Written in Frome - Books by Local Authors
YO U R GU I D E TO E VE RY TH I N G FR O M E
ISSUE 123
FROME FESTIVAL
JUNE 2021
ARTISTS OF FROME - STEVEN JENKINS
The Triumphant Return Of
ISSUE 123 JUNE 2021
Rose Langley For every year of my life, until I was thirty, my dad’s side of the family went on holiday together. We always went to the same place – Silversands in north Norfolk. This wonderful house, belonging to a friend of my aunt’s, was right on the edge of sand dunes and a vast, windswept beach. We are a big, happy family and I would run about with my brother and six cousins, jumping off high sand dunes and spending hours on the beach picking up shells and running through the shallow water. The house was built into a small hill, so it had an entrance downstairs, where the bedrooms were, and the kitchen, sitting room and garden, upstairs, all looking out to sea. I’m a hugely sentimental person, and when we were no longer able to use the house I think a piece of my heart - dedicated to these holidays - simply broke. If I close my eyes, it’s no great stretch to remember the smells of the eiderdowns we had on our creaky beds, or the sweet scent of honey from the alyssum growing outside our bedroom window. The sounds of wood pigeons from the tree in the garden, and the crunch of the gravel as a car rolled in to the driveway. Pivotal moments of drama in the love lives of my cousins and me played out here: waiting for the house phone to ring, sneaking away for secret fags in the dunes with my beloved Aunt Linda as we drunkenly tried to unravel the problems in my relationships. Even getting to these holidays was magical. We would start early and head for Middleditch, the
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home of my Aunty Judy (possibly the kindest person I know), which was on the way. We’d stop over here, lulled to sleep by the sounds of lions roaring in the zoo over the road. In the morning we’d head for Norfolk, but all the cousins would insist on going in Aunty Judy’s camper van. Little was more exciting in my life than being in a camper van (in fact I still feel that way now). Then, when we finally saw the sea we’d all have to sing “we’re all going on a summer holiday”, that edgy hit by your friend and mine, Cliff Richard. We swam twice a day, before breakfast and in the afternoon, pre ice creams. Some years it was hot and the sea was still and flat. Other years it was like we’d arrived mid-hurricane season and the waves would be so high that it seemed like stupidity to get in to the sea, though we always did. The holidays only lasted for a week or two each year, yet they played a huge part in forming who I am today. I still miss the house, and the beach, and spending all that time with my family. But mostly I probably just miss my childhood. I’m lucky that I do. So don’t be down if you’re missing out on going abroad for your holidays this year. As can be said for most areas of our lives, as long as you’re with the right people, you could be making memories that last a lifetime.
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Design: blackinkstudio.co.uk Front cover: The Frome Festival Cover credit: Sholto Walker Illustration Copy deadline for the July issue: June 14th
Published by Rose Langley, trading as Make a List Publishing, Sole Proprietor Editor Rose Langley 07957878717 rose@thelistfrome.co.uk . thelistfrome.co.uk *The publishers shall not be liable for any loss occasioned by the failure of an advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions or misprints.
» the list recommends « Frome Drama Return with a trio of Summer shows FromeDrama are thrilled to return to the stage with two plays which explore the complex relationships between couples in very different ways. There will be performances of each play on alternate nights. Constellations: Have you ever wondered how your life could have turned out if those key events had been different? What if you had gone to a different school; had different teachers even? The slightest change in circumstances can have the most profound effect. Constellations is the play that looks at those possibilities and makes you think about your own life. The Merlin / 16th & 18th June / 7.45pm For more information and to book go to www.merlintheatre.co.uk Two: A landlord and landlady have each kept mute for seven years over a tragedy. The very issue they try so desperately to avoid comes to a head in the final confrontation of the play. Their story is played out alongside a series of vignettes that show the different customers who drift in and out of the pub. The Merlin / 17th & 19th June / 7.45pm For more information and to book go to www.merlintheatre.co.uk God of Carnage: When two little boys have a fight it’s up to their parents to act like the adults. But a mature discussion rapidly unravels amid social awkwardness. What happens to the thinskinned world of adulthood under the strain of social posturing, implicit threats of legal action and that damned mobile phone? God of Carnage is a hilarious examination of the child in us all: dressed in adult clothing but always waiting for the moment to strike. Assembly Rooms / 1st, 2nd & 3rd July (as part of Frome Festival) Tickets £10 from Festival Box Office or at the door
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FROME’S ART CENTRE
Now open Fri – Sun 10am – 3pm
G ALLER IES C AFE S HO P STUDIOS COURTYAR D 2 Bridge St . Frome . BA11 1BB F R E E E N T RY www.blackswanarts.org.uk Registered Charity No.292463 blackswanarts.org.uk Registered Charity No.292463
