FROME’S Person of the Year 2012 is Nigel Williams, of Williams Butchers in Baker Street. His win, he said, was down to ‘local people’s appreciation of the town’s independent shops and ‘a vote for traditional values and good service and what Frome town centre has got to offer’.
Votes came in thick and fast for the competition organised by the Frome Times. Second place went to Phil Moakes, the station manager and driving force behind FromeFM. Third place went to Julie Peet for her work in promoting and coaching girls’ football at Frome Town Youth Football Club.
Voters told us that it is ‘a pleasure’ to shop with Nigel. “He is always cheerful, has local news and gossip, is involved to some extent in most events in the town, and he does sell a good sausage!” Another said, “My vote goes to Nigel Williams, the best butcher in town. Very helpful, excellent quality produce, cheerful and the best banter in any shop that I have ever been in.”
Other voters added, “He deserves the award for his cheerful and helpful manner – it’s a pleasure to shop at his butchers.” “Nigel always gives excellent service in his butchers shop, excellent quality of meat, knows most of his customers, he is always ready with a smile, chat and a joke, nothing is too much trouble for him and his staff.”
Nigel Williams said of his award, “I’m very honoured – I’m gobsmacked! This is very kind of all the voters.
“I was chatting to someone this morning, it was light-hearted, but he said it was good that people have still got somewhere they can go to shop, in the local community, which is often missing in other towns. It’s good that people have got these old-fashioned values.
“We’re lucky that Frome has still got these types of shops. We’re not the only shop; businesses throughout the town are doing the same as us. This is a real vote of confidence for Frome and its unique character.”
Ian Drew, editor of the Frome Times, presented the winner’s shield to Nigel last week. He said, “I’d like to congratulate Nigel on being this year’s ‘Person of the Year’. It goes to show just how much the people of Frome value the town’s independent shops, and what the hard-working traders contribute to the vitality of the town.
“All our nominees work extremely hard for their local community and they all have reason to be proud. We hope this award helps to highlight all the fantastic work which is carried out to help make Frome such a great town.”
The other nominees, who were praised for their work in the community were; Christopher Brazier, who has dedicated his time to cleaning up the streets of Frome; Positive Action on Cancer’s Kelly Hall; OpenStoryTeller’s Vicki Ross, young volunteer Cindy Soh; postman Scott Whittock; and former Poppy Appeal organiser Jane Wood.
• Pictured; Ian Drew, editor of Frome Times presents the Person of the Year shield to Nigel Williams.
