A Frome resident has won this year’s Frome Festival Treasure Hunt, receiving a one-off pendant created by local goldsmith Annette Gabbedey to mark the festival’s 25th anniversary.
Pauline Harris was the winner, receiving a Curvy Pendant with Garnet designed and handmade by Annette.
Pauline and her husband Nigel have lived in Frome since 1979 and have taken part in the Treasure Hunt four or five times previously.
This year, Pauline’s name was drawn from 10 completely correct entries.
Gavin Rea, who devised this year’s Treasure Hunt, said, “It would have been more but we had to mark down those who did not spell Saint Catharine of Alexandria correctly. Many thanks to everyone who gave it a go.”
Paul and Nigel said the hardest clue was question five, at Bendalls Wharf near Great Western Street.
“We knew where it had to be but we couldn’t find it,” said Pauline. “In the end, Nigel became like a dog with a bone and was not going to let this clue beat him. When you’ve got all the rest, you just think, I’ve got to get this.”
After numerous dog walks and several trips driving up and down the road, they eventually found the correct sign and completed their entry.
Pauline was particularly pleased with the prize as Annette had also created her daughter’s wedding ring.
Annette said, “I was delighted to be able to offer the prize again, especially for this year’s 25th, which was really special to be part of. The necklace was on the verge of my signature Curvy Pendants but I wanted to have that extra twist with a garnet to make it an extra special, hand-finished one-off piece.
“It’s a privilege to be part of the festival, to be honest. I love it. And I just love being part of the town, so it’s nice to be supporting it.”
Frome Festival Co-Chair of Trustees Andy Jones represented the festival at the prize-giving.
He said, “It’s lovely to be able to award the prize for the treasure hunt, particularly on the 25th anniversary. Thanks to Annette for contributing over all those years and congratulations to Pauline for winning.”
The Frome Festival Treasure Hunt is an annual event encouraging participants to explore the town while solving a series of clues. It also raises funds for the Frome Festival.
The 2026 answers and further information about the Treasure Hunt are available on the Frome Festival website.
Pictures by Sarah Swales
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