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» the list recommends « Outdoor Theatre at The Merlin this Summer With predictions of a dry and warm summer ahead, the Merlin Theatre has a full season lined up for its purpose-built outdoor theatre space. The programme of events in ECOS – the European Community Of Stones amphitheatre - starts with a half-term family treat: Illyria Theatre’s Further Adventures of Dr. Dolittle. This multiaward winning, international touring company are firm favourites with all ages. The Merlin Theatre encourage audiences to bring picnics and blankets on the afteroon of 2nd June to enjoy a fully orchestrated score, brilliant actors and hilarious puppets. Illyria will return again later in the summer with Much Ado About Nothing and finally HMS Pinafore. And here’s a perfect concert for a Sunday afternoon. 20th June will see a visit from vintage swing and jazz
aficionados, Down For The Count. Regulars at jazz clubs including Ronnie Scott’s, this band of incredible musicians brings skill and energy to celebrate the Legends Of Swing. In July the Merlin’s Frome Festival events open with an extraordinary glimpse of a time gone-by. A trio of master musicians will play a live Bluegrass music score to accompany silent black and white Hollywood movie, Beggars of Life. Starring iconic actress Louise Br ooks, this film takes the audience on a witty and exciting rollercoaster story. Definitely one not to miss. Due to seat-distancing rules, booking in advance is essential. All details and ticket booking information can be found at www.merlintheatre.co.uk
THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF DOCTOR DOLITTLE WEDNESDAY 02 JUNE - 2PM LEGENDS OF SWING SUNDAY 20 JUNE - 3PM Jonny and the Baptists: DANCE LIKE IT NEVER HAPPENED SATURDAY 03 JULY - 8PM
01373 465949 merlintheatre.co.uk Merlin Theatre . Bath Rd . Frome . BA11 2HG
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@fromedrama fromedrama.com
BACK ON STAGE AT THE MERLIN!
TWO PLAYS, ONE WEEK FromeDrama are thrilled to return to the stage with two plays that explore the complex relationships between couples in quite different ways.
16TH & 18TH JUNE Merlin Theatre
For more information and to book go to: merlintheatre.co.uk Tickets: £12/10
17TH & 19TH JUNE Merlin Theatre
Frome Festival
1ST / 2ND / 3RD JULY Assembly Rooms
When two little boys have a fight it’s up to their parents to act like the adults. What should be a mature discussion rapidly unravels amid social awkwardness. What happens to the thin-skinned world of adulthood under the strain of social posturing, implicit threats of legal action and that damned mobile phone? God of Carnage is a hilarious examination of the child in us all: dressed in adult clothing but always waiting for the moment to strike.
Tickets: £10 available from the Festival Box Office or at the door. fromefestival.co.uk
» the list recommends « Steven Jenkins ‘Frome, Flowers & Flight’ Steven Jenkins’ exhibition ‘Frome, Flowers & Flight’ shows a body of new work, and takes place at The WHY Gallery. Steven moved to Frome in 2004 and has been making linocuts and pottery and teaching ever since. He works from a studio in the Silk Mill, and is passionate about the natural world, old buildings and the decorative arts. All of these influences are at play in this new selection of work. Exhibition runs until 22nd June The Why Gallery , 3 Stony Street www.whygallery.co.uk
BIG GIGS ARE BACK At the Cheese & Grain
June 5th - Beans On Toast Described as a hippy, a punk, a poet, a drunk, a diehard romantic and an eternal optimist, Beans On Toast sings simple songs that tackle big issues. Political protest songs for the modern day, honest and open Love songs, songs that will make you laugh, but also make you think, with no holds barred honesty and quick wit. June 10th - The Moscow Drug Club The Moscow Drug Club transports you back to a 1930’s Hot Club de France, or Berlin Cabaret atmosphere, to bring you an intoxicating blend of Gypsy Jazz and Nuevo Tango, combining original songs with interpretations of Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits and Bertolt Brecht, amongst others. Veterans of WOMAD, the Royal Albert Hall and the Larmer Tree Festival, the Moscow Drug Club is an engaging, witty and musically superb band, comprising vocals, trumpet, double bass, accordion and guitar. Cabaret style seating.
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The Moscow Drug Club
June 24th - Beth Orton With one of the most unique and beguiling voices in music for the past two decades, Beth Orton is a trailblazer who has paved the way for many. Her debut LP Trailer Park pioneered a synthesis of electronic and acoustic songs to huge acclaim, including two Brit Award and Mercury Award nominations. The follow-up Central Reservation brought international success and the Brit Award for Best British female. To book tickets go to www.cheeseandgrain.com
www.retributiondistilling.co.uk Distilled and bottled in Frome, Somerset
11am - 5pm www.frome-open-art-trail.co.uk
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FROME FESTIVAL RETURNS WITH A STA R - LIT P R O G R A M M E
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he Frome Festival returns this year for its 20th Anniversary special between July the 2nd and the 11th, with an array of outdoor events and another host of star-performers. Following last year’s coronavirus cancellation, the organisers have put together a programme that guarantees an exciting (and Covid-safe) ten-day extravaganza.
will appear, featuring singing, dancing, veils, swords, drums and multiple instruments. As usual, there will also be the Art Trail and the everpopular Hidden Gardens, where hundreds of visitors, often from far afield, descend on the private gardens of Frome residents.
