News for 2008
Late Christmas Dinner 24 January
Please make a note that the Trinity Hall has been booked for Saturday 24 January 2009. Simon Dredge of the Silver Spoon has again been booked for catering for this popular event. Further details to follow.
Country Ramble, 1 September
Although the walk was cancelled due to bad weather, nineteen people, including a few welcome new faces, met at the George at Nunney, to share a pleasant drink and a chat. Most followed this with an excellent meal, whilst catching up with old friends and new.
Bangers & Mash Supper, 22 November
A very tasty meal was enjoyed by about 30 people, in a convivial atmosphere. Afterwards a short, interesting quiz was conducted by Hilary Daniel. In one round we learnt quite a few unusual facts about Frome. Two teams were neck and neck until the final round, when one gained a ˝ point more than the other, to finally decide the winners.
Town Twinning Agreement
To mark the closer liaison between Frome Twinning Association and Frome Town Council, a Town Twinning Agreement is to be signed. A reception, with a buffet, to celebrate this event will take place at Rook Lane Chapel on Friday 30 January, 7.00pm to 10.00pm. Anyone interested in twinning in Frome is welcome to attend (by prior arrangement). All paid-up members of this association should have received an invitation from the Town Office. If you have not, or know of friends who would like to join us, please contact Billie Hasell on 465757, or email admin@frome-tc.gov.uk
Rabka 2009
The proposed date for the quadripartite weekend in 2009, to be held in Rabka, is 16-20 July. Rabka is town of about 18,000 inhabitants, south of Krakow in 'Little Poland', set in beautiful wooded countryside. It is a spa town, which is famous for its health spas and clinics. Tourism is also a major part of the life of the town.
Press Release
Having become aware of the offence caused to some members, by the recent press release, attributed to him, our president and mayor, Cllr Alvin Horsfall has sent the following email:
Dear Pat
Could I please ask you to convey my apologies to the members of the Twinning Association for the unfortunate use of words in the recent press release published in the Somerset Standard. I am very much aware of the bad feeling this press release has caused and as the words were attributed to me I must take responsibility for them. I will ensure that any future press releases concerning Twinning are seen by all parties concerned before publication.
Once again please accept my apologies and I hope this incident doesn't damage future collaboration between our groups
Yours faithfully
Alvin Horsfall
Mayor of Frome
Quadripartite 17-20 July 2008
Visitors from Frome and Château-Gontier were joined by visitors from Rabka-Zdrój, a spa town in southern Poland, to take part in the Sommerpalast festival in Murrhardt's Stadtgarten. Rabka had been chosen from a list of Polish towns considered, and invited to join the partnership of our three towns. Led by their deputy mayor, their representatives took part in the official meeting held on the Saturday morning. The following year's plans were shared and the way forward in twinning was discussed at length in the main forum, whilst a small group went away to discuss future involvement of youth in twinning. Attending this group was a young Scout Leader from Frome, Bryan Sluman, who is now hoping to take a scout troop to Murrhardt in the near future. Bryan's trip was funded by the local scout authority, Frome Twinning Association and Frome Town Council. Whilst the meeting was being held, other visitors had the opportunity to join a coach tour of Schwäbish Hall, Wackershofen and the surrounding area.
During a ceremony in the park on Sunday, the four town leaders signed an agreement to move forward with the new partnership. It was agreed that the meeting of the four towns will be held in Rabka in 2009.
There were many events in the park over the weekend, including shows in the big top and open air musical entertainment, plus a performance of dance and music by the Polish young folklore group. A wide variety of food and drink was available all day and the town treated hosts and guests to a buffet Sunday lunch, when luckily the weather was kind to us. This was a good chance to meet old friends and new.
A European Village, consisting of four pavilions, was set up to publicise Frome, Château-Gontier and Rabka, together with Rötha, Murrhardt's East German partner. These created great interest and Frome's was manned by English-speaking Murrhardters.
Sunday lunch 3 August
30 members and friends braved the weather to enjoy another fine buffet lunch at the home of Malcolm Begley. Large parasols and a large awning provided cover from the few light showers and one heavy one, and no-one scurried for cover. Is it only the Brits who are mad enough to do this! Needless to say, no-one took advantage of the pool this time. Our grateful thanks to Malcolm, and to the committee members who provided a wide choice for main course and dessert.
Sunday Safari Lunch, 11 May
The wonderful weather helped to make this a very enjoyable event. All the diners gathered in Rachel Blacklidge's beautiful, spacious garden for a leisurely choice of starters and drinks. The group then divided into 2, to enjoy main courses provided by Jane & Philippe Green, and Pat & Jim Boyd. Finally, desserts etc were taken at the garden of Elizabeth & David Wakefield, where a panoramic view added to the leisurely afternoon. Our thanks to the hosts for making this a very successful day.