ACTIVE and In Touch has become even more active as a result of the recent amalgamation with Frome Community Drivers (FCD).
The group report, “At the helm, or should that be the “steering wheel” of FCD is Morag Stuart. Born in Worcester, Morag lived near to the beautiful Malvern Hills at Birchwood Lodge, one of Elgar’s “retreats” and where part of the “Enigma Variations” were composed. She remembers fondly visitors on the Elgar Trail, including providing afternoon tea parties.
“Morag originally trained as a teacher at Warwick University but her path led her to Cambridge and an arts management course where, upon undertaking work experience in the theatre, she decided that this was the dream she wished to follow. For about six years she had an amazing position and a wonderful time at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, progressing from the box office to administrator of education and outreach.
“Relocating to Bath to be with her husband Keith, a Frome author, Morag proceeded to a post with The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and was involved with residentials, performing at The Royal Albert Hall and The Barbican to name but two.
“Moving to Frome, and with the birth of her sons, Zac and Albie, Morag’s skills and talents allowed her to re-focus on setting up a pre-school arts club in Frome which, in her modestly stated way, “got very busy”! Alongside Black Swan Art, Morag’s desire to support volunteering reached fruition and from 2016 onwards she managed and co-ordinated volunteers and administration for the Young and Adults Open Arts Competition.
“ From there, Morag progressed to Frome Community Drivers, originally set up by Richard Fry. She loves this, especially being able to talk to and support the volunteer drivers and their passengers. Now part of the Active and In Touch team, Morag co-ordinates up to 150 journeys per month undertaken by a team of 20 drivers.
“These are largely to Frome Medical Practice and the Community Hospital, but also encompass the Royal United Hospital in Bath and Shepton Mallet Community Hospital. Volunteer drivers also devote time to shopping and prescription deliveries, with approximately 80-100 deliveries a month of the latter during lockdown 3. Currently, passengers are also being taken for their vitally-important Covid vaccines.
“Morag says that she and her drivers are very much looking forward to being able to resume their “normal” service of facilitating shopping, taking people to hairdressers, visiting friends, attending exercise classes and enjoying social groups, once the pandemic regulations are relaxed.
“As always, if anyone is interested in volunteering for Active and In Touch please do contact enquiries@activeandintouch.org for further information.
Pictured: Morag, Zac and Albie FCD
