Welcome to Frome Diary

Frome Diary is your friendly, go-to guide for life in Frome, Somerset, weaving together a vibrant tapestry of local happenings. Each edition is a curated mix of essential news, can't-miss events, hidden gems discovered along its cobbled streets, and heartwarming neighbourly shoutouts. It’s a celebration of the people and places that make this community truly special.

The Saxonvale Mayday project in Frome has faced significant delays and struggles to secure funding.

Some individuals and groups are still supporting the project despite these challenges, while others believe that established developers should be involved instead to benefit the town of Frome.

One of the main pros of supporting the Saxonvale Mayday project is the potential to revitalize an important area of Frome.

The project aims to create new housing, commercial spaces, and public amenities that could bring new life to the town.

Supporters believe that this development could attract more visitors and residents, boosting the local economy and creating opportunities for the community.

Additionally, the Saxonvale Mayday project has the potential to preserve the historical significance of the area.

The site has a rich history, and supporters of the project argue that it is important to maintain and celebrate this heritage through thoughtful development.

By supporting the project, the town of Frome could ensure that this history is not lost or forgotten.

On the other hand, there are several cons to supporting the Saxonvale Mayday project.

One of the main issues is the project's prolonged delays and struggles to secure funding.

Critics argue that these challenges suggest that the project may not be feasible or sustainable in the long run.

Additionally, some individuals are concerned about the potential impact of the development on the character of Frome.

They worry that a large-scale development like Saxonvale Mayday could change the town's unique identity and charm.

Furthermore, there is a debate about whether established developers should be involved in the project instead.

Some argue that experienced developers have the resources and expertise to ensure the success of the development.

They believe that working with established developers could help to avoid further delays and setbacks.

Overall, the decision to support the Saxonvale Mayday project is a complex one with both pros and cons to consider.

While the project has the potential to revitalise an important area of Frome and preserve its history, there are concerns about its feasibility and potential impact on the town.

Additionally, the debate about involving established developers underscores the importance of careful planning and collaboration to ensure the success of the project.

Ultimately, it is up to the community and local authorities to weigh these factors and make an informed decision about the future of Saxonvale Mayday.

Rachel Clark, a police inspector from Frome, Somerset, recently completed a 'mile-a-day' running challenge to raise awareness about women's safety while running, especially during darker evenings.

She was seen wearing a blue running jacket and smiling for the camera as she urged residents to join her on one-mile runs every day.

To combat violence against women and girls, Clark handed out personal safety alarms during her final run. Clark, who had previously raised money for a cancer charity, embarked on this challenge solo to promote her own mental health and accountability.

Despite facing challenges, Clark received tremendous support from the public, which she described as "phenomenal." Inspired by Clark's efforts, other runners, like Ella Kempshall, joined her on stretches of her fundraising challenge.

Kempshall highlighted the importance of raising awareness for women's safety and empowering women to feel safe while running.

She emphasised the need for women to be brave and confident when going out alone. Clark's initiative not only raised awareness but also inspired others to fundraise and create a sense of community.

Her dedication to promoting women's safety and the positive impact she has had on the community were some of the most rewarding aspects of her challenge. Overall, Rachel Clark's efforts to promote women's safety while running have made a significant impact on her community, inspiring others to join her cause and advocate for women's safety.

Her determination and dedication to the cause showcase her commitment to making a difference in the lives of women and girls.

Interesting Facts

Frome's Listed Buildings: Its industrial past is reflected in over 350 listed buildings, more than any other town in Somerset, including historic mills.

Frome is famous for its independent shops and vibrant arts scene, making it a popular destination for creative types and shoppers alike. - The town has a rich history dating back to Roman times, with evidence of settlements and industries found throughout the area. - Frome is home to the annual Frome Festival, a 10-day celebration of arts, culture, and music that attracts visitors from near and far.

Introducing Dan the History Man.

