CIVIC Awards have been presented to several of Frome’s ‘unsung heroes’, who went the extra mile to improve the town and help the community over the past year.
Mayor Pippa Goldfinger presented the awards at the Annual Town Meeting on 10th April, and said it was a chance to celebrate everyone who helps make Frome a great place to live in.
She said, “Over the year as mayor you get to meet many people giving up their time for different voluntary groups, and certain people stand out as being particularly committed to Frome. I chose a group of people who represented quite a variety of different activities that take place in the town.
“I’d also like to say there are so many people that make Frome a great place, which made it difficult to choose! We’ve got a really lively and engaged population – that’s why Frome is so vibrant.”
The leader of the council, Mel Usher, added his tribute for the work done by local people, saying that community groups in Frome “seem stronger than ever.”
Awards were presented to the following people:
• Charles Wood who was recognised for his work on the Vision4Frome, Active Citizens, and Active and in Touch.
• Gary Collinson for his continued support of Frome Town Football Club, particularly for fundraising and securing a large grant.
• Gavin Eddy who is heavily involved with the town’s artisan and flea markets.
• Dorothy-Anne Bryant who was awarded for her work with Friends of the River Frome and Hope Frome.
• Teenagers May Schymzk, Tabby Lawson-Coe and Leanna Denwood, who spearheaded the ‘Oakfield Making a Difference’ project. The group has been organising projects to make Victoria Park a safer and more pleasant environment for all who use it. Frome Town Council had given the group £1,000 last year to help them put on taster sessions and improve the park.
Mayor Pippa Goldfinger said she was impressed with the turnout of 140 people who attended the Annual Town Meeting on 10th April. Looking forward to the future, Mel Usher, leader of the Council, outlined the main projects the town council hopes to address including: revamping the Market Place, improving space along the River Frome, modernising the Cheese and Grain, and working on the Neighbourhood Plan.
He said there were ‘grounds for optimism’ with falling crime in the town, unemployment below the national average, a new health centre which is ‘the envy of many other towns’, and new businesses wanting to re-locate to Frome.
He said, “Most of us are caught up in the language and gloom of austerity. Throughout the year we have been criticised whenever we propose investment at all. But I am firmly of the view that now is the time to be confident, optimistic, and dare I say it, even bold.”
