COPIES of the life story of a well-known Frome character, retired florist Tony Bennett, have been flying off the bar at the The Sun Inn in Catherine Street.
Tony wrote his life story over a period of six months in 2021 and the book, titled ‘He Can When He Will’, was printed just before Christmas, to positive local reviews.
The book covers Tony’s fascinating and eye-opening career as a florist, and also looks back over his family history since 1888 when his great grandfather, George Bennett, opened his plant nursery in Frome.
It features some beautiful archive documents from the early days of the family business, such as images of old plant and seed catalogues and many interesting local photographs.
Tony demonstrates his well-known sense of humour when writing about the highlights of his successful career, when he was the floral designer for the Marchioness of Bath at Longleat House.
During his time at Longleat, he supervised special events and flower festivals, attended Chelsea and met celebrities and members of the Royal Family.
As part of the colourful local Bohemian scene in the 1970s, ‘R Tone’ as he is affectionately known in Frome, always kept his feet on the ground and for decades has been a stalwart of local community groups including Frome Carnival and Frome Agricultural Society.
Tony was assisted in the writing of his book by professional memoir writer, Mandy Bloom. The original painting of Tony on the cover of the book was a commission by Castle Cary artist Lydia Carter, who is currently studying at Edinburgh College of Art.
‘He Can When He Will’ was Tony’s school teacher Miss O.P. Jones’ summing up of his attitude towards work and life.
The book is priced £10 with a donation from the sale of each copy to Bath RUH Forever Friends appeal, and are available from The Sun Inn, Frome, (01373) 471913.
