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

Please support Hello Frome by leaving a review and 5 stars on your favourite podcast platform to help the show be found by likeminded folk.

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 the third episode of Hello Frome, host Lyndsey Mayhew meets Emma Parker from Frome Community Bike Project and James Wallis from Edventure.

✨ Guest - Emma Parker

We meet Emma Parker founding director of the Frome Community Bike Project, a non-profit community interest company dedicated to making cycling accessible to all in the Frome area. Emma shares the journey of the project, its various services, and its impact on promoting cycling and sustainability in the community. We also delve into Frome's Missing Links—a local charity aiming to create traffic-free cycling and walking routes—and discover how the bike project supports this initiative.

Find out more about Frome Bike Project and connect with Emma at:

Website: www.fromebikeproject.org
Instagram & Facebook: @FromeBikeProject

To find out more about the new director roles see the Frome Bike Project website and get in touch with Emma before September 7th, 2025.

Email Emma at info@fromebikeproject.org for details.

✨ Guest - James Wallis

In this conversation, Lyndsey chats with James Wallis from Edventure Frome's community co-working space and social enterprise incubator. James shares news about two impactful courses — Comms for Change and Enterprising Women — designed to empower people with communication skills and support women entrepreneurs and discover how the Frome Community Fridges are helping reduce food waste and fostering community spirit in the town.

Find out more:

edventurefrome.org

Comms for Change and Enterprising Women Course

Instagram and Facebook: @Edventurefrome

Contact Lyndsey: HelloFromeShow@gmail.com

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 the second episode of Hello Frome, host Lyndsey Mayhew meets Kally Dunn the founder of Sewing For Charity and the manager of the Blue House, David Hoare and its Chair, Miriam Cheal.

✨ Guest - Kally Dunn

We meet Kally Dunn, founder of Sewing for Charity, a remarkable community initiative based in Frome. Kally shares her journey from working in the clothing industry to creating life-changing sewn products that support women and families in crisis zones around the world. Discover how Sewing for Charity produces reusable sanitary pads, drawstring bags for refugees, and neonatal quilts—all made by volunteers. Learn about the social impact, environmental benefits, and global importance of this work.

Connect with Kally at: FromeReDress@yahoo.com

✨ Guest - David Hoare & Miriam Cheal

In this conversation we explore the rich history and ongoing legacy of the Blue House in Frome, a remarkable Grade I listed almshouse with origins dating back to 1480. David Hoare and Miriam Cheal join us to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the current Blue House building and share the plans for much needed preservation work — from restoring windows and stonework to roof repairs — and the ambitious fundraising campaign launched to secure a sustainable future for the landmark Blue House and its 17 residents.

Find out more about The Blue House and the fundraising campaign at: www.thebluehousefrome.co.uk

Contact Lyndsey: HelloFromeShow@gmail.com