Frome stalwart Reg Ling is set to pass the torch of hosting the town’s Valentine’s Day ceremony after more than 30 years, to local resident Eddie Young.
The annual event, held on 14th February, centres around the traditional gas-lighting of Frome’s Valentine’s Lamp. This year marks the end of an era as Reg, now 93, will step down after more than three decades of organising the ceremony, handing the prestigious duty to Eddie.
The lighting ceremony has been held annually since 1993 and at 5.30pm every year, a firework is launched to summon residents to the top of Catherine Street, where people gather, sip mulled wine and listen to a meaningful speech reflecting on the essence of love and the heritage of Valentine’s Day.
“I am a realist; things don’t last forever,” said Reg. “I’ve had my time, I’ve enjoyed it, and I hope I’ve brought enjoyment to others. My interpretation of Valentine has always been the celebration of fertility. That was my whole idea; it was a new approach to Valentine, not all about money and greed, but about the roots of survival.
“My highlight of running the ceremonies has been that people have turned up in all weathers; it’s important that we celebrate coming together. People also come on market days to see it, wanting to stand by the lamp and have their photograph taken from around the world, not just Frome.
“I am very impressed by that. People want to come and talk to me from Asia, the States, and Canada, and they are fascinated by it as well. That’s where I get my kicks, from seeing people who are affected by it.”
Eddie said, “Unfortunately, Reg is getting too old to continue the ceremony that he created, and I feel really honoured to be offered the chance to take it on as he passes the lighting stick to me. The lamp and the pole were renovated by Reg, and he has spent some time showing me how to maintain the equipment, how it all works, and what it means to him.
“It’s a proper gaslight! We don’t fake it! One of very few left in the country. This is a very unique ceremony for Frome; I don’t think there is anything like it elsewhere. So, it is quite special to be asked to play a role.
“Let’s hope we can continue to spread a little love and light well into the future, lighting this lamp every gloomy February to celebrate the most powerful force in the world! It is always well-attended regardless of the weather, so bring a brolly and wrap up warm just in case. I hope we do Reg and everyone in Frome proud!”
History of the Valentine’s Lamp
Reg moved to Frome from North London around 32 years ago and has a background in mechanics and metal. He used to see the lamp at the bottom of Catherine Hill and always thought it was nice. He said, “It did have a bin attached to it then. One day, I saw it in a skip and took the lighting column to the Catherine Street Residents’ Group that I was part of. With my background, I knew what it would be worth.
“I proposed that we should do something with it, and they gave me the freedom to do what I wanted. So, I took it to my workshop, which was near the Sun Inn pub at the time, and started looking at it and taking it apart. When I did that, I realised it was a gas light. I rang up British Gas, and they put the gas in for free at that time.
“Around the same time, I was separately given a Royal Mail King George V post box from the 1930s and decided to merge the two. I suddenly realised there’s something romantic about post boxes and gas lighting. Gas lighting is like moonlight. When I decided this, it took over everything, and it became a lamp dedicated to Valentine’s Day. A local artist in Frome helped me decorate the lamp, which I later modified in 2014. It’s a project that took over me.”
The ceremony is due to take place on Friday 14th February. The rocket will be launched at 5.30pm, and the ceremony will start at 6pm.
pictured: Reg Ling passing the mantle to Eddie Young
