Some events that normally take place in the Frome Town Council calendar were postponed due to the pandemic, one of which was the presentation of the Mayor's Civic Awards to celebrate those in the community who have gone above and beyond.

Better late than never, last year's Mayor of Frome, Cllr Mark Dorrington, took the opportunity at the Council meeting on Wednesday 17th March to present his Civic Awards at the online meeting. Before this Mark had safely while following all social distancing considerations, presented certificates and flowers to the worthy recipients.

Cllr Dorrington said: "This last year has seen so many truly heart-warming stories of folks volunteering to help others during the pandemic. This community feeling is what we strive for in Frome and it's wonderful to see so many still continuing with this. In my Civic Awards I wanted to recognise four individuals who have each volunteered to help others, some for many years and some raising thousands of pounds, each special in their own way."

They are:

Radek Evans can be seen volunteering across the whole of Frome, he's a regular volunteer at the Fair Frome foodbank and the Food at Five community meals and also helps with Active and in Touch. He's a Carnival Club Committee member with a focus on fundraising, helps with the Community Fridge and recycling at Frome Football Club. Radek also is a Frome Town Council Noticeboard Ambassador and trudges around Frome in all weathers ensuring our noticeboards are up to date.

Frome's Neighbourhood Sergeant, Rachel Clark, receives her award for the amazing fundraising work she has done for Frome charity We Hear You. Back in 2019, Rachel undertook to run a mile every day, and at the final mile she announced she had raised over £20,000 for WHY that year.

Rachel's previous challenges have included cycling from Frome to Land's End in 21 hours, pulling a coach around Frome by hand and various world record attempts including continuous climbing of a 30ft fire ladder and a continuous rowing record attempt.

Gill Fone has played an important part in many organisations in Frome over the years and has overwhelmingly contributed to the community. From serving on the PCC of St. Johns Church and being a Governor at St. John's school, Gill also worked for many years as a night nurse at St. Aldhem's hospital. Gill was a traffic counter for the bypass association and helped to compile a photographic record of Frome which is now in the Museum. For the past forty years, Gill has been running the Talking Newspaper in Frome, spending many years as Chair. Gill is stepping down from the committee this March and the community thanks her for all her efforts across the years.

Cllr Dorrington joined Frome's Citizen's Advice Bureau in 2012 and Dawn Cunningham was the resident expert. Dawn had set up Frome's CAB and welcomed the first client back in 1974. Dawn continued to volunteer one day a week in Frome and at Midsomer Norton until late 2019 when she had to step down due to ill-health. Dawn was tenacious in pursuing claims for her clients and there are many in Frome who she has helped.

The current Mayor, Anita Collier, will be presenting her Civic Awards covering her mayoral year at Frome Town Council's Annual Meeting later in the spring.

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