AN EXHIBITION is set to be held to mark the 70th anniversary of a huge fundraising effort in Frome, which raised over £175,000 in seven days during February 1942.
Between 14th-21st of February in 1942, a week of events were organised to raise funds in order for the town to adopt the HM Submarine Thunderbolt.
To put the fundraising in perspective, it is the modern-day equivalent of raising nearly £6million in one week.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary, a presentation on the HMS Thunderbolt will be given by Dom Young in Frome’s Memorial Theatre at 3.00pm, organised by the Frome Royal Naval Association.
Following the presentation, there will be an exhibition in the Assembly Rooms covering the fundraising effort of Frome, organised jointly by the Royal Naval Association, the Royal British Legion, Royal Air Force Association and Frome Rotary Club with the Sea Cadets also taking part.
Mike King from Frome Royal Naval Association said, “In February 1942 a week of fundraising for the war effort took place in Frome and the surrounding area with a target of £175,000. This was not only achieved, but surpassed. When you consider a two- course meal including a cup of tea cost just a shilling (5p), it helps to put the achievement into prospective.
“The whole community was involved from schools and organisations to businesses and individual donations, the effort was amazing. Leading the effort were the then Frome Urban Council and Frome Rural and District Council.
“During the week the town adopted HMS Thunderbolt, a T class submarine. There are details of the adoption of Thunderbolt in the foyer of the Memorial Theatre.”
Now, 70 years later, Frome will commemorate the immense war-time effort which was made in the town. Mike King added,“The RNA would like to thank the trustees and volunteers of the Frome Memorial Theatre for their support in staging this event.”
