What does the past tell us about the present? How are we making the future?

This event brings together people and ideas to explore where we are, and what can happen going forward.

What will happen?

A few speakers will call the focus in the room to start us off:

– a brief history of climate and green action in Frome from the 1980s to now, including Sustainable Frome

– Dr Michael Howcroft and Dr Ellen Bishop from the Civic Imaginaries Partnership will join us to talk about some of their interim findings from their research in Frome around how people collectively reimagine and reinvent their places.

Then we will open out to conversation and discussion.

Hot drinks will be available, as part of Rye Bakery.

Who is this for?

Anyone new to Frome who wants to orientate themselves, and for those wanting to find out more or be involved in what’s coming.

What’s it about?

As Green and Healthy Frome comes to an end, having grown out of partnerships including with Sustainable Frome, there is a real opportunity for Frome to consider ‘What’s Next?’

A small group of people have come together, currently convened by Sue Palmer and Peter Macfadyen, passionate about action around climate and regenerative futures. We want to open the space in which those concerned can rejuvenate citizen-led climate and green action in Frome by transforming the legacies of Green and Healthy Frome and Sustainable Frome into a renewed, shared entity with a new identity and a strategic relationship with the Town Council.

We can build on the past while making space for the future. We imagine a living network where connections flow between people and projects, responsibilities are held and then passed on across generations, and diverse voices unite around climate, resilience, and social justice. This approach will strengthen climate resilience in Frome while deepening social cohesion and wellbeing.

The intention is to develop a culture and ethos together which is inclusive, urgent, and hopeful. We will actively bring new and established voices into the movement, make space for difference, serve local needs while contributing to the wider climate movement, and balance seriousness with joy.

Over the coming year, we will engage key stakeholders, convene professionally facilitated community meetings at accessible times and locations, and host inspiring public talks to galvanise participation. We have applied for funding to support this work through the rest of 2026. This event is part of this movement building!