Frome’s stalwarts, who have made significant contributions to the community, have been honoured with Civic Awards at the Annual Town Meeting.
The community-minded residents received their awards at the meeting, chaired by Frome’s Mayor, Andy Jones, at Frome Town Hall on Wednesday 2nd April.
The award recipients were: Ian Regler, Sharon Payne, and Stephen Caffyn of IMS Ltd for volunteering to resurface Frome Hospital’s car park, saving £40,000; Darren Bowsher for his donations to Fair Frome and £20,000 for the Frome Fridge project; Karen Stewart for supporting Fair Frome and Frome FM; Marjorie Morris for her 26 years of service with Art for Wellbeing; Richard Lines for his volunteer work with Frome Memorial Theatre and Frome Rotary Club; Tim Fielding for his contributions to community safety, working closely with the local neighbourhood policing team; and Reg Ling for founding the Valentine’s Lamp.
Before the awards were presented, Cllr Jones gave a presentation on his year as mayor, sharing highlights of the year and celebrating specific milestones and events for nearly 200 voluntary and not-for-profit organisations in Frome.
He said, “It’s also a highlight and a privilege of being mayor to be able to recognise the brilliant work of some of the groups and individuals who go above and beyond for our town.”
Karen Stewart wasn’t at the meeting but will be attending the council meeting on 30th April to collect her award.
Pictured: Mayor Andy Jones with the award winners.
Civic Award Winners
Ian Regler, Sharon Payne, and Stephen Caffyn of IMS Ltd
The group were awarded for volunteering to resurface Frome Hospital’s car park last year, delivering work anticipated to cost £40,000 free of charge, helping the Friends of Frome Hospital.
Darren Bowsher
Darren Bowsher has made a number of generous donations through his business, including providing a solar array to Fair Frome, enabling them to operate their base in Frome with significantly lower electricity consumption costs. He also donated medical equipment to allow local doctors to deliver services to people who might otherwise not receive it, including the homeless, and secured £20,000 for the Frome Fridge project. In addition, Darren offers his time as a mentor to local independent business owners, providing much-needed practical advice.
Karen Stewart
Karen was awarded for working tirelessly to support Fair Frome and also Frome’s community radio station, Frome FM.
Marjorie Morris
Marjorie recently stepped down after 26 years of service for Art for Wellbeing and was recognised for enabling artists with a wide range of abilities to develop their art within a supportive and creative environment.
Richard Lines
Richard was awarded for his volunteer work at Frome Memorial Theatre and the Frome Rotary Club, both of which are celebrating centenaries.
Tim Fielding
Tim Fielding is a well-known figure in Frome and has worked as a security guard for several years at the Westway precinct and many pubs across the town. He was honoured for being the ‘eyes and ears’ for the neighbourhood policing team.
Reg Ling
Valentine’s stalwart and founder of the Valentine’s Lamp, Reg Ling, was presented with his award in February for his services to the town.
