The List Frome - March 2024

Rose Langley

As I write, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and I am sitting/hiding in a small dark room, trying to tap this out at lightning speed whilst my small one naps and my big one uses every single cushion in the sitting room to create a den from which he can attack any unwelcome intruder. Ah, it must be half term. Squeezing work into snatched moments is the speciality of all selfemployed people. Not for us the 9-5, leaving work at the door and only checking emails when at your desk. Family holidays are almost exclusively organised (accidentally) for my deadline week, so while my husband and siblings sit about dousing themselves in vino collapso, I’m in yet another small dark space, hiding from children and tapping away furiously at my laptop (both speed and temper).

Ah, it must be half term. Squeezing work into snatched moments is the speciality of all self-employed people.

I remember deciding that I was going to be self employed when I was about ten. I observed my dad, dividing his time between writing in his office shed and working outdoors, in the veg garden, with the chickens and lambs, laying a hedge, or scything the field - it looked very relaxing, in a hearty sort of way. Ah, the rose-tinted eyes of youth. Times have changed, and

hand-in-hand with the freedom of self-employment comes the pressing need to be constantly available to respond to people immediately. It’s barely comparable with my dad’s working day of writing a book on a typewriter, in a shed, out of earshot of the phone and ten miles from the nearest town. It is the norm for me to check my emails last thing at night and first thing in the morning, but I am also very aware that this habit is not conducive to happiness. Like many people, I know that the normalised overuse of technology is bad for me but I do it anyway. So this month I am testing out a new way of working. I’m going back to 2002. A time when we had computers, email, mobiles, but we were also separate entities, not glued together for fear of seeming unprofessional, disconnected or just missing out. I’ll work set days and set hours and will not answer work calls when I’m with my kids (I’ll admit that this serves the dual purpose of not having to explain the background yelling/gurgling/incessant questions to a potential advertiser). And I (this one is a big one) WILL NOT WORK WEEKENDS. Phew. I’ll let you know how I get on next month. Or not, if everything falls apart and this old rag crumbles into obscurity from my lack of 24hr availability….

What the Veck?

Merlin Theatre, March 15th, 8pm, £12

Tom Veck brings charm and warmth to a show where relatable domestic ditties, stories from his peculiar past and the confessions of strangers will have you on the edge of your seat wondering What the Veck is coming next! During his run of 5-star shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, Tom began collecting embarrassing admissions and real life confessions from strangers and transforming them into comedy songs - and he’s been unstoppable ever since! Pluck a random person from his confessional music box and prepare for belly laughs galore. Stories aren’t all he collects. During ‘The Naffle’ you’ll have the chance of winning an unimaginably hideous raffle prize from the local boot sale.

Window Wanderland

March 1st - 4th, 5.30pm - 10pm

Frome Window Wanderland is back. This beautiful walking art trail takes you around the residential streets of Frome to see the awesome displays lit up in the windows of hundreds of houses. The event brings the community together, inspires creativity and promotes wellbeing and good mental health, aiming to get people outdoors, active and socialising during a time of year where lots of people end up indoors and isolated. Full details can be found at windowwanderland.com

Pennie Elfick RWA, Patterns of Silence

The Whittox Gallery, March 2nd – April 21st

A new solo show, Patterns of Silence, by abstract artist Pennie Elfick RWA will begin at the Whittox Gallery this March. Pennie will showcase her new large scale paintings and prints in the contemporary gallery’s unique space in the heights of the beautifully renovated former chapel.

“I am an abstract artist whose practice is informed by the world around me. I see colour, line and shape wherever I look, it could be a fleeting movement of light, an ancient mosaic, architectural shapes both modern and old, the formal layout of an apple orchard, shadows cast by natural or manmade items. This visual information is used as the basis of my work.”

Pennie Elfick lives and works in Somerset and has exhibited her work all over the UK. She studied MA painting at the Wimbledon School of Art and completed her degree at London Guildhall University. She is a member of the Somerset Printmakers and, in 2023, was selected to become an RWA Academician. This show promises to be a calm and meditative experience for the viewer, an escape from the chaos of daily life.

