YOU are reading the 400th issue of the Frome Times!
The paper – one of only a handful of independent family-owned newspapers left in the country – was set up in 1998 and is delivered free to the whole of Frome.
13,685 copies are distributed every fortnight making it the newspaper with by far the largest circulation in the town.
Mayor of Frome, cllr Dickon Moore, congratulated Frome Times on the milestone. He said, “Congratulations for the publication of the 400th issue of the Frome Times, an admired local paper that provides a quality service the people of Frome.
“The Frome Times is at the heart of the community supporting local causes, organisations and individuals. On a personal note, I would like to thank the paper for all its support with my fundraising for local charities.
“I know which ‘FT’ I would choose to read!”
The Frome Times title was started by David McGregor with the help of the late John Frapwell and was first published as a monthly A4 publication. The duo sold the title to Ian and Susan Drew in 1998 and the fortnightly newspaper style was introduced in line with the couple’s other two publications which cover Westbury and Melksham.
“It’s quite a milestone reaching 400 issues,” said Ian, who also edits the paper. “It’s quite rare these days for an independent paper to survive – most papers are now owned by large national and international companies – and that’s a tribute to the dedication of our team here and the fantastic support we get from the people and businesses of Frome.”