The winners of Frome Times’ Person and Group of the Year 2024 are dedicated fundraiser Radek Evans and the volunteer team behind the esteemed Memorial Theatre.
Person of the Year, Radek Evans, was nominated for his outstanding service and support of Frome’s charities, most notably for completing 24 half marathons throughout the year for charity. His fundraising efforts have seen him take part in runs across Europe, as well as in the UK, and even on a ship in the middle of the ocean – an event he reports was record-breaking. He often runs dressed as Dumbo the elephant in support of the Frome family charity, Purple Elephant.
Last year, Radek set out to run 12 half marathons in a year. Having completed this challenge ahead of schedule, he doubled his goal to 24 half marathons and is now on track to run 1,000 miles. To date, he has completed 620 miles. His dedication has benefitted four local charities: Purple Elephant, the Frome branch of the Macular Society, Frome Carnival and Fair Frome.
The volunteers at the Memorial Theatre in Frome were nominated for the Group of the Year award due to their unwavering commitment to keeping the theatre thriving. Run entirely by volunteers, the theatre hosts numerous shows and events throughout the year, providing a cultural hub for the community. Their dedication is particularly noteworthy as the theatre recently celebrated its centenary—a milestone made possible by their hard work.
The winners of the competition, run by the Frome Times, were chosen by the town’s mayor, Cllr Andy Jones and the paper’s editor Ian Drew.
Sharing his excitement at winning Person of the Year, Radek said, “I have been trying to win the award for a very long time now, I would say between five and 10 years. It’s really nice to be recognised for all the hard work I do for Frome. I have been nominated for the award many times.”
Chair of the Frome Memorial Theatre, Richard Lines said, “We are delighted at the Frome Memorial Theatre to be recognised as the ‘Frome Times Group of the Year.’
“This is a great testament to the professionalism and dedication of all of our wonderful volunteers, especially as this is our 100th year.
“We have many returning patrons to all of our shows and along with the wonderful response of new visitors we love being able to provide a great experience with a warm welcome to our friendly theatre and Assembly Rooms.”
The other nominations for Frome’s Person of the Year were: Terri Pitts, for her work as the coordinator of the Frome Community Fridge, including running a new one at Frome College; the director of Frome Birth Talk, Suzy Cristinacce, for her work in running and organising the charity; Mark Turner, for his work in running Frome for Keyring, a charity which supports people with mental health and learning disabilities to live and thrive in the community; Morag Stuart, the coordinator of Frome Community Drivers; James Lewis, chair of trustees of Dogs for Health; Rose Hiron-Grimes for her work in the Frome Festival team and for her efforts in joining in with running 365 miles for We Hear You (Why). Jennie Owens, who runs Keyford Hedgehog Rescue and Rehab and also helps at Fair Frome’s Food @ Five and works at Frome College; Kirstie Jones, for running the Rainbow, Guides and Rangers units locally and also serving as chair of Frome Town Band; and Jim Dowling, for being an active member of various community groups, including the Frome Lions Club, being a trustee of the Blue House and chairman of the Egg Committee for the Frome Cheese Show, among other things.
The other nominations for Frome’s Group of the Year were Frome Town Band, for their dedication and support to the local community and at community events; Frome Community Drivers, for the volunteers’ efforts in taking residents to hospital and GP surgery appointments, especially as the charity nearly folded due to the closure of Active and In Touch; Victoria Park Café, for the team’s work in creating a thriving and supportive hub in the heart of Victoria Park; the Good Heart, nominated for running the Kindness Festival since 2022; and Baby Connections, for its support of new families in Frome with feeding and caring for their babies with confidence.
Above: Radek Evans (Dumbo the elephant) receiving his award from editor Ian Drew
Above: Frome Times editor Ian Drew with Memorial Theatre volunteers
