Key events in 2017
In March 2017, FHfF secured a grant from the Frome People’s Budget to organise a series of events designed to learn about and explore different facets of the housing crisis in the town and how these might be addressed. Each event was organized by a different volunteer from the FHfF steering group.
30 March CONSULTATION WITH LOCAL POLITICIANS AND AGENCIES
Working lunch at the Silk Mill to consult with councillors and staff from Somerset, Mendip and Frome Councils and with local agencies to identify the most pressing local housing issues in the town and listen to suggestions for next steps.
29 April PUBLIC MEETING ABOUT HOUSING IN FROME
A Saturday afternoon meeting at Rook Lane Chapel for anyone concerned about unaffordable house prices, rising rents and hidden homelessness in the town. Opened by the Mayor of Frome, it attracted over 50 people.
22 May SELF-BUILD
Presentations from the architect of a proposed scheme in Keyford and from Jackson Moulding of Ecomotive followed by a discussion about opportunities for self-build in Frome.
19 June HOME SHARING
A presentation from Audrey Heard of Homeshare West, followed by a discussion about how lodging and other intergenerational housing schemes can respond to the housing crisis in Frome.
17 July HOMELESSNESS
A public meeting about homelessness in Frome, including presentations from local agencies. Suggestions about how to help included raising awareness, providing information and developing emergency accommodation.
18 September THE PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR
An informal get-together for current and prospective landlords to identify common concerns and explore interest in setting up a Fair Landlords scheme in Frome.
31 October CREATING MORE HOMES
A public meeting to explore the question: “What can be done to create more genuinely affordable housing in Frome?” Action points included: investigating stalled developments; influencing potential developments; and exploring community-led new-build, possibly via a new Community Land Trust.
6 November DISPOSSESSION: FILM SCREENING
Public screening of the documentary Dispossession: The great Social Housing Swindle followed by discussion.
20 November TINY HOMES
Over fifty people attended a meeting about Tiny Homes which began with a presentation about the Edspace structure created by local designers and Edventure students. A model Edspace was built inside Rook Lane Chapel for the occasion. Great enthusiasm was expressed for creating a tiny homes community in Frome.