Father Christmas float raises record amount

FROME’S Father Christmas Float has raised over £14,795 for local causes – a record-breaking amount!

The float, which is a joint venture between Frome Lions Club and Frome Rotary clubs, visited residential areas in Frome and surrounding villages throughout December in the lead-up to Christmas.

On behalf of the Lions and Rotary clubs, Rotarian David Millard said, “The final total for this year’s collection is an absolutely fantastic £14,795.67. There are some old £1 coins and foreign money to be ‘realised’ so at the end, the total will probably be approximately £14,850. This is without doubt a record figure!

“Thanks go to all Lions and Rotarians involved in whatever way, including the help with collecting given to us by members of the Frome Town club.

“Whilst the money raised enables the two clubs to support deserving causes in and around Frome, perhaps equally important is the pleasure that the visits of Father Christmas give to young and old alike.

“It is a wonderful vehicle (no pun intended) to raise the profile of both clubs and for them to be seen to be providing a service to the community.

“None of this would be possible without the input of so many individuals who act as drivers, ground crews, marshals and those who help to maintain the vehicle.

“Particular thanks to Mike Bishop who plans the routes and is heavily involved with the organisation and who, together with his wife Angie, is out virtually every day and of course the generosity of all who donate.”