Creative Director Martin Dimery explains: “We No Frome Festival would be complete without its decided to run a number of live performances on the star names: The Government’s Covid “road map” Ecos Amphitheatre, next door suggests all indoor venues to the Merlin Theatre on the will be able to open to capacity “We decided to run Frome College site. We will be audiences by June the 21st, a number of live installing a large roof over the just in time for the July 2nd performances on the stage to ensure performers are opening. If all goes to plan, Ecos Amphitheatre, kept dry. Audiences may have The Lightning Seeds will open next door to the to brave the elements, but it the Festival at the Cheese Merlin Theatre” hasn’t stopped Glastonbury!” and Grain on Friday 2nd July.
There is a new venue to the Frome Festival - Marston Park. This will be opening its gates to day and evening visitors and presenting a wide variety of musical artists performing under a canopied bar, or around a camp fire, overlooking the spectacular surrounding scenery between Frome and Tytherington. The Festival will also host some wonderful free entertainment around town with intervention opera and dance performances popping up, “flash mob” style, in the town centre on both Festival Saturdays. On Saturday the 10th, in Victoria Park, a free and fabulous Turkish extravaganza ‘Chalguh Chengi’
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Reginal D Hunter
Included in the Ecos /Merlin programme are performance by top class rock, jazz and fusion artists like Jonny and the Baptists, The Fabulous Red Diesel, Sonic Silents and Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra along with cult comedians Paul Foot and George Egg. The Silk Mill will also be hosting outdoor events in their courtyard with some exceptional musical names including Iain Ballamy and John Law.
Paul Foot
Rob Heron
The Lightning Seeds
Aswad
“The Guardian recently featured the Frome Festival amongst ten of the top festivals in the UK this year. Who are we to argue?”
Ecos Amphitheatre
They are best known for the hits ‘Life of Riley,’ ‘Marvellous’ and of course, the England football theme: ‘Three Lions’. As the Euros will be reaching their climax, this could be the most fabulous ‘post-lock-down party’, said Martin Dimery. Also scheduled at the Cheese and Grain are the highly popular British Reggae group, Aswad. This year’s big comedy name is the great Reginald D Hunter, the American- born star of stand up, who will appear at the Memorial Theatre on Friday 9th July. Look out also for the well-known comedy songwriter Mitch Benn and popular poet and performer John Hegley, both at the Masonic Hall. The Festival will host a number of exhibitions. This year’s Rook Lane Arts exhibition will celebrate art work, memorabilia and film footage featuring some of the amazing acts and events from last twenty years of the Frome Festival. Tickets will soon be available from the hosting theatre or hall. All other tickets will be available from the Festival Box Office at the Cheese and Grain. In the event of further coronavirus restrictions, some events may be cancelled or will play to reduced capacity, in which case full refunds will be made from the point of purchase.
For tickets see www.fromefestival.co.uk www.cheeseandgain.com For updates see Festival website, follow us on Facebook and Twitter @fromefestival
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THE FROME SOCIETY FO R LO C A L STU DY
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he Frome Society was founded in 1958 by a group of like-minded people interested in the town and its surroundings. Its aim was to promote the study of the town’s history, archaeology, geology and natural history. Since that time, the Society has produced over 100 publications and organised annual programmes of coach trips, lectures and town walks, and initiated numerous projects connected to Frome’s history and environment. The Society also produces a twice-yearly news bulletin, ‘Contact’, and an annual ‘Yearbook’ full of articles about Frome and local villages. Society members work closely with Frome Museum, which has an ever-changing series of exhibits along with its permanent displays and a
It includes a fascinating article on the possibility that William Shakespeare once spent a night in Frome fascinating ‘street of shops’ in its lower gallery. It is also affiliated to the Frome Civic Society, which exists to stimulate interest in the town, provides a forum for discussing its future and campaigns for better design in new developments, as well as scrutinising planning applications.
