The List frome - June 2024

Rose Langley

W“I found this tiny, abandoned kitten in this box, all alone”.

hen my eldest son is bored with the book we are reading, or maybe just when the mood takes him, he asks me to “do a story of your life”. There is an annoyingly large part of my life from which stories are not yet appropriate for a seven year old - I would rather he held me, if not in high regard then at least with an element of approval. So I pick from an ever dwindling pool of tales to regale him with: the gang rivalry in our village and subsequent sabotage of each others’ dens (we had to find increasingly well hidden dens, to the point where our longestlasting was in a bramble bush); our friend Paul who, in the dead of night, became the village ninja, dressed in black and judo rolling through people’s gardens; swimming in the forbidden trout lake and having our toes nibbled by fish; the characters my brother and I secretly bestowed upon the people in our village and the songs we made up to accompany their many imagined deeds. I’ve told him these stories so often that he will now tell them to me.

And it is with more than a little regret on my part that he has taken to repeating one story in particular: the one in which I lie to my parents in order to get a kitten. Where I cancel a piano lesson and use the £5 fee to instead purchase a small ginger tom cat in a brown box from a woman advertising in Trade It. And where I take said kitten home to my parents and tell them that “I found this tiny, abandoned kitten in this box, all alone”. And we keep the kitten, and he grows into the most amazing cat, which sleeps in my bed and goes for walks with us and the dog, and is so completely brilliant that, even when my lie is discovered, nobody minds, in fact it becomes a funny family story. The problem with adding this to the regular stories of my life is that, as I recently discovered, my son would like a kitten. Though he is an altogether more earnest and less rebellious person than I was as a child, I nevertheless see the twinkling of something familiar in my son’s eye. It is true that I would rather have a cat than a bearded dragon (his last fixation), because a little indifferent affection is better than none, and also true that I have enough beings already relying on me to keep them alive. But, as the stories of my life show, and especially appear to be showing my son, a little bit of harmless rebellion never hurt anyone.

Roth Bar at the Threshing Barn

First conceived by Dieter Roth in the late 1970s, Roth Bar is a dynamic and changing installation, and is a continuing element in the Roths’ cross-generational practice. The shared history of the Roth Bars and Hauser & Wirth continues in celebration of ten years of Hauser & Wirth Somerset in 2024. Artist Oddur Roth, grandson of the late German-born Swiss artist Dieter Roth, lived and worked in Bruton from January to March 2024, and together with his team - Einar Roth, Bjarni Grímsson, Thrandur Gíslason Roth, Gudmundur Oddur Magnusson and Sigrun Holmgeirsdottir - he created Roth Bar within the Threshing Barn at Hauser & Wirth Somerset.

Like its first iteration in Somerset in 2014, Roth Bar is composed of salvaged materials and locally sourced objects from reclamation yards in the surrounding area. The work incorporates monitors showing videos of previous bars, musical instruments and carpentry scraps. It is a place where art becomes infused with life, bringing into question the relationship between its function and its status as an artwork.

Next to Roth Bar is a second interactive installation conceived as a functional Revolving Door by Björn and Oddur Roth, inspired by the work Allerweltsbild that Dieter Roth created between 1982 and 1985, together with Björn Roth, Dominik Steiger, Ómar Stefánsson and André Thomkins. It remains today in the Brasserie in the central station Bahnhof Basel SBB in Basel, Switzerland. 10 years earlier, in 2014, Björn and Oddur Roth were among Hauser & Wirth’s first artists-inresidence in Somerset when they worked on creating the bar that formed an integral part of the gallery’s onsite restaurant - the precursor to this artwork.

Open Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 11pm serving drinks and snacks. www.rothbar.co.uk

Veg Growing 101 at Vallis Farm

Friday 7th June, 9am - 1pm, £45

Join Estate Manager Tamsin in the market garden at Vallis Farm to learn about growing your own without chemicals and using a no dig technique to save your back and save you time! Find out which veg will grow on your patio, on your allotment or in amongst your flower beds. Get some top tips on how to sow, control pests and diseases, and how to grow with abundance year on year. A short half day course - this is an introduction to all things veg and a chance to see how we do things here on the farm.

Frome Pride 2024

Frome Pride, now in its third year, is an annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ people, for Frome and the surrounding area. Frome Pride started in 2022 with possibly the shortest Pride ever, with a 40-minute slot on stage at the Frome Independent Market. Last year the first Frome Pride Season ran throughout June, and now organisers have come up with another brilliant line-up to celebrate Frome’s rainbow community.

Throughout June, local businesses, performers and residents of Frome are coming together to show their love and appreciation for the LGBTQIA+ community with a series of celebratory events.

Pride Across Generations

Black Swan Arts (Round Tower), from 2nd – 14th June

This exhibition of LGBTQIA+ art celebrates Pride across all ages, from those who built it, to those who live, benefit and defend it today.

Frome Pride Parade

Frome Independent Market, 2nd June, 11am - 3pm

In conjunction with the Frome Independent market, Pride is back on stage in 2024 and hosting our very first Pride Parade! Expect music and entertainment from 11am - 3pm, plus market stalls in the centre of town.

Mojo Moves Pride Special

Cheese & Grain, 4th June, 6.45pm

Join Frome fitness queen Cheryl Sprinkler for a retro, feel-good workout, where comedy meets dance aerobics! Fun outfits encouraged (but not required).

Pride Art Exhibition Gathering

Black Swan Arts (Round Tower) 5th June, 6pm

Attend a gathering at this year’s Frome Pride Art Exhibition, where you can meet some of the contributors and curators, chat with local artists and view the stunning art on display.

Pride Fibre Arts Workshop

Projects Store and Kitchen, 6pm

Explore your creative side with a communityhosted Fibre Arts Workshop. Beginner or experienced, everyone is welcome, to this warm and relaxing safe space. Includes crochet, knitting, pom poms and cake.

Pride Wine Tasting

Givino Gin and Wine, 6th June, 6.45pm

Join Jamie as he guides you through a selection of wines to celebrate Frome Pride. You will have the chance to sample white, rosé and reds, and not forgetting the sparkling wine of course! Wines accompanied by a cheese and charcuterie board.

Frome Pride Party

23 Bath St, 7th June, 8pm

Time to get dressed to the nines and dance the night away. Come and celebrate Pride in style at the official Frome Pride Party!

Rainbow Families Pride Picnic

Victoria Park Cafe, 8th Jun, 12 - 4pm

Calling all Rainbow families! Are you, your partner, or your child part of the LGBTQIA+ community? If so, come on down to the Victoria Park community café for a friendly natter while the kids play. Bring your own picnic or buy from the café. Also open to supportive allies.

Saturday 15th June

The Cheese and Grain Frome | 9am-2pm

Decorative antiques, French brocante and vintage textiles at sale prices www.thevintagebazaar.co.uk

THE GREEN ROOM WINES

100% CERTIFIED ORGANIC | 100% VEGAN

WINE BY THE GLASS, COURTYARD GARDEN TASTING EVENTS & SPECIAL OCCASIONS CATERED FOR NATIONWIDE DELIVERIES

01373 465949 merlintheatre.co.uk

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2HG THE OLIVE BOY MONDAY 03 JUNE – 7.30PM MILES JUPP – ON I BANG FRIDAY 07 JUNE – 7.30PM MINNY STYNKER SATURDAY 15 JUNE – 2PM

John Martin Quartet

American Museum, 7th June, 5.30 - 9pm

Head to the stunning gardens of the American Museum and enjoy an evening of jazz classics, Rat Pack hits and Brazilian bossa nova, led by critically acclaimed tenor saxophonist John Martin. Situated on the edge of the Limpley Stoke Valley, with the most stunning views, this is the perfect venue for a spectacular summer evening of music and American-inspired food and drink.

