What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Frome Times, 31 Market Place, Melksham (2025)

30/07/2025

Rotary Club of Frome marks 100 years of community service

The Rotary Club of Frome is celebrating its 100th year of fundraising for deserving causes and is planning various events across the town to mark the milestone.

Since its founding in 1925, the club has worked to improve life in the local area through service and support for charitable projects. The club is part of a global Rotary network with 1.4 million volunteers worldwide.

Frome is home to three active Rotary clubs, the Rotary Club of Frome, Frome Selwood and Frome Town Rotary, with around 90 members combined.

Earlier this month, the group gathered at The Assembly Rooms for a special centenary evening, celebrating over 100 years of service to the town. The event featured a performance by two members of local entertainment group, The Woodlanders, who reenacted Rotary’s very first meeting, which took place at The George Hotel in 1925.

Pictured: Guy Parkinson, Assistant District Governor; Patrick O’Toid, President Frome Selwood Rotary Club; Richard Lines, President Frome Rotary Club; Christine Peacock, Frome Town Rotary member; and Mike Kew District Governor

Read more here: https://buff.ly/8CnGB7C

29/07/2025

Funding delays pauses Saxonvale purchase

The purchase of the Mayday Saxonvale site has still not gone through, as the group says there have been unexpected delays with funding.

In January this year, Somerset Council’s executive agreed to sell the brownfield site, which is at the heart of Frome town centre, to the Mayday Saxonvale group to progress a community-led development.

However, six months on, the purchase has still not been completed due to a funding delay. But the group says they are ‘actively engaging with alternative funding routes.’

Director of Mayday Saxonvale Paul Oyster said, “We fully understand and share the frustration surrounding ongoing delays to the Saxonvale site purchase. We recognise the people of Frome have waited a long time to see this vital site brought back into meaningful use, and we remain fully committed to ensuring that happens.

Pictured: The Mayday Saxonvale team at the site earlier this year

Read more here: https://buff.ly/clTwfIe

28/07/2025

Speedwatch urges drivers to ‘slow down’ after over 500 caught speeding in known hot spots

Over the past year, more than 500 drivers have been caught speeding in known hot spots around Frome, according to the Mendip Community Speedwatch team.

Around 1,800 motorists are now receiving warning letters from the police after being recorded exceeding the speed limit on Bath Road, The Clink, Locks Hill, Frome town centre, Styles Hill and Warminster Road.

Ashley Reay, lead coordinator for the Mendip Community Speedwatch team, also highlighted issues near Berkley School on Berkley Street, where over 200 drivers have been reported for prosecution. “Some were driving at speeds of up to 68mph in a 30mph zone,” said Ashley.

Speeding in Frome has been a long-standing concern for residents and local councillors, who have worked to raise awareness about the dangers and introduce speed reduction measures in parts of the town. These include the installation of Speed Indicator Devices to deter speeding and encourage drivers to slow down.

Pictured: Bath Road (Google maps)

Read more here: https://buff.ly/D64Tipq

28/07/2025

Children and teachers celebrate ‘glowing’ Ofsted report

Pupils and teachers have been celebrating at Vallis First School after receiving ‘glowing’ praise in their recent Ofsted report, which rated the school as ‘Good’ in all areas.

Inspectors visited the school in June and praised it for ‘rapid improvement’, ‘clear ambition’ and a ‘strong sense of community that permeates every part of school life.’

To celebrate the school’s success, the children were treated to an ice cream.

Headteacher Georgina Muxworthy, who began leading the school in September 2024 alongside Deputy Head Tracey Messenger, said, “We are so proud of our children, our staff and our whole school community. This report reflects the incredible work that’s gone into creating a school where every child is truly seen and supported. Our values are alive in every classroom, every playground interaction, every smile. This recognition from Ofsted is a celebration of what we’ve built together. And what better way to celebrate than with an ice cream.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/pIvhqHQ

27/07/2025

Frome Wild Bunch Column – Actions to help wildlife in the summer

Hi, this is Jenny from the Wild Bunch.

With the increasingly hot weather we are experiencing, our wildlife can suffer. However, there are things we can all do to help our wildlife in the hot weather. Whether you have a garden or not, we can all help local wildlife. Below are some suggestions of things we can all do:

Put out water in shallow dishes for birds, mammals and insects. Keep it fresh and change the water daily. Place stones in the water containers so that bees and other insects can have a drink without drowning.

If you have a birdbath, keep the water clean. Birds need to bathe to help keep their feathers in good nick.

Keep bird feeders topped up and scatter cut-up apples for ground-feeding birds, like thrushes.

Provide shelter from the sun, like log piles and shady undisturbed areas. Tall grass for frogs, toads and newts.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/ezndiK8

27/07/2025

New head of marketing at Forrester Sylvester Mackett solicitors as firm plans launch of new Frome office

Forrester Sylvester Mackett (FSM), one of Somerset and Wiltshire’s leading law firms has appointed Steve Watson as its new Head of Marketing.

His appointment comes as the firm plans the launch of its new flagship office in Frome

With a strong background in strategic marketing and brand development, Steve joins FSM at a pivotal time as the firm continues to invest in its future and with a clear focus on the evolution of the brand, whilst remaining true to its long-standing community roots.

Steve brings with him more than 20 years’ experience in strategic planning, brand development, campaign delivery and digital communications.

Pictured: Steve Watson Head of Marketing

Read more here: https://buff.ly/58vDRZS

26/07/2025

Lace up your boots for Frome Walking Festival

Frome Walking Festival is back next month, offering 19 walks to suit all tastes, ages and fitness levels.

