Issue 305 – Frome Town Council Civic Award to Sally White and Alan Fone

Frome residents, Alan Fone and Sally White received civic awards from the mayor of Frome, Cllr Helen Sprawson White, at Frome Town Council’s annual Civic Service on Sunday, 11th July at Christ Church.

Cllr Sprawson-White said, “There are many people in Frome who give up their valuable free time to support others without seeking praise or recognition. The civic awards provide an opportunity for the town council to pay public tribute to these people whilst recording their efforts for posterity.
“Alan assists with the administration of Frome Memorial Theatre and The Amateur Operatic Society. He is also invaluable in his role as recording manager for Frome Talking Newspapers, without his efforts many people across Mendip with impaired vision would not be able to share in the community news. Alan has given this weekly commitment freely for over 30 years, with very few exceptions.
“Sally plays a pivotal role within the community and actively supports several charities both locally and nationally. She worked as a Samaritan for some 11 years and is devoted to Christ Church in Frome where she plays a huge part in both the church and school communities.
“She helps run a breakfast club at The Key Centre allowing the more vulnerable members of our community to meet in a safe and relaxed atmosphere. She also works with The Contact Centre facilitating visits between estranged parents and their children in a secure environment.”
The mayor of Frome, Cllr Helen Sprawson-White presented both recipients with specially commissioned paperweights and certificates in recognition of their unstinting work in the community over many years.
Cllr Sprawson-White concluded, “Both Sally and Alan have shown amazing commitment, are an inspiration to all of us and have without doubt helped make Frome a better place.”
The service, led by the reverend Neil Maxted, adopted a community based approach with hymns, readings and prayers specifically chosen to support this theme. The reverend Graham Owen from Trinity Church delivered the address, to a congregation of approximately 200 people, about the challenges of being a good Samaritan in current times.
Guests at the service included civic dignitaries from Frome and the surrounding area plus representatives from local community and charitable organisations.