Dan the History Man enjoys sharing personal anecdotes and experiences that have shaped his perspective on history and why it holds importance for him.
He often discusses his favourite historical topics, figures, and events, explaining what draws him to them.
Dan The History Man stays up-to-date on the latest historical research and discoveries, continuously expanding his knowledge and expertise. Every day of the week now is an anniversary of an event in history or the birthday of a famous (or Infamous) character. Dan will give you a quick synopsis every week, and, where possible, relating to Frome and its environs. Return to Frome Diary each week for more or search the 'Archive' for previous articles.

Greetings History Buffs

Welcome to the latest offering by Dan, the History Man, bringing you This Day in History — where the past is dusted off, lightly polished, and occasionally laughed at. Let’s stroll through a week where empires fell, fortunes were dug up, revolutions bloomed (briefly), messages went electric, barriers were smashed, and one president famously lost his dinner.

2 January 1492 – Granada Falls, History Turns the Page

On this day in 1492, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon took Granada, the final Moorish stronghold in Spain. After centuries of back-and-forth, the Reconquista finally called it a day.

As historical timing would have it, the newly unified Spanish crown suddenly had time, confidence, and spare change — perfect conditions for saying “Yes, Chris, do pop off west and see what you find,” to one Christopher Columbus. What followed was… significant.

3 January 1848 – Gold Discovered, Common Sense Abandoned

James W. Marshall spotted gold at Sutter’s Mill in California and accidentally kick-started the greatest mass migration of men with shovels and optimism.

Within weeks, the news spread faster than gossip in a village pub. California transformed from a quiet frontier to a chaotic treasure hunt, proving once and for all that nothing motivates humanity quite like shiny metal and the phrase “There’s loads of it, honestly.”

4 January 1974 – Perón: The Political Comeback Tour

After years in exile, Juan Domingo Perón returned to power in Argentina following a landslide election victory.

Previously president, then ousted, then absent, then back again — Perón proved that in politics, as in show business, never say never. His return marked a dramatic chapter in Argentine history and showed that some leaders really do have more encores in them.

5 January 1968 – Prague Spring: Brief, Bright, and Doomed

The election of Alexander Dubček ushered in the Prague Spring — a hopeful season of reform, openness, and cultural freedom in Czechoslovakia.

Sadly, it turned out to be less “spring” and more “bank holiday weekend,” as Soviet tanks arrived later that year to firmly remind everyone who was in charge. Still, the moment mattered, and hope, once sparked, is hard to fully extinguish.

6 January 1838 – Morse Sends the First ‘You There?’

Samuel Morse demonstrated the electric telegraph, revolutionising communication forever. Messages that once took weeks could now be sent in minutes.

Humanity promptly used this miracle to send business instructions, military orders, and eventually messages equivalent to “Stop. Where are you? Stop.” Still, it laid the foundations for our hyper-connected world.

7 January 1955 – A Voice That Broke Barriers

Marian Anderson became the first African American performer at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

It was a landmark moment for civil rights and the arts alike, achieved not through shouting, but through extraordinary talent and quiet determination. History listened — and applauded.

8 January 1992 – Diplomatic Dinner Goes Very Wrong

During a state dinner in Tokyo, George H. W. Bush fell ill, vomited, and briefly collapsed — proving that even the leader of the free world is no match for a rogue stomach bug.

The incident caused global concern, awkward diplomacy, and sympathy from anyone who’s ever thought, “I should not have eaten that.” Bush recovered fully and carried on, though history remembers the evening vividly.

And there we have it!

Another week where history conquered cities, struck gold, rewired communication, challenged power, and occasionally lost its lunch.

Join us next time for more curious moments from the great, strange scrapbook of the past. Until then — stay curious, stay amused, and remember: today’s news is tomorrow’s history, usually with better anecdotes.

Tips for your December Garden

Winter Sow Like a Mischievous Gardener and Still Win at Spring

Introduction Why early winter is secretly the best time to start seeds

Early winter: the season of gloom, soggy scarves and very questionable selfies with heaters. But also a secret horticultural nightclub where seeds whisper, "Wake me up, baby." The days are short, yes, but longer days are coming, and you can get a jump on spring while everyone else is still re-watching their favorite shows for the third time.

