Good things come in threes for local volunteer

FROME’S Person of the Year 2015 has another addition for his trophy cabinet after he was recently given a Lord Lieutenant’s Award for his volunteer work in the county. 

Pete Dayman-Johns received the award from the Queen’s representative for Somerset. It reads, “In appreciation of outstanding service to the cause of ex-service men and women and their dependants in the County of Somerset.”

Pete, who was last month voted Frome Times’ Person of the Year 2015, has been keenly involved with Frome’s Royal British Legion and Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) for a combined 25 years and counting. He is currently the legion’s vice-chairman and membership secretary, and the welfare officer for the RAFA.

Pete said, “I was shocked when I was given the award. It was at an area conference of the Royal British Legion, and when they started reading out the citation I thought ‘crikey, that’s me!’

“I was never in the armed forces myself, and I didn’t have a particular desire to join a military charity; they’re just a great way to help people in need. I really enjoy the human element of the work and listening to people, taking them on respite breaks, helping them with benefits and things like that.”

Pete, who has lived in the area his whole life and used to work as a quarry transport manager in Cheddar, also received an award in December for having helped organise Frome’s Poppy Appeal for ten years in a row.

“I’m really chuffed to have won these awards; I’d never really won anything before, but they do say things come in threes!

“I think one of the best things about awards like these is that they let people know what’s going on, and show what sorts of help is available if you know where to go.”

Frome’s Royal Air Force Association will be holding its Annual General Meeting at the Memorial Theatre on Tuesday 8th March from 7.30pm. All are invited.