Frome celebrates Miss Moneypenny

THE Frome Society for Local Study has unveiled a plaque at 121 Broadway for former Frome resident Lois Maxwell, who played Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond films.

Lois Maxwell was born in Canada but lived in Frome from 1994 to 2001.  She played the role of Miss Moneypenny with both Sean Connery and Roger Moore, in the films from ‘Dr No’ in 1962 to ‘A View to Kill’ in 1985. She died in Australia in 2007 but the unveiling took place on 14th February, which would have been her ninetieth birthday.

Fifty people attended the ceremony, including the Mayor of Frome, Toby Eliot, and five members of Lois Maxwell’s family. Julian Watson, chairman of the Frome Society for Local Study spoke about Lois Maxwell’s career as actor and writer and her daughter, Melinda Dewey spoke of the family’s pride  at the plaque.   

The Frome Society for Local Study has erected 15 plaques around the town, celebrating distinguished residents and interesting buildings.

Also in attendance was Father Clive Fairclough,  the new vicar appointed to the Mells group of churches. Father Clive came to the appointment straight from Russia where he was chaplain to the British Ambassador at the British Embassy in Moscow.

He said, “I have a passion for all things Bond and so does my wife – Sean Connery and Daniel Craig anyway! Before I went to Moscow my family gave me a limited edition Bond watch with secret gadgets. I couldn’t possibly tell you what they are as I might need them to get out of a tight spot.

“My Moscow appointment changed my preconceptions both of the Russian culture, people and their religions. I had many preconceptions including the beautiful Tatiana who turned out to be a double agent! I discovered a resilience and passion for survival despite the harsh climate and many sufferings the Russian people have experienced  in their long history of struggle and wars. Most moving for me was the strong faith I saw and felt as I experienced Russian Christian Orthodox worship forged by a faith stretching over a thousand years.

“From Russia with Love is what I take with me as I move home to rural England to the depths of the West Country.  I have been profoundly challenged by what I have witnessed gazing through the telescopic sights to the west from the east. I have been changed and strengthened by mother Russia.  My wife will be relieved that I did not encounter the lovely Tatiana and so am I as she might have been a double agent!”