The Society’s 24th annual ‘Yearbook’ is published at the end of this month. It includes a fascinating article on the possibility that William Shakespeare once spent a night in Frome, as well as some tales of old Beckington and a number of articles on the town’s ancient buildings. There are also two articles on Frome’s public transport system, the history of the Workhouse and some incredible accounts of local witches, all fully illustrated. Members of the Society automatically receive a copy or it can be obtained from Frome Museum or Hunting Raven bookshop in Cheap Street. The Society now has over 400 members, and is actively seeking people who want to get involved in the promotion and study of this unique market town. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in Frome and surrounding villages particularly its history and environment. It costs £10 per year or £15 for couples, and automatically includes membership of the Frome Civic Society. The Yearbook is always on the lookout for interesting articles about Frome and its environs. If you would like to contribute, please contact the editor at yearbookeditor@fsls.org.uk
The Society can be contacted via its website www.fsls.org.uk or via Frome Museum 01373 4546111 North Parade, Frome BA11 1AT 12
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@thehighpavement @thehighpavement e: hello@thehighpavement.co.uk to book: 07967 222682
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WRITTEN IN FROME O u r Lit tle Lite r a ry Town
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rome is well-known for its blooming artistic community. But did you know that our little town is also home to a plethora of exceptional writers? Well, it’s true. So we thought we’d take a closer look at some of the wonderful books published by locals. And if you see something you like, you’ll be able to find them all at the best bookshop in the world, Hunting Raven.
The Island Home Libby Page Sunday Times’ bestselling novelist Libby Page has just moved to Frome. Her entrancing books include The Lido, a feelgood story about two women who come together to save their local baths, and The 24 Hour Café - a tale of friendship, belonging and never
Tate: Master Watercolour David Chandler David Chandler is known as not only a wonderful artist and art teacher, but also for the brilliant ‘Seeing Things’, a monthly visual arts magazine for FromeFM. Taking inspiration from iconic paintings in the Tate collection, David’s book, Tate Masters: Master Watercolour, helps you discover the techniques of the greats and improve your own painting skills with 30 guided projects. As you progress through the exercises, you’ll learn how to work ‘wet into wet’ with Maggi Hambling, master colour temperature with John Singer Sargent and create rhythm and unity in your paintings with John Nash. _
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giving up on your dreams. Her third book The Island Home is out on 24th June . _ A Small Farm Future Chris Smaje From Chris Smaje (of Vallis Veg) comes a timely offering: A Small Farm Future, which offers a new outlook on the way forward for society. A vital resource for activists, students, policy makers and anyone looking to enact change, Chris’s book makes the case for organising human societies around small-scale, local and ecological farming in order to meet the environmental and political challenges of our times. _
The Two Thirsty Gardeners appear regularly on the gardening events circuit, such as RHS Hampton Court and BBC Gardeners’ World Live, demonstrating their recipes. When they were asked to host a morning slot for a family event they realised that talking about home brew might not be very appropriate, so started to look into home grown and foraged teas. This quickly became part of their repertoire.
WILD TEA Nick Moyle and Rich Hood Written by Nick Moyle and Rich Hood, Wild Tea is a culmination of many years of experience which all began, as many good stories should, with scrumping apples to make cider. They quickly moved on to growing ingredients to make ever more ambitious forms of home brew, quickly becoming known as The
Wild Tea guides you through the incredible uses of 40 of the best home-grown and foraged ingredients, allowing you to take your health and wellness into your own garden and create specialised brews at home. _
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Two Thirsty Gardeners. Their blog was so popular that it wasn’t long until they produced their first book, Brew It Yourself which featured alcoholic recipes for various wines, beers, cocktails and, of course, ciders.
“During our research,” says Nick, “we discovered that you can grow the plant that makes familiar black and green teas in your own garden (Camellia sinensis); that the popular border plant ‘bee balm’ (Monarda didyma) makes a delicious tea popular with Oswega Indians; and that plants as diverse as pot marigold, nettles, hawthorn, yarrow and blackcurrant leaves can all be infused for a top notch cuppa.”
WINSTONE’S HUNTING RAVEN IS AN AWARD-WINNING INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOP IN THE HEART OF FROME. With over 9,000 titles in stock and access to a further 500,000 on next day delivery, we really do offer something for everyone. We offer a full programme of events throughout the year; from author talks and signings to our truly unique pre-publication review club, the ‘Proof Pudding Club’.
www.winstonebooks.co.uk
T: 01373 473111 E: winstonebooks3@gmail.com 9-10 Cheap St | Frome | Somerset | BA11 1BN
Visit Hunting Raven, 10 Cheap St, Frome or http://bit.ly/wildteaFrome Discover the incredible uses of 40 of the best home-grown and foraged ingredients as the Two Thirsty Gardeners guide you through their original brew-it-yourself recipes.
