TOWN stalwart, June Barnes, has become the first recipient of the Mayoral Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating her service over seven decades of volunteer work in the community.
The new award, introduced by outgoing mayor cllr Andy Wrintmore – which he hopes will be a new annual tradition – was presented to June at last week’s annual meeting of Frome Town Council.
June is well-known in the town for her work with Frome Carnival, Frome Netball Club, South Parade Club, St. John’s Church Wives group and the former pupils’ association of Frome Grammar School.
“With a lifetime achievement award, there is generally a lifetime of achievements to talk about!” joked cllr Wrintmore before he read out June’s long list of work in the town.
“I am absolutely delighted and surprised,” said June speaking to Frome Times at the special ceremony. “But of course I don’t do this work on my own, I do it with the support of my family and the committees of carnival and netball. It’s a concerted effort really, so I accept this award on behalf of everyone.
Asked if there are signs of her slowing down, June laughed and said, “Not really no!”
And never one to miss an opportunity to plug Frome’s much-loved carnival, June added, “I only hope we get support from the public for our carnival fun day this year (Saturday 11th June), as we are hoping to have this year’s carnival procession in September – so we would love to see the community at the fun day to help us raise money for the carnival.”
About why June had been selected as the first recipient of the Mayoral Lifetime Achievement Award, cllr Wrintmore said, “June has been a pillar of the Frome community for more than seven decades, acting as a linchpin and driving organisational force in numerous groups and clubs.
“June has been heavily involved with the running of Frome’s netball team for 70 years now, guiding it with a steady hand on the tiller through its high points and some of its more challenging moments.
“Frome Carnival committee has been lucky enough to have June for over 30 years, starting out as a secretary. June is now the chairman and attends many other carnivals in the local area, volunteering and marshalling.
“June has also been an influential presence at Frome’s much-loved South Parade Club, being a vital member of the club’s management team in the past. But I’m told she now enjoys a more relaxed member’s role.
“For at least 35 years, June has been the chairman of the St. John’s Church Wives group – so that makes you one of the most powerful women in the town with all the gossip you have access to!
“The list continues… June has also been a consistent and binding figure in the former pupils’ association of Frome Grammar School (now known as Frome Community College), organising reunions and newsletters.
“And as if all of that wasn’t impressive enough, June is a member of the British empire, having been awarded an MBE in 2013 for all of her contributions to the Frome community and the various charities she has supported through her many responsibilities over the past seven decades.
“Please join me in celebrating, thanking and recognising June Barnes as Frome’s very first Mayoral Lifetime Achievement Award recipient!”