Open Afternoon & Meet the Artist on Saturday 2nd March from 2pm until 4pm.

www.thewhittoxgallery.com

@thewhittoxgallery

2 Bridge St . Frome . BA11 1BB

www.blackswanarts.org.uk

Open 7 days a week 10am - 4pm

FREE ENTRY

Registered Charity No.292463

Tea Dance for Young and Old

Rook Lane Chapel, March 16th, 1pm- 3pm, donation

Step into a world of warmth and connection at the Festival Tea Dance, a special event for children aged up to 6 years and for the over 60s. Enjoy a blend of fun and heart-warming activities such as stories, puzzles and games, plus live music from the BathTub Orchestra and from Rosanna Schura, who will be singing all the old classics. This will be a joyful celebration of community, where we will foster bonds that bridge the age gap, letting kindness take centre stage.

Organiser Gemma, told us that they “are looking for twenty children plus accompanying adults to join us for the Tea Dance. Members of the older generation will be joining us from local care homes and support groups.” For more information contact Gemma on gemmathegoodheart@gmail.com

Witchfest Market

Cheese & Grain, March 2nd, 9am - 3pm

Witchfest Market is back in Frome, creating the perfect opportunity to find unusual and interesting gifts with a witchy twist. You’ll find a huge selection of stalls, selling anything and everything including: wax melts, clothes, jewellery, home decor, kitchenware, candles and scented products, vintage and rare items, handmade products, spellcraft, ritual accessories and much more.

Charlie Connelly presents ‘Attention All Shipping’

Merlin Theatre, March 4th, 7.30pm, £16

As the shipping forecast turns 100 years old this year, bestselling author and award-winning broadcaster Charlie Connelly’s hilarious and informative show brings the quirky broadcast vividly to life. How did a weather forecast for ships capture the hearts of a nation, from salty old sea dogs to insomniac landlubbers? How is it possible for ‘rain later’ to be ‘good’? And where the hell is North Utsire? Delving into the history of the forecast and the extraordinary people who made it, Charlie explains what those curious phrases really mean, celebrates its wide cultural impact, and shares rip-roaring adventures from his own extraordinary journey through the 31 sea areas. He recounts the times he was accused by the media of trying to annex Rockall from the British government and sang sea shanties with Tom Hardy in a Manx hotel bar while Scary Spice pulled the pints – and presents his case for the shipping forecast being our finest achievement.

Blue Carbon (film)

Rook Lane Chapel, March 21st, 7pm - 10pm

Blue Carbon is a new environmental documentary that shows how we may have overlooked one of nature’s most simple solutions to the climate crisis. It is told through the eyes of Grammy-nominated music producer, DJ and marine biologist Jayda Guy, accompanied by a score from the Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA and featuring Seu Jorge. Bringing together music and science, it uncovers why listening to nature and to each other is key.

The evening is being hosted by the Frome International Climate Film Festival, the first and only dedicated climate film festival in the world, which takes place every May. Both this film and the Climate Film Festival showcase the importance of kindness to each other and to nature, the environment, and the planet we co-exist on.

Raving Rascals

Rook Lane, March 31st, 3 - 6pm

It’s time for the whole family to get together this Easter for another Raving Rascals. Taking place at the fabulous Rook Lane Chapel, you and your little people can get raving to Jungle, Garage and Drum & Bass, go bonkers on the bouncy castle and get glammed up at the brilliant Glitter Temple. There will be a tuck shop available with soft drinks and snacks throughout the event.

Ruth Broadway ‘Time and Tide’

Black Swan Arts, March 2nd – April 14th

Ruth Broadway is a multi-media artist based in Bristol. Her work captures things at the cusp of change, e.g. a moon, a moth, a girl, a woman, the tide. She uses the physical acts of stitching, dyeing, printing, collecting and preserving to tether the ephemeral. This exhibition shows how the rituals of daily noticing, recording and making can foster appreciation of the quiet transformation happening around us. Inspired by traditional folk craft, Ruth embraces the prosaic nature of these techniques to create work that becomes loveletters to the passing of time, transformation and the fragility of life. Folktales – especially those where the unexceptional hero must overcome apparently impossible obstacles (spinning straw into gold, silently weaving barbed shirts for seven cursed brothers, finding the way home by following bread crumbs and so on) – are a ceaseless source of inspiration and can be seen in the repetitive techniques Ruth uses. She is drawn to stories of transformation, whether physical or metaphorical; dramatic and magical or slow and ordinary.