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The Witches Of Selwood
NURDLE
Andrew Pickering The ancient forest of Selwood straddling the borders of Somerset and Wiltshire was rife in witchcraft practices in the seventeenth century. Andrew Pickering’s The Witches of Selwood explores the connections between important theological texts written in the region, influential local families, and the extraordinary witchcraft accounts in the area. In particular it focuses on a little known case in Beckington in 1689, and shows how this was not a late, isolated episode but an integral part of the wider Selwood Forest witchcraft story. _
Claire Vowell Nurdle, by Claire Vowell, is an engaging book for little children, aimed at explaining the issue of microplastics in an entertaining and affecting way. Brilliantly illustrated by fellow Fromie Jo Joof, the book is a must read for the next generation. _
The World Made A Rainbow Michelle Robinson If you buy books for small children then you will almost definitely have come across the work of Michelle Robinson, from classics such as Goodnight Tractor to silly stories like How To Wash A Woolly Mammoth. A recent favourite, The World Made a Rainbow, is a beautiful story about staying connected to the people we love, and was written to help small children navigate their way through the complex emotions caused by the 2020 lockdown. _
The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide Jen Gale If you want to reduce your carbon footprint and start making greener choices, then Sustainable(ish) Living Guide by Jen Gale is the book for you. Jen’s approach is refreshingly honest and does not strive for perfection. This is a guilt-free, do-what-youcan guide which contains easy, do-able ideas and suggestions for you to pick and choose from, try out and adapt - plus bucketfuls of encouragement as you explore what works for you and your family. _
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The Frequency Of Us Keith Stuart Alongside his work as a writer for The Guardian, Keith Stuart has found time to produce two bestsellers, A Boy Made Of Blocks and Days Of Wonder. His third release, The Frequency Of Us, came out in March and has already stunned readers with its winning combination of sweeping love story, intriguing mystery and complex characters. _
The Silent Stones Tom Charlesworth Illustrator Tom Charlesworth creates atmospheric and intricate drawings inspired by myth and legend. His first book The Silent Stones is a stunningly illustrated graphic novel, following the story of a group of warriors as they head off to battle. _
Where The Wild Things Grow David Hamilton David Hamilton is a highly experienced forager and explorer. In Where the Wild Things Grow David shares his wealth of knowledge and helps us to see the wild food that is all around us. You’ll discover where to find mallows, mustards and pennywort, as well as sumac, figs and mulberries. You’ll learn how to pick the sweetest berries, preserve mushrooms using only a radiator and prepare salads, risottos and puddings all with wild food. In this book David aims not only to teach the reader how and where to hunt for food, but also how to come face to face with the natural world right on our doorstep. _
The Stonemason Andrew Ziminski In his thirty-year career, stonemason Andrew Ziminski has worked on many of our greatest monuments. From Neolithic monoliths to Roman baths and temples, from the tower of Salisbury Cathedral to the engine houses, mills and aqueducts of the Industrial Revolution and beyond, The Stonemason explores his very personal history of how Britain was built - from the inside out. Stone by different stone, culture by different culture, Andrew Ziminski (with his faithful whippet in tow) takes us on an unforgettable journey by river, road and sea through our countryside showing how the making of Britain’s buildings offers an unexpected and new version of our island story. _ THE LIST FROME
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SILVER SWANS BL ACK BIRD RED ROSE STUDIOS
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lack Bird Red Rose Studios have been running Silver Swans classes from their Frome studio since June 2019. These are delivered by qualified dance teacher Sue McGovern, who has been trained by the Royal Academy of Dance to adapt ballet techniques safely for older adults. Sue delivers a high quality ballet class for, and is trained to respond to the different needs of, participants of a broad age range. The classes are aimed at the over 55s, but this is only a guide figure, as they also welcome younger members. Classes are open and accessible and help improve your mobility, posture, coordination, and energy levels. No previous experience is needed.
“One free Zoom class, or one discounted face-toface class, is available for all new starters.”
Silver Swans
In November 2020, Silver Swan classes were taken online, accecible to those at home over Zoom. This was so successful throughout lockdown, that when they re-open their face-to-face classes they will continue to live stream out to their Zoom participants who are not local to Frome. An added benefit is that a recording of the class is sent out to all bookers, meaning those who cannot attend on the day can take the class at a more convenient time from home. One free Zoom class, or one discounted face-toface class, is available for all new starters. To take advantage of this offer go to the website and click on Classes. Select “Online Silver Swans”, using coupon code ‘thelist’ to book a free class. Or select “Live Silver Swans” and click to book a taster, using coupon code ‘thelistlive’ to get £5 off. Classes take place on Tuesday morning from 9am10am at BlackBirdRedRose Studios, Unit G, Vallis Mills Trading Estate, Robins Lane, Frome, BA11 3DT. For more information call 01373 476449 or go to www.blackbirdredrose.com
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Ballet for the over 55’s
Free places! Run by our qualified dance teacher, trained by the Royal Academy of Dance to safely adapt ballet techniques for older adults. Helps improve balance, coordination and flexibility, and it’s fun! Suitable for beginners - no previous experience needed. Tuesday 9am-10am At BlackBirdRedRose Studios, Vallis Mills Trading Est. Or join us online, see www.blackbirdredrose.com for details. Try it for free! We have a limited number of free and discounted classes available for new starters. See our article for details of how to book.