Mr Teds Drag Quiz

The River House, 7th June, 8pm, £8

To celebrate Frome Pride Week, Mr Teds is back with the most glorious and glitzy quiz of all time. If you missed out on this beautifully chaotic and wonderfully wild quiz night last year, then we highly recommend you get involved. However, you may need to book the next morning off work… as Mr Teds is the self proclaimed Jeremy Cornyn of shots, delivering throughout the evening shots for the many, not the few. Hilarious, interactive, and bizarre point-scoring rounds, the likes of which the quiz hosting houses of Frome have never seen before. Oh, and did we mention lots of shots? Teams of up to 6, and spaces are limited. To book, email info@riverhousefrome.co.uk

Burrito Bambino Take Over

The River House, 14th June, 6pm onwards

Dom (of former Burrito Boi), brings his new venture Burrito Bambino to the River House, serving up the finest burritos in the west while the River House bar shakes up some seriously swanky summer tipples, all accompanied by live tunes. Live tunes, banging cocktails, and al fresco dining in the courtyard. Food will be served from 6pm until sell-out.

Rye Wine Bar

Wine, Music & Pizza

From the talented team behind the Rye Bakery comes an exciting addition to Frome’s culinary map. Rye Wine Bar, next door to the Rye Bakery at Station Approach, will be opening on 1st June, when Wiltshire based wine producers Offbeat Wines and Domaine Hugo will be pouring natural English wines at both the bar and market stall at the Frome Independent, all weekend. Over the summer, the bar will host weekly a music series with live music every Thursday evening from 13th June, and a DJ set every Friday night, from 14th June. Next door, the Rye Pizzeria is in full swing, Thursday - Saturday from 12pm, serving their hugely popular wood-fired pizzas, the perfect companion to Rye Wine Bar, which is open Wednesday - Saturday, 12 - 10pm.

Miles Jupp - On I Bang

The Merlin, 7th June, 7.30pm, £28

Comedian and actor Miles Jupp has made an awardwinning radio series and he’s published a novel. He’s done a play in the West End and played the Emperor of Austria and Europe in a Ridley Scott film. Yet one sunny day in the middle of all this, he suddenly suffered a brain seizure. This led to the discovery of a tumour the size of a cherry tomato, and a rather pressing need to undergo major neurosurgery. Obviously, one doesn’t wish to make a big deal of it, but the experience has left him with a story to tell and a few things that he’d like to share with the room. So that’s exactly what he’s doing in his new show On I Bang - a tale about surprise, fear, luck, love and qualified medical practitioners.

Vintage Bazaar Brocante Jumble

Cheese & Grain, 15th June, 9am - 2pm, £3

The Vintage Bazaar is well known for curating unique fairs that specialise in antique textiles, French brocante and decorative antiques, but this year there is a new and exciting event on the horizon. The Vintage Bazaar Brocante Jumble is a special edition that promises antique bargains, dealer clear-outs and an old-fashioned antique jumble experience for all attendees. Mark your calendars for a unique shopping experience and dive into a world of vintage delights where antiques meet affordability, and dealers clear out their wares, offering antique bargains at jumble prices. Get there early to start hunting for treasure! www.thevintagebazaar.co.uk @thevintagebazaarevents

Black Swan Arts Art Car Boot Fair

Applications Open

Calling artists and makers to take part in the ever popular annual Art Car Boot Fair at Black Swan Arts, which takes place in the Cattle Market Car Park on 28th July, the final Sunday of the Frome Festival. Applications from all artists and makers are encouraged to ensure a variety of different stalls and styles to keep things interesting. Applications need to be made via an online form by 12th June, via the Black Swan Arts website (blackswanarts.org. uk), and all applicants will know whether they have been successful by 17th June.

Minny Stynker

Merlin Theatre, 15th June, 2pm, £10/£8

Moving house to a new city where it always rains, Kit is alone. Making friends is always hard, but here it feels impossible. The rain beats down on the roof and drips down the window panes, trapping Kit in the quiet stillness of their dingy bedroom. But, one night, when idly scribbling to pass the time, the swirls and whirls on the page giggle into a life of their own, and a very unusual adventure unfolds! Minny Stynker is a story about the magic of creativity, how we reach out to each other in the darkness and, together, bring the impossible to life.

