Frome Town Council hosted the Annual Town Meeting on Wednesday 5th April, to celebrate the past year, highlight achievements, and shine a spotlight on good work that’s taken place in Frome.
Frome’s Mayor cllr Sara Butler gave an overview of her packed year and presented her Civic Awards to worthy recipients. She said, “It has been a real privilege to have an insight into this town that I think only the role of mayor can give.”
Four Civic Awards were presented, honouring those in the community who have gone “above and beyond”. They were awarded to Reg Ling, founder of the Valentine Gas Lamp; Frome Shed, for the opportunities they provide; former director of Frome Independent Market, Tabitha Clayson; and former chair of Fair Frome, Bob Ashford.
Reg Ling
Reg Ling was not present at the meeting to collect his award but cllr Sara Butler said, “Reg is a bit of a legend in Frome. Not only did he single-handedly rescue and restore the only remaining gas lamp in Somerset, he created the only Valentine’s lamp in the world! Each year Reg delights the gathered crowd on Valentine’s Day and sets off a rocket to signal the start of the lighting ceremony. Annually taking place on 14th February, the lamp has been lit on only two other occasions, one to mark the death of Princess Diana and last year to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.
“The award recognises all of Reg’s hard work in the upkeep of the Valentine’s Lamp and the joy it brings to residents every year.”
Frome Shed
The mayor wanted to recognise the commitment and incredible dedication of the Frome Shed and all the wonderful opportunities this organisation provides to the people of Frome. Both Frome’s Men’s Shed and the Women’s Shed make and mend things together, they complete a host of their own projects, plus many for the community, and use their skills for the benefit of the town, for example making bird boxes, community games and assisting with the Coronation flag project. The award was presented to Pam Curtis, Anne Jones and Ros Whitehouse, who are all members of the Women’s Shed.
Tabitha Clayson
Tabitha Clayson recently stepped down from being a director of The Frome Independent Market, having spent almost the past 10 years creating and making the market into the institute it is. This award is to recognise Tabitha’s hard work in developing and running the market over the last 10 years which has become central to Frome’s visitor offer and it really is a recognisable and well-known event
Bob Ashford
After nine years, Bob Ashford has retired from his role as chair and trustee for Fair Frome. Bob has been with the charity since its inception in a tiny office in Palmer Street and seen the organisation grow and it now runs the foodbank furniture bank, Food at five, Holiday Hunger, Baby Bank and other projects such as supporting the Christmas Get-together. This award is to recognise Bob’s commitment and incredible dedication to Fair Frome and the community it serves.
Following the presentations, community groups and local organisations who attended the meeting enjoyed the music of Frome’s DJ Pete, with refreshments and food provided by Event Horizon.