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ARTISTS OF FROME WITH STEVEN JENKINS
W
e talk to Steven about his love of abandoned buildings and doodling in margins. We also award him an imaginary prize for the best dog name ever. What is your artistic background? I studied Printmaking/Illustration after a Foundation course, which lets you dip your toe into all sorts of things. Trouble is then you have to decide which of those you want to carry on with. What made you follow this path? I was only ever ‘good at art’ so fought to go to college, and thankfully won. What is your physical creative process? What materials and techniques do you use? I work with both ceramics and print, so I cast and slab-build my pottery and, as with the printmaking, the decorative angle is the most enjoyable part. I mainly work with lino in print, but am a member of the Bat Print Studio at the Silk Mill so I can work on stone and plate lithography and the fabulous presses they have there.
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What inspires your work? Well… such a broad range of things. I collect all manner of tat and am always picking things up on walks that ‘may be useful’. I love old and abandoned buildings where nature starts to reclaim them - and any wild part of the country, especially the coast. How did lockdown affect the way you work and create? Alternating periods of stagnation and mad creativity! Thankfully I settled latterly to something in the middle. I turned my tiny dining room into a work area and am still using it to start and finish work. I always work funny hours so it is handy to work late or get up early and just continue, with everything there waiting. Where do you work from? Tell us about your studio. The Silk Mill is my main work area. I’ve worked in a shared studio there since 2013, and thankfully we’ve had access for most of lockdown. I share with a stained glass artist, Jenny Raggett, so there is a lot of crossover with ideas and techniques.
How do you find the Frome area, in terms of creativity and artistic community? Frome has been great for me in terms of meeting and working with other artists across a wide spectrum. Also Frome has a receptive audience, which is hugely important, and we are lucky to have a broad selection of artists and musicians. Few towns of this size can boast such a wide range of talent. Are there any artistic processes/disciplines which you haven’t worked in/with, but would like to? I am interested in other print processes but I have strayed all over the place already, so feel I should keep to what I know, at least for the moment. How can people see and buy your work? I have work on show during the Festival in July and have an Etsy Shop - https://www.etsy.com/uk/ shop/HogweedPotsnPrints www.hogweedart.co.uk What is your favourite place to be for artistic inspiration? Probably a coastal walk, ideally Dorset or the North Pembrokeshire coast (where I grew up), though any bit of woodland or rolling hills will do. Failing that, almost any museum. My particular favourite is in Heraklion in Crete, and also the Neues Museum in Berlin - though I love small town museums, always full of surprises and intimate histories.
Instagram is the easiest way to see what I am up to - @hogweedpotsnprints Anything else you’d like to add? I have a dog called Turnip!
Which artists inspire you, and why? Gosh, hard to pick out, but my tutors at college introduced me to Bawden and Ravilious and other illustrators of the early twentieth century. I love John Minton, Christopher Wood, John Piper people that captured a moment, or social details, experimented with media . I also love older work, primitive, folky, naive - Elizabethan portraits, eighteenth century textiles... If you hadn’t become an artist, what would you have done? Maybe a teacher, as I do enjoy teaching both print and ceramics. Or possibly a researcher, but only if you got to doodle in the margins of your copybook.
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THEHUMBLE RADISH seasonal Recipes from our resident Foodie Laura Coate
WEEKEND PICKLE Enough for a Weekend’s Worth
G
iven the versatility of a radish, I’m surprised I don’t grow or buy them more often. Their mild pepperiness perks a salad no end and their soft crunch makes for a crowdpleasing crudité across all ages. (Indeed, it was one of the few vegetables I’d eat as a child, ‘particular’ about food as I was.) The leaves - slightly furry and with a certain zip to them - can also be eaten, thus making the radish the perfect no-waste vegetable. Try making pesto with the leaves, or mixing with other greens in a stir-fry or minestrone. I’d refer to this recipe as a ‘Weekend Pickle’. Prepared in minutes, ready to eat within a couple of hours and with a happy shelf-life of at least a couple of days. I adore it with a combination of smoked mackerel, horseradish and cucumber; or try stirring through some mint leaves before serving with other small, mezze-type dishes.
