FROME Family History Group’s annual business meeting took place in the library on 28th January.
They report, “The chair welcomed the members and thanked the committee for all their hard work throughout the year. Several members were also thanked for their contribution to the group.
“Sue Simpson, our programme secretary ran through all the talks and events we enjoyed throughout the year, including the publication of our book “Frome Survivors”
“The next report should have been from our treasurer, Gerald Burdall but unfortunately he was not able to be with us owing to illness. He will present his report at the February meeting.
“The present committee were all prepared to stand for re-election and this was proposed and seconded. They are, Chris Featherstone, Chair, Sue Latham, Secretary, Sue Simpson, Programme Secretary, Gerald Burdall, Treasurer and Sue Leather, other duties.
“We then welcomed Gill Harry and Helen Ottaway from Home in Frome. ‘Working Memories’ was first published in 2012 by Home in Frome and based on recordings of interviews with many Frome people. The book is to be re-printed shortly to coincide with the launch of the Working Memories website.
“ The business part of the evening concluded, we moved on to Sue Latham for her presentation “A walk around Frome”
“Using a recording made by Home In Frome in 2011, Sue produced a set of audio visuals of six Frome owner/managers telling their stories of business life in the past.
“The first was Ernest Clothier of Moore & Son in Christchurch Street. Ernest told us how the business had changed from being extremely bustling, selling lots of seed to farmers and smallholders in the 1970s, to the rather more quieter trading of today.
“Ken Miller related how he joined his father’s shop, WD Miller & Son (now Millers Homestores) after the war. He described the varied businesses trading in Bath Street before he relocated to the Westway Precinct.
“Margaret Vaughan surprised us with her memories of, literally, building up the Settle restaurant and bakery in Cheap Street. She told of her many problems encountered on the way before becoming Egon Ronay recommended and winning the French Les Routiers award.
“Cooper & Tanner’s Quintyn Howard-Evans, described how he struggled to sell houses and premises in the 1970s, due to the dreadful derelict state of Frome. This was contrasted with the improvements today, especially the many boutiques, shops and substantial new housing, making the town a desirable place to live and work.
“Frome cattle market moved to Standerwick in 1990 and Dennis Barnard told us what the market used to be like and why it was necessary to relocate. He related some humorous stories of the characters to be found and ended with a discussion on jibboules!
“The last in the group was Diane Rouse who had a dress boutique on Catherine Hill. She remembers what her life was like when she was evacuated to Frome during the war and describes other traders on the hill and the changes in Frome during the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
“It was fascinating to see and hear the stories told by the actual people involved, giving us a personal insight into their business lives.
“Our next meeting is on Tuesday 25th February when Martin Horler will be telling us about the role of the Royal Mail guard, meanwhile our Saturday morning family history advice sessions continue on the first Saturday in the month from 9.30 to 11.30 in the library. Please book a computer with the library staff.”
