Today, off to Frome, where Françoise is having a massage. I need to drive her because her wrist is not yet healed. This town is always a pleasure, especially on a sunny day with the clouds scudding across the blue sky. I went into the town centre and to the Cheese and Grain, which is the main meeting establishment for musical shows and other events, and had a coffee. Prior to that I was fumbling for change at the car park meter bay when a woman kindly gave me an unexpired car park ticket valid to 13:03, so that was great.
There is an affable and helpful coffee bar staff member with a beard who is the barista; I don’t know his name, I’m afraid* but he always makes coffee that tastes delicious, and hearing my compliments, I think he has gone the extra mile. He made a wonderful design. I joked with him that I was afraid to drink it because I would be spoiling the art but he encouraged me to drink it, which of course I did
* 18:02 I’ve just been told by his sister that he is Oliver Wright. See comment
This reinforces the idea that I’ve had for a long time, that whatever you do, if it’s done with love and caring, you add to the community spirit. The chap who made the coffee embodied the spirit of sharing, of which the offering of food is an important example. We may not notice the effect on people, but an effect there will be.
To the town itself. The famous St. Catherine’s Hill and the road leading up to it are some of my special areas, and the shop I visited, below, is one of my favorite shops in the town. I value it for its good atmosphere, happy staff, and wholesome food. Not the cheapest, but if you want quality natural food, you must pay for it.
Francoise is inside, buying organic, unhomogenized milk,
Who cares if it is not cold yet? This is a lovely display
How could anyone resist?
Francoise loves olives in all shapes and forms
So fresh they almost jump off the shelves
bread, so tasty it’s almost like a meal in itself
Wonderful!Tomatoes of various sizes. I find the smallest ones the most juicy and sweet.
Who has ever heard of a delivery service called Cycles Maximus
We went to the public library to have a look at some local history books to get some ideas for my forthcoming book. The size of the book must be right, and I’m sure the people I engage will have their views on that, but I think that A4 is too large, A5 is too small, and for an arty book I can see landscape working quite well.
I would love to produce a hardcover edition, but that does add to the cost quite a lot. I talked with the librarian, and she fished out some examples. I found one that I liked. Fortunately I had joined Midsomer Norton library a few days ago. I did not know that the library ticket worked not only in Frome but also in Bristol, so I can return my book anywhere within the area if I so wish. I borrowed the book ‘ Working Memories: From Workers Who Tell Their Stories.’
And now for a wander around the town. Advertisements are one of the key indicators of cultural activity, some of which I saw in the street and in shops.
This was in the Cheese and Grain
Very original art— ‘Love Rules’ Not sure why Marylin Monroe is there.
So long as you live in Frome, you will never see an empty notice board.
I love this so much your coffee was lovingly prepared by my lovely brother Oliver Wright. I have just moved to sardinia with my husband; this made me well up with pride. He truly loves people and coffee I’m forever proud of his achievements as such a wonderful human ❤️❤️ thank you for your beautiful review