Vote for Frome’s Person of the Year

THE nominees for Frome Times’ Person of the Year 2017 competition have been shortlisted, and now readers are being asked to cast their vote on who they think should be crowned the winner. In our last issue, The Frome Times asked readers to nominate their ‘Person of the Year’ – somebody in the town who deserves recognition for their outstanding actions over the past year or who has had the biggest impact on life in the town. Below are the shortlisted names. You can vote by simply emailing your choice to news@frometimes.co.uk (please include your own name and address) or by filling out the form on page 10 and returning it to   Absolutely Fabulous Costume Hire at 20 Bath Street, Frome. The deadline for voting is 3pm next Wednesday, 24th January.

Patrick Abrahams:

Patrick is well known in Frome for his involvement in the creation of the Men’s Shed and also known nationally for his work for the scheme across the country. Since its creation in 2014, the Men’s Shed produce non-profit work and provides a place for people to socialise. Patrick was a key member in the spread of Men’s Shed across the area and also successful in receiving a registered charity level for the group. He also joins FromeFM as part of their health and wellbeing hour for a monthly Shed talk, discussing the scheme.

Patrick’s nomination said, “Lots of men around the area are very thankful for his hard work providing a space to meet once a week. He must spend hours doing it and shows complete dedication.”

Patrick said, “I’m flattered and humbled by this nomination. I have a lot of support from our 70+ members and humbled again by the help they give.”

Euan Barker:

Euan, along with his business partner Iona, run a small coffee ship ‘Moo and Two’ on Catherine Hill. He directly sources their organic tea from India, visiting the country himself to provide quality tea for his customers. Euan is also an advocate for recycling nearly all of his waste, including his coffee grinds.

On top of his work at the cafe, he also hosts supper clubs and music events to bring the community together. He also volunteers to put up Christmas trees throughout the town and in   people’s homes.

Euan’s nomination said, “Euan works tirelessly to bring people together in his small coffee shop. He encourages young artists and provides an ambient place for young people to meet. He has been working with Frome Independent to promote the market and organising the shop Christmas trees.”

After finding out about his nomination, Euan said, “Cheers then. Today is a good day! Thanks my lovelies.”

Terry Burton:

Terry has been recognised for his work at Hanover Gardens as a Scheme Manager as he goes beyond his call of duty being a real asset to the residents and the community. He also has been fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Society walking 400 miles from Portugal to Spain, raising over £1,700. He began his journey in Lisbon at the beginning of September last year arriving in Santiago six weeks later. He also is a keen volunteer at Frome’s Big Christmas Get Together each year.

Terry’s nomination said, “Terry, always, shows such patience, kindness and understanding to all his residents. He goes way beyond what would normally be expected of someone in this position. Although the job is part time, he always puts in extra time to ensure the well-being and happiness of the residents.

“He is always willing to give up his own time to help residents, who require a little bit extra care, for example :- shopping, form filling and sparing the time to chat to some of the      residents who may be     feeling lonely. The   compassion that he has does not stop at Hanover Gardens but extends to many people in Frome.”

John Fuller:

John has been nominated for his endless amounts of volunteering across the whole of Frome. He has worked hard over the years supporting local sports clubs including Frome Cricket Club, Frome Judo and he was the co-founder of Frome Collegians Football Club where he is still club physio, a committee member and a part of the grounds team, even at the age of 87.

He is still devoted to the football club, always being the first club official to arrive at matches.

John’s nomination said, “John is an amazing man who has been fundamental in keeping kids off the streets and engaged in sport. He has benefitted literally hundreds of people in Frome over the years.”

Des Harris:

Des is recognised for his tireless efforts with Frome allotments and also his volunteering on the award-winning community garden on Mount Estate. He has been running the garden with the help of six volunteers for over 10 years.

Des’ nomination said, “Des should be nominated for his tireless efforts with Frome allotments and other voluntary groups. As well as his unceasing commitment to make Frome a better place through his careful scrutiny of planning applications to Mendip DC.”

Des said, “Wow, I’m very flattered with my nomination for Frome’s Person of The Year!’

Katy Harris:

Katy is well known in town for her cooking, recycling, gardening, food waste campaigning and fundraising. She runs Munchkins Cookery School for children, teaching them cookery skills and the importance of healthy eating. Her Facebook pages also help the community with tips for growing your own fruit and vegetables and selling unwanted items to help reduce the landfill and Frome’s carbon footprint. Katy’s Frome Community Food Recycling Facebook page encourages people to donate food to others instead of throwing it away. She also takes part in local charity Swimathons with her 10 year old daughter.

Katy’s nomination said, “Katy is a busy wife and mum but is an inspiration to others – passionate about healthy food, recycling and the environment. She writes food columns for local publications and has recently transformed the menu at The Cheese and Grain cafe where she is head chef.”

Katy said, “I am so shocked and so humbled to have been nominated. I care massively about teaching how to cook quick, easy and healthy dinners and care hugely about food waste. I want to contribute to a kinder planet for my children and to teach them the importance of being environmentally responsible.”

Kirstie Jones:

Kirstie has been the leader of Frome 2nd Rainbows for the last 10 years and has recently just taken on the leadership of 4th Frome Senior Section.

She has also been a key member of the community by organising the carnival entry for Frome guiding for the last 5 years. She also organised the Frome Rugby tournament for the minis 7-12yrs last April and a girls’ warrior camp to promote girls’ rugby last February.

She is also involved with Frome Town Band and has just taken over running their 100 clubs.

Kirstie’s nomination said, “Kirstie works tirelessly to introduce local girls to a huge array of experiences, helping them gain new skills and grow in confidence. I can’t imagine the hours she puts in to make all of her sessions so enjoyable, valuable and fun packed. The impact she has is immeasurable. She deserves recognition for being such a wonderful role model.”

Shaun Takle:

Shaun is the owner of B-smart Martial Arts in Frome that offers children over the age of three to learn martial arts. He also provides classes about self-protection called ‘Defender’ and ‘B-smart about bullies’ programme. He recently used the profits from his martial arts school to support other youth clubs in the area, donating sports equipment to the Frome Robins under 7s football team, the PE department at North Hill House School and also donated trophies to the Frome Flyers Cheerleading squad.

Shaun’s nomination said, “He is absolutely fantastic at what he does. The children who he teaches have great respect for him. He is funny, kind and very passionate about what he does and he always strives to get the absolute best from his students.”

Charles Wood:

Charles is the chairman of Frome local charity Active and In Touch, which offers ongoing befriending support to those who feel isolated or lonely in Frome and the surrounding villages. He first started as a volunteer when the charity launched in 2011 and continues to visit people in the community.

Charles’ nomination said, “Charles is an incredible person and I see first-hand what he has achieved as chairman during the 6 years since its inception. He did all the behind scenes research in how to manage the committee and he helps regularly with individuals at the cafe. Despite ill health, he manages to keep going and stay positive and he is an inspiration to us all.”

In reaction to his nomination, Charles said, “Being nominated  for your annual award is of course an honour, when there are so many deserving contributors to our community in our town.  Not least of these are the outstanding staff, volunteers and trustees that have made our charity such a force for good in our local area. Any recognition I might get is as much a reflection of the caring and family-like atmosphere that all involved in the charity have built and enjoy.”