ADHD and Women with Dr Samantha Hiew

Cheese & Grain, March 5th, 7pm, £16

With rising ADHD and autism diagnoses in women and girls, we’re facing an unprecedented demand for answers. What does getting diagnosed with ADHD do for you? What answers were you searching for when you resonated with a social media post about ADHD?

Join Samantha Hiew, founder of ADHD Girls, as she takes you on a journey to come to terms with your story and move forward your way. This talk

will introduce our collective experiences of what it means to be a woman in this world, the lives we’ve endured to spark self-acceptance, compassion, and love, empowering you with individualised ways of moving forward that work for you.

American Road Trip

The American Museum, 9 March – 31 December 2024

The American Museum & Gardens will host a family friendly special exhibition for 2024, with an epic journey through the diversity of American landscapes, history and culture. People travel in all parts of the globe, but the road trip is an experience forever American. American Road Trip presents the origins and stories behind the cultural phenomenon, and transports us thousands of miles on the ultimate journey of discovery along Route 66 and beyond. Entering an immersive gallery of imagery, music and neon-lighting effects, visitors will experience a series of interactive spaces to explore different aspects of the iconic adventure.

Exhibition features include billboards showcasing the diverse history and culture of the American road trip, a giant USA map game to play out all kinds of routes across the continent, and favourite examples of the American road trip in popular culture.Visitors will be able to assemble a classic scene for a fun selfie in a theatrical car set, get up close to a 1958 Harley Davidson Duo Glide motorcycle, and navigate the USA via interactive dashboards featuring stunning landscape photography from America’s National Parks and beyond. Surrounded by inspiring stories, imagery and objects from the road, exhibition roadtrippers are encouraged to add their own American road trip wishes or memories to the displays.

BATH DECORATIVE ANTIQUES FAIR

THE PAVILION, BATH, BA2 4EU

15 - 16 MARCH 2024

10am – 5pm

PREVIEW THURSDAY 14 MARCH 12noon – 5pm

COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS: bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk

WHAT’S ON MARCH 2024

MARTHA TILSTON

SAT 2 MARCH | DOORS 7PM

Tickets £20 from Cheese and Grain Box office

FROME CONCERTS GROUP

TRIO KLEIN SUN

SUN 3 MARCH | DOORS 2.15PM

CRESWICK QUARTET

SUN 17 MARCH | DOORS 2.15PM

Tickets £25 from fromeconcertsgroup.org

FROME KINDNESS FESTIVAL

TEA DANCE FOR THE YOUNG AND OLD

SAT 16 MARCH 1PM TO 3PM

An event for children 0-6 and the over 60’s tea and cake with dancing to the BathTub Orchestra. Please book and make a donation at www.thegoodheart.uk

HOPE НАДІЯ ARTISTS IN DIALOGUE FROME & UKRAINE EXHIBITION

18 - 24 MARCH | 10.30AM TO 4PM DAILY

FILM: BLUE CARBON

THU 21 MARCH | 7PM - 10PM

donations via www.thegoodheart.uk

rooklane@nvbarchitects.co.uk

01373 468040 | www.rooklane.org.uk

Image credit: Not Wanted on Voyage

MARTHA TILSTON

The Awesome Studio

The Awesome Studio is a hot new venue at the Station in Frome, and it’s cooking up all kinds of fun events for the whole family. From the people behind events company Super Pirates, it’s a little laboratory of play and creativity. There are weekly toddler and baby ‘takeovers’, as well as yoga, antenatal classes, martial arts and a family arcade. After half term, the Awesome Studio is launching weekly hangouts for home educated children. On the last Thursday of every month, Retro Social gives adults an opportunity to get together in the company of retro games consoles and board games, a DJ and open decks - conversation is easy when you’re playing Mario Kart!