450g radishes, washed well, leaves removed and put to good use 1 small onion, thinly sliced 90g sugar 1 tbsp fine salt 110ml cider vinegar A few sprigs of dill (optional, but good with smoked mackerel)
Slice the radishes thinly, using your sharpest knife or a mandolin, should you happen to have one. Mix these with the onion in a large bowl. In a separate bowl or jug, mix together the sugar, salt and vinegar and pour over the radishes. If using dill, strip the feathery fronds from the stalks and chop finely. Add these to the radish and onion mixture and stir through. Place the pickle into a sealed container and leave in the fridge for a couple of hours before eating. (If you’ve a mind, give the container a jiggle every half hour or so.) The liquid should turn a soft pink, the longer you leave it.
Follow Laura for updates and recipes: Instagram @foodwithfolk
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23
TOP TIER AWARD FOR GARSTON VETS
T
he partners and staff at the Frome surgery of Garston Veterinary Group are celebrating after receiving a prestigious Veterinary Hospital accreditation from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVP). John Gould, partner and vet at Garston, paid tribute to the efforts of the whole team. “This is important to us, as it recognises the level of investment, training and - importantly - the clinical care our team delivers 24/7. Ultimately our clients and their pets will be the beneficiaries”. John continues: “Each of our surgeries is vital in our approach to care throughout East Somerset and Wiltshire. Having the Frome site as a fully accredited veterinary hospital recognises the standards we have worked hard to build over many years.”
Established in 1911, and with surgeries at Melksham, Trowbridge, Warminster and Westbury, as well as thriving large animal and equine departments, Garston Veterinary Group is proudly independent. This allows it to be responsive to the needs of all clients, their pets and animals. Cat friendly clinics and the popular Wellness Plan are examples of their approach to care. 2021 has also seen the launch of a new website www.garstonvets. co.uk as well as a new logo and branding which underlines both its proud heritage and modern outlook. Sarah Church, Nurse Manager at Frome explains, “It’s a privilege to work with such a dedicated team of people. Each day is different and, whilst some are challenging, the team’s commitment to working with owners and the care of their pets is incredibly rewarding.” Sarah continues: “Garston House Veterinary Hospital is open for emergencies round the clock for clients of all of our surgeries, and we always ensure that no pet is left alone, whatever time of the day.” With the slow relaxation of social distancing measures over the coming months, the teams at Garston are looking forward to seeing owners and their pets in more usual surroundings.
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
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25
TRUG & LETTUCE SOIL
Soapy and slippery and We probably all know that here in Frome the type doesn’t hold together that of soil most of us have is likely to be clay based. well – it’s silt. This is important, as it can determine which Silt soil is made up of fine particles that can be plants will do well, and which plants might not. easily compacted by walking on it. It is prone And it has its own advantages: clay helps the to wind erosion or being washed away if left soil to hold water and nutrients. In fact most soil unplanted. It tends to contain more nutrients types have their own advantages. If it is sandy, it’s than sandy soils and hold more water. As such it good for growing plants which need dry and arid can be quite fertile. conditions. And yes, there’s also something to be said for stony and poor Gritty and you quality soil – if you want “While referred can feel sand then to grow Mediterranean to as a heavy - it’s sandy soil. plants, for example. soil, clay is often Sandy soil has more sand But what is fertile as it holds than clay and is known soil? nutrients that are as a light soil. It is usually Well, everyone knows what bound to the clay low in nutrients, and due to the size of the individual soil is. It’s the stuff that’s minerals in the particles, tends to be freebeneath us. It’s what we dig soil.” draining and loses water over before we slide into a very quickly. However, the nice warm bath at the end soil can be improved to help boost its water and of a back-breaking day. It’s where the worms live. nutrient-holding capacity. It warms up quickly It’s what we grow our plants in. While it’s all to in the spring and is easy to cultivate. It is often do with the size of the particles that make up the acidic. soil, there’s an easy way to tell what you have and
Sticky (Particularly when it’s wet) and if it can be rolled into a long thin sausage – it’s clay. While referred to as a heavy soil, clay is often fertile as it holds nutrients that are bound to the clay minerals in the soil. It has a high proportion of water, due to there being tiny spaces between the particles. And can be improved if the soil can be broken up. Doing so makes the water and nutrients held within the soil more easily available to plant roots. Breaking it up also makes the soil more workable and less prone to compaction.
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Clay Soil
that’s to get your hands dirty. If it feels:
What’s the pH? The final thing we need to consider is the pH value of our soil – its acidity or alkalinity. That’s important as it influences how the soil “behaves” and in turn influences what sort of plants will thrive. You don’t really want to go and spend a small fortune on heathers and azaleas if your soil is mainly clay as they won’t thrive in a typically alkaline clay soil. But it’s horses for courses – if your soil is sandy, that’s perfect for plants that need dry and arid conditions.
