The List Frome - July 2023

TAPAS TREATS

Summer Days with Lo Rapitenc

...BE HAPPY

admissions@warminsterschool.org.uk

Morag Stuart & Emma Warren

I’m going to need a hammer,” she sighed. This isn’t how we thought our glorious spa day would finish. Life gets so frantic sometimestoo busy for the important stuff, like looking after yourself and taking time away from the office, phone, pets, family…. It’s summer, we thought. Perfect excuse to take a break, re-set our minds and just pause. It was all going so well. A stroll through the woodlands, swimming outdoors (is there anything better?), a healthy but not too virtuous lunch, followed by a relaxing spa treatment. Turns out that muscles tend to hang onto all that energy we have, the juggling and firefighting of daily life. It was just a regular massage. How did this much tension build up?!

The gorgeous sunshine is reminding us to enjoy all these daylight hours, with less rushing, more relaxing. The world is bonkers right now, but the natural world continues to shout out loudly, (reassuring us at 4.30am most mornings!) to reset and make a fresh start. It’s time to escape into the haven of outdoors, all those lovely hills and

gorgeous pub gardens. We’re excited to see another recently renovated pub open again, The Bath Arms at Shearwater, right next to the Longleat estate. Marston Park is open daily for coffee, as well as each evening with Hakko House, DJs and loads of wellbeing offers. Our sunny town centre pub courtyards are bursting with late night chatter and good times.

this issue is absolutely jampacked with events, festivals and community celebrations.

Time to shake off the worries, news headlines and to-do lists. We’re prioritising slower days, peaceful walks and those all-important times with good friends. Oh, and in case you don’t know where to start, this issue is absolutely jam-packed with events, festivals and community celebrations. It’s time to connect, try something new, go somewhere different and return to forgotten favourites in this wonderful town.

Design: blackinkstudio.co.uk Front

Bells Ring Out

7th - 16th July, Various venues

RING OUT shines a light on the historical bellfounding activities of the Cockey family in Frome, promotes church bell ringing as a vibrant cultural tradition, and presents new and exciting ways with bells. There will be walks, talks, tours and concerts throughout the festival. Listen out for the Frome Carillon ringing the hours from above the market square; visit a local bell tower or a bell engineering works and try your hand at hand-bell ringing or even ring a tower bell.

St Catherine’s Comedy Crawl

Eight Stony Street, Palmer Street Bottle, Moo and Two, Sat 15th July, 5.30 - 10.30pm, £15

Stand-Up comedy and beer, good times are here! The comedy folks who bring you Rode Pop-Up Nights, have partnered with some of Frome’s loveliest venues to transform them into pop-up comedy clubs, for a small and intimate experience. You choose your venue and the comedians come to you - food and drink is paid for separately on the night.

Hidden Gardens

14th - 16th July, 10.30am - 4.30pm, 40+ venues, £5

Enjoy a weekend wander admiring gardens around Frome, chat to owners over tea and biscuits, and explore some of the more remote corners of the town. From small town house gardens with ongoing projects, to mature rolling lawns, there’s always plenty to enjoy in Hidden Gardens. Entrance is via a virtual or printed programme, which has a detailed location map.

Blue House Gardens

Sun 9th July, 11am - 4.30pm, Free

The Blue House will be opening their fabulous garden for everyone to enjoy - it’s an annual festival highlight and hidden gem. Enjoy the Frome Lions refreshments on sale, including tea and coffee, wine and homemade cakes. From 2pm, the magnificent New Academic Feetwarmers will play traditional jazz to complete your perfect Sunday afternoon.

©Mike Yates

Frome Festival

From Friday 7th - Sunday 16th July, Frome will come alive with music, art and culture as the Frome Festival returns for its 22nd year. With over 200 events taking place across 10 days, the festival aims to celebrate the best of Frome, with events and activities taking place in many places and spaces across the town - from venues and galleries to pubs and parks.

Headliners include a stellar comedy line-up starring Miles Jupp and Sophie Duker, big music acts including Asian Dub Foundation and Newton Faulkner, and fascinating talks by, amongst others, John Hegley and William Dalrymple, who will give this year’s annual Bob Morris lecture.

This year, the festival celebrates the creative life of local poet Crysse Morrison by launching the Festival Poetry Competition. Over 300 entries have been submitted by local poets, and the prize-giving will be hosted by poet and stand-up comedian Elvis McGonagall.

