To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year Frome Town Council set aside £15,000 for a project to commemorate the occasion. The jubilee marks 70 years of the Queen’s service to the country and Frome residents submitted ideas throughout January to go to a panel. These ideas were shortlisted and went to the People’s Budget Jubilee Vote. A centrepiece to the blossom circle at the Old Showfield was the winning idea.
The new addition creates accessible pathways into and around the blossom circle and provides seating around the centrepiece. Two ceremonial stones either side of the circle have both been donated by local quarries to mark the Platinum Jubilee – with Curtis Ilott providing the inscription work.
Showfield Celebration
A joyous afternoon was had by all at the unveiling of the jubilee plaques at the Old Showfield in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The Blossom Circle centre piece which consists of accessible pathways, new benches and feature stones had been chosen as the winner of The People’s Budget Jubilee. They were really well received, with many people with buggies, wheelchairs and mobility scooters able to enjoy the circle for the first time.
With the sun shining, over 1,500 visitors over the course of the festivities enjoyed the newly designed accessible Blossom Circle with many picnickers indulging delicious treats from The Crumpeteers, Tony’s Ice Creams, Flow on the Go and the fabulous Tea Ladies raising money for Active and In Touch.
With relaxing jazz from Dandelion Blue, families enjoyed the outdoor games, and the unveiling of the jubilee plaques was brought to order by the Town Crier with his proclamation to the Queen. Many residents collected their saplings as 70 trees were given away and will be planted in gardens around Frome as part of the Queen’s Jubilee Canopy.
The Queen and her corgis wowed the crowds courtesy of Rare Species, with her majesty even trying out the dog agility. And tree expert Julian Hight treated the visitors to the Showfield to a tree talk about the many tree species, the centre piece of the circle, the Windsor Oak having been sourced by him and planted prior to the event.
Special thanks are extended to the Litter Warriors and the Rotary Clubs of Frome who also helped on the day and Women’s Shed for all the wonderful bunting.
Beacon lighting & Proclamations
As Frome doesn’t have a beacon, to be in line with other towns across the country that evening, there was a ceremonial proclamation and a lighting of the Valentine lamp by Reg Ling. Usually only lit once a year on St Valentine’s Day, Reg was only too happy to oblige: “A Platinum Jubilee comes along once every 70 years, and I was delighted to be able to be master of ceremonies for the auspicious occasion.”
Hosted by Mayor Sara Butler, the small event saw the Town Crier with his unique address, followed by Tony Beauchamp the piper and Bugler Kirstie Jones from Frome Town Band – both had learned their respective jubilee pieces and played them to the crowd. Reg Ling the curator of the lamp then lit the “beacon” and raised a toast with a very personal tribute to the Queen.