Many of the walks on offer are free, although some require booking in advance. The festival will run from 8th to 10th August.

Cllr Nick Dove said, “Are you staying local this August? The Walking Festival is a great opportunity to get out, get active and explore, meet new people and hopefully enjoy some sunshine. Some of this year’s walks offer a chance to learn about Frome’s history or geology or explore trees, plants and wildlife with an expert guide; others will suit families with young children. Many thanks to Walkers are Welcome for their hard work to coordinate the events again this year and to Frome Selwood Rotary for their support.”

Les Stather of Frome Walkers Are Welcome said, “Last year’s festival was enjoyed by nearly 300 people and lots of popular walks are back again in 2025, including history walks around Frome’s blue plaques and war graves or a chance to find out about the ‘canal that never was’ in Coleford. There’s also a walk to Orchardleigh, the five-mile Frome Inner Ring and a nine to 10-mile walk incorporating a section of the Frome Walking Wheel.

Pictured: the festival has proved popular with local walkers in previous years

Read more here: https://buff.ly/1T3yTzl

26/07/2025

Frome teen receives top creative art award

A Frome student has been awarded Creative Arts Student of the Year in Wiltshire College’s annual student awards ceremony.

Eliza Brindle, 17, studies at the Trowbridge campus and said she ‘loves making art.’ She was presented with the award at the Trowbridge Civic Centre last month, by multiple paralympic medallist and local champion Stephanie Millward MBE.

The awards ceremony recognised 21 students for their outstanding achievement, dedication and personal progress.

Eliza said, “I didn’t realise how big this event was – it was awesome. It has been really amazing studying here, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my time.”

Pictured: Eliza (centre) with Iain Hatt (left) and Stephanie Millward MBE

Read more here: https://buff.ly/QHyk6nu

25/07/2025

Frome to mark VJ Day, 80 years on

A series of events are due to be held in August to commemorate Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.

Organised by the Frome branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), the events on 15th August will mark the end of World War Two in the Far East and Pacific, following well-attended ceremonies in May commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

Frome RBL coordinator Jane Norris said, “We will mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day in a more sombre mood than we marked VE Day in May, but it is important that we mark the moment – never forgetting the ‘forgotten army’ and those who served in the Far East and Pacific. It’s likely that more events and information will follow, but please join us for the following events.”

Pictured: VE Day event at Frome Memorial Theatre

Read more here: https://buff.ly/XIUPZ5L

25/07/2025

Community social media project continues to celebrate town’s diversity

A popular social media community project in Frome has reached the halfway point of its inaugural year, celebrating the diverse array of people, communities and independent businesses across the town.

Frome52 welcomes a new Frome-based person as host each week for a year. Each participant shares posts, talking points and interactive content about the Frome community and what they contribute to the town before handing over to the next person.

It aims to portray the varied lifestyles that make Frome unique and provides a chance for locals to showcase their work and world.

Frome Town Crier, Martin Scott, who also runs a cheesemonger business in the town, said, “I had no grand plan for my stint on Frome52; mostly I wanted to offer a peek behind the cheese counter and into the life of a Fromie (albeit one still on probation after a mere 13 years’ residency). I used my week to shout about a few causes I care about, give some love to local independents, and share the odd personal ramble.

Pictured: Liam McKinnon, Martin Scott as The Town Crier

Read more here: https://buff.ly/5WNX7V1

24/07/2025

Family funday returns in aid of Lisa’s Army

A family funday is due to be held to raise money for a Frome charity dedicated to creating everlasting memories for cancer patients.

The funday, due to run at Critchill Manor Estate on Saturday 6th September, is being held in aid of Lisa’s Army, a charity set up in memory of Frome’s Lisa Wells, who died in 2019 from bowel cancer.

Taking place from 12pm to 4pm, residents are invited to enjoy all the classic family funday activities including live music, a bouncy castle, stalls from local groups, a tombola, BBQ, ice cream, face painting, a raffle and more.

With the help of fundraising, Lisa’s Army provides beauty treatments and pamper packages, photo shoots, red letter excursions and bespoke individual interest events.

Pictured: Lisa’s Army team at a previous funday

Read more here: https://buff.ly/ZOpGy4I

24/07/2025

Lead Speedwatch volunteer recognised with prestigious police award

A lead volunteer with Frome’s Speedwatch team has been named Police Volunteer of the Year at a glittering ceremony held at police headquarters in Portishead.

Ashley Reay is Frome’s Mendip Community Speedwatch lead coordinator and is the first volunteer within programme to receive the honour.

“I am humbled and delighted to accept the award, but I did so on behalf of not only the 225 Community Speedwatch volunteers in Mendip, but also the 1,800 other volunteers across the county,” said Ashley.

“It is a team effort from all concerned, from the neighbourhood police teams to the speed enforcement units, who all work together to try and reduce deaths and accidents on our roads. Awards are very nice, but the real prize for us in road safety is seeing fewer accidents and deaths, and safer roads for our families to drive on.”

The winners of the various police awards now go to the regional awards to be held in October in Bristol, where Ashley will represent Avon and Somerset in this category.

Pictured: Ashley (centre) receiving his award at the police headquarters with the Chief Constable Sarah Crew (left) and Police Crime Commissioner Clare Moody

Read more here: https://buff.ly/DTGfvAa

Frome Times

30/07/2025

29/07/2025

28/07/2025

28/07/2025

27/07/2025

27/07/2025

26/07/2025

26/07/2025

25/07/2025

25/07/2025

24/07/2025

24/07/2025

Address

Opening Hours

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm