News in Frome

Discovery, the organisation which supports people with Learning Disabilities and Autism across Somerset, is calling for everyone living with a learning disability or autism in Somerset, and those that support them, to help shape its Community Fund by taking part in a county-wide consultation.

Organisations as diverse as People First, the Somerset Wildlife Trust and the Calvert Trust are amongst a wide range of organisations and groups that have successfully bid for funding ranging from £500 to £50,000 through the Fund in the past.

Earlier this year, Frome Town Council successfully secured £75k from Somerset County Council's Climate Emergency Community Fund with part of the funding being allocated to a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).

A Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan will create detailed and joined up infrastructure designs that plan safe walking and cycling routes around and through the town; having a plan will unlock further funding to make these designs a reality in the future.

A rare sight in the skies over Frome last night (June 23)

Thank you to star gazer Mike Read who took these photos of

A Summer of Play is this year's theme for the National Playday, and Frome Town Council are inviting young and old to join their Playday activities at Victoria Park and the Mary Baily Playing fields on Wednesday 4th August from 12 – 4pm. It promises to be an afternoon of fun and games for all to take part in.

The theme this year recognises the challenges everyone has faced over the past year and the need to enjoy and make time for play while having fun and being free of restrictions, so there will be an afternoon packed full of sports and games for all ages. The day will include competitions and prizes with activities such as storytelling and playful poetry to slacklining, skateboarding, graffiti boards and creative crafts, not to mention an array of sports including basketball, Rubgytots, tennis, martial arts and much, much more!

Following last year's redesign, Frome Town Council's new and improved Community Grants are helping community and voluntary organisations across Frome to support local projects and people. Successful applicants in the latest round include Frome's Missing Links, Fair Housing for Frome, Shared Earth, and Make the Sunshine. You can read the full list by clicking HERE : the Frome Town Council site

In planning news in and around Frome this week:

Two big decisions made locally this week.

Dozens of bikes have already been donated to this year's Bike Jumble, which is taking place outside Frome library on Sunday 27th June, from 10am – 2pm and organised by Frome's Missing Links in partnership with Frome Town Council.

Everything from rusty vintage-style 'project' bikes to top condition modern bikes have already been brought down to the first donation sessions and there are plenty of children's bikes, as well as adult town bikes, mountain bikes and full-suspension bikes for the trails. The donations include a number of shopper-style folding bikes and several well-made classic brands, including Dawes, Raleigh, and Claude Butler bikes.

Wowza - this will fill a few dog bowls.

Pupils at Critchill School, on Nunney Road in Frome show off the top prize in their forthcoming Fun Day and Dog Show to raise money for a new

Zero emission zones, more charging points and financial incentives could all be on the cards as Somerset's councils try to drive up electric vehicle usage across the county.

Somerset County Council, the four district councils and the Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) have come together to create a joint strategy on electric vehicles.

Frome Medical Practice, Frome Town Council and Health Connections Mendip have come together to offer local people the chance to take part in free sessions to help them understand what being 'online' means.

The sessions are open to people who consider themselves to be beginners or not very experienced where being online is concerned. The sessions will look at some of the basics of being online including using email, how to search for information online, how to video call and online shop and how to access government forms. During one of the workshops you will also be helped with signing up to the NHS App, which you can use for many things, including ordering prescriptions, viewing your medical history and checking your COVID-19 vaccination record. Participants will also find out about the wealth of health related information available online.