Welcome.
I like growing things. I love coffee. I read a lot. I walk even more. I’m happiest in the fresh air. Up a mountain. Eating cake.
I’m anxious about the future of our planet and our people. I want to be a part of something bigger than myself.
I believe words have power. I believe stories have even more. I think for too long they have been used to sell people stuff they don’t need to impress people they don’t like.
I think they can be used in other ways.
Becoming an Independent Town Councillor
I have never fitted in. Growing up I always felt like the odd-one-out, on the sidelines, never fully involved.
It was only when I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2021, at the age of 36, that things started to make sense and I realised I’d always felt different, because I was different.
My brain works in an unusual way. Too quickly most of the time it’s true, but it can also see patterns and make connections that others can’t. Since my diagnosis I’ve begun to learn to work with my brain. I’ve also realised how important it is for me to follow my interests, and work on projects I really, truly believe in.
So when I was approached in early 2022 to run for Frome Town Council with Independents for Frome - I thought “why not?” I’ve always been interested in politics, and there are only so many times you can aggressively chop your carrots while listening to the news, before you either have to step back, or actually do something!
It’s been a steep learning curve to say the least, and navigating a system that was designed by and for middle-class, middle-aged white men has presented its own set of challenges. Yet I have tried to be an advocate for diversity and inclusion whereever I can. In January 2023 I succeeded in introducing councillor allowances - a vital step towards a more equitable council and hearing voices that have traditionally been marginalised.
I’m also leading on the acquisition and creation of a community garden and growing space, on the board of a lottery-funded project called Green and Healthy Frome, and leading our Climate and Ecological Emergency strategy and work programme.
The role is really rooting me in Frome, and it’s lovely to feel very much part of my local community. It’s reconfirmed my desire to use my skills for good where ever I can, and to be part of creating the change we so desperately need. It’s also given my carrots a bit of a break as I’m able to channel my anger into taking action!
A few of my favourite things:
01
My Allotment
A 5x15 meter piece of land on the edge of Frome that is my favourite place to be. It looks out over the forests of Longleat and towards Cley Hill, and everything I’ve built on it - from my fruit cage to my compost bins - is made from leftover bits of wood from my dad’s garage. Nothing tastes as good as freshly dug new potatoes, peas straight from their pods, or strawberries warm from the sun!
I spend as much of my time there as I can, and will happily talk about compost or tomatoes for hours with anyone willing!
Democracy, inclusivity, and participation
I really believe there is strength in diversity, and with all the crises we are currently facing we need this strength more than ever. I
think we have become used to out-sourcing our decision-making power and responsibility over the years, and have become passive consumers rather than active citizens.
We need to take that power back, and build a real and dynamic democracy.
02
03
Reading
I always have a book in my bag, and feel off if I don’t have one on the go. I read mainly fiction but am making an effort to balance it with my very large non-fiction pile as well!
Frome
04
A small town with big ambitions. I moved here knowing no one yet it has become home in a way that no where else ever has. It has a strong sense of community, and a thriving independent and creative spirit. I love it.
Before moving to Frome I spent three years travelling solo - first around Asia, then a year living in Bali as a digital nomad, and finally a year on a permaculture farm in Umbria in Italy.
However since landing in Frome, I feel like I’ve barely left! I sometimes have to remind myself that I’m the same person that did all these exciting things - and that at some point in the future I will go on another big adventure. In the meantime though I’m content to explore the UK - hiking and camping as much as I can.