SIR WILLARD WHITE JENNY ECLAIR RICHARD HERRING PEATBOG FAERIES

OLD TIME SAILORS / PAUL MASON RAGHU DIXIT / ALBERTA CROSS SWINGING AT THE COTTON CLUB & MUCH MORE!

Thursday 20 June ENGLISH WINE WEEK TASTING 7pm - 9pm - £38

Celebrating some of our favourite English vineyards thestoresinfrome.co.uk WIN E &

5 Stony St. Frome BA11 1BU

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 All tickets available at fromefestival.co.uk

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

Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman

Amy Webber Lynn Barber

Pomona Summer Supper Club

The Taste of Summer in Somerset

Pomona Supper Club returns for its Summer Supper Club, once again in the beautiful garden of Mill Cottage in Oldford. This supper club is a celebration of the best of Somerset in early summer, with dishes created using seasonal local produce, and surrounded by the flora and fauna of the English countryside. As the evenings are longer and lighter, guests are invited to a four-course sharing menu centred around the summer, with seafood brought up from Brixham, local meat on the BBQ, charred summer greens and floral desserts, finished off as always with a west country cheese and a glass of Pomona (Somerset Cider Brandy). The plates are sharing in style and the tables are arranged in rows. Dining is outside

in the garden of Mill Cottage to the backdrop of the River Frome and open fields.

Arrive from 6pm for summer cocktails and drinks, with supper starting at 7.30pm. As with all Pomona Supper Clubs, the summer supper club is a relaxed, fun and sociable evening, and all are welcome.

The Summer Supper Club takes place on Saturday 27th July at Mill Cottage in Oldford. 4-course seasonal supper £55 including a glass of Pomona Somerset Brandy to finish. Cocktail bar and full drinks/wine list available. To enquire, call/ or message Lucy on 07500484845, bookings@pomonasupperclub.co.uk Pomona.supper.club

Friday 7th June, 9am - 1pm

VEG GROWING 101

A short half-day course showing the basics and benefits of growing your own food in all sorts of spaces. £45

COMING UP...

Friday 14th June 9.30 - 11.30am QIGONG

Lara draws on different traditions and styles in her practice, suitable for all levels. Every 2nd Friday £12

Sunday 16th June 10am - 2pm

COMMUNITY PICNIC IN THE ORCHARD. Free event

Sunday 16th June 2pm - 5pm HELP, I’M FREAKING OUT ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE! Looking at different ways we can respond to something of this enormity and how we can support ourselves (and each other). £20

Sunday 7th July 3.30pm - 9pm 30 MILE FEAST

Come and sample the culinary delights of the south west! Dishes will be sourced from our very own market garden and other talented local producers. £45

MAKE MEMORIES THIS SUMMER

With the Ultimate

Slip ‘n’ Slide

What does an ultimate childhood summer look like to you? Ice creams, long sunny days, and mucking about in water seems to be the tried and tested way for most of us to spend our summers, and with the return of the Ultimate Slip ‘n’ Slide right on our doorstep, it looks set to be a cracking few months ahead.

Taking an entire month to build, the Slip ‘n’ Slide, which opened on the 25th May, is now situated on a new, easily accessible site in Beckington, at Ivy House Farm. Working tirelessly to be ready

for the warmer months, the team behind the Slip ‘n’ Slide - Ryan, Esme and Gary - have spent a month setting up, improving everything from the newly built car park to the changing area and even a covered spectating area. Brew and Tipple will be on site, serving refreshments from their beautifully converted horse box. Garbanzo Ice Creams will also be on hand to serve up the kids’ favourite flavours throughout the summer. Ryan tells us that the forecast for summer is looking good, in the most Somerset way possible: “The rooks are nesting a metre higher, which means we are in for a hot summer!”.

“Our family went 11 times!”

“My children are giddy with excitement.”

