Former Mayor remembered

THE death of former Frome mayor, Russell Milne, has been announced. Russell was a well-known figure in Frome, having lived here for more than 50 years with his wife, Christine.   

He was involved in many aspects of the life of the town and had a wide range of interests, being an enthusiastic bowler, bee-keeper and member of Frome Art Society.   

He chaired the trustees of the Memorial Theatre for a number of years and was also a trustee of the Blue House and Harry’s Hydro, overcoming many obstacles along the way to ensure that it was eventually built.  

Russell’s mayoral year coincided with the very first Frome Festival, which he supported whole heartedly over the years. He delighted in the way it has developed, bringing so many benefits to the town.  In its early years both Russell and Christine acted as stewards for a number of festival events, Russell’s particular favourite being the annual SODA art exhibition in St John’s Church. 

Russell’s working life was spent in the printing industry, with some 20 years at Butler and Tanner.  As printing moved into the digital age, he was keen to preserve the ancient skills of stone lithography and began to collect items of old equipment which were being discarded.   

This resulted in the forming of Frome Artist Printmakers in a tiny basement in Eagle Lane.  Although failing health in recent years meant he became less involved, the group thrived and has now moved to a studio in the Silk Mill. 

He served as a town councillor for 12 years and was proud to have been elected in 3 different wards.  He had a particular interest in planning, always trying to visit the site of any application. 

Russell passed away on August 23rd. A service to celebrate his life will be held at Wesley Methodist Church on Monday 13th September at 2.30pm.  All welcome but no flowers, please and no black.