THE Frome Independent has had another thriving year in the town; here the organisers reflect on some of 2016’s biggest successes.
Market director, Tabitha Clayson reports, “It’s been a busy year here at The Frome Independent, and we can’t quite believe that 2016 is now drawing to a close. It’s a time of year when a lot of us take stock of what we’ve been up to over the past 12 months, so we’d thought we’d share our highlights of the year with you, before we get stuck in to planning 2017!
“At our nine markets this year we have celebrated our town, and all for free! Our markets continue to be free to visit, with lots of free or subsidised activities each month. Visitors to the market have relaxed on our pop-up summertime beach, partied on the Village Green to the sounds of the Vintage Mobile Disco, listened to unsigned bands on the Market Place Stage, clambered up mobile climbing walls and taken part in family craft activities.
“We have supported young entrepreneurs at Frome College. Last November we saw creative business ideas pitched by Year 9 teams as part of their enterprise day, and we hosted the winners at the markets in 2016. Last month we heard the present Year 9s pitch a whole new set of exciting ideas and we’ve chosen three winners that we’ll be mentoring and bringing to a market in 2017.
“We have helped traders develop their businesses and brands. This year we’ve heard some great success stories from some of our local traders who have launched new businesses, opened shops and made record sales. We’ll be sharing more of these stories with you in the new year.
“We have raised money and awareness for local and national charities. In June we hosted a ‘High Heel Walk’, where men of Frome walked a mile in high heels to raise funds and awareness for the White Ribbon campaign, an international charity that works to end violence against women. In December, we hosted the Queen of England – well, sort of! – to help Fair Frome raise more than £3,000 for their work fighting poverty and Frome’s Big Christmas Get Together.
“We have launched the Market Makers. This unique membership scheme offered market fans the chance to support The Frome Independent whilst bagging themselves some great offers from traders and shopkeepers.
“As a not-for-profit organisation, the money raised through this scheme supported our core costs, community activities and fundraising events that have taken place throughout 2016.”
