A well-known and popular history course tutor celebrates his tenth anniversary this year.
David Lassman has been leading the course, which takes place on a Monday afternoon and is run by Frome Community Education, since 2012,
His initial participation as course leader, however, was through a fortuitous chance meeting.
David said, “I moved to Frome near the end of 2011 and after seeing an advert by the FCE, I applied to become a tutor.
“Because my main occupation is an author, I offered a writing course, which was accepted.
“However, a few days before it was due to begin, I was at the Cheese & Grain checking enrolment numbers, and bumped into one of the FCE organisers.
“She asked me if I would be interested in also leading the Local History Course, as they had 16 people enrolled but the original tutor was now unable to run it.
“I had already become fascinated in the town’s incredibly rich and illustrious history, and so I agreed.
“Although I could teach, my knowledge of Frome’s history was still limited but that cohort were very understanding and we learnt together.”
Over the years, many of those on the course have gone on to bigger things in terms of Frome’s past.
These includes several authors, with books published on the town, the current chairman of the Frome Society for Local Study, its yearbook editor and numerous contributors of articles to it.
Also, there are several alumni playing key roles within Frome Museum, as well as walking guides and other related activities to do with the town’s heritage.
David added, “I feel very proud that so many people from the course have gone on to do so much towards our history and continue to do so.”
The course itself expanded last year to an evening class – along with the afternoon one – and this coming year looks set to be even more expansive.
The courses – both afternoon and evening – begin later this month (17th January) and several big events are planned this year with past students involved in them.
This includes a major exhibition at the Museum, as well as preparations for a major publication from the Frome Society for Local Study in 2023.
For more information on the FCE courses, or to enrol, contact: www.fromecommed.org.uk or contact the Cheese & Grain on 10373 455420.
News of the other projects will be forthcoming later in the year.
