.COM
20 THE LIST FROME House & home lodestoneproperty.co.uk 01749bruton@lodestoneproperty.co.uk605099 shaftesbury@lodestoneproperty.co.uk01747442577 wells@lodestoneproperty.co.uk01749605088FrancoiseJacksonBranchManagerAlistairBurchettDeputyManagerMartinaHallSalesAdvisor THE BRUTON TEAM MAKING HOMES HAPPEN Our team are experts in perfectly matching new buyers with properties across Somerset and Dorset. Through our combined online and traditional marketing campaigns, we reach an average of 350,000 people a month, and have several buyers looking to purchase. Have a property to sell or let? Or looking for your next property? We can make your next home happen. Call our Bruton Office if you would like further advice.
21THE LIST FROME House & Home Not all veterinary practices are the same We are available to care for your pets, horses and animals 24/7 If your pet is overnight with us, they are never left alone Garston vets - a truly independent approach to animal care for over 100 years. www.garstonvets.co.uk Frome 01373 452225 Trowbridge 01225 754021 Melksham 01225 617779 Warminster 01985 213350 Westbury 01373 301448 Bespoke House Surveys By Frome’s admirable independent period property surveyor “Geoff has been exceptionally helpful in our buying journey. The survey geoff produced went beyond what we expected, it was extremely thorough and detailed in a way that was easy to understand and digest.” - Rachael H Local friendly service: southwest-plumbing.co.uk 01373 301379 or 07974 075221 South West Plumbing are a small team of professional plumbing & central heating engineers based in WeSomerset.providea full range of services from installation, service and repair of full central heating systems and boilers through to bathroom, kitchen and water softener installations. SW Plumbing For all of your plumbing & heating needs Call us now for a free no-obligation quote S W Plumbing did all plumbingthe work on our andExcellentextension.serviceprices. “ “
The Frome Fossil T here was coffee and tea and juice of three kinds. There were bread slices and cakes and croissants and oranges and figs and apples. Under softly gliding glass cases lay cheese, ham, salads, cereals, bruschetta, olives, yogurt, walnuts, tahini, jams, preserved fruits and honey. Beneath winking silver lids were spinach pies, cheese pies, bacon, eggs fried and scrambled, sausages and mushrooms. All we had to do was load up our plates and cups, totter out into the blistering Greek sun, settle in the shade at a marble-topped table, and fall to. So we did. The whole sumptuous blow-out was presided over by a Jeeves-like character with impeccable hair, who hovered deferentially at your elbow while you eyed the goods. Any sign of hesitation or perplexity and he would swoop like a peregrine. Trouble opening a glass case? He slid it smoothly aside. Need some honey on your yogurt? He showed how to pump it from the jar. Spilled a tiny splash of tahini? He wiped it up in a flash. He was there, enthusiastic but selfeffacing, to cover any eventuality. In fact, his modesty was weirdly intrusive. At next morning’s breakfast, there he was again, rubbing his hands and smiling happily. You wouldn’t get away from him. When my wife approached the coffee machine to refill her cup, he looked delirious with excitement. “Ah! Coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee!” he swooned. Later, I came in for some salad. Tongs poised, I was just about to grab a slice of tomato when Jeeves materialised alongside. He watched beadily as I transferred the slice to my plate. There was a short silence. I replaced the tongs. He sighed gently and said – with some feeling – “Tomato!” What could I do but agree with him? Sure, Greece has its wine-dark sea and its mountain thyme and its shattered temples and its grilled red mullet and its stark mountains. But it is the tiny incidents like this – the bizarre, or touching, or startling fragments – which you remember best because they are so singular, and because they happen more often in Greece than anywhere else. Another moment of magic occurred when we left the island next day. As our ferry sped across the Aegean, a tall American girl leaped up and pointed. “Dolphins!” she cried. And there indeed, just a hundred yards away, was a set of wavy lines on the sea, with occasional flashes in the sun as the creatures broke the surface.
22 THE LIST FROME Fossil on Frome THE BREAKFAST INSPECTOR
ALL HALLOWS Preparatory School Nestledwww.allhallowsschool.co.ukintheheartofruralSomerset, in a stunning location just 15 minutes from Frome, All Hallows is a day and boarding prep school for children aged 3 to 13. With an Educational Psychologist and educationalist as Head, we’re a school which is doing things differently and distinctively . A creative and dynamic curriculum, with our pupils’ happiness and well-being at the heart of all decision-making, is producing outstanding results . Part of the Monkton Family of Schools, All Hallows is an independent school with children moving on to their chosen senior school, including Monkton Senior, confident in who they are and ready to make the most of the opportunities that await. Now registering pupils for Nursery and Reception Class 2023 Please contact Jackie Truelove, All Hallows’ Registrar, to find out how you can secure your child’s place 01749 881609 admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk
