FUNTIMES AHOY! FUNTIMES AHOY!
Rose Langley
I’ve been abroad twice in the last decade. The last pre-kids holiday was a blissful ten days in Mallorca, eating tapas and drinking cocktails, swimming in the sea and reading all day, unaware of the swirling chaos headed our way. And then, when the swirling chaos arrived, we took him to Brittany on the ferry. It was lovely, we ate a lot of cheese and bread and had very early nights and accommodated naps and a disinclination to try new food, like mussels and crêpes. Fair do’s for a three year old. But what with lockdown, work, time and the arrival of our latest small human, we have had our feet firmly on UK soil for almost five years.
Our holidays have exclusively consisted of trips to Devon or Wales, staying in cosy cottages or occasionally glamping (it’s still camping if you are required to put your shoes on to find the toilet in the middle of the night), when no-one sleeps and we come back feeling less relaxed than before we left. But still I have not booked us a holiday abroad this year, and I fully expect not to next year, and for this there are numerous reasons.
First, my husband and I are dreadful flyers. The last time we flew he was silent, apoplectic with fear and incapable of eye-contact. Ever keen to be the ying to his yang, I jabbered incessantly (those of you who
know me will not believe I could do this…) - it made for a long flight. And then we have, my god, airports. Sweaty yet sterile hangers, in which no one is having fun. Moving on to finances - we’d definitely spend too much (on cocktails) and return home full of regrets (and cocktails…).
And last, and maybe the best reason that we will continue to holiday on this little scrap of land, is that I have barely seen the UK. Not really. But the wildness and wilderness of Scotland, its highlands and islands, or the sub-tropical beauty of the Scilly Isles; the sweeping Northumberland coast, and the Peaks of Derbyshire. They are all calling to me and mine, as is a desire, perhaps now stronger than ever, to find a deeper connection to the land on which we live, and to rediscover the more joyful elements of our heritage, the folklore, the music, the people, the culture. I wonder if reconnecting with the land and the stories it holds might restore a feeling of connection and belonging that sometimes feels lacking in these modern times. It is a readily available antidote to the drudgery of everyday life, no airport required, and is on our very doorstep, we just need to step out and soak it in.
Two Guys and Three Drams: Whisky and Blues Night
Rook Lane, 9th July, 7.30pm, £25
Join duo The Rhythm and Booze Project as they play some stomping blues music and serve you some superb whiskies. Get ready to learn how to sound clever about whisky, appreciate top-quality drams, and enjoy some raucous tunes. If you like blues and you like whisky then this is your night!
The Frome Independent
7th July, 10am - 3pm & 12th July, 4pm - 9pm
The Frome Independent brings you two summer markets this month. Sunday 7th July is the Frome Festival edition, with Festival performers taking over the Busking Stage, plus performances on the Village Green by the library. Then on Friday 12th July you can enjoy a capsule version of the award-winning monthly market in the Market Yard from 4pm - 9pm. Browse dozens of stalls with the best designer makers and food producers in the South West, enjoy delicious street food and drink accompanied by music and live performances.
An Evening with Jenny Eclair
Merlin Theatre, 7th July, 7.30pm, £22
Jenny Eclair has been a stand-up comic for donkeys’ years. She was the first woman to win the coveted Perrier Award at the Edinburgh festival in 1995, and she hasn’t stopped banging on about it ever since. Join her for a one-off special evening of tall tales and compelling chat with actor and personal friend, Lynne Miller.
The Chromatic Dialogue Pt 2
6th & 10th - 13th July, 11am - 5pm
Artist Amanda Bee and Jeweller Clare Lloyd are collaborating to create a range of new paintings and jewellery. Using a limited palette of pigments, expect to see semi-abstracted landscapes and oneof-a-kind jewellery in an array of stunning colours, from brights to muted and soft. Join them for a preview on the opening night of the festival. The exhibition takes place at Garden Studio, 5 Clifts Buildings BA11 1LYA. A preview night will be held on 5th July 5pm - 8pm.
2 Bridge Street,Frome, BA11 1BB
Open 7 days a week 10am - 4pm blackswanarts.org.uk
JUDGES
Sarah Bourghardt
Senior Director | Hauser & Wirth, Somerset
Dr Chris Stephens
Director | The Holburne Museum, Bath
Professor Alice Kettle
Textile Artist | Manchester School of Art, MMU
David Trigg
Art Critic | Bristol
Harry Judge
Artist | Spike Island, Bristol
EXHIBITION DATES
27 July - 15 September
BlackSwanArts
Mind Set
Merlin Theatre, 10th July, 7.30pm, £14
Stella knows it in her bones. But is being right worth testing the loyalties of her closest friends? In this funny and touching new play by Polly Lamb, Stella’s been seeking answers and finds herself intrigued by an alternate truth. Chaotic and outspoken Helen struggles not to take the bait while level-headed Christine sees the hidden dangers but can’t afford to lose either of her precious pals. As Stella dives deeper, the layers of truth are peeled away to expose the personal cost of conspiracy theory.
Amy Webber
Rook Lane, 8th July, 7.30pm, £12
Amy is an award-winning comedian as heard on BBC Radio 4. Armed with her mini keyboard and an opera degree that’s never been useful, she’s on the hunt for a new job. You may pity her, you may love her, but you will definitely want to employ her.
Rocktocademy
Merlin Theatre, 5th July, 6pm, £10
Rocktopus, the world’s Number 1 rock band for families, will help your kids unleash their inner rock star as they graduate from rookie to rocker at this fully inclusive and interactive family show suitable for nursery and primary aged children. The Rocktocademy is THE live music show that leaves your kids feeling like THEY are the true rock stars!
A place for events
EVENTS AT ROOKLANE
KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN CONCERT
FRI 5 JULY | 19:30 | £20
CACAO CEREMONY AND SOUND BATH SAT 6 JULY | 14:00 | £23.50
RAVING RASCALS KIDS DISCO & BBQ
SUN 7 JULY | 15:00 | FROM £6
AMY WEBBER COMEDIAN
MON 8 JULY | DOORS 19:00 | £12
TWO GUYS THREE DRAMS, WHISKEY TASTING AND BLUES NIGHT
TUE 9 & WED 10 JULY | 19:30 | £25
HELENA TODD VIOLIN LUNCHTIME RECITAL SAT 13 JULY | 13:00 | £8
FROME SINGS THE LEGENDS FOR WHY SAT 13 JULY | 19:30 | WITH FOOD £25, WITHOUT £8
LYNN BARBER: A LITTLE ART EDUCATION, BOOK TALK SUN 14 JULY | 17:00 | £5
rooklane@nvbarchitects.co.uk 01373 468040 | www.rooklane.org.uk
Summer Sherry party
RYE Wine Bar, 6th July, 12pm
Head to the RYE Wine Bar for their latest special event, celebrating independent wine producers, to coincide with the Frome Independent Market weekend. On Saturday 6th July, Antonio Morenés Bertrán, from artisan wine producers Diatomists, will be pouring sherry from the south of Spain, and sharing his passion for sherries from Jerez and Andalucia. If you want to know the difference between terroir and solera, or fancy trying out some delicious sherries, head down to the RYE Wine Bar to join the party from 12pm.
RYE Wine Bar, Station Approach, Frome www.rye-bakery.com @rye_bakery
All-American Summer Party
American Museum, 7th July, 10am - 5pm
The American Museum is throwing the All-American Summer Party to celebrate American Independence Day, with a backdrop of stunning views across the Limpley Stoke Valley, and the museum’s beautiful gardens. Live music will keep visitors entertained, with performances by country music star Taynee Lord, ragtime guitar wizard Merlin Smith, 5-string banjo trio, Leon Hunt and country line dancing by Blazing Saddles. There will be lawn games, a KidsFun zone, face painting and even a caricature artist. Food will be provided by the brilliant Chew Chew BBQ.
Frome Open Art Trail
6th - 14th July
The Frome Open Art Trail offers visitors the chance to meet local artists and makers in the Frome area, learn about their processes and inspirations, and in some cases look around their studios and workspaces. You can buy original pieces directly from the makers. The trail runs alongside the Frome Festival and takes place in a huge variety of homes, studios, workshops and venues. They are mainly open 11am - 5pm every day, but please check in the brochure or our online brochure, as individual venues may vary.
Brochures for the trail can be found in venues in and around Frome and online at: www.frome-open-art-trail.co.uk
SIR WILLARD WHITE JENNY ECLAIR RICHARD HERRING PEATBOG FAERIES
30 Mile Feast
Vallis Farm, 3.30pm, 7th July, £45
Vallis Farm is delighted to host the 30-mile feast as part of this year’s Frome Festival. Sample the culinary delights of the South West, with dishes sourced from the market garden on the farm and from other talented local producers based within 30 miles of our wonderful town. Spend the afternoon among the flowers, herbs and vegetables in the kitchen garden (under the protection of canvas, this is England after all) and enjoy the view with a glass of local wine or cider. There will be a tour of the farm so you can find out more about our aims, practices and wildlife. Then we eat! Stay a while and watch the sun go down by the fire. It’s going to be a wonderful afternoon and evening, celebrating the best food Frome has to offer in the best setting you can imagine.
Absolute bliss! Find out more by visiting www.vallisfarm.co.uk
Photo by @davewattsphotography
Illyria presents Romeo & Juliet
Merlin Theatre, 3rd July, 7pm
Two wealthy families, the Montagues and the Capulets, are at war. Their feud has been long and bitter. But when Romeo, Montague’s son, gatecrashes Capulet’s party in disguise, everything changes. There he meets Juliet, Capulet’s daughter, and the pair fall into an intense, forbidden love that sets in motion a chain of events leading to a devastating conclusion.
From a secret rendezvous in a moonlit garden to a fateful duel under the scorching Verona sun, Shakespeare masterfully explores the enduring power of love, revenge and fate in one of his bestloved stories. But the surprising thing about this iconic tragedy is that it’s extremely funny too!
Performed by Illyria in the ECOS Amphitheatre.
01373 465949 merlintheatre.co.uk Bath Rd . Frome . BA11 2HG NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE PRESENT LAUGHTER THURSDAY 18 JULY - 7PM
Frome Children’s Festival
Cheese & Grain and Welshmill Park 21st July, 11am - 5pm
Now in its tenth year, Frome Children’s Festival is a celebration of childhood. Highlights from previous years include zip wires across the river, fantastic sounds from Frome Street Bandits, Frome Samba and Rocktapus; amazing theatre from Little Bulb, Noisy Oyster, Jellyfish Theatre and Open Storytellers; activities with The Pod and Shared Earth Learning. We’ve had a giant turtle, music-recording in a professional studio, green screen and special FX filming, a sensory tent, face-painting, den-building, BMX bikes, free make-your-own wrap stall, creative art and crafts areas, model-making workshops from Aardman and of course the Frome Dragon!
Tickets are required for entry, but they are free, though a donation per individual or family group ensures the continued running of this brilliant festival. You can book tickets via purpleelephant.org.uk
Fun Times Ahoy!
with Super Pirates
Super Pirates create awesome events for equally awesome people. From humble beginnings as a one-man operation, with a CD player borrowed from his mum’s kitchen, ship’s captain Jason leads his team in organising play areas and entertainment at local festivals, as well as big events right across the country. Over the past ten years, Super Pirates have become tried and trusted experts in the field of children’s entertainment, with an imaginative and energetic team of 20 play specialists, entertainers, actors, teachers and early years professionals. ‘We create play areas full of inflatables, toys and props, organise wild group games, character walkabout acts, slip ‘n’ slides, and loads more. In a nutshell, if there’s a family event that needs a crowd entertaining, people call us - birthday parties, weddings, family fun days and festivals - we do it all!’
There is a busy summer ahead for the team, with slots at Shambala Festival, Green Man, and a 15,000 capacity stage show at the F1 Grand Prix, where they’ll be hosting a game show and family rave mash-up. ‘Things just keep getting bigger! It’s been an incredible ride,’ says Jason. ‘We’ve always championed kindness, courage, curiosity and creativity, and that is what has helped us to connect with so many people - we create events that make people feel awesome!’ Super Pirates have branched out and now also deliver adult-focussed events, including: immersive theatre dinners, office Nerf battles, improv workshops, sober raves and more. ‘Whilst at their children’s parties, for years parents asked us half jokingly if we could organise their party too. We’ve decided to start saying yes!’
Established in Bath, Super Pirates moved to a new HQ in Frome last year, opening The Awesome Studio at the Station. It’s the perfect space for their regular events, which include weekly Toddler Takeover, Baby Takeover and Arcade Fridays. The studio is also a space for hire, perfect for presentations, documentary screenings, parties,
classes, band rehearsals and more. It’s equipped with a 4k projector and sound system, with room to seat 70, and more for dancing. ‘We love being part of the Frome scene, and sponsor some local sports teams and young athletes, including 14-year old Cypress Hughes, who we’re helping to find his way to becoming a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion. (He’s currently European Champion). We also visit schools, giving free motivational assemblies on how to be your most awesome. And we run holiday camps and after school clubs in Bath, Radstock and Frome.’
“In a nutshell, if there’s a family event that needs a crowd entertaining, people call us”
This month The Awesome Studio plays host to a Wonka Family Rave, as part of Frome Festival. ‘It’s going to be so much fun,’ says Jason. ‘Come along and dance your socks off! Willy Wonka will be hosting with tunes provided by DJ Oompa.L. Sweets are likely to be thrown. Best dance moves are obligatory. Pizzas and hot chocolate available right next door at the Rye Bakery!’ The Rave takes place at The Awesome Studio on Thursday 11th July, 5.30pm - 7pm. You can book your space via the QR code >
HOSTED BY WILLY WONKA, FEAT DJ OOMPA.L THU 11TH JULY | 5.30PM - 7PM | ADV TICKETS £5 THE AWESOME STUDIO, BA11 1RE
Weekly events at The Awesome Studio:
Toddler Takeover
Stay and play sessions every Tuesday (sensory) & Friday (energy) 10am - 11.30am
Baby Takeover
Stay and play sessions every Tuesday (sensory) 12pm - 1.30pm
Arcade Fridays
Family arcade nights every Friday 5pm - 7.30pm.
Learn more at superpirates.co.uk @super_pirates
MON 8
JAZZ MORLEY / ROSANNA
SCHURA Silk Mill, 7.30pm, £12
AMY WEBBER
Rook Lane, 7.30pm, £12
THE BIG FROME FESTIVAL
QUIZ Frome Rugby Club, 7 – 9.30pm, £5
NOSFERATU – SILENT FILM WITH ORGAN
Holy Trinity Church, 9pm, £10
DAVID R ABRAM PRESENTS TRACES
Merlin Theatre, 7pm, £11
TUE 9
POP-UP COMEDY WITH JARRED CHRISTMAS Silk Mill, 7.30pm, £16/£14
TWO GUYS, THREE DRAMS –THE ULTIMATE LIVE BLUES & WHISKY EXPERIENCE Rook Lane Chapel, 7.30pm, £25/£23
OLD TIME SAILORS Cheese & Grain, 7.30pm, £22
WED 3
Illyria Theatre present Romeo 7 Juliet
Merlin Theatre, 7pm, £18/£10
Live Music
Bar Lotte, 7pm, free
WED 10
FROME TUNNELS TOURS Frome Library (meeting point)
MIND SET
Merlin Theatre, 7.30pm, £14/£12
UKULELE WORKSHOP
Cheese & Grain Meeting Rooms, 7pm, £14
PAUL MASON ~ THE BOB MORRIS LECTURE Cheese & Grain, 7pm, £18
THU 4
The Pinkertons
RYE Wine Bar, 7.30pm
Trio Paradis
Cafe Concert
Christchurch, 1 - 2pm, Free
WED 24
The Unusual Adventures Of Robin Hood Merlin Theatre, 6pm, £12/£10
THU 11
RICHARD HERRING – CAN I HAVE MY BALL BACK? Cheese & Grain, 7.30pm, £22
SHEELANAGIG + CAMPFIRE AFTERPARTY Silk Mill, 7.30pm, £16/£14
WILLY WONKA FAMILY RAVE WITH THE SUPER PIRATES! The Awesome Studio, 5.30 – 7pm, £5
Alan Power & the Take Twos RYE Wine Bar, 7.30pm
HANGMAN DRUMS SONIC: HMD Cheese & Grain, 8pm, £8/£5
THU 18
Jane Sheppard Artist Talk, OWL Gallery, 6pm, £5
Present Laughter (NTL screening)
Merlin Theatre, 7pm, £16
Desafinados
RYE Wine Bar, 7.30pm
THU 25
Kevin Brown and the Shackdusters
RYE Wine Bar, 7.30pm
Michael Rosen Cheese & Grain, 10.20am, £10
Retro Social The Awesome Studio, 7.30pm, £7
FRI 5
The Chromatic Dialogue
Pt 2 Preview Night
5 Clifts Buildings, 5 - 8pm,
ROCKTOPUS PRESENTS: ROCKTOCADEMY Melin Theatre, 6pm, £10
THE BIG O’CAJUN FEAT. JOLI BLON Silk Mill, 7pm, £23
Atsushi Hasegawa RYE Wine Bar, 7.30pm
KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN
LAKEMAN Rook Lane Chapel
7.30pm, £20
FRI 12
The Frome Independent Night Market Market Yard, 4pm - 9pm
AN DANNSA DUB (12 – 13 July)The Tree House, 7.30pm, £15
HARARE + MOTHER OF MANKIND AFTERPARTY Silk Mill, 7.30pm, £16/£14
DJ Ste U RYE Wine Bar, 7.30pm
FRI 19
Mr Mankind RYE Wine Bar, 7.30pm
FRI 26
Trowbridge Festival Greenhill Fields, Southwick
DJ Vinyl Groove RYE Wine Bar, 7.30pm
The Heathen Apostles Cheese & Grain, 7pm, £14
SAT 6
AFRODANCE LYDS WITH LIVE PERCUSSION
Victoria Park Bandstand, 11am - 12pm, free
Summer Sherry party RYE Wine Bar, 12pm
CARA DILLON – ‘COMING HOME’ BOOK TALK
Cheese & Grain, 1 - 2.30pm, £12.50
THE FROME FESTIVAL FOOD FEAST
SAT 13
THE EXTRAORDINARY TIME-TRAVELLING
ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN
Merlin Theatre, 11am – 12pm, £12/£10
COMIC ART MASTERCLASS WITH KEV F The Awesome Studio, 10am – 12pm & 1.30 – 3.30pm, £15
HELENA TODD: VIOLIN RECITAL Rook Lane, 1pm, £8
BORN TO SWING WITH ANDREW BOURN Ecos Outdoor Stage, 7 – 9.30pm, £17/£15
SUN 7
THE FROME INDEPENDENT @ FROME FESTIVAL Central Frome, 10am - 3pm, free
All American Summer Party American Museum, 10am - 5pm
BassBeatz presents: Raving Rascals Rook Lane, 3 - 6pm, £5/£6
30 MILE FEAST Vallis Farm, 3.30pm, £45
Market Yard Car Park, 5 - 10pm, free CARA DILLON BOOK TALK SAT 6
FROME SINGS THE LEGENDS FOR WHY Rook Lane, 7.30pm, £25 (incl food)
SAT 20
Seriously Playful Clowning (workshop) Merlin Theatre, 10.30pm, £35
Shake What Ya Mama 23 Bath Street, 9pm - 2.30am, £3/£5
SAT 27
Trowbridge Festival Greenhill Fields, Southwick
Nunney Fayre Nunney Village, 10am - 5pm, free
LAURA JURD TRIO / IAIN BALLAMY & ELLIOT GALVIN Silk Mill, 7.30pm, £16/£14
AN EVENING WITH JENNY ECLAIR Merlin Theatre, 7.30pm, £22
SUN 14
LYNN BARBER A LITTLE ART EDUCATION Rook Lane Chapel, 5 – 6pm, £5
THE DRAGON WAGON (JELLYFISH THEATRE) Victoria Park, 12 – 12.45pm & 4 – 4.45pm, free
PETE GAGE & HIS BAND Cornerhouse, 4 – 6pm, free
SUN 28
Trowbridge Festival Greenhill Fields, Southwick
You’re Having A Laugh
At Rode Comedy Festival 2024
For a little rural event Rode Comedy Festival has become a big name in recent years, attracting exceptional talent from all over the country. We talk to one of the funniest men around, Jarred Christmas, about the festival, past, present and future.
How did Rode Comedy Festival come about?
We launched Rode Comedy Festival in 2020 after several years of running successful events like Pop-Up Comedy, Frome Comedy Crawl and the Festival of Kiwi Comedy in London, all while I had been working in stand-up, performing throughout the country and internationally. Over some beers with our friends who run Pitch Perfect Camping in Woolverton, we hatched the idea of Rode Comedy Festival. Six weeks later we were doing it! We had 150 socially distanced audience members each night. Our first year’s line-up featured top names in comedy whose tours had been postponed, including Russell Howard and Russell Kane.
How did you get started in the comedy industry?
I started doing stand-up when I was 18. A friend of mine put on a comedy night and asked me to ‘give standup a go’. I did, and it went well enough that I wanted to keep doing it - it had sucked me in, and I knew what I wanted to do. As soon as I started performing in London, I never looked back. It was so exciting, working alongside brilliant comedians (a lot of them now household names!) as I developed my skill.
What makes Rode Comedy Festival special?
It’s intentionally a boutique, small festival, yet we get the same level of act as a lot of the really big festivals. We are obsessed with audience experience, and there’s nothing better than receiving feedback from people who’ve come along for the first time and can’t believe how great it is, and people who have been coming back every year, to every night of the festival, since we first launched.
Amelia and I put a lot of time and thought into the comedians we book, from the big names who help
draw the crowds, to the support acts that people probably haven’t heard of as much. I work with superb comics all the time, and to be able to put them on our line-up and introduce them to our awesome audiences is such a buzz.
Tell us about the venue - how does being outdoors influence the overall feeling of the festival?
Pitch Perfect Camping really is the perfect spot. This festival would not exist if it wasn’t for them: beautiful location with really top-class facilities and really great people. James and Emma, who own Pitch Perfect, work so hard and are so damn lovely. The campsite is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and we have spectacular sunsets. We also work with local company All the Kit and use their very cool ‘arachnid’ stretch tent to house the show – so it’s under-cover and weather-proof! They also light up the site with fairy lights, and it looks really atmospheric.
Who is coming this year?
Our headliners are all amazing, from Joel Dommet to Jason Mansford, Lou Sanders to Maureen Younger, and then the absolute legend that is Dylan Moran - right now he’s probably funnier than he has ever been. And that is just scraping the surface!
To see the full line up and book your tickets go to rodecomedyfestival.com @rodecomedyfestival @popupcomedy
Tutoring and MentorING
WITH Alison Blofeld
Alison Blofeld is a Frome-based secondary English teacher who has lived and worked in the area for over 30 years. Her teaching style focuses on making learning a fun and interactive experience. Alison was employed as a pastoral and academic mentor for Post-16 students until recently, and has extensive experience of SEND needs such as dyslexia, ASD and ADHD alongside emotional and mental health needs. ‘I offer understanding, empathy and patience to young people who are trying to find their way in a pressured and complex world. My aim is to find joy in learning, and in the world around us.’
“Ms B has been incredible to speak to. She has shown interest in what we’ve discussed and has helped me greatly in managing my ASD, I cannot recommend her enough” Jake 17
She is also passionate about the outdoors, and believes in inspiring young people to engage with nature. ‘Getting outside is so important if someone is struggling with the weight of a low mood or the stress of academic pressure. As a mentor, I will be happy to encourage your child to explore the world beyond their window, rebuild their confidence and help them re-engage with life.’
During lockdown, Alison offered her tutoring and mentorship services for free to friends who were home schooling their children and, as you can imagine, was kept extremely busy! This led her to expand her age range to include younger pupils from age 7 upwards as she found, ‘working with primary age children, a delight.’
“I look forward to my English lessons with Alison. We have a lot of fun. We have been working together since I was 7, we read books, we do grammar and spelling and it helps me at school” Camille 10
To discuss the ways in which Alison can help your child with their learning and confidence, you can contact Alison on:
alison@forwardstep.org 07885 496309 www.forwardstep.org
JANE SHEPPARD AT OWL
5 JULY - 30 SEPTEMBER
Jane Sheppard is a leading UK ceramicist. Her large-scale vessels and forms explore our human relationship with making through using the ancient practices of coil-building and smoke-firing. Her work draws on ancient forms and symbolism, building on journeys through Africa where she researched the spiritual use of clay in traditional communities. Jane’s artistic practice links strongly with her educationalist background and philosophical outlook, guided by her journey with clay. Her interest lies particularly in our human connection with clay and its anthropomorphic language: the conversations that clay brings.
Jane began her ceramics journey in the 1990s and led the ceramics department at Bath College for 15 years. She is an ordained interfaith minister and Frome resident. Her new work explores the prehistoric legacy of the Somerset and Wiltshire landscape.
The exhibition opening evening is on 11th July from 6.00pm, and all are welcome. Jane will be giving a talk at OWL Gallery on 18th July at 6.00pm, with limited places available. Tickets cost £5 and can be bought at OWL Gallery or online at owlgalleryfrome.co.uk
Jane Sheppard
Exploring the prehistoric legacy of the Somerset and Wiltshire Landscapes
July 5th - September 30th
OWL Gallery Frome 33, Catherine Hill BA111BY
Private View
Thursday 11th July 6.00pm
Book your place for Jane’s talk: Thursday 18th July 6.00pm
Tickets £5 available at the gallery & owlgalleryfrome.co.uk
20A Cheap Street . Frome . BA11 1BN . 01373 472505
Christina Oswin Jewellery @christinaoswin christinaoswin.co.uk
REPAIRS . REMODELLING . COMMISSIONS . JEWELLERY CLASSES
Recycled metals . Fairtrade gemstones . Ocean Diamonds
Written in Frome
This summer sees the release of two books by Frome authors that explore our connection to the outside world in wildly and refreshingly different ways.
Susannah Walker’s The Hard Way: Discovering the Women Who Walked Before Us asks the question ‘why is it radical for women to walk alone in the countryside, when men have been doing so for centuries?’
Setting off to follow the oldest paths in England, the Ridgeway and the Harrow Way, Susannah comes across artillery fire, concern from passing policemen and her own innate fear of lone figures in the distance, traversing a landscape shaped by men, from prehistoric earthworks to today’s army bases. Over 135 miles of walking, Susannah discovers Edwardian feminists, rebellious widows, forgotten writers (and their stay-at-home counterparts), and asks how much has changed for women walking today.
Alongside her writing, Susannah is the founder of the charity Make Space for Girls, which campaigns for parks and public spaces to be designed with teenage girls in mind. You can find out more at makespaceforgirls.co.uk
Claire Carroll is an awardwinning writer of short-form fiction. Her debut collection, The Unreliable Nature Writer examines the interconnection of climate anxiety, surviving late capitalism and dealing with personal loss. It portrays an unsettlingly hot world of people facing the strain of
intimate and global anxieties, trying to live alongside new technologies and failing environments. It is at turns exhilarating, unsettling and dreamy.
Alongside her own writing, Claire is a PhD researcher at Bath Spa and Exeter Universities, where she explores how experimental writing – particularly short stories and prose-poetry – can reimagine how humans relate to the natural and non-human world. Her work has been published by Gutter Magazine, Perverse Magazine, Lunate Journal, The Oxonian Review, and Short Fiction Journal.
The Hard Way by Susannah Walker (Published by Unbound; £16.99; Hardback)
The Unreliable Nature Writer by Claire Carroll (Published by Scratch; £10.99; Paperback)
Both books are available to buy at Winstone’s Hunting Raven Books on Cheap Street www.winstonebooks.co.uk
Summer Events
Mon 1st July: The Connection Cure US journalist and author Julia Hotz in conversation on the power of social prescribing Hunting Raven | 7pm | £3 bit.ly/connectioncurefrome
Tues 2nd July: BYOB Club
The first meet up of our new social book club for readers aged 18-35. Simply bring your own book along and enjoy reading in the company of others Palmer Street Bottle | 7pm | £3 (voluntary) Email for more info winstonebooks3@gmail.com
Mon 8th July: List of Suspicious Things
With Sunday Times bestselling author Jennie Godfrey Archangel (Naval Room) | 7.30pm | £12 bit.ly/suspiciousthingsfrome
Tues 30th July: The Bookshop Band
Join us for an evening of incredible music and brilliant books, as part of the Emerge, Return tour Hunting Raven | 7.30pm | £15 bit.ly/bookshopbandfrome
Winstones Hunting Raven Books 9-10 Cheap Street, Frome, BA11 1BN www.winstonebooks.co.uk
Kitchen Glory
from Alex James Young
James-Young Kitchens and Interiors design and create dream kitchen spaces. The husband and wife team, Alex and Ben James-Young, have thirty years of combined industry expertise and experience between them, offering a seamless service from design to supply and installation.
