Earlier this year, the Merlin Theatre and other arts venues in Frome lost all funding from Somerset, Mendip and the Arts Council, putting their future in some doubt. In May, I challenged the ruling Conservatives to live up to their local election campaign promise to “support local theatres and arts” in Frome.  At the last full Mendip District Council meeting in September, I persuaded Mendip Council to think about how it can help the arts and creative sector through supporting the future Frome Arts Strategy. This is being drawn up by local people under ‘creativeFrome’, to help local creative businesses survive and thrive after the cuts, and to help promote our town as a creative ‘hub’. I was encouraged that two Cabinet members attended the recent strategy meeting, at the Merlin Theatre in October. They will be reporting back shortly on what support the Council can provide.

You can help the Merlin Theatre by becoming a ‘Friend’, going to see a show, and by volunteering – see www.merlintheatre.co.uk, To join or help the working group on the Frome Arts Strategy, contact me and I will put you in touch with the organiser, Alex Webb, Chair of ‘creativeFrome’.