THANKS to the dedication of trustees and Friends of Frome Dissenters Cemetery, a piece of Frome’s historic past is in the process of being restored, near to its original splendour.
Although there is work still to be completed, volunteers have succeeded in preserving this important historic site for Frome and its future generations.
The group report, “Founded in 1850/51 by the Free churches of the town, (Baptist, Congregational, Methodist etc), The Frome Dissenters Cemetery became the resting place for many of the town’s families, both of high and low estate. (There are also a dozen war graves located here.) Sadly, due to the lack of proper maintenance and the tide of time, nature had turned the site into an inaccessible wilderness.
“Now the trustees are pleased to announce the next open day, for its 170th Anniversary, on Saturday 4th September, from 10 am until 12 noon, to show visitors how this wilderness has been transformed into a haven of tranquility, creating a more fitting memorial to the many Frome people interred there.
“Following the 2004 open day, Mr Tanner of world renowned book printers Butler & Tanner of Frome (the original Joseph Tanner is buried in the cemetery) kindly agreed to arrange the restoration of the first two registers of burials. These cover the years 1851 to 1878 and 1878 to 1906. They record the burials of about 4000 people.
“During the past 18 years, the grounds have been tidied; broken grave stones have been repaired and fallen headstones re-erected. LBC has been obtained to restore the gate pillars; replace the glass in the chapel windows and to repair and rebuild the side wall.
“Plans are also in hand to clean the chapel and to re-dedicate it. Frome Town Council, through its tree officer and the present and past mayors, together with Active and In Touch, Focus Frome and others, are supportive of the plans to make the cemetery a community space which can be a place for quiet reflection or a pleasant stroll.
“With special thanks to Andy Smart, Mark Dorrington, Anita Collier, Frome Tunnelers, Steve Marsh with FCC Duke of Edinburgh participants, Lockhart Murdoch, Jason Payne and Eddie Young.”