At the heart of the festival is a programme of free and low-cost events generously supported by the National Lottery Community Fund. With accessible activities taking place every day of the festival, more people than ever before will be able to experience the joys of live music, art, literature and theatre.

For more information and tickets visit: www.fromefestival.co.uk

Frome Open Art Trail

8th - 16th July

The Frome Open Art Trail celebrates local artists and makers and takes place alongside the Frome Festival from 8th - 16th July 2023. Over the last few years, the trail has grown in strength and reputation, attracting an increasing number of art lovers who enjoy meeting and buying directly from the artists.

Homes, studios and workshops are mostly open 11am - 5pm every day, but please check the brochure or online listings as individual venues may vary.

“We are proud to be part of the local community and collaborate with other local creative organisations in Frome including Black Swan Arts, Frome Festival, Frome FM and many other local businesses.”

@fromeopenarttrail

www.frome-open-art-trail.co.uk

Mile Jupp

Asian Dub Foundation

LITERARY LUNCH: KATE MOSSE

Monday 10th July | 12pm-2.30pm

Frome Masonic Hall

Join us for a fabulous event with Sunday Times bestselling author Kate Mosse who will be talking about her latest novel The Ghost Ship –the third instalment of the thrilling Joubert Family Chronicles

Tickets £18 (includes a light lunch)

Book online: fromefestival.co.uk

Book by phone: 01373 455420

A light lunch is provided and a book signing will follow the talk.

ASIAN DUB FOUNDATION/ Newton Faulkner

Miles Jupp/Sophie

Duker/John Hegley/ London Gala

Orchestra/ Clare Hammond/ Ian Ballamy/William

Dalrymple

Music / Theatre / Dance

Comedy / Spoken Word & Literature / Exhibitions

Visual Arts and Crafts

Family Friendly Activities

Walks / Talks and Lectures

Late Night EVENTS + so much more

www.fromefestival.co.uk

VIEW WEBSITE FOR FROME FESTIVAL LINE UP

Frome First Fridays

Various arts venues, Fri 7th July, 6 - 8pm (art), drinks and music till late, Various Venues, Free

Frome First Fridays… numero three! Come and explore the town, join the walking trail, enjoy visiting Frome’s talented artists and makers opening up their studios till late each month. There will be food and drink along the way at each venue, including the Chubby Vegans, and a DJ till late in the courtyard of the River House café. The Gallery at the Station, the Whittox Gallery, the Silk Mill, Iron Gates Studios and Black Swan Arts will all be opening their doors to the public. Other venues join in July, especially for the launch of Photo Frome and the Frome Festival, so be sure to stop off at the Kobi & Teal, Of Cabbages & Kings, The WHY Gallery and Assembly too. You can be sure of a warm welcome, a fantastic summer evening packed full of great people, social times, drinks and dancing. Everyone is welcome, entry is free, no need to pre-book, no ticket required...just wander into town and enjoy First Fridays.

Old Showfield Park Run

Every Saturday, 9am, Free

A free, fun and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate - it’s up to you! It’s free to take part but runners should register in advance to get a time. Parkrun is a positive, welcoming and inclusive national initiative. There is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along to this fantastic weekly event in Frome. theoldshowfield@parkrun.com

Frome Symphony concert

Cheese & Grain, 9th July, 7.30pm, £12/£5

This large-scale concert features soloist Eliza Talman, and opens with Beethoven’s overture Leonore No. 3, famous for its off-stage trumpet calls. This is one of several overtures which Beethoven wrote for his only opera, Fidelio, the heroic tale of a woman who refuses to abandon her husband to die in prison. This is followed by the Haydn Trumpet concerto, and closes with Bruckner’s fourth symphony, “The Romantic”. www.fromesymphony.org.uk

Trowbridge Festival

Greenhill Fields, Southwick, 28th - 30th July, £125

Get ready for an exhilarating weekend of folk music, community spirit and unforgettable performances. Trowbridge Festival will showcase a stellar roster of artists, both national and local, guaranteeing a melodic feast for your ears. Local talent will also shine on the Club Stage, where home-grown artists will showcase their skills and entertain festival-goers. And for those who are feeling inspired, don’t miss the Open Mic sessions, where you can step up and share your musical talents with the crowd.

But Trowbridge Festival isn’t just about the music; it’s a celebration of arts, culture and community. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you participate in singing workshops, witness mesmerising dance performances, and explore a variety of crafts and stalls offering unique treasures.

Weekend tickets, which include free camping and parking, are available now. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of music, camaraderie and celebration at Trowbridge Festival. www.trowbridgefestival.co.uk

Frome Food Fest

Cattle Market Car Park, Sat 8th July, 5 - 10pm, Free

The ever popular Food Feast is back at the Market Yard Car Park for more delicious food, drinks and live music. With a fabulous selection of street food and bars, there’s something for everyone.

Live music is from Frome’s Big Dog, the Hoodoos, plus Bristol-based soul and funk band, The Clean Up. The cacophonous Frome Street Bandits will be leading a procession through town, leaving from St John’s Church at 5.30pm, down Cheap Street to Boyle’s Cross, through the Westway, arriving by the Cheese and Grain for 6pm. Come and join the fun along the way, or gather with them at St John’s from 5pm.

SOS – Summer on the Stones

ECOS amphitheatre, Merlin Theatre, Tue 11th July, 7pm, £14

Back by popular demand, Frome’s very own live Abba band play all the smash hits within the beautiful setting of the outdoor stage amid the Ecos stones. Bring a picnic and a cushion, maybe a brolly just in case! Dress up (optional), sing, dance and have a great feel-good night out.

Freedom Sounds

23 Bath Street, Thu 13th July, 7 - 11pm, £10 (£7 concs)

Frome Friends of Palestine present an evening of eclectic music alongside a sumptuous Middle Eastern buffet. SheLaSoul will be spinning her soulful tunes, the Meltones will take us on a journey of sophisticated jazzy blues before a drum and bass DJ closes the night. The evening will include a talk by the amazing Freedom Flotilla and a direct link-up to Gaza.

Celebration

Assembly Rooms, Thu 13th July to Sat 15th July, 7pm, £12

Celebration by Harold Pinter is deliciously dark as well as highly entertaining, and strictly for adults or those who like their theatre provocative. Set in a fashionable restaurant, two gangster-ish brothers are celebrating their wedding anniversary. Violent, wildly funny, this one-act play displays a vivid zest for life.

FROME FESTIVAL EVENTS AT ROOK LANE CHAPEL

PHOTO|FROME

Friday 24 June - 12 July 2023 | 10am - 4pm daily

8th & 9th Angelica Sun Prints Workshop, see Frome Festival information for booking.

WHY POP UP CAFÉ

Friday 7 July - Sunday 16 July

Weekdays 10am - 2pm | Weekends 10am - 4pm

WHY FUND RAISING EVENING

FROME SINGS THE LEGENDS

Friday 14 July | 7.30pm - 10.30pm £25 per ticket including food

RING OUT: A MISCELLANY OF BELLS

Sunday 16 July | 7.30pm

£5 per person book through Frome Festival. A resounding finale to the project, a talk and new music for bells and instruments by Helen Ottaway.

rooklane@nvbarchitects.co.uk 01373 468040 | www.rooklane.org.uk

Whether you wish to enter the entertainment industry, increase your knowledge of the artistic acting process or wish to improve public performance skills, Mark’s methods have been regularly described as life-changing.

For more information, email: dramadirect@btinternet.com or call: 07977 068869

“Mark gave me the knowledge and confidence to be a professional actor more meaningfully than, I believe, any University or Drama School could ever have done.”

Jonathan Barnett

‘An exceptional tutor in a fun, safe and supportive environment. Highly recommended to actors of all levels’

Nanette Clarke

RING OUT: A MISCELLANY OF BELLS

PHOTO|FROME

Twice Olivier Award nominated actor and International Award-winning director and playwright Mark McGann, is offering private one-to-one tuition.

LO RAPITENC

Spanish Summertime is here!

Now into their second year in Cheap Street, Lo Rapitenc is an authentic Spanish deli and tapas bar in the heart of Frome. It’s hard to remember a time when they weren’t here, as their exceptional food and great service with warm-hearted laughter, now seems such a permanent and much-loved fixture of our town.

Marc is from La Rapita in Catalonia, Spain, which makes him Lo Raptienc. His hometown is famous for its quality of produce and many bars and restaurants. An area proud of its food culture and heritage, many of his friends and family are fishermen who not only catch fish, but are famed for cooking delicious, simple food onboard for the crew.

Marc’s grandfather Mingo was a fantastic cook and fisherman, and ran his own tapas bar. Mingo’s food is an inspiration for Lo Rapitenc - tasty, satisfying Spanish food made with love.

For many migrants, food and cooking is a way to remember and celebrate home and to share those memories with new friends. Lo Rapitenc is Marc’s means of doing just that - celebrating his homeland in his new homeland. Marc, and his English wife Alice, are the driving force behind a team who

believe that food should bring people together, be that for breakfast, coffee, an intimate date or a good old knees up!

“I miss the sea but love Frome and am so excited to be sharing the cuisine and hospitality of my old homeland with my new homeland every day. I hope to reignite your Spanish holiday memories and bring you some new experiences too.”

© Sarah Gichie

© Anna Bowkis

Helping them bring authentic Spanish food to the local community of Frome is new Manager, Maria, and Head Chef, Gareth, who come to them direct from the Newt in Somerset, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh, friendly approach.

Since their arrival in Frome in 2021, family and community has been at the heart of Lo Rapitenc, and the Frome community showed overwhelming support following a recent fake booking sabotage:

“We cannot thank people of Frome enough for their kind words and encouragement, community really does count!”

The deli in Cheap Street has a huge range of traditional Spanish produce to enjoy at home such as iberico meats, specialist rice, oils, olives and drinks.

Alongside the shop, those wishing to dine in can now enjoy breakfast and lunch Tuesday - Saturday, and dinner Thursday - Saturday. Expect to find home-made tortillas, cakes and tapas classics, with excellent coffee, beers and wines.

As well as their restaurant in Cheap Street, you can find them at the Frome Independent Market offering chorizo rolls and patatas bravas with a variety of toppings. Don’t forget to look out for their events too; the hugely popular sherry nights with another local, Antonio from Diatomists, and great gin nights with Frome newbies Still Life Gin - both events bring Spanish style passion for food and drink plus lots of fun to Frome

Whether you’re catching up with friends or trying to find a place where everyone feels welcomefrom young families to couples on a night out - Lo Rapitenc is the perfect spot for you.

Now open for breakfast and lunch

Tuesday to Saturday 9am – 4pm

Dinner

Thursday to Sat 6 - 10pm

21 Cheap Street @lorapitenc_frome

© Anna Bowkis

© Anna Bowkis

MON 3

Women’s SUP Paddle Boarding Club Vobster Quay, 6.30 - 8.30pm £16 non member

The Naff Art Club! Three Swans, 7.30 - 9.30pm, Free

Quiz Night The Griffin, 8pm

MON 10

Literary Lunch: Kate Mosse Hunting Raven @ Frome Masonic Hall 12 - 2.30pm, £18 (incl lunch)

Words poetry group Black Swan Arts, 2.30 - 4pm, Free

Elvis McGonagall Poetry Night Merlin Theatre, 7.30pm, £7.50

Burne-Jones Windows Talk Trinity Church, 7.30pm, Free

TUE 11

Frome Folk Dance Club: Barn Dance Trinity Hall, 2.30 - 5pm, £6

Pop-Up Comedy Silk Mill, 7.30pm, £15

SOS Summer on the Stones ECOS ampitheatre, Merlin Theatre, 7pm, £14

Fly Yeti Fly The Tin Church, Brokerswood, 8.30pm, £18

TUE 18

Later with Frome College Cheese & Grain, 7pm, £8

Cacao Ceremony & Soul Tribe Circle Avanti Park School, 7.30pm, £26

WED 5

Women in the workshop Studio 4, Black Swan Arts, 6 - 7.30pm £15

Marian Bruce: Private View Merchant House, Stony Street, 6 - 8pm, Free

Lungi Babas’ Thali night The Griffin, 6.30 - 8pm, £11

Frome Stitch Club River House Café, Black Swan Arts 7 - 10pm, £4

WED 12

Classic Spanish Guitar with Jon Pickard Lo Rapitenc, 6.30 - 9.30pm, £30

Sophie Duker: Hag Cheese & Grain, 7.30pm, £16

Ninebarrow St Leonards Church, Marston Bigot 7.30 - 9.30pm, £16

Belinda O’Hooley Cooper Hall, 8pm, £16.50

WED 19

Agatha Rex Merlin Theatre, 7pm, £7.50

Iain Ballamy Bar Lotte, 7.30pm, Free

THU 6

Emergency First Aid at Work Training Day Cheese & Grain, 9am - 4pm, £70

Alan Power Stony Street Sessions, 7.30pm, Free Night River presents: Fiona Bevan & Adam Beattie Hydeaway, 7.30pm, £10

THU 13

Frome Friends of Palestine present: Freedom Sounds 23 Bath Street, 7 - 11pm, £10

Frome Drama: Celebration by Harold Pinter Assembly Rooms, 7 - 9.30pm, £12

William Dalrymple Merlin Theatre, 7pm, £16

THU 20

Sushi Night The Griffin, 6 - 8.30pm

National Theatre Live: Oklahoma! Merlin Theatre, 7pm, £16

Mark Lewis Heavenor Stony Street Sessions, 7.30pm, Free Night River presents: Hattie Whitehead & DG Solaris Hydeaway, 8.30pm, £10

MON 24

Michael Rosen Cheese & Grain, 10.30am & 1.30pm, £8.50

Quiz Night The Griffin, 8pm

WED 26

Trad Jazz

Three Swans, 8 - 10pm, free

Black Eyed Dogs Bar Lotte, 7.30pm, Free

THU 27

MAKE: Open Shed Welshmill Hub, 6-9pm, Free

Merlin Theatre Productions present: The Good Life Merlin Theatre, 7.30pm, £14

Emma Harris Band Stony Street Sessions, 7.30pm, Free

MICHAEL ROSEN | MON 24

FRI 7

Frome First Fridays Arts Venues around town, 6pm, Free

Zoe Rahmen Cooper Hall, 6.30pm, £16.50

Tom Veck Live 23 Bath Street, 8pm, £10

50th Anniversary of Hip Hop

French General Trading, 8pm - 1am £10

FRI 14

Frome Sings the Legends for WHY

Rook Lane Chapel, 7.30pm, £25

Pride and Prejudice

ECOS ampitheatre, Merlin Theatre

7pm, £18, Child £8

Back of the Bus

The Sun Inn, 9 - 11pm, Free

Midsummer Dusk

Frome Dissenters’ Cemetery

8.30 - 9.30pm, £10

FRI 21

Toby Spin presents: Starz & Deeza 23 Bath Street, 9pm - 2.30am, £6

The Guns N’ Roses

Experience

Cheese & Grain, 8pm, £16.50

SAT 1

Lawless: freewriting and art journaling

The Write Place, Black Swan Arts 10am - 1pm, £35

The Big Clothes Swap Cheese & Grain , 10am - 2pm, £4

Menopause Cafe

The Good Heart, 10.30am - 12pm, £4

Summer Party Irongates, 2 - 8.30pm, Free

SAT 8

Small Publishers’ Fair Silk Mill, 10am - 3pm, Free

Frome Youth Choir – Just Sing! Christ Church, 3 - 4pm, Free

Frome Food Feast Cattle Market Car Park, 5 - 10pm, Free

Frome Dub Club The Loft Bar, 23 Bath Street 9pm, £5

SAT 15

The Rocktocademy Merlin Theatre, 2pm, £10, Conc £8

Claire Hammond Cooper Hall, 4.30pm, £16.50

Sensonic & Guests Silk Mill, 7pm - 2am, £15

Azhaar Saffar French General Trading, 7.30 - 10.30pm, £12

The Hoo Doos The Sun Inn, 9 - 11pm, Free

SAT 22

Brick America American Museum & Gardens, Big Build Launch Weekend, 10.30am4.30pm, £15.50

Summer Party South Parade Club, 7pm

SUN 2

Magpie Market Cheese & Grain, 9am - 2pm, Free

The Frome Independent Town Centre, 10am - 3pm, Free

All American Summer Party American Museum & Gardens, 10am - 6pm, From £10

AFD Youth Dance Platform Merlin Theatre, 7pm, £8, Child £6

SUN 9

Open Garden & Trad Jazz Blue House Gardens, 11am - 4.30pm, free

Jazz Jam The Cornerhouse, 5.30 - 8pm, Free

Miles Jupp in Conversation

Merlin Theatre, 7.30pm, £18

Frome Symphony Orchestra Cheese & Grain, 7.30pm, £12

SUN 16

Summer Art Car Boot Cattle Market Car Park, 10am - 3pm, Free

Flash Fiction at the Stones

ECOS ampitheatre, Merlin Theatre 12.30pm, Free

Jackdaws Songbirds

Christ Church, 2.30 - 4pm, Free

John Hegley: Biscuit of Destiny Merlin Theatre, 7.30pm, £16

SUN 23

Children’s Festival

Cheese & Grain & Welshmill Park 10am - 4pm, Free

30th Birthday Party Concert

Jackdaws, Great Elm, 2 - 4pm, £30

Lorikeet Bar Lotte, 5.30pm, Free

FRI 28

REM by strip

The Treehouse, 7:30pm, £15

What’s My Age Again?