It’s also a space for hire, complete with sound system, 4k projector, DMX-controlled lights, with seating for approximately 100. It’s positioned as a versatile space that will suit various needs, including: photography, seminars, documentary screenings, classes and parties. Hourly rates start at just £20. To learn more, visit superpirates.co.uk/studio

NIGHT RIVER

In a town well known for its lively music scene, how do you create something that feels truly unique and so magical that you almost want to keep it a secret for the special few? The now legendary status of Night River’s intimate micro concerts, and the unbelievable level of talent among the musicians they host, means that this once secret night is now a favourite with the many music lovers of Frome, and beyond.

If you are going to bring talented musicians to play an intimate concert, you need to find an intimate venue, and Danny did just that. HydeAway plays host to Night River on an almost weekly basis, and this sumptuous little cocktail bar fits the brief perfectly. Unassuming from the outside, HydeAway’s cavern-like interior, with hidden nooks and eclectic décor, makes it feel a little like a speakeasy or burlesque joint from times gone by.

“It becomes a unique moment that benefits the musician and the listener, who is usually sitting just a few feet away from the performance.”

Back in 2022, songwriter Danny Green, better known as DG Solaris, put on his first ever Night River concert. Originally from West Yorkshire, but now a resident of Rode village, Danny became an integral part of the Willkommen Collective, a sprawling, interconnected group of inspired songwriters and musicians, including The Leisure Society, and toured the world as drummer for nine-piece prog folk band, Sons of Noel and Adrian and his own band, Laish.

Danny was later joined by his friend, and fellow Rode resident, Dario. His background in graphic design, art direction and documentary filmmaking means his varied role as the photographer, cameraman, designer and occasional doorman fit him perfectly.

The cosy nature of the venue means limited seating, naturally creating an intimate musical experience at every gig. “It’s a small space, but we believe that limitation is what makes this such a special night,” he told us. “It becomes a unique moment that benefits the musician and the listener, who is usually sitting just a few feet away from the performance.” The result is that artists love to play at Night River because they feel listened to and appreciated. “It’s often a little terrifying for a singer’s first time because they are so close to their audience, but ultimately they get comfortable and feel like they’re performing in their living room.”

The stage is very small, and this means there’s just about enough space for the performer and their instrument. “There’s something wonderful about hearing a song that you might know well, delivered in a simple, acoustic way,” says Dario. “Hearing songs in this stripped down version often led me to understand them in a different way.”

After almost two years and over fifty shows, and bringing many artists to Frome for the first time. There have been some fairly big names through the door, including Beth Rowley, Robert Vincent and The Gentle Good. “Perhaps most notably, we hosted legendary 70s folk rocker, Terry Reid, which sold out in just a few hours. He was full of stories about his friends hanging with the Sex Pistols and going for dinner at Mick Jagger’s house,” Dario recalled.

For listeners to have a truly memorable experience, it means cutting out the noise - the distraction of phones and even conversation. At Night River, you have permission to sit back, relax and just be. Danny said the atmosphere is like a hushed pin drop, a very focussed room. “For once you can just deeply zone into the music. It’s thrilling to see great live performers up close. To hear their fingers

brush the guitar. Our musicians often say it’s been their favourite show of the tour, because they feel they have been truly listened to. I feel so lucky to have been able to bring such talent to our gorgeous town. And sometimes I find the opportunity to perform myself and occasionally collaborate with the artists, which is a real honour for me.”

Dario and Danny run each Night River evening much like a theatrical format: guests arrive between 7- 8pm, order drinks and socialise. Then the music starts and runs in two 45-minute sessions, with a 30-minute break in between.

Expect to see Dario at the back of the room with his camera, as he endeavours to record as many songs as possible on the nights. Favourites will be added to their YouTube channel @NightRiver, with a Spotify playlist to support it.