Starting seeds now is like sneaking into the garden buffet before the main course arrives. Less rush, fewer weeds photobombing, and you get to feel like a horticultural wizard. Also, it gives you bragging rights at the allotment. Very important.

Why start seeds in early winter

The daylight plot twist and the race against bolting

Plants are dramatic. Some respond to long days by deciding to flower at the most inconvenient moments. Cilantro is the drama queen of the herb world: give it summer light levels and it sprints toward flowering like it’s auditioning for a botanical sprint team. Start it now and you avoid the bolting marathon. Your coriander stays leafy and delicious instead of becoming a walking seed factory.

Short days are actually a blessing for some crops. They tell cilantro to relax, grow leaves and be useful. Cue the applause.

When to keep things indoors and when to be brave

Cold tolerance varies. If your region has "arctic surprise" mornings, keep tiny seedlings inside on a bright sill. If your greenhouse is a cozy spa, use it. If you live somewhere mild, a cold frame will be your new best friend — sheltered, nosy neighbors optional.

Pro tip: if your plants complain about frost, they’re probably right. Don't be heroic for the glory of it.

Cilantro pampering and pre germination

The seed spa method with a cloth and twice daily dunks

Cilantro seeds enjoy a spa day before becoming proper gardeners. The method: soak seeds overnight, wrap them in a damp cloth, secure with an elastic band (fancy), then dunk twice daily. Morning and afternoon — like a miniature tide schedule for seeds. Take them out to drip dry, then tuck them back into moisture.

It feels a bit like babysitting, only smaller and less judgmental. Within days you'll see tiny tails, the heralds of new leaves.

Tiny seed spa.

Sowing the delicate seedlings without breaking hearts

Once they’ve pre-germinated, spread them gently over the potting mix. An old mushroom tray with drainage holes makes a perfect baby bed. Avoid crushing their delicate roots — think "gentle confetti placement" rather than "seed grenade."

Cover them lightly with potting mix and water with a gentle drink, not a monsoon. Let them grow on a greenhouse bench or a bright windowsill until they're sturdy enough to face the world.

Harvest timing and the bonus of seed saving

Expect to snip tasty coriander leaves at about six weeks, when the plants reach roughly 15 cm. Harvest carefully to avoid damaging the growing point and you might get a second flush. If some plants bolt in summer, don't mourn: let a few flower and collect seeds. Coriander seeds are great for spice racks and small acts of frugality.

Save seeds, save pennies, feel smug.

Shallots the posh onions

Why shallots are the garden's three piece suit

If onions wore tuxedos, shallots would wear a three-piece suit with cufflinks. They’re refined, practical and they store like they’re preparing for retirement. Culinary glory in a small bulb.

They’re hardy, satisfying to grow, and add a subtle glamour to dishes that plain onions only dream about.

Starting in trays to avoid peckish birds

Shallot sets can be popped into the ground, but the repeated freeze-thaw shuffle can make them surface and do a little soil waltz. Start them in plug trays to keep them safe from pecking birds and early-season chaos. Trays let them establish without tiny beaks deciding what to eat for breakfast.

Once they’re stronger, they’ll be ready to move to their final sunny spots.

Planting depth spacing and the grass clippings trick

Plant shallot sets so the tip just peeks above the soil. Keep about 15 cm between each — like socially distanced onions. Grass clippings between the rows work as a moisture-locking blanket. It’s cheap, effective, and a great excuse to use the lawn trimmings you keep forgetting about.

You’ll harvest them early summer, and then they’ll store famously. A pantry hero.

Onions for giants or lazy gardeners

When to sow for show stopping bulbs versus normal dinner onions

If you want a monstrous onion worthy of a county fair, sow right after Christmas (or add six months if you’re in the southern hemisphere). This early sowing gives them the time and room to bulk up into bulbous glory.

If you merely want respectable onions for salads and stews, wait later in winter. Less fuss, less elbow grease.

