BBC street auction raises £1,250 for 91 year-old Frome volunteer

HUNDREDS of people turned out to see the filming of the second series of BBC One’s ‘Street Auction’ last Sunday, which saw 91 year-old Joe Dismore, a volunteer for Active and In Touch, receive £1,250 which was raised from the pop up auction.

The series, due to be broadcast in the autumn, will feature a variety of locations across the UK, bringing together a street and a community for a massive fund-raising effort.

Neighbours in the Vallis Road area donated unwanted and unloved items, which were sold at the pop up auction hosted by Paul Martin of Flog It! in Frome’s Victoria Park.

Frome charity Active and In Touch had nominated one of their volunteers, 91-year-old Joe Dismore, to receive the proceeds from the auction as a thank you for all his dedication.

Lucia Chadwick from Active and In Touch said, “Joe has been a volunteer with us for four years and in that time has helped so many people. He’ll be 92 next month but he shows no signs of slowing down, in fact he’s just signed up to be a volunteer with Frome Community Cars!

“We are so pleased he was chosen to receive the money raised from the street auction – he will use it for a VIP trip to a London theatre as he is loves the theatre.

“Joe was very shocked and gave a wonderful speech to the camera which had us all in tears. He said that he has been volunteering all his life and he very much enjoys giving back to the community.”

Chris Stringer from Frome Town Council said, “We were delighted that the BBC chose Victoria Park for the Frome edition of Street Auction and it was great to work with them and with Active & In Touch on the event. And good weather meant a really busy and lively afternoon in the park, which is just what we like to see.”