Upcoming concerts will feature Hannah White, Michele Stodart, DG Solaris, Nana M. Rose, Jack Francis, Ella Clayton, Sweet Baboo, Daudi Matsiko, Josienne Clarke and John Murry. As there are only thirty seats, the nights often sell out quite far in advance, so if you see a name you like, be quick.

Website with all ticket listings: nightriver.net

@nightriverpresents  | @nightriverpresents YouTube @nightriver

Dario & Danny Adam Way

Ella Clayton

THU 7 Trio Paradis Café Concert: Daughters of the Muse Christchurch, 1.15pm, free Night River presents Josienne Clarke HydeAway, 7pm, £20

MON

THU 14

Night River presents Chris Brain HydeAway, 7pm, £12

THU 21

Blue Carbon (film) Rook Lane Chapel, 7pm - 10pm Selwood Academy presents Matilda The Musical Jr 7pm, £11/£7.50

Photo by ©Ed Schofield

FRI 1

Frome Window Wonderland 5.30 - 10pm

FRI 8

Ladies’ Literary Lunch Bistro Lotte, 12.30pm, £35 (via fromefestical.co.uk)

Lu In Luland Merlin Theatre, 7.30pm, £15 ‘Women’s Adventure Film Tour’ film screening

Frome Boulder Rooms, 8pm, £11

FRI 15

Tom Veck presents What The Veck? Merlin Theatre, 8pm, £12

The Vaults Folk and Roots Open Mic The Bennet Centre, 7.30pm, £3-£5

SAT 2

Witchfest Market

Cheese & Grain, 9am - 3pm, free

Pennie Elfick RWA

‘Patterns Of Silence’ Meet the Artist, The Whittox Gallery, 2-4pm

Frome Window Wonderland 5.30 - 10pm

Martha Tilson

Rook Lane Chapel, 7pm, £20

Boy On The Roof Merlin Theatre, 7.30pm, £15

SAT 9

Frome Farmers Market

Boyles Cross, 9am - 1pm

Frome Jazz Club presents Stolen Moments Christ Church, 3pm, free

Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggieri Merlin Theatre, 7.30pm, £23

SAT 16

Tea Dance for Young and Old Rook Lane Chapel, 1-3pm, donation

SUN 3

Frome Independent Market

Frome Town Centre, 10am - 3pm

Frome Concerts Group presents: Trio Klein 2.15pm for 3pm start, £25

Frome Window Wonderland 5.30 - 10pm

FRI 22

Selwood Academy presents Matilda The Musical Jr 7pm, £11/£7.50

SAT 23

Selwood Academy presents Matilda The Musical Jr 7pm, £11/£7.50

The Canterbury Tales

St Margaret’s Church, Corsley, 7pm, £10-£17 (halfcuttheatre.co.uk)

SUN 10

Frome Voices Spring Concert

Cheese & Grain, 7.30pm, £15

HANNAH WHITE | THU 28

SUN 17

Spring Natural Dyes Workshop with Jordan Maxwell 11am - 1pm, £38

Frome Concerts Group presents: Creswick Quarter 2.15pm for 3pm start, £25

Caroline Radcliffe & Graham Dent Tazz Trio Cornerhouse, 7.30pm, free

SUN 24

Messy Weekenders at Vallis Farm If Lost Start Here ifloststarthere.com

The Motive and The Cue (screening) Merlin Theatre, 7pm, £16

SUN 31

Raving Rascals

Rook Lane Chapel, 3 - 6pm, kids £6, Adults £5, Family £18

Pomona Supper Club

Spring in the Cloisters

The ever so popular Pomona Supper Club is back this Spring, with an evening of exceptional food and good company. This month’s club will be held in the beautiful cloisters beneath the Bennett Centre - an atmospheric venue which has been a huge hit at previous dinners. Run by chef Lucy, Pomona has taken Frome by storm, with each supper club selling out and Lucy now branding off into private catering, by popular demand. “I wanted Pomona to be the kind of place I would want to spend my evenings off - a relaxed, friendly dining experience but with proper food. The supper club is a simple concept: a seasonal menu served in a beautiful setting, all carefully chosen to initiate conversation and friendships.”