Sow two seeds per plug and the gentle cull

Sow two seeds in each plug to hedge your bets. If both germinate, gently snip or pull the weaker one. Everyone needs tough love sometimes. This method ensures most plugs produce at least one healthy seedling without cheating the universe.

It’s gardening's version of "try twins, pick the star."

Potting on to coax out superstar bulbs

For showstopper bulbs, pot on in stages, ending with a generous container (around 3 liters). Bigger pots mean more root room, more feeding, and more bragging opportunities. Keep them watered and fed, and they’ll swell like celebrity egos.

If you’re not aiming for pageant onions, plant them about 15 cm apart outdoors instead.

Basil sunbathing indoors

Sowing tiny seeds and the humidity tent trick

Basil seeds are microscopic confetti. Scatter them thinly over a fine potting mix, cover barely, and mist gently. Then pop a clear plastic cover on top — a humidity tent that says "spa for basil." It helps them germinate and feel like they're at the Mediterranean, even if you’re watching snowflakes.

Remove the cover after sprouting, or things get sweaty and drama unfolds.

Window sill versus grow lights and the 14 hour rule

If your window is a southern paradise, basil will bask there. If your windows are more "arctic wasteland," use grow lights. Keep lights on about 14 hours a day — long enough to make basil think it’s summer, not a dark sitcom. Place lights low at first and raise them as plants grow, so leaves don't get too cozy with LEDs.

Old placemats can hold up lights. Yes, really. Gardening thrift at its finest.

Thinning and keeping the Mediterranean dream alive

If seedlings crowd, thin them so basil can breathe and expand. Trim regularly to encourage bushiness and stop it from mounting a dramatic flowering rebellion. Harvest often, use generously, and pretend your kitchen is a tiny trattoria.

Sigh contentedly; basil does that to people.

Microgreens instant gourmet

Which microgreens to try mustard sunflower and pea

Microgreens are for when you want gourmet flavor with minimal commitment. Mustard gives a peppery snap. Sunflower is nutty and substantial. Pea tastes like spring in a mouthful. All three are fast and cheap.

They make any meal look deliberate and expensive.

Soaking seeds firm surfaces and sowing thick

Soak sunflower and pea seeds overnight. See how they puff up? That’s the magic. Sow thickly on a firm surface in shallow trays, press seeds into contact, but don't smother them. Microgreens are crowded by design — they're the urban apartments of the seed world.

Keep them consistently moist with a mister. Think hydration, not floods.

Light humidity and harvest timing for maximum flavor

Under grow lights, microgreens become compact and flavorful. Maintain light and humidity, and harvest when the first true leaves show. Snip with scissors and sprinkle like confetti on everything. Instant gourmet.

They're fast. They're tasty. They will make you look like a chef.

Make the most of your grow lights

Share the light and grow basil microgreens and seedlings together

If you have one lighting setup, use it wisely. Put basil, microgreens and small seedlings under the same light. Compact leafy plants all like similar glow levels and will happily co-star. Efficiency is classy.

You’ll save energy, space and patience.

Improvise responsibly and keep foliage off the bulbs

Improvisation is welcome — placemats, hooks, jury-rigged rigs — but keep plants a safe distance from bulbs. Foliage touching hot lights equals crispy leaves and tears. Adjust heights as plants grow and don't be lazy about it.

Safety first, flair second.

Bonus mushroom teaser and closing nudge

Oyster mushrooms are coming soon

Mushroom fans: get excited. Oyster mushrooms in a bucket are about to erupt into edible joy. They’re before the full reveal, but trust me, they'll put on a dramatic fungal show.

Subscribe to the saga if you’re into fungal cliffhangers.

Final encouragement to scratch the seed starting itch and reap winter rewards

Seeds started now will reward you with early harvests, bragging rights and the quiet smugness of a gardener who planned ahead. Try cilantro, shallots, onions, basil and microgreens. Start small, make mistakes, laugh at the ones that didn’t like your playlist.

Do it.

Keep growing and enjoy the small green victories.

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