I have not written about this much but I am taking an increasing interest in the town of Frome, population 28,500 as of 2021 as it is more analogous to my social and cultural needs than Midsomer Norton where I currently live. By the way, the name ‘Frome’ comes from the Old British word ffraw meaning fair, fine or brisk and describing the flow of the river.

My view is that Frome is not far away from being the ideal town when it comes to social and cultural infrastructure. This June they had a survey which they called the from community survey to ask people what they want, and asked individuals to build a picture of the town.

They had about 11 of these boards done in great detail I would almost say obsessively so but at least we were able to get an idea of what people were thinking. When all said and done people want opportunities to meet and gather together with people who are sharing their interests. The health and family stuff is outside my remit. I’m interested in the community side of things and how we can integrate newcomers into Frome life

I know some of these boards are a bit difficult to read but you can use your PC controls  (or squeeze on a mobile) to increase the size and you should be able to see most of it.

I mentioned to two of the staff members at the main problem was getting volunteers especially as there are so many organizations and I imagine the jam would be spread a bit thin. I thought that newcomers would see this as a way of getting involved in society as well as contributing to something that they enjoyed anyway.

Over a period of three hours on a hot and sunny day I reckon there must have been about 50 or 60 visitors some of whom stayed a short time, sum of who lingered. I don’t think it matters about the numbers because the town is showing willing to listen to people and the word will get around and will increase the amount of goodwill.

In my previous work in London when I started London Village which was a large social organisation, the invisible people I regarded as the most important. They were the ones who had recently been divorced, the ones who were inherently shy, the ones who did not like crowds, and the ones who were new to an area and did not know anyone. Human Nature has not changed much since the 1970s save that the amount of devices to incite fear has increased

During the week day there are not many people even in the favourite street St.Catherine’s Hill and I guess the shops must survive on weekend and holiday trade. I saw this notice and I will try to attend..