ACTIVE and In Touch members and volunteers resumed their weekly outdoor meetings last month following the easing of lockdown restrictions.
The local charity reports, “Tuesday 30th March saw the sun shining and witnessed members of Active and In Touch (A&IT) getting together in Victoria Park, some for the first time since March 2020.
“Rigorously observing the revised government guidelines of groups containing no more than six people, friends who had not met each other for months were able to talk and catch up, and what an event this proved to be.
“Ruth, A&IT volunteer and the ‘Tuesday Group Anchor’ looked around happily appreciating the lovely warm spring day which had allowed people to come out and about, whilst Helen, also a volunteer shared she was so happy ‘to feel connected with familiar faces again’.
“Member Clive shared the news that, using original sources and maps from 942AD – 1515, he was researching in to the Bounds of Mells and local placenames with a view to writing a piece for publication, whilst Fleur, a recent volunteer supporting two members was getting to know other volunteers, including Julie.
“Richard, an avid cricket fan, discussed England’s latest match with Peter as he enjoying a cup of tea from the Café in the Park. John, one of the group’s oldest members at the age of 95, was there. He first came to Frome in 1926, as a young boy, to visit his grandfather, who had served in the Navy in World War I. Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, John was a merchant seaman in World War II who then settled in Frome. He was able to stay for an hour only, however, as at noon he needed to leave in order to help serving Meals on Wheels in the local area!
“Eddie smiled as he looked round happily, describing how he used to come to the Park every Tuesday and was pleased to be back.
“Member David, listening to the mellow music being played by volunteer Peter was also delighted to be in the Park seeing and meeting people. A former colour matcher at Weston Vinyls he used to really enjoy making colours for new customers, and was delighted by nature’s beautiful hues all around him.
“Another member, Marian, told Dougie Brown, A&IT’s Director of Service, that following her letter from Matt Hancock, she had been sheltering and this was her first time out in ages. She had been brought to the park by a Frome Community Car volunteer and was very much enjoying her surroundings in the very well-kept and manicured Victoria Park.
“Radek, who has been an A&IT Volunteer for three years and who recently received a Civic Award for his volunteering was also present, having travelled from Westbury to be in the park on this special day.
“Throughout all of this, Trustee John, accompanied by his wife Chris, was talking to members whilst Dougie was also busy, distributing stylish linen shopping bags with the A&IT logo, containing Easter eggs to members and volunteers.
“The former had been donated by James Garvan from The Paper Bag Company, Westbury. Trustees, staff, members and volunteers are extremely grateful to James for his ongoing support and the very generous gift of one thousand bags.
“Hopefully, this will be the first of many more Tuesday Group Meetings. Fingers crossed that the sunny weather continues as we head towards further freedoms.”
