The members of the Lions Club of Frome and Frome Rotary Club feel all their hard work produced a very successful Grand Gala Fete which attracted thousands of visitors.
The fete was opened by BBC Points West presenter Imogen Sellars and the sun shone brightly, although the breeze created a few problems for some of the stalls.
In the arena there was a fashion show by Dorothy House Foundation and displays by the Charisma Twirlers, Zumba Keep Fit, Frome Dog Agility Club and Mrs. Dixon’s goats.
Around the arena there were 32 charity stalls including the Girl Guides Association, British Heart Foundation, Help for Heroes, Town Crier, Positive Action on Cancer, Shaw Trust, Cousins Carnival Club, Save the Children Fund and Dorothy House Hospice. There were supported side shows including an owl brought by Phil Dampier of World of Owls, skittles, net ball, coconut shy together with the ever popular tea tent and hot dog stall.
The first three numbers drawn in the raffle were owned by Charlotte Ballard of Bristol (£100), N. Coleman of Frome (£30) and S. Opie of Frome (£10).
It has been estimated the overall profit on the day (excluding Jenson Button’s T-shirt) will be in excess of £6,000. Of this £3,000+ will go to the Lions and Rotary Clubs and this will be divided as to 50% to the Help for Heroes charity, 20% each to the Lions and Rotary Clubs to assist with helping needy local people and organisations and 10% to Frome Community Hospital. The £850 raised by the auction of Jenson Button’s T-shirt will also go to Help for Heroes.
The Lions and Rotarians extend grateful thanks to all the individuals and organisations already mentioned but also to the following who assisted by sponsorship, donation or practical help: East Somerset and West Somerset Railways, CW Accounting, Ames Kent Solicitors, Corcoran Carpets, Welshmill Dental Practice, Frome Printing, Beryl & David Musty, UK Garrison (Darth Vader and cohorts), Frome Community Hospital (use of disabled toilets), Frome Carnival Queens and their entourages, the Lions Ladies, friends of both clubs, the auction lot donors and bidders, Val Carpenter for arranging the arena events and lastly the members of the general public for their support.
Below: one of the vintage vehicles on display.