23 Bath Street, £5

Pomona Supper Club

The Cloisters, Bennett Centre 6.15pm, £55

Learn to Scythe

Vallis Farm, 10am - 4pm, £110

SAT 29

Nunney Fayre

Nunney, 10am - 5pm, Free

30 Mile Feast

Vallis Farm, 3 - 9.30pm, £25

The Ugly Duckling

Merlin Theatre, 3pm, £12, Concs £12

Pomona Supper Club

The Cloisters, Bennett Centre 6.15pm, £55

SUN 30

Frome Record Fair

Cheese & Grain, 10am, Free

Treasure Hunt: Closing Date for entries

Frome Festival

Izzie Yardley’s Song Club Bar Lotte, 5.30pm, Free

FROME CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL FREE

FAMILY FUN

The Children’s Festival is a free community event, now in its ninth year, offering around forty different activities for children and families to enjoy. The team behind this popular family event have consulted and collaborated with children and young people to shape the day of activities. The theme for this year is Climate Change, which will be incorporated into forest school, storytelling, arts and crafts, dance, magic, puppets, music, sports, sensory tent, the ever-popular zip wire across the river and much more.

Young people will run activities based around recycling and reuse, making badges from scrap materials, repurposing T-shirts and making bee hotels and terrariums. There will be a purpose-built photo booth run by young people, where festivalgoers can record how they feel about Climate Change, as well as special showings from the Climate Film Festival, in a mini cinema. The young people of Frome will also be facilitating the mural-painting in Welshmill Park – something for everyone! www.purpleelephant.org.uk

RECLAIM YOUR MOJO BACK FROM THE UNIVERSE!

The most fun you can have while taking care of your physical and mental wellbeing

WITH YOUR HOST CHERYL SPRINKLER

BRICK AMERICA:

An adventure in LEGO Bricks

Brick America is an off-the-scale, super-fun, creative exhibition, celebrating favourite icons from across the USA and inviting everyone to build and play with LEGO at play stations. Visitors will discover famous buildings, cityscapes and vehicles, plus models inspired by movies, history, NASA, iconic people and much more, with many models and mosaics built specially for the American Museum and Gardens by LEGO artist Warren Elsmore and his team.

See the website for admission prices and more info: www.americanmuseum.org

SOMERSET FOOD TRAIL FESTIVAL

14TH - 30TH JULY, VARIOUS VENUES

The Somerset Food Trail Festival celebrates the best, most sustainably produced local food. It’s the first of its kind: a countywide event focussed specifically on the more naturefriendly farmers and artisan producers. They are the local food heroes who are leading the transition to a new era of regenerative, ‘agroecological’ farming, aiming to cut emissions, restore wildlife and produce better, tastier, more nourishing food. This year’s theme is ‘feasts and tastings’ to get everyone trying all the fantastic produce.

The interactive trail map online makes it easy to explore nearly one hundred and fifty farms, food businesses and experiences all across the county. There are fifteen venues close to Frome which will have special offers and menus, including these much-loved favourites:

Frome weekly market (Wed & Sat)

Get Pickled Somerset

Lo Rapitenc

Mells Village Shop and Café

Palette and Pasture

Pomona Supper Club

Still Sisters

Vallis Farm

Westcombe Dairy

Wraxall Vineyard

The Food Trail Festival is mostly free, although some special events have a modest fee. If you can, book in advance as many events, such as tours and tastings, may have limited numbers.

www.somersetfoodtrail.org

@somersetfoodtrail23

30 mile feasT

Sat 29th July, Vallis Farm, 3 - 9.30pm, £25

This fabulous location is offering a shared feast, featuring produce from their farm and other local growers, makers and producers. The afternoon will start with drinks, nibbles and a tour of the ten-acre farm with the Estate Manager. Guests will sit around a long, heavily laden table overlooking the market garden. Local ciders, wines and cordials made on the farm will supplement the delicious food, and guests can enjoy the evening around an open fire while the sun sets into the valley.

