The Connections That Count
- Daisy Steel
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
Spring Shifts & Simple Joys
There’s something about the first stretch of proper spring that makes everything feel a little lighter. The coats come off, the evenings draw out, and suddenly it feels easier to say yes to things again. I’ve really noticed it these past few weeks, how much more I’ve been connecting with people, often in quite simple ways.
We had our first barbecue of the season, slightly optimistic given the British weather, but enjoyable all the same. There’s something about standing around with a drink in hand, catching up with people, that feels like a reset. We’ve been out for walks with friends too, making the most of the bluebells while they’re still around, those fleeting seasonal moments that feel all the more special because they don’t last long.
Letting Your Hair Down
A recent highlight was our friend’s 60th birthday party, with an 80s icons theme, which somehow resulted in me dressing up as Madonna and singing karaoke (very badly). I’m not entirely sure how we got there, but it turned into one of those nights that reminds you how important it is to have fun and not take yourself too seriously. In a similar vein, we watched the Grand National with friends and, for once, luck was on our side. My husband had a small flutter and came away £134 up, which certainly added to the celebrations.
The Moments That Matter Most
But as ever, it’s the quieter moments that stay with me most. I’ve loved spending time with my little granddaughter, who is now properly on the move, toddling around with great determination and calling me “Gaga” and my husband “Bumpa”. We took her swimming recently and she absolutely adored it, one of those simple days that ends up meaning everything.
Why Connection Matters
All this has made me think a lot about connection, the big and the small, the planned and the unexpected. Which is probably why this month’s When in Frome podcast has felt particularly fitting.
Come What May in Frome
Our May episode, Come What May, is about all the ways people in Frome come together. We learnt about Frome Connects, a month-long programme of events in May designed to bring people closer. One of the ideas I particularly love is “Dress Up Fridays”, a simple invitation to make an ordinary day feel a bit more special. We’ve decided to fully commit and turn it into a feature for next month’s show, spending the day at Frome’s brilliant costume hire shop, trying on outfits and no doubt having a few giggles along the way.
I interviewed Sam from Edventure about a fantastic new project called Fromebase, giving building materials a second life and encouraging people to think differently about what we throw away. , the materials at Edventure
Building materials in Fromebase
Edventure's new recycling initiative
And Sonia’s been speaking to a group using nature to support people living with dementia, a thoughtful reminder of how important those connections are.
Wild Memories
Wild Memories
A Local Legend
We also meet this month’s Local Legend, Caroline Blake from Victoria Park Café, someone who’s quietly helping people connect every day, creating a welcoming space in the heart of the park where people can get together over a cup of tea and a chat.
The Everyday Connections
It’s easy to think of connection as something big or complicated, but more often than not it’s found in the everyday. A walk, a conversation, a shared moment. Or even, occasionally, when dressing up as an 80s icon…
Come what May, it’s the connections we make that matter the most.
Written by Daisy Steel.
Journalist, columnist and podcaster
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