News
Quadripartite 2009
From 16-20th July a group of eighteen from Frome attended the first quadripartite held in Rabka Zdrój. Included in the group, apart from Town Council and Twinning Association representatives, were the Director of the Merlin Theatre, a folk music specialist, the Head of Languages at Frome College and a young Polish national resident in Frome and studying A levels at the College. It is hoped that these specialists can look to the future and develop cultural and educational links with our twin towns.
The charter welcoming Rabka into the partnership was signed on 17th July by the four mayors in Rabka's wonderful outdoor amphitheatre after having watched three delightful groups of children giving traditional dance performances.
There were a number of social events amongst which were, dinner in a traditional Polish restaurant, a comic opera given by the Krakow Chamber Opera and a trip on a steam train ending with a visit to a railway museum. The formal business included discussions on a common website, promoting the involvement of young people and a presentation by the various schools of Rabka.
Signing of Town Twinning Agreement, 30 January
To mark the closer cooperation between Frome Twinning Association and Frome Town Council, a reception was held at Rook Lane Chapel. The Mayor, Cllr Alvin Horsefall invited MEP Graham Watson and all those who were interested in our town's twinning. A broad cross-section of about 80 people, either already involved, or interested in our links, attended. After a few short addresses, two Frome College students, gave the powerpoint presentation they had compiled during their visit to Murrhardt in October, which had been funded by the twinning association and the town council. Brian Potter also screened some memories of twinning over the years. Everyone then enjoyed a generous fork supper whilst catching up with old acquaintances and new.
A G M Frome Twinning Association
The Frome Twinning Association held its Annual General Meeting in Trinity Hall on 12th March. In her report, Elizabeth Wakefield in the chair, spoke about the new developments during the past year. The main one was the agreement with Frome Town Council under which, together with the partner towns, they hope in the future to apply for funding from the European Union for various community projects to benefit the towns.
The other highlight of the year was the welcoming of the Polish town of Rabka-Zdrój into the twinning partnership along with Château-Gontier in France and Murrhardt in Germany. The initial agreement was signed by the towns' Mayors at the annual meeting in Murrhardt last year when it was also agreed to hold the joint meeting in Poland this July.
Several successful social occasions had been held throughout the year including two lunch events, a couple of summer walks, a quiz, and a New Year dinner.
The officers elected for the coming year were Elizabeth Wakefield (Chair), Christine Potter (Vice-Chair), Pat Oatley (Secretary) and Clive Rees (Treasurer). The remaining members of the committee were re-elected en bloc. After thanking everyone for their support during the past year Elizabeth Wakefield concluded by saying that the Association would love to welcome more people, especially anyone who would be willing to serve in an active role on the committee. Anyone interested in joining can contact the Secretary on (01373) 463985.