HOPE Frome has been working hard within the community since 2008, organising litter picks, stewarding local events and providing hot drinks from their HOPE van on Friday nights in the town.
HOPE Frome was started in 2007 by Bishop Rob Martin who was Vicar at Holy Trinity Frome at the time. It began as part of a national movement called HOPE’08 to get Christians out of their churches and active doing practical works in their communities.
Since 2015, HOPE Frome has operated under the umbrella of FACT, Frome Area Christians Together, which is chaired by Rev’d John Samways. who has been involved over the years.
HOPE Frome has its own HOPE van which is set up in St. John’s Church car park on alternate Friday nights between 10pm and 1.30am. The volunteers serve hot drinks and provide an oasis for anyone who visits. Gary Lee who co-ordinates the HOPE van said, “We get a fair share of visits from people leaving the pubs and clubs, but all are welcome to enjoy our hospitality, have a cup of hot chocolate, a biscuit and a chat.
“Mike Adams started the HOPE van in 2008, but the idea to have a coffee van actually came from Frome Police. When Mike asked what can we do to help, the police suggested that a coffee van might have a calming effect on an area then considered to be a hot spot for trouble in Frome. The first few times, the HOPE van was run in partnership with the police, serving hot drinks out of a police van. But after a few scheduling hiccups, it was decided that the HOPE team should take over the running of the coffee van. So we now serve out of a small caravan with camping chairs arranged under a gazebo lit up with festoon lights, though we still consider the police to be our silent partners in the project.
“Our next HOPE van is Friday March 31st, after the Frome Live Lounge event.
“We also organise community litter picks about twice a year. In recent years, these have been focused in the Stonebridge, and Trinity/Selwood areas. What’s particularly nice about these events is that community members can help alongside us to make the neighbourhood a nicer place to be. Bin liners, litter picking equipment, and free refreshments are all provided by HOPE Frome.
“Michael Watts has recently stepped up to take the lead in organising our Trinity Litter Pick which is on April 8th, from 10am-1pm, meeting at Trinity Hall.
“We’re also involved with Frome Food Festival Feast, setting up and taking down the food stalls for many of the vendors, and the table and chairs where people can sit and enjoy their food. We also roam around in our hi-vis orange vests to pick up rubbish, and act as ‘walking waste bins’ so that people needn’t wander too far to dispose of their rubbish. This is usually organised by Phil and Annabel Macey.
“At the coming Frome Independent Market, we will be setting up the HOPE van at the top of Justice Lane, providing water and a place to rest for shoppers and vendors. We’ll be available from 9am – 3pm. Depending on need and available volunteers, we may also look for other ways where we can help — possibly waving buckets for local charities, or lending a hand wherever needed.
“We are often asked why we do what we do. My response – God has a heart for the people of Frome, and as His representatives, we are compelled to share His love with others.”
For more information about HOPE Frome and FACT, visit www.fromeact.org.uk , www.hopefrome.org or find them on Facebook.
