FROME Society for Local Study members say they have had a productive year with the unveiling of a plaque in April, the restoration of the famous Cockey lamps, as well as publishing a rare 19th century map of Frome Selwood parish in November.
The society say, “It has been a very productive year, with many highlights. One of these was the plaque ceremony in April dedicated to gas pioneer Edward Cockey, which was erected on the site of the old Cockey factory in Palmer Street. As well as members of the Frome Society, there were representatives of the Frome & District Civic Society, YMCA Brunel Group (who now own the building), Frome Town Council and Frome Museum. The Mayor of Frome, Sara Butler-Bartholomew (deputy-mayor as she was then) was also in attendance and gave a speech.
“Among other things, the firm created the famous Cockey lamps and during the year the society has been involved, along with Frome Town Council, with instigating The Cockeys Lamp Survey Project, which will see as many as possible of the remaining lamps restored and permanently protected.
“In July, during the Frome Festival, the society welcomed Dr Carole Sargent to talk about Frome poet Elizabeth Singer-Rowe, while in October, the society’s lecture programme began; the highlight being the Katharine Ashworth lecture, given this year by Dr Pat Smith. Katharine Ashworth being a benefactor who bequeathed her house to the Frome Society after she died with the only recompense being a rose put on her grave at Midsomer each year.
“This was again duly performed by members of the society back in June. The lecture itself, given by Dr Smith, was an illustrative talk on the Cruse map, which the society is publishing in atlas-form next year. And finally, the society published its 25th Yearbook, edited by Frome Times columnist Mick Davis, with features that included Frome MPs, First World War Belgian refugees in Frome and an article, as a companion piece to Dr Smith’s lecture, about why the map created by Jeremiah Cruse is so important.”
To see more of what the society has been getting up to visit: http://www.fsls .org.uk/
Report: David Lassman