SUMMER SUPPER CLUB

FRIDAY 28 JULY

SATURDAY 29 JULY

18:30 | £55 PER PERSON

FEASTING STYLE SEASONAL SUPPER SERVED ON SHARING PLATTERS, DINING ON REFECTORY TABLES IN A SOMERSET COUNTRY GARDEN

FOCACCIA

BEETROOT, WALNUT & DILL DIP GRIDDLED COURGETTE CHILLI, HONEY & MINT WITH SOMERSET BURRATA

BBQ SARDINES WITH A GOOSEBERRY & ELDERFLOWER CHUTNEY FRESH CATCH CAVICHE, GRAPEFRUIT & TARRAGON SWEETCORN FRITTERS, NASTURTIUM & CHERVIL

BBQ PICHANA WITH CHIMICHIRRI

MIXED LEAF CAESAR SALAD, NEW POTATO

SAVOYARD, GRILLED HALLOUMI WITH CAPERS, GREEN CORIANDER SEED & LINE VINAIGRETTE, CHARRED ELEPHANT GARLIC

CHERRY & PISTACHIO PAVLOVA

WESTCOMBE CHEDDAR, RUNNER BEAN CHUTNEY & CRACKERS

SERVED WITH A GLASS OF POMONA (SOMERSET CIDER BRANDY)

DRINK

with wine expert Sarah Helliwell, 8 Stony St

Earlier in the year, I was lucky to spend a week in Navarra with the wine board there, visiting lots of incredible producers making some very exciting wines in a region which is often overshadowed by their Riojan neighbours. Needless to say, I have come back with a re-ignited love for these wines and they will be taking centre stage on my drinking list for the summer.

Gibellina Incanto del Sud Frappato, Sicily, £11.30

Frappato, a grape found widely in Sicily, also makes for a wonderful summer red when chilled. Store in the fridge and take out an hour before serving to hit the perfect temperature to enjoy on warm days.

Tandem Inmune Garnacha > Navarra, Spain , £17.00

The Inmune from Tandem winery in the area is a Garnacha of my favourite kind: bright and vibrant cherry fruit with just a hint of the savoury herbal character that makes it the perfect food match. Garnacha is a grape that is often best served a little cooler. Although many of us are somewhat wary of serving red wines like this, some are truly delicious served cool.

cook eat

BY OUR RESIDENT FOODIE KATIE FRASER

GRATE SUMMER RECIPES

It’s July. And July means barbeque season! These super speedy salads are perfect to throw together when family and friends are coming over to eat al fresco, and they’re all totally delicious.

All can be made with a grater, so everyone can get involved in the prep. These quantities will serve 4 as part of a barbeque spread and are swift to scale up.

Carrot & Fennel Couscous

Cover 100g dried couscous with 130ml boiling water and leave. Fry 1tbsp fennel seeds, add 2 grated carrots, cook for another minute before adding cooked couscous. Mix well, add a good pinch of sea salt, and serve at room/garden temperature.

Courgette, Chilli & Mint Salad

Grate 1 medium courgette and julienne/ finely chop another, and dress with lemon juice and olive oil. Finely chop 1 large red chilli and sprinkle over the top with a handful of fresh mint leaves.

Celeriac Remoulade

Mix together 1 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp yogurt and 1 tsp English mustard with the juice of 1 lemon. Grate half a celeriac (you can julienne some too for a bit of texture) and add to sauce. Season and enjoy. Grate in a burger!

Katie runs hēt – a Frome-based takeaway serving up tasty food with heat.

Follow on Instagram

@het_frome or email SIGN ME UP to hetfrome@gmail.com to receive weekly menu mailouts.

MILLIE MOON

15 YEARS ON THE HILL

When they were little, sisters Rachel and Becki loved playing shops. They would often chat about how great it would be to open their own shop and work together and with a shared love of all things creative - a craft shop seemed perfect. With very supportive families behind them, this became a reality and 4th July 2008, Millie Moon opened its doors on the beautiful, cobbled street of Catherine Hill.

Fortunately for Frome, it’s not just a fabric shop. A wide selection of unusual craft products stock the shelves, as well as their own range of exclusive kits, patterns and fabrics, designed alongside local artists. The range is constantly updated and refreshed, there will always be something new arriving in the shop.

Sign up to their newsletter for regular updates about new arrivals and new workshops. Everyone is invited to join their celebrations over the market weekend, with special birthday offers and new products.

“We love what we do! We love making and we love seeing what everyone else is making too. Our workshops are a great way to see customers’ projects come to life, from amazing quilts and stunning dresses to beautiful lampshades, cushions and gifts for loved ones. It never gets boring as there is something new to ‘ooh and ahh’ over every day!”