“I take quality, local produce and celebrate it with robust flavours.”

Lucy hosts each supper club as a pop-up at venues in and around Frome, picked to suit the time of year, from flowering country gardens to stunning churches and cloisters. Guests dine together on shared tables adorned with seasonal flowers, country-style tableware and candlelight. Supper is a four-course, feasting style menu centred on sharing plates and platters to pass along the table, and each supper finishes with a West Country cheese paired with a glass of Somerset Pomona Brandy. Lucy’s

food focuses on provenance and seasonality. “I take quality, local produce and celebrate it with robust flavours. I speak often with Nigel from H.E Williams as well as Tom, a local producer who advises me on what is in season and at its best, and this steers my menus for each supper club.”

Lucy’s deep knowledge and experience of all things food started when she worked as a private chef, catering in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, working on high-end yachts and in private villas. After returning to the UK, she worked under chef Emily Scott in Port Isaac, Cornwall and more recently at the beloved High Pavement in Frome. “I learned that how you host, and the dining experience you create, the setting, the styling, the service, are just as important as the food when it comes to creating the perfect event.”

Everybody is welcome at Pomona, from singles to large groups, to share a love of food in beautiful surroundings, and maybe make a new friend or two. As well as running Pomona Supper Club, Lucy now also offers private catering, prepared lunches, catering for corporate functions and a dropoff delivery service. For more information go to: pomonasupperclub.co.uk

Pomona’s Spring Supper Club is on March 23rd. To book email bookings@pomonasupperclub.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

SPRING SUPPER CLUB

SATURDAY 23 MARCH

WELCOME DRINKS FROM 18:15

£55 PER PERSON

CLOISTERS AT THE BENNETT CENTER, VICARAGE ST, FROME

TO SHARE

FOCACCIA

ROASTED GARLIC & TOMATO

PORK & LEMON POLPETTINE

WARM SOUSED MACKEREL SPINACH SALAD

GRIDDLED ASPARAGUS & BABY LEEKS

ROMESCO SAUCE

MAIN

SLOW ROAST BEEF RIBS, HONEY, ANISE & CREAMED CAULIFLOWER OR

STUFFED ROLLED AUBERGINE, FETA, KALAMATA OLIVE, TOMATO & WALNUTS (V)

WILD GARLIC BUTTERBEANS

CHARRED TENDERSTEM

SOMETHING SWEET

EGG CUSTARD TART, POACHED RHUBARB & GINGER, CLOTTED CREAM

TO FINISH

CHEESE & BRANDY 07500484845

JOSIE MITCHELL

AND HER DREAMY NEW PREMISES

Frome jeweller Josie Mitchell has taken up residence on Palmer Street’s High Pavement, in her first dedicated retail space. “The space has been mindfully curated to feel as though you are walking into a mermaid’s cave, full of curiosities and collected sea treasures,” says Josie. “I wanted the space to feel ethereal and magical, to match the aesthetic of my jewellery, which I make by hand on site. I’ve had lots of customers (returning and new) comment on how beautiful and warm the space feels.”

Josie is enjoying having her own dedicated space since moving from the friendly community of makers at The Iron Gates. “I am enjoying the solitude of working by myself - I have found a new level of creative freedom and I’m very excited to launch new pieces very soon.”

“My jewellery is inspired by the ocean and organic textures reflecting the nature that surrounds us.”

Josie trained locally, first at Trowbridge College and then with local superstar jeweller Tom McEwan. “Tom helped me develop my skills and taught me the importance of individuality within your creative process. It was a great opportunity that I am very thankful for. But it has been during the countless hours of practising and honing my craft at my bench that I have really found my personal style. My jewellery is inspired by the ocean and organic textures reflecting the nature that surrounds us. I am also inspired by ancient jewellery and unburied treasure, so each piece features a raw and organic texture that makes it feel as though it has lived a previous life.” Josie mostly makes one-of-a-kind pieces that are showcased in the shop and online.

“I specialise in bespoke heirloom re-modelling and custom engagement rings, and love working oneto-one with my clients to create something truly unique and timeless.”

