Dawn Denton is the Somerset County Councillor for Frome North. In this series she will be sharing behind the scenes of her role, the amazing people she meets and the community's issues, as well as celebrating those in and around Frome North.
I grew up in apartheid South Africa. It shaped me and made me who I am today.
The 18th of July is Nelson Mandela Day, and in this episode I reflect on what I have learned from the late Mr Mandela (or Tata, as he was known), and how I align these lessons to my Conservative values.
Wisdom and inspiration are found on all sides of the political spectrum, and humanity should always come before politics.
18 May 2026
#17 Chat with Cllr Diogo Rodrigues
Cllr Diogo Rodrigues is the Conservative Leader of the Opposition on Somerset Council.
In this episode we chat about how he got involved in politics, what he loves and finds tough about the job, and also what his plane are for the next year.
You can contact Diogo
Somerset Council website: https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=204
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diogobridgwater
10 May 2026
#16 A year of Civic Engagement
It has been a busy year!
The power of community
The responsibility of representation
Learning to lead
Encouraging others to step forward
Being part of something bigger
Moments that will stay with me
My recent Frome Times article is a summary of this Substack piece: https://dawndenton.substack.com/p/one-community-two-councils
Get in touch if you need info or council advise: dawn.denton@somerset.gov.uk (mailto:dawn.denton@somerset.gov.uk)
26 Apr 2026
#15 Remote Councillor Voting
This week the Frome Town Council voted in favour of amending their Standing Orders to permit remote voting where a councillor is unable to attend in person.
This is the Decision Paper: https://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Agenda-item-8-For-decision-Standing-Orders-amendments-relating-to-remote-voting.pdf
The council exists and functions under the Local Government Act of 1972: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1972/70/contents
I would love to hear your views: dawn.denton@somerset.gov.uk
12 Apr 2026
#14 Budget, bugs & by-election
It has been a busy start to the year with budget, bugs and now a by-election called in the Mendip Hills.
Check out my response to social media posts on my Facebook Page:
Cllr Dawn Denton Frome North: https://www.facebook.com/dawn4frome/
Our brilliant Conservative candidate for the Mendip Hills by-election:
Nicola Perold - Mendip Hills: https://www.facebook.com/nicolaperoldmendip
Please get in touch if you need anything or have a question: dawn.denton@somerset.gov.uk
19 Jan 2026
#13 Core Weaknesses of Frome Town Council (Part Two)
In the summer of 2025, the Local Government Association (LGA) did a Corporate Peer Review. This review identified core weaknesses at the Frome Town Council.
In this episode I look at the concerns raised around leadership, culture, and relationships.
You can read the full report here:
https://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Frome-Corporate-Peer-Challenge-Report.pdf
18 Jan 2026
#12 Core Weaknesses at Frome Town Council (Part One)
In the summer of 2025, the Local Government Association (LGA) did a Corporate Peer Review. This review identified core weaknesses at the Frome Town Council.
In this episode, I focus on the concerns the report raised about Purpose, Remit, and Strategic Clarity.
You can read the full report here: https://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Frome-Corporate-Peer-Challenge-Report.pdf
28 Nov 2025
#11 Somerset Council - First Port 'o Call
If you have a concern about Somerset Council services, your first Port 'o Call is your local Somerset Councillors.
Get in touch if you need my support: dawn.denton@somerset.gov.uk
14 Oct 2025
#10 What's in my inbox?
As a Somerset Councillor I have a varied and interesting inbox. In this episode I share what's in my inbox right now - what came in yesterday and a flavour of last week's emails.
Please submit any issues directly to the Somerset Council website for a more speedy response:
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/
And get in touch if you have any questions about being a councillor, or anything else. I will try my best to help, or will know someone who can: dawn.denton@somerset.gov.uk
11 Jun 2025
#9 Council Finance 101 - 'Pots' of Money
Dawn Denton explains revenue and capital council money pots, offering contact information for questions or support regarding Somerset Council finances.
2 Jan 2025
#8 Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Host Dawn Denton explores how reframing expectations can break self-fulfilling prophecies and unlock positive change in Somerset through a mindset shift towards optimism and proactive action.
18 Nov 2023
#7 The Somerset Council Financial Statement Response
The next few months are going to be tough for the council and for the residents of Somerset. With a bankruptcy notice looming in February, there will be implications for us all, and the council will face some brutal actions of commissioners who will come in to sort things out.
Here is also the official Conservative Leader (David Fothergill) response to the open letter from the Somerset Council Leader, Bill Revans.
26 Jun 2023
#6 Abortion Assimilation
Okay, okay, I am a bit of a Trekkie. I love how much I learn about human nature with every Star Trek episode. But, the Borg makes me deeply uneasy, and while listening to the US Supreme Court rule against supporting abortion, I could not help feel the same as I do when watching the Borg.
31 May 2023
#5 One Year Done
I can't believe it is over a year since the election. I have had the most remarkable 12 months learning about myself and the community, and meeting the most amazing people and organisations. Thank you for your ongoing support!
7 Feb 2023
#4 Village Agents
The Somerset Village & Community Agents offer free, confidential, practical support for you and community groups. They can be contacted via email or phone, and can help with whatever you need if you don't know where to turn.
Phone: 01823 331 222
Email: info@somersetrcc.org.uk
Website: https://somersetagents.org/ (https://somersetagents.org/)
15 Oct 2022
#3 What connects us?
Since my election on the 5th May 2022 as the Somerset County Councillor for Frome North, I have noticed more and more, the divisions in our communities. People are divided over potholes, pop artists, posts on social media, and of course politics.
Of course, a difference of opinion is good. That’s what makes our communities stronger, the debates more robust, and reflects our commitment to freedom of choice.
But, this division is not good when it drives people to hate, hurt and haul person insults.
24 Jul 2022
#2 Week in the Life
In this episode I share my Councillor diary for last week. This week I got to enjoy the company of the Frome WI.
The speaker was Jane Clark who spoke about her book: Sister Sunshine.
To get involved in the Somerset County meetings, you can find all information on the Council website
The Boundary Commission information and proposals and the Frome proposal can be found HERE
For more information about the Frome Selwood Tennis Club, check out their website.
Have a great week and please do get in touch: dawndentonfrome@gmail.com
17 Jul 2022
#1 Dear Resident
Welcome! I am thrilled to be representing Frome North on the Somerset County Council and in this series I will be sharing my role, introducing people and communities, and discussing what is important to YOU and to me. I hope to get to know you better and celebrate all the amazing things going on in and around Frome North.
If you live in Frome North, you may have received this letter through your door before the local elections on the 5th May 2022.
If not...here it is.
Please get in touch: dawndentonfrome@gmail.com. I look forward to the next 5 years together.
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