Suitable for both children and adults, the 95-metre slide is now bigger, better and more exhilarating than ever. The buffered sides keep you safe while optional extras add to the fun, with body boards and inflatable rings and even wet suit hire. The staff are helpful and interactive, ensuring everyone gets the very best out of their visit. Private bookings are available too, and are perfect for hen and stag do’s, parties and school clubs. SEN sessions are also available.

Slots are £12 per person (babes in arms are free) and last 1 hour. The Ultimate Slip ‘n’ Slide is open 10am - 5pm, over each weekend until 13th July, when it will be open daily until 8th September. Private hire is from 5 - 6pm.

MON 3

The Olive Boy Merlin Theatre, 7.30pm, £10/£12

Yin yoga with Louise Vallis Farm, 12pm, £10

TUE 4

Mojo Moves Pride Special Cheese & Grain, 6.45pm, from £4

WED 5

Pride Arts Exhibition Gathering Black Swan Arts (Round Tower), 6pm

THU 6

Trio Paradis Cafe Concert Christ Church, 1.15pm, free

Kevin Brown and the Shackdusters RYE at the Station, 7.30pm

MON 10

Adult Wellbeing Nature Connection Group Open Day Vallis Veg, 11am - 4pm, free

Yin yoga with Louise Vallis Farm, 12pm, £10

MON 17

Handicrafts Exhibition - Refugee Week Frome Town Hall, 9am - 5pm

Yin yoga with Louise Vallis Farm, 12pm, £10

TUE 11

Andrea Chénier (live streaming) Merlin Theatre, 7.15pm, £12/£16

MON 24

Yin yoga with Louise Vallis Farm, 12pm - 1pm, £10

TUE 18

Red Cross empathy plus migration workshop Frome Town Hall, 3.30pm, free

Limbo (film screening) Refugee Week Frome Town Hall, 6.30pm, free

Miracle Theatre: Love Riot Merlin Theatre, 7pm, £17.50/£12.50

WED 12

Big Green Clothes Swap Silk Mill, 7pm, £2

THU 13

Great Big Green Summer Meet Up Victoria Park, 4pm

Spanish Supper Club

The Stores, 7pm, from £52

The Free Four RYE at the Station, 7.30pm

THU 20

Film ShortsRefugee Week

Frome Town Hall, 4pm, free

Night River Presents: DG Solaris

HydeAway, 7pm, £12

English Wine Week tasting

The Stores, 7pm, from £38

Matt Owens and the Delusional Vanity Project RYE at the Station, 7.30pm

THU 27

Eddie Allen and the CCTV Allstars RYE at the Station, 7.30pm

Retro Social The Awesome Studio, 7.30pm, £7

FRI 7

Veg Growing 101 Vallis Farm, 9am - 1pm - £45

John Martin Quartet American Museum, 5.30–9pm

Mr Teds Drag Quiz The River House, 8pm, £8

Miles Jupp - On I Bang The Merlin, 7.30pm, £28

DJ Ste U RYE at the Station, 7.30pm

Frome Pride Party 23 Bath Street, 8pm

FRI 14

Qi Gong with Lara Vallis Farm, 9.30am, £12 per class

Burrito Bambino Take Over The River House, 6pm onwards

Atsushi Hasegawa

RYE at the Station, 7.30pm

SAT 8

Frome Farmers’ Market Boyle Cross, 9am - 1pm

Growing Food with Heart & Hands 42 Acres, 9.30am - 3pm, £100

Stolen MomentsThe astonishing modern tangos of Astor Piazzolla 3pm, free

SUN 2

Frome Independent Market

Frome Town Centre, 10am - 3pm

Frome Pride Parade

Frome Independent Market, 11 - 3pm

SUN 9

Frome Flea Market & Craft Fair West Woodlands Showground 9am - 3pm, £1

River Festival Rodden Meadow, 10am - 4pm

SAT 15

Vintage Bazaar Brocante Jumble Cheese & Grain, 9am - 2pm, £3

Minny Stynker Merlin Theatre, 2pm, £10/£8

SUN 16

Community Picnic in the Orchard Vallis Farm, 11am-2pm, Free

Help! I’m Freaking Out About Climate Change Vallis Farm, 2pm - 5pm, £20

Graham Dent Trio The Cornerhouse, 4pm - 7pm, free

FRI 21

Ratomagoson RYE at the Station, 7.30pm

The Vaults Folk & Roots Open Mic Bennett Centre, 7.30pm, £3/£5

No Direction Homerefugee comedy collective Merlin Theatre, 7.30pm, £5/£15

SAT 22

Ukranian Soul A concert for Refugee Week, 23 Bath Street, 4pm, £4

SUN 23

Family Fun DayRefugee Week Victoria Park, 10.30am - 3.30pm, free

FRI 28

Italian Series Wine

Tasting: Sicily & Calabria The Stores, 7pm, from £35

Madlox RYE at the Station, 7.30pm

STYNKER | SAT 15

MINNY

Are you reading this? So are thousands of others!

