Hello Frome is a show all about capturing the human spirit of the Somerset town of Frome. Whether you call it home or have ever visited you’ll know this is town with a big heart.

Through powerful, personal stories from the people who live, work, and give back here, local legends to unsung heroes, we share voices and inspiring moments that reflect the warmth, resilience, and creativity of this remarkable town. Whether it’s a volunteer changing lives or a neighbour with an extraordinary story, this podcast brings Frome’s soul to life — one conversation at a time.

Produced and presented by host Lyndsey Mayhew.

In this episode of Hello Frome, host Lyndsey Mayhew meets poet and wordsmith Olly Davy from Dirty Laundry and Sophie Ricardo from Frome Beaver Watch.

✨ Guest - Olly Davy

We meet Olly Davy, a poet, storyteller, and creative facilitator based in Frome. Olly shares his journey in poetry, the inspiration behind his live storytelling and poetry night "Dirty Laundry," and his work helping individuals and organisations find their voice through spoken word and creative expression. From launching Dirty Laundry to collaborating with the Chrissie Morrison Prize for Poetry and running innovative workshops, Olly explores the power of language in building confidence and community connection.

The conversation also covers the impact of AI on creative sectors, the challenges of the past year, and how Olly’s work bridges poetry with organisational communication and leadership. Olly reflects on what makes Frome a unique and vibrant creative community and shares upcoming events and ways to get involved.

Event & Workshop Details:

• Next Dirty Laundry Event: 25th September at the Archangel, Frome featuring Malaika Kogodi from Bristol.
• Path to the Stage Workshops: Starting September, one evening every fortnight for six weeks. Dates to be announced.

Connect with Olly:

Instagram: Dirty Laundry @DLPoetryNights

Website: www.ollydavy.com


✨ Sophie Ricardo

We say hello to Sophie Ricardo, founder of Frome Beaver Watch, a grassroots project dedicated to surveying, protecting, and celebrating these remarkable “ecosystem engineers” in our local rivers. Sophie shares her personal journey — from navigating chronic illness to discovering beavers as a lifeline — and how her passion for wildlife turned into a community movement.

Sophie also shares news of an exciting film screening in Frome that shines a light on the relationship between beavers and endangered fish species, asking whether coexistence is possible — and why it matters.

Upcoming event

Film Screening: Balancing the Scales

📅 19 September 2025

📍 Merlin Theatre, Frome

🎟 £5 (via Merlin Theatre website)

⏱ 20-minute film + Q&A panel


Connect with Frome Beaver Watch

Instagram: @FromeBeaverWatch


Website: fromebeaverwatch.org


Blog: Medium (search “Frome Beaver Watch”)

Got an idea for a guest or someone you would like me to interview? Contact Lyndsey: HelloFromeShow@gmail.com

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