“When you get your manure, have a good look. If you can’t see lots of worms then leave it to rot for at least six months, and when they start wiggling you can use it.” Soil improvers Some gardeners advocate digging your soil is a good way to improve its structure. Others believe they can simply layer on organic matter and let nature – and the worms – do the work. That’s called the no-dig approach. Keeping it natural, you can add in wellrotted, locally sourced horse or poultry manure. When you get your manure, have a good look. If you can’t see lots of worms then leave it to rot for at least six months, and when they start wiggling you can use it. Using it too early and before it’s well-rotted can do your plants do more harm than good. Next time we’ll talk about all things fertiliser. How you can feed your plants and get the best from them? Until then, enjoy your time in the garden.
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NEW 2 BED HOUSES RELEASED FOR SALE IN FROME FIRST TIME BUYER? RESERVE WITH A 5% DEPOSIT ON HELP TO BUY* 2 BED APARTMENTS from £235,000 2, 3 & 4 BED HOUSES from £270,000
As recently named by The Times as the ‘South West’s Best Place to Live’ now could be the perfect time to move to Frome! Built with sustainability in mind, the homes at The Old Printworks benefit from communal electric car charging. Situated within walking distance of Frome town centre and train station, with direct links to Bath, Bristol and London. We are pleased to have released the first 2 bedroom house for sale. Available on the Government backed Help to Buy scheme*, first-time buyers can reserve with a 5% deposit. The Old Printworks, Caxton Road, Frome BA11 1NE
SHOW HOMES OPEN BY APPOINTMENT - CONTACT US TO BOOK www.acornpropertygroup.org theoldprintworks@acornpg.org 01373 888 303 An Acorn Property Group led development in conjunction with London & County.
*Help to Buy Terms & Conditions: YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Credit is secured against your home. Subject to status, Help to Buy Terms & Conditions and regional property price cap. Eligible applicants will be able to reserve with a 5% deposit and offered an equity loan up to a maximum of 20% of the purchase price (based on the open market value). Applicants are required to secure a 75% of the purchase price by means of a conventional mortgage, savings/deposit where required. The equity loan is interest free for the first 5 years. This offer is not available in conjunction with any other promotion. Full details will be provided on request. Images used for illustrative purposes only. Prices correct at time of print.
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FOUND IN THE FIELDS Th e Fr o m e Fo s s i l
N
ew freedom, new resolution. Mine’s a simple one: whenever you go for a walk, pick up something from the landscape and take it home. Nothing infectious, mind. Anything that’s edible or useful or beautiful – or just plain weird. During May I was mostly stuffing my pockets full of wild garlic, which I whizzed up into pesto and piled on my breakfast toast. This was occasionally plimmed out with other thrutchy foliage, such as the peppery jack-by-the-hedge and alexanders and dandelions. Or, best of all - though you’d have to go a few miles to find it – there were the ghostly stems of wild asparagus, a legacy from the Romans. Now, by contrast, an old man’s fancy turns to bailer twine. It comes in jolly colours, and is spewed out in handy lengths during haymaking and harvest. My pockets are full of the stuff, and I use it for knotting together bean and pea sticks in the garden. Which brings me on to the bean poles themselves, long bundles of hazels I hack out of thickets and copses and lug home on my shoulder - cutting, in my fancy, a fine Hardyesque figure as I trudge sweaty and leafgirt through the village. Then there are the oddities. Buried in a dry crumbly bank was a badger’s skull with a working jaw and even a few yellowed teeth. I hid it in the garden to frighten the grandchildren. There are feathers from pheasants, partridges, ducks and even the odd bird of prey. Shards of eggs. Nutshells nibbled by mice. Crazily curved bramble roots. And in a belatedly ploughed field was a big old horseshoe, cast by a carthorse sixty or seventy years ago before everyone thundered about in monstrous airconditioned tractors.
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T h e F r o m e Fo s s i l
At the moment, with all the bare fields, I’m obsessed with stones. In certain spots (maybe near old settlements), the plough turns up countless thousands every year. Most are useless tiddlers, but some are big and even-faced enough for building walls. And just a few catch the imagination with their unexpected beauty. One such sits now in my garden like a little abstract sculpture. Its face is moulded in a pattern of plumptious swelling curves which remind me of some prehistoric Earth goddess. Is this natural or human work? I’ll never know, but I’ve christened it Bettany.
Freedom to Learn...
ALL HALLOWS P e r s o n a l To u r s
are always welcome by arrangement. Come and d i sco ve r why our children are t h r i v i ng and apply now to join us in the Autumn Term. Just call Jackie on 01749 881609 for more information and to arrange your v i s i t Set in a stunning location in East Cranmore, just 15 minutes from Frome and Bruton, with minibus transport available, All Hallows is a day and boarding prep school for children aged 3 to 13. A creative and dynamic curriculum, with our pupils’ happiness and well-being at the heart of all decision-making, is producing outstanding results . Children are moving on to their senior schools, confident in who they are and ready to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.
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