Frome isn’t an ordinary town. And The List isn’t an ordinary magazine. A fully independent publication for a truly independent town, The List doesn’t just look different, it feels different too. We stand out, with our thoughtful design and relaxed writing, and represent the creative spirit that our little corner of Somerset is so well known for.

In print for forteen years, The List Frome has been there as the town has gone through many changes. In that time we have gained a large and loyal following of incredible locals who read each issue, cover to cover. Every month we help local businesses reach new customers and promote their services to an engaged and enthusiastic audience.

We print 5,000 copies each month and distribute them to Frome homes and throughout the town centre, but you’ll have to grab one quick – they go like hot cakes!

To find out how we can help you to promote your business, get in touch. We’d love to have you onboard. t helistfrome@gmail.com

WE PRINT 5,000 COPIES PER MONTH Deadline for bookings for the July issue is 10 June

Well Worn by SKye Pennant

Hunting Raven

£20

Large Forget-me-not earstuds

Christina Oswin Jewellery

£43

Marchbank | £180

Frome Nursery Times Crinkly Newspaper, Jo Joof studio at Black Swan Arts

£15

Black Swan Shop

£35 each

Oranges mugs by Liuying Ceramics

Alex Monroe Large Swooping Swallow Necklace

Floral print by Jenna Herman Black Swan Shop

For the Well-read Babies of Frome

When our children are little, the toys they play with and the books we read them become part of our family story. So it is now for thousands of parents and carers all over the country, when they see a copy of the Nursery Times, a beautifully illustrated crinkly cloth newspaper for the discerning baby or toddler in your life. Started by Jo Joof and Nic Moore, after they met while working in children’s book publishing, Nursery Times has become a household name. Launched at the Frome Independent Market in 2017, Nursery Times’ first stockist was Hunting Raven, making it a truly local business. “One day printed newspapers might be a part of our history, with technology moving so fast. We were determined to get every baby reading our newspapers and off screens.

Also, we wanted to make something very reminiscent of our childhood. The old cloth books were lovely, but we wanted to add that extra sensory aspect with a bit more reading content. Babies can pretend to be like grown-ups, reading the newspapers, and this would be perfect and just too cute!” said Jo.

Babies just love the crinkly pages, and from about 3 months babies can learn to hold these cloth books and turn the pages, allowing them to engage in the content. The soft ‘peach skin’ fabric pages are filled with a crinkle material so the books have that extra sensory appeal for children with additional needs too. Jo’s niece Meredith was born with visual impairment and disabilities, and she has always loved these books as they are light, easy to grip and washable.

Nic and Jo found that their sensory product can also be enjoyed by older people and people living with dementia, so they designed a title called Golden Times. This title is designed with words from old favourite songs, which encourages singing and conversation.

A six-page crinkly cloth book is designed to look like a little newspaper, brightly illustrated and with simple rhyming text. A range of fun titles includes animals, places, colours, the alphabet, counting and various early learning subjects. Jo roughs out the designs by hand and then Nic illustrates the books digitally. Jo then writes the text and together they work on the layout and design until they are both happy. After seven years, Jo and Nic now wholesale to a distributor based in Cheltenham (Dynamic Distribution) which sells to hundreds of the best independent shops in the UK and overseas. They have over 70 titles in the range now, with diverse inclusive, gender-neutral content covering a wide range of early learning topics.

