Paul Wynne, left, is retiring and will be replaced by interim clerk, Peter Wheelhouse, right. Picture: Frome Town Council

Behind-the-scenes Frome stalwart stands down after 18 years

Paul JonesOctober 14, 20250 Comment0

CLERK of Frome Town Council – Paul Wynne – is retiring this month, after 18 years with the authority.

Mr Wynne will step down from the role on October 24 and has been reflecting on his time overseeing administration at the authority after 15 years as clerk.

“It’s been a great time to be in this role and I’m proud of all the wonderful things I’ve helped to deliver over the years,” he said.

“Perhaps the highlights have been taking back Frome Town Hall for the town to create a welcoming place for the community and a real focal point for the town; helping to secure for the town our very own green belt – Whatcombe Fields – and lots of other green spaces and allotments in the town that are great places to recharge batteries; establishing Fair Frome and helping to support so many other truly great community groups in the town without whom we would all live in a much poorer place; and enabling the community to look after itself so much better than most other towns did during the awful Covid pandemic.

“The community resilience developed during that time remains, is building all the time and puts our town in a great place to face an uncertain future together.

“More than anything else though, I’ve had the pleasure of working with hundreds of wonderful people, some truly inspiring councillors and leading a staff team that is second to none.”

Chair of FTC, Cllr Fiona Barrows, said: “I want to sincerely thank Paul for his dedication to this council and this town over the last 18 years.

“His hard work, creativity, and leadership have left a lasting legacy and Frome Town Council would not have the reputation it does for innovation and ambition without him.

“His commitment to our community, to doing things differently and making good stuff happen here is embedded deeply within us as an organisation.

“Not many people understand the role of a town clerk – it happens behind the scenes – but so many things would not have happened here in Frome without him.

“On behalf of all councillors, past and present, and the staff, I’d like to thank him again for all his hard work, and wish him all the best in the future.”

Peter Wheelhouse, deputy town clerk and economic regeneration manager, will take over as interim town clerk while the recruitment process for a permanent replacement takes place.

“We have every confidence in Peter and know he will guide this organisation with steady hands through this interim period,” Cllr Burrows added.

“We appreciate him stepping up with such willingness, enthusiasm, and commitment.”