After being on Palmer Street for only a few weeks, Josie has already been welcomed into Frome’s independent retail community with open arms. “There is a wonderful sense of support and encouragement from the retailers - everyone wants what is best for the town and the people that live here. Frome is a wonderful place to have an independent business - there are so many like-minded individuals that have a deep appreciation for the arts and craftsmanship. I feel very lucky to have this shop in my home town. I’ve seen Frome in all stages of progression, and feel very proud to call this place home.”

Find Josie at 6 Palmer Street or online at: josiemitchelljewellery.com

£27.50

£39

Christina Oswin Jewellery

Art by Ciara Bandana in Cream Floral  £12.00

Honey on the Hill

Inner Guidance pendant in sterling silver £140

Josie Mitchell Jewellery

Heart posey locket 22ct gold on silver £285.00

Marchbank Jewellery

Face Mask with Pink Clay, Rosehip & Strawberry £16

Hibi Botanics

hibibotanics.com

Honey On The Hill Oakville Naturals

Jo Lucksted Ceramic Hanging Planter £45 Black Swan Shop

Why Women Grow by Alice Vincent £16.99

Hunting Raven

Fox & Cubs - Lioncut by Ella Clogstoun £45

Whittox Gallery Shop

Leather Tote Bag £110

Badger House Leather

SOMERSET FARMERS MARKET

Help Somerset Farmers Markets celebrate their 25th year re-establishing a thriving local food system

In 1999, Somerset Farmers Markets (SFM) opened their first market to help local, small-scale producers sell their produce to local customers. 25 years later, they’re still doing exactly that, only these days with seven markets across the county.

Two of those markets are in Frome – one at Boyle Cross every second Saturday of the month (excluding January), and another as part of the Frome Independent held March - December every first Sunday of the month. SFM’s Boyle Cross market has gone through a fair amount of evolution of late, having relocated from the Cheese & Grain – where it had been for 24 years – to the marketplace at the bottom of Cheap Street in 2022. The move had the intention of making the market more visible, but has also gained a slew of new traders as part of its ranks, including White Lake (goat and sheep’s cheese made in Shepton), Meadowsweet Farm (regenerative beef from just outside Frome), Dowding’s (apple juice and cider from Wincanton), and Hoolee’s (sweet treats from a Babington pastry chef based in town).

But, a market isn’t a market without its customers. Thanks to you, people of Frome, SFM at Boyle Cross has enjoyed a wonderful bedding into town. Should that keep going, who’s to say a localised food system directly supporting sustainable farmers won’t continue for another quarter of a century?

SFM’s next market takes place at Boyle Cross on Saturday March 9th, 9am-1pm. Further info and other dates at somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk.

Photos by ©Ed Schofield

Frome Kindness Festival

KINDNESS BUILDS BRIDGES

Organised by the Good Heart team, this year’s Frome Kindness Festival is bigger than ever, with captivating music performances, inspiring exhibitions, unexpected pop-ups, engaging workshops and a Kind Bank. Dive into thought-provoking discussions and find inner peace through calming meditations.

The many fascinating speakers in this year’s festival include inspiring international peace builder Jo Berry, British cinema legend Ken Loach, toddler tantrum expert Mikkel B. Kristiansen, and Restorative Justice advocate Nigel Whiskin. There will be screenings, workshops, family friendly shindigs, and special events such as a week-long exhibition organised by Artists in Dialogue from the Ukraine and Frome, and an intergenerational Tea Dance with the BathTub Orchestra for Frome’s youngest and oldest. And thanks to a generous funder, more than half of the Festival activities and events will be completely free of charge.

Expect the unexpected and look forward to a place buzzing with creativity, daily from 10am - 4pm throughout the festival.

Explore heart-warming initiatives aimed at spreading joy and compassion throughout the community, from the Seeds in the Workplace project, organised by Frome Seed Library, where local businesses compete to grow the tallest sunflower, to the Stories of Kindness project inviting residents to share their tales of warm-heartedness with the Frome Writers Collective. The Kindness Trail will offer a self-guided journey through Frome’s streets, uncovering hidden acts of kindness, the Micro Providers Make a Difference initiative will support individuals to spend quality time with clients in need, and the festival’s ongoing partnership with Fair Frome will bring some extra warmth and compassion to their weekly food parcels.