“Our newspapers are proving to be the best-selling product in a variety of retailers including bookshops, gift shops, toyshops, baby boutiques, play cafés, museums, galleries and Holly & Co.”

A new edition of Nursery Times, all about Frome, will be out this July, the prefect present for the Frome baby in your life. There are also Glastonbury Festival and Bath editions.

You can find Jo in her studio at Black Swan Arts, from where she sells Nursery Times and runs illustration workshops for children and adults. www.joandnicscrinkly.com

My Family & Other Rock Stars: Tiffany Murray

Tuesday 4th June @ 7.30pm At the Chapel, Bruton

Tiffany’s memoir has been described as a rock and roll Cider With Rosie! Tickets £10 bit.ly/tiffanymurraybruton

Manifesto: The Battle for Green Britain with Dale Vince

Friday 14th June @ 7.30pm Frome Town Hall Join us for an evening with Dale Vince one of the UK’s leading campaigners and political activists. Tickets £10 bit.ly/manifestofrome

Refugee Week in Frome

This Refugee Week, celebrate the stories, lives and contributions of displaced people with Frome’s Welcome Hub through film screenings, comedy, music, art and discussion. Soho Theatre regulars ‘No Direction Home’, “the UK’s first and funniest refugee comedy collective” will be at the Merlin Theatre on Friday 21st June.

Join Ukrainian musician Olha Koptieva on Saturday 22nd June for crafts and live music at 23 Bath St. There’s a chance to view the critically acclaimed film ‘Limbo’ at Frome Town Hall on 18th June, following the story of young Syrian musician Omar as he awaits his application for asylum. For younger audiences, a series of film shorts exploring the migrant experience will be screened at the town hall on 20th June at 4pm, offering after-school refreshments, entertainment and an opportunity for discussion. The week ends with a family fun day in Victoria Park, offering storytelling, yoga for all ages, music sessions and crafts. Bring a picnic and grab a drink from the café.

Refugee Week runs from 17th to 23rd June. Booking is required for some events, though many are free, with a suggested donation to Frome Welcomes Refugees. www.discoverfrome.co.uk/annual-events/ refugee-week/

17th to 23rd June 2024

Celebrate Refugee Week 2024 in Frome with a packed calendar of live music, screenings and workshops.

discoverfrome.co.uk/refugee-week

Great Big Green Week

Frome is taking part in Great Big Green Week once again from Saturday 8th to Sunday 16th June. There are forty events for all ages, exploring and celebrating all things eco, naturebased and sustainable, grouped into five themes:

Swap, share, repair: Get involved with clothing and haberdashery swap sales, learn skills to keep your bike on the road with Frome Community Bike Project, or donate unwanted tech at the second Donate IT tech amnesty of 2024 on 15th June.

Food & growing: Learn about foraging, explore some of Frome’s allotments, green spaces and market gardens and enjoy a free ice cream with Frome Town Council in Victoria Park at the Big Green Summer Meetup.

Nature: Explore the River Frome, get pond dipping, explore ancient woodland, learn about bee-friendly gardening, and help gather data on Egford Park’s Tiny Forest.

Wellbeing: Bike rides, cycling for adult beginners, forest school and guided nature connection walks to start your day well.

Taking action: Hear from activists and specialists and plan how you too can make a difference.

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 URQUHART & HUNT

lex@flowersforgood.co.uk flowersforgood.co.uk flowersforgooduk

Connecting with nature, through education, collaboration & creativity.

cushions & blindsMy skill & adviceYour fabricWe’ll produce wondeful results 07779951691 anna-design.uk

Frome 01373 452225

Melksham 01225 617779

Trowbridge 01225 754021

Warminster 01985 213350

Westbury 01373 301448

DO / SEE / GO

Frome Festival 2024

Frome Festival is gearing up for its biggest ever programme, with 250 events taking place over ten days. This year’s theme celebrates 60 years of Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, featuring artwork by celebrated illustrator Sholto Walker, depicting Willy Wonka striding down the streets of Frome. To celebrate this theme, five Golden Tickets will be hidden at various Festival events, with winners receiving a scrumdiddlyumptious spending spree at Frome’s local chocolatier and café, Choc et al.

The community arts festival has been a popular fixture in the town since 2001, and aims to offer something for everyone, young and old, including different types of music, theatre, comedy, spoken word, art, dance, film, workshops, children’s events, and food or drink experiences. Children can enjoy bouldering workshops, comic art master classes, science and exploration of pondlife, theatre productions, a Willy Wonka Rave, outdoor shows and so much more.

This year Frome Festival is teaming up with Frome Independent Market on Sunday 7th July, taking over their entertainment stages with music, street theatre and dance.

Highligh t s

Internationally acclaimed bass-baritone SIR WILLARD White will travel from Schubert to spirituals, musicals to traditional songs, accompanied by Eugene Asti on piano.

Friday 5th July / 6pm / Cooper Hall

ALBERTA CROSS play anthemic Americana-tinged songs and have toured with Johnny Marr, Oasis, Neil Young and many others. Frontman Petter Ericson Stakee now calls Frome home.

Friday 5th July / 7.30pm / The Tree House

One of Frome’s favourite free events, the  FESTIVAL FOOD FEAST returns for a celebration of amazing international street food, live music and entertainment. Sponsored by local Frome company Lilley’s Cider.

Saturday 6th July / 5pm / Cattle Market Car Park

The hilarious stand-up comic  JENNY ECLAIR was the first woman to win the coveted Perrier Award at Edinburgh Festival in 1995 and hasn’t stopped banging on about it since.

Sunday 7th July / 7.30pm / Merlin Theatre

RAGHU DIXIT returns to the Frome Festival after his triumphant debut last year. Often hailed as India’s biggest cultural and musical export, their unique brand of infectious, happy music transcends age, genre and even language.

Sunday 7th July / 7.30pm / Cheese & Grain

The spectacular Swinging at the COTTON CLUB is a visual and musical feast paying homage to legends such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Basie, with breathtaking dance routines.

Monday 8th July / 7pm / Cheese & Grain

In the atmospheric setting of Holy Trinity Church, renowned organ virtuoso DAVID BEDNALL will provide an improvised soundtrack to the classic 1922 horror movie, NOSFERATU

Monday 8th July / 9pm / Holy Trinity Church

The raucous OLD TIME SAILORS  will take you back in time with an immersive experience of traditional seafaring music. Fancy dress encouraged!

Tuesday 9th July / 7.30pm / Cheese & Grain

Former economics editor of Newsnight and Channel 4, and a regular Guardian contributor,  PAUL MASON presents this year’s Bob Morris Lecture, a keynote speech that is an annual highlight of the Festival programme.

Wednesday 10th July / 7pm / Cheese & Grain

In his much-anticipated return to stand-up, legendary comic RICHARD HERRING presents his brand-new tour show where he talks bollocks about his recent experience with testicular cancer.

Thursday 11th July / 7.30pm / Cheese & Grain

Scottish trailblazers  PEATBOG FAERIES have created a glorious mixture of traditional sounds and dance-floor grooves, creating a hypnotic sound that no-one can resist dancing to.

Friday 12th July / 7.30pm / Cheese & Grain

Nestled in a breathtaking location just 15 minutes from Frome, All Hallows is a Prep School for day and boarding children aged 3 to 13.

Our curriculum is far from ordinary; it’s a journey that goes beyond traditional learning.

Woven into it is a robust emphasis on co-curricular opportunities, creating an indescribable uniqueness that even we find hard to put into words.

At All Hallows, we prioritise the happiness and well-being of each pupil, making a truly exceptional education experience.

Please contact Jackie Truelove, All Hallows’ Registrar, to find out more.