Clients can choose from a wide range of kitchen styles and over 36 colours, all of their rigid carcass kitchens are supplied fully assembled, ready for installation either by Ben and his team, or your own installers if you prefer. They offer a full turnkey service, from the designing and supplying of your new fitted kitchen, worktops and appliances, managed by Alex, to the installation and any other works involved to create
your dream kitchen including: removal of the old units, building works, carpentry, supply and fitting of flooring, plastering, tiling and decoration, all managed by Ben. It’s a personal service that makes the experience stress free and efficient.
Alex and James offer a wealth of advice, bringing samples and colour swatches to your home, so you can see the colour combinations in the light of your existing kitchen or room. With links to high quality suppliers and talented tradespeople, clients always know they are receiving the very best quality and service. To discuss your kitchen transformation call: 07867500600 or go to wearejamesyoung.co.uk for more information
Melksham 01225 617779
Trowbridge 01225 754021
Warminster 01985 213350
Westbury 01373 301448
garstonvets.co.uk
- Current Parent
URQUHART & HUNT
Landscape Design & Ecological Restoration
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022
Gold Metal & Best in Show
Top 50 Garden Designers of the Year 2022 & 2023 House & Garden
Best International Garden 2024 Society of Garden Designers
Lulu Urquhart and Adam Hunt set out on a landscape design partnership 20 years ago, rooting their practice in a shared passion for romantic planting schemes, ecological harmony, applied horticulture, authentic craftsmanship and outstanding design.
@urquhart_hunt 01373 888 720 www.urquharthunt.com
lex@flowersforgood.co.uk flowersforgood.co.uk
Connecting with nature, through education, collaboration & creativity.
SW Plumbing
We provide a full range of services from installation, service and repair of full central heating systems and boilers through to bathroom, kitchen and water softener installations. Call us now for a FREE no-obligation quote!
southwest- pl umbing.co.uk 01373 301379 / 07974 075221
Trowbridge Festival
Get ready for a weekend of music, community spirit and unforgettable performances at the Trowbridge Festival this July. Nestled in the rolling Wiltshire countryside, just outside of the county town of Trowbridge, the festival can trace its origins back to 1974. Famously known as ‘The Village Pump Festival’, the new look committee remain true to their history, highlighting the best new folk and roots music whilst paying due respect to the best and most legendary folk acts the UK has ever produced. Since 2018, the festival has been broadening its appeal with a wider range of indie and rock added to the mix. Located at a brand-new site Greenhill Fields, Southwick, the flat, purposebuilt site boasts quality camping and luxurious space with lovely views and quick access to town for essentials and emergencies. Easily accessible between the villages of Southwick and North Bradley, in close proximity to Trowbridge, the site is in a perfect location with perfect amenities. Hosting an exciting bar offer from local craft brewers KETTLESMITH, and an array of quality street food, the festival really has it all!
Taking place over the last weekend in July, Friday 26th – Sunday 28th, 2024
marks the 50th year since the very first Trowbridge Village Pump Festival. This year the festival welcomes back folk classics Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, Gaz Brookfield, Keith Christmas, plus a festival exclusive from Jon Boden and Maddie Prior. Saturday night in the main marquee will be full of energy with RSVP Bhangra and Mr Tea and the Minions, plus local talent performing across the weekend including Matt Owens, Al O’Kane, Fly Yeti Fly, Crossing the Rockies and young band Nothing Rhymes with Orange.
The festival also boosts a wealth of family entertainment from SASS Events, magician and balloon modeller extraordinaire Damien Patton, Frome’s premier community ukulele band The Frukes, plus kids’ crafts, Clearlight Yoga, Frome based SATCO entertaining the crowds with some dry land synchronised swimming and much more! Full line-up and tickets are available on the website.
July 26 @ 11:30 am - July 28 @ 10:30 pm Weekend Tickets (with camping) £120 trowbridgefestival.co.uk
