The Polish town of Rabka-Zdrój, one of Frome's three twin towns, experienced a tragedy on Monday 1st April, when bad weather and high winds caused a tree to fall in the town's spa park, leading to the death of two women and a young child.

Another adult and a child lost their lives in separate incidents in southern Poland, due to the storms.

Mayor Leszek Świder has declared two-day mourning in the Rabka-Zdrój municipality and said: 

"In view of the unimaginable tragedy that occurred in the Spa Park, I declare two-day mourning in the Rabka-Zdrój municipality.

"I offer my deepest sympathy to the families of the tragically deceased, sharing in their pain at this difficult and sorrowful time. I ask everyone to show restraint and to be thoughtful and prayerful."

Frome Mayor Philip Campagna said: "We are saddened to hear of the tragic event that occurred in Rabka-Zdrój on Monday 1st April. 

"On behalf of Frome Town Council and the people of Frome, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those who have sadly died. Our thoughts are also with Mayor Świder and the community of Rabka-Zdrój at this difficult time." 

Justin Worringham of Frome Twinning Association added: "On behalf of Frome Twinning Association, I would like to express our sympathy to the people of Rabka and to the families of those affected by this sad event."

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Rabka-Zdrój has been twinned with Frome since 2009 and the towns enjoy a cordial relationship, together with fellow twin towns Murrhardt in Germany and Chateau-Gontier in France.

The photo shows Frome Mayor Philip Campagna with Mayor Leszek Świder in happier times, on a visit to Rabka in June 2023.