SUMMER WORKSHOPS

9th July: Darning with Skye, £42.00

9th July: Sashiko with Skye, £42.00

16th July: Beginners Patchwork and Quilting with Lucy, £95.00

23rd July: Stretch garment making day with Anna, £115.00

25th July: 6 week beginners evening dressmaking class, £198.00

Mon - Sat 10am - 4pm

Plus Sundays for The Frome Independent

24 - 25 Catherine Hill | 01373 464437

www.milliemoonshop.co.uk @milliemoonshop

“A big thank you to our customers, you are the best.” Rachel and Becki

24-25 Catherine Hill, Frome, BA11 1BY www.milliemoonshop.co.uk

URQUHART & HUNT LANDSCAPE, DESIGN & ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION

Urquhart & Hunt is a landscape design practice dedicated to nature, with a focus on habitat creation and ecological restoration. As first-time exhibitors at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2022, they won a gold medal and Best in Show for their depiction of ‘A Rewilding Britain Landscape’, which showcased a native landscape in the process of rewilding through the introduction of beavers, a keystone species being reintroduced across the UK.

The practice also specialises in contemporary restorations of older gardens and their wider landscapes, bringing nature into the gardens as part of an ongoing endeavour to make our gardens more ecologically rich. Focusing on organic principles, they use native plants wherever possible to increase biodiversity and natural habitat health, whilst their sensitivity to cultural history and craft brings the much-needed human dimension into the landscape.

“Our true love is to bring nature into our gardens, and our work continually strives to weave a tale of connection to the earth, celebrating horticulture, plants, people and ecology.

We strongly believe that creating beauty through careful design is an essential part of ecological restoration that is so needed in these times.”

Lulu Urquhart and Adam Hunt set out on a landscape design partnership 18 years ago, rooting their practice in a shared passion for romantic planting schemes, ecological harmony, applied horticulture, authentic craftsmanship and outstanding design.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022 - Gold Medal & Best in Show Garden Designers of the Year 2022 - House & Garden

URQUHART & HUNT

Landscape Design . Ecological Restoration

Made in Frome. Available from Honey On The Hill, Oakville Naturals, at The Frome Independent or online

“ the holy grail

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.

Frome 01373 452225

Melksham 01225 617779

Trowbridge 01225 754021

Warminster 01985 213350

www.garstonvets.co.uk

Westbury 01373 301448

A W E S O M E t h e t o t a l l y

BROUGHTTOYOUBY:

29 Health & Wellbeing THE LIST FROME

MY FROME

My top pick of shops in Frome are Kobi & Teal, Poot, Dandy Lion, Garden Café Rye Bakery and Projects.

Playing music makes me happy! I especially love drumming as part of Jamma de Samba. It’s a great mood booster. There’s something very therapeutic about playing music as part of a big group.

I run a business called Sing-a-ling , delivering music workshops for young children in early years settings, at festivals and events. My workshops include songs with guitar, drumming, percussion and movement.

- WillowHarwood

I was born in Ireland but have lived in Frome for the majority of my life. It’s a great place to raise my children and my family are close by.

Frome is a hotbed for creativity. We are lucky to have a wealth of artists, musicians and creatives in our community. We have a forward-thinking town council and a great sense of community.

My perfect day in Frome would start with lunch in the gorgeous courtyard garden at the High Pavement. I’d then meander into town and have a coffee at the River House before going to see the current exhibition at Black Swan Arts. I’d then make my way to Burrito Boi for a frozen Margarita or two and round off the evening with some live music at 23 Bath Street or Marston Park.

Not wildly exciting, but I would love a children’s shoe shop in town! Being able to get my children’s feet measured properly would be super helpful.

We love walking around Nunney The trees are beautiful all year round and it’s an easy walk with young children. The Bath Arms in Horningsham is a great place to call into at the end of the walk, with a really lovely garden for the kids to play in.

My drop-in Frome classes for under 5’s run on Tuesdays at 10am and Wednesdays at 9:30am in Christ Church Hall, Park Road. Everyone is welcome!

Other classes take place in Bruton, Whatcombe Farm and Babington House, and I also run one-off events, including birthday parties and weddings.

@singaling_music

www.sing-a-ling.co.uk

Located in the heart of rural Somerset, All Hallows is a unique prep school that blends traditional values with a modern outlook.

Dr. Trevor Richards, a qualified Educational Psychologist, leads the school with a distinctive approach that places children’s happiness and wellbeing at the center of everything we do.

Our innovative and flexible curriculum, together with inspirational teaching, enables our pupils to thrive and feel a sense of belonging.

As an independent prep school, we prepare our pupils for their chosen senior schools, equipping them with confidence and readiness to make the most of the opportunities that await them.

Limited spaces remaining for Nursery and Reception Class 2023

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to give your child the best possible start in their education journey. Our Early Years programme is designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.