I can barely believe that it has been a year since I was elected to represent Frome North. It has truly been a remarkable 12 months. I have loved (almost) every moment of it, but most importantly I have learned, grown, and discovered so much about the community.
What I have learned about Frome North:
Each village, town and hamlet has its own personality. There are big characters, wonderful people, interesting issues, and most importantly a strong sense of community across the area. There is also an almost tangible commitment to neighbours, passion for the environment, a love of heritage and support for local businesses. And each parish brings together skilled, experienced, and enthusiastic people who only want one things - to improve life better for everyone in their community. The councillors work tirelessly, are seldom noticed (unless something isn’t going well) but are driven to get on with the job. I know that everyone in the community is very appreciative of the work they do.
What I have learned about myself:
Although I am learning more about myself every day (especially in my role as a councillor), as a Somerset Councillor I have realised my biggest love and strength - learning. I love learning about people so that I can understand what makes them tick. The more I know about processes and systems, the better I can be at my job. Learning forms the foundation for me to be a better person and to be a better councillor.
What have I done over the past 12 months?
The 4Ps: planning, potholes, parking and poo (dog poo). There has been a lot of litter and fly tipping to deal with, and of course buses, gritting, bridges, lighting and road repairs.
More recently I have been working on paths, rivers, gardening projects, markets, HGVs, libraries, and licencing.
Over the months I have also been involved with school placements, sport for young people, the elderly, housing, business development, markets, fire strategies, our Ukrainian community, and hosting the first (of many) Parish Roadshows, and other casework.
I have had the greatest pleasure meeting and connecting with:
Fair Frome, Active and InTouch, deafPlus, Health, Heritage and Green Connectors, Focus Frome, the ME Association, Aging Well, Rode Climate Community, Frome Market Health Hub, BANDS (Bath Autism and Neurodiversity spectrums), Frome Birth Talk, Aging without Children, Skill Up Somerset, Bus Partnership, SpeedWatch, Royal British Legion, Frome and Somerset Chambers of Commerce, Village Agents, Frome College, and Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership.
My diary is filling up with opportunities to meet with more organisations that are doing amazing things in the area.
I should have kept a record of the number of cups of teas and decaf lattes I have drunk at meetings. I do know it is many (but I will keep the numbers of cakes and biscuits to myself). Every meeting has filled me with joy, and always with a list of steps to take to ensure the meetings more than just a ‘talking shops’.
My goal is to continue to support organisations that impact our daily lives, and to connect them to our community and to each other. And my focus is to support those in Frome North to access what they need from the Somerset Council, non-profits, charities, and their communities, to live their best lives.
I am so looking forward to the second year representing Frome North, learning even more, and hopefully making a difference.
