Embracing New Beginnings in September
- Daisy Steel
- Sep 2, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 2, 2025
September brings a wave of nostalgia. It reminds me of the first day of term, filled with the scent of new pencils and the thrill of a blank notebook. The excitement of returning to a routine after a long summer break is palpable. Even now, that "back to school" feeling inspires me to embark on new projects and look forward with renewed determination.
Celebrating Renewal on the When in Frome Podcast
This month on the When in Frome podcast, we celebrate stories that embody renewal and resilience. Each tale reflects the spirit of starting anew, which resonates deeply with the essence of September.
175 Years of Frome Railway Station: A Family Legacy
We kicked off our celebrations at Frome railway station, which proudly marks its 175th anniversary this year. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike Joyce, who began his journey at the station in 1953, and his son Bryan, who continues the family legacy. One of my favourite stories from Mike was about the circus arriving in town, complete with elephants and giraffes stepping off the train. The Joyce family's tales remind us that railways are not just about journeys; they are about the people who make them memorable.
Local Legend: Rachel Clark’s Extraordinary Fundraising Journey
Our Local Legend this month is Rachel Clark. Her relentless fundraising efforts have raised thousands for Frome cancer charity WHY. Rachel ran a sponsored mile every day for a year. Now, nine months after completing that challenge, she continues to run for herself. But that’s just one of her many achievements. Over the years, she has helped break the Guinness World Record for the most people rowing 500 metres each, pulled a 12-tonne fire engine around Frome, and attempted to set the record for the furthest distance climbed on a fire ladder. Rachel exemplifies someone who pushes herself to extraordinary lengths to support others.
Sonia’s Chilly Challenge: A Cold Water Swim
Meanwhile, Sonia took on her chilliest challenge yet with a bracing dip at Vobster Quay. Cold water swimming is not for the faint-hearted, but Sonia proved once again that she’s game for anything in the name of "Challenge Sonia." Her bravery inspires many to step out of their comfort zones.
Finding Balance: My Experience at Thrive Pilates
I opted for something a bit gentler at Thrive Pilates with Laura. Although my aching muscles might disagree, I truly enjoyed the class. There was a fair amount of wobbling, but I found it refreshing. I will definitely return for more sessions to improve my balance and strength.
Hamish Young’s Art Installation: A Shell for Every Resident
One of the most striking experiences I had this month was at Black Swan Arts. Artist Hamish Young filled the gallery with 28,000 shells—one for every resident of Frome. His work explores themes of loss and abandonment, drawn from his own story of being adopted. Visitors were invited to take a shell home, which meant the piece was always subtly changing shape. This interactive element made the installation even more poignant.
Family Life: Embracing Chaos and Connection in September
Away from the microphone, life at home has been bustling. Over the summer, we built a shepherd’s hut in the garden for our daughter and granddaughter. Additionally, our son Ben, who had been living in Taunton, moved back to Frome in August. I feel incredibly blessed that all five of our children are now living nearby. "Blessed" is one way to describe it—"chaotic" might be another. With everyone popping in and out, there’s rarely a quiet moment. Yet, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Perhaps that’s what September is truly about: not just sharpening new pencils, wobbling through Pilates, or building shepherd’s huts, but embracing fresh starts in whatever form they take.
Where Can I Listen to the When in Frome Podcast?
You can listen to the When in Frome August edition right here on the Fabulous Frome website, on all major podcast platforms, and on Frome FM throughout the month.
If you have a story, an idea, or a local legend you think we should feature in a future episode, please get in touch! Especially if they have a tunnel under their house or an alpaca in their garden. You know, the usual Frome stuff.
If you are a business and would like to have a Spotlight feature written about you and published on Fabulous Frome, please contact Becky at +44 7793 561696 or email her at becky@fabulousfrome.co.uk. For prices, click here.
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