Don’t miss the vibrant festival hub, Kind Bank, housed in the unused HSBC building by the Boyle Cross. Drop by to experience a bank that deals with kindness rather than cash, book for festival events, and enjoy free activities and a hot drink. Expect the unexpected and look forward to a place buzzing with creativity, daily from 10am - 4pm throughout the festival.

The overall theme of this years Kindness Festival is ‘Kindness Builds Bridges’ and the Good Heart team hopes that it will help us all reflect and reach out at a time of increasing conflict and difficulty in the world. Kindness is our natural superpower. It’s free of charge and scientifically proven to help us live happier and healthier lives.

Frome Kindness Festival runs from March 16th – 22nd.

For the full programme and bookings, visit www.thegoodheart.uk.

FIVE ELEMENTS ACUPUNCTURE

The Foot Clinic & Therapy Rooms 20 Christchurch Street West Frome . BA11 1EG

Tim Cummins Lic.Ac ITEC MBAcC timcummins108@gmail.com timcumminsacupuncture.com

RECLAIM YOUR MOJO BACK FROM THE UNIVERSE! MOJOMOVES.CO.UK

CHEESE & GRAIN, FROME, TUESDAY 18:45 RISE, FROME, FRIDAY 09:30

THANKS TO THE SOMERSET COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WE CAN NOW OFFER LIMITED CONCESSIONARY PLACES* UNTIL END OF MARCH

*SUGGESTED £4 PER CLASS INSTEAD OF £8

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Gentle, effective, non-invasive, therapy for aches, pains, restricted movement, injuries, stress & many other problems.

Janie Godfrey - Frome Bowen Clinic 01373 452 422 www.bowenclinicfrome.com

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.

OUT OF THE DARKNESS

A Nightime Soundscape from Heal Rewilding

Agroundbreaking wildlife soundscape experience performed after nightfall is coming to Somerset this Spring. Out of the Darkness is an immersive audio installation taking place deep in nature at Heal Somerset, Heal Rewilding’s 460-acre foundation rewilding site. It is believed to be the first time that a night soundscape of wildlife will be played to an audience in a rewilding setting.

Each performance will take the audience on a wildlife night sound journey, blending the calls, growls, snuffles and squeaks of creatures from the present with others recently lost and, thrillingly, those that would have been familiar to ancient peoples who once lived in the landscape.

As night falls, the audience will be led by torchlight to the event space and take their seats for the 40-minute performance. They will first listen to any live night noises and then, out of the darkness, the sounds will begin.

Out of the Darkness was developed by the Heal team in collaboration with award-winning creative director Robbie Sloan and sound designer Dan Swift, both volunteers. The event has been created as a provocation, to start a conversation about the profound changes that have happened almost imperceptibly in our countryside, raising

awareness about nature loss and the benefits of rewilding to nature recovery.

Jan Stannard, Heal’s Chair of Trustees and acting CEO, said: “We hope that the audiences for Out of the Darkness will have an unforgettable experience listening to a soundscape both familiar and lost from memory. The performance will also make the listener keenly aware of that loss but, at the same time, give them hope for the return of some of those sounds if nature is given new safe spaces in which to thrive, like the Heal Somerset rewilding project. We also hope that the work will bring new awareness of the power of rewilding and will encourage people to support our charity.”

Robbie Sloan, Creative Director, told us that: “embarking on this journey with Heal is a testament to the shared vision of restoring our connection with nature. We aim to transport audiences into the heart of the wild, bringing the symphony of wildlife into an intimate setting on the Heal rewilding site in Somerset. It is an incredible honour for me and the team.”

Dan Swift, Sound Designer, said: “Our natural environment is under attack and we sometimes feel there is nothing we can do, so when this opportunity to design the sound for Out of the Darkness came along it was easy to say yes. The theatre of the natural world has been given space to perform at Heal.”

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.