News in Frome

Primary schools in Frome still have plans to re-open next week after the government confirmed all primaries in London would remain closed due to rising coronavirus numbers.

As of today (January 2) schools which have put out newsletters to parents still have plans to re-open.

The local Frome rescue centre is now looking for new homes for 17 rescued tiels, several of whom, as you can see needed a lot of care and attention but all of whom have now completed a quarantine period.

Happy New Year from Beckington Astronomical Society to our fellow enthusiasts of the night sky. Let us hope that 2021 brings us a lot more pleasure than 2020 and that the skies will be clear to allow us to enjoy our hobby to the full.

The new year starts with a chance to see the Quadrantid meteor shower. The radiant, or apparent source, is a little to the East of the star Alkaid in the constellation of Ursa Major. This star is also the end of the handle of the Plough, the asterism that forms part of Ursa Major. The expected peak of the shower will actually fall during the day on 3rd January but, weather permitting, there should be good sightings on both the nights of 2nd/3rd and 3rd/4th. The waning gibbous moon will hinder observations of the fainter meteors but hopefully the brighter elements will still be visible.

Frome's recycling centre, although closed today (January 1 2021) WILL re-open, Somerset Waste Partnership has confirmed.

The company has confirmed that all 16 recycling sites remain open under coronavirus Tier4 restrictions - which Frome moved into on December 31.

A tree for every chimney they sweep - that's the pledge from the local sweeping company.

In their New Year's resolution this local company will be making a positive change and making a real commitment with their tree pledge.

Like many charities during the coronavirus pandemic, Somerset's five Citizens Advice services have had to change the way that they help local people.

More and more individuals and families are seeking advice over the telephone and email, on issues related to their finances or employment, through to consumer, relationship or housing problems.

The head of operations for the South Western Ambulance Service , who lives in Frome, has been made an OBE in the New Year's honours.

Wayne Mark Darch was specially recognised for services during the coronavirus pandemic.

While the year has been marked by divisions and disagreements at international and national level - what everyone can agree is that 2020 has been quite a year.

The coronavirus pandemic has meant a huge change in how we live our lives, not just in Frome but across a wider Somerset.

Frome College will not be opening its doors to pupils on Monday - except for children who are vulnerable or whose parents are critical workers - with the key exam year now aiming for a return on January 11.

The government has today imposed what it calls " The education contingency framework " which imposes a staggered return for secondary schools and colleges by one week.

Frome - along with the rest of Somerset will be moving into Tier 4 from just after midnight.

The announcement that Somerset (Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton, and South Somerset) will be moving to Tier 4 from Thursday 31 December) was made by the Health Secretary.