AFTER nine years as both chairman and trustee, local charity Fair Frome has announced that Bob Ashford is standing down. For Bob, his retirement from the charity is a time to reflect on what has been achieved during the last nine years.
“I had no idea when I started how the need for the services we provide would grow, especially in what, on the surface, is a reasonably wealthy town like Frome,” says Bob. “This has been the unfortunate reality, and it’s meant that Fair Frome has grown considerably; from its very small and humble beginnings in a shared office in Palmer Street (thanks to Frome Town Council) to an organisation that now runs a Foodbank, Furniture Bank, Assistance Scheme, Food at Five, Holiday Hunger, Baby Bank and other projects.
“Despite the current environment, the dedication of our team of trustees, staff and volunteers as well as our stakeholders has meant that Fair Frome has reached a position where it’s able to support the needs of our community, and in which its services are valued more than ever. I’m immensely proud to have been a part of this and am confident that the organisation will continue to expand and adapt.
“However, after almost a decade, it’s time for a change. I know the remaining trustees and staff will continue to build on Fair Frome’s achievements and champion the needs of those who rely on its services. I am also delighted that Karen Stewart and John Killah will now be acting as co-chairs of Fair Frome. Both Karen and John have acted as trustees at Fair Frome for several years and between them possess an enormous amount of experience. Indeed, Karen was Fair Frome’s most recent vice chair.
New co-chair Karen Stewart wishes to place on record the thanks of everyone for all the years of work and dedication that Bob Ashford has put into supporting Fair Frome as chair of trustees.
“On behalf of all Fair Frome’s staff, trustees and volunteers, past and present, I would like to thank Bob for everything that he has done over so many years,” she said. “As well as everything else, Bob has been instrumental in leading our successful search for new premises.
“This is an extremely exciting time for Fair Frome and we shall shortly be releasing details of new developments, including what will be happening at our new building as well as what is being planned for our current home. But for now, we would like to say a huge thank you to Bob and wish him well for the future.”
