Latest news with #Frome
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Daughter of MP killed in Brighton bombing made CBE
THE daughter of an MP killed in the Brighton bombing 40 years ago has spoken of her pride at being made a CBE. Jo Berry, 67, who lives in Frome, has dedicated her life to peace and reconciliation since her father Sir Anthony Berry, the former Conservative MP for Enfield Southgate, died. The bombing on October 12 1984 tore apart the Brighton Grand Hotel, where then-prime minister Margaret Thatcher and members of her cabinet were staying while the Conservative Party conference took place. Five people, including Sir Anthony, were killed in the explosion and another 34 were injured. The bomber, IRA member Patrick Magee, was handed eight life sentences at the Old Bailey in 1986, with a recommendation he serve a minimum of 35 years. He was released in 1999 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Two days after the bombing, Ms Berry, who was 27 at the time, embraced peace rather than hatred and as part of her work she met Magee in 2000. Since then they have appeared together at events hundreds of times. In 2009 she set up the Building Bridges for Peace charity and has now been honoured for her lifetime's work by becoming a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). 'When I read the letter I was in shock, such a surprise. I'm deeply honoured to receive this award,' Ms Berry told the PA news agency. 'It was not something that ever occurred to me would happen. 'For me it's about everyone who's supported me on my journey to help me achieve what I've achieved. 'I also see it as for everyone who's chosen empathy over hatred. 'For me it's about recognising our shared humanity even after loss and pain. 'It's recognising that it has been a 40-year journey when I made the decision to not hate, not go for revenge. 'Just two days afterwards I wanted to bring something positive out of it and I was only 27 and now I'm 67 and I've still got so much more to achieve, and this award will help. 'I think the hardest thing I had to do was what I chose to do. The hardest thing I chose to do was build the bridge with Patrick Magee, the man who killed my dad. And rather than blaming him, I listened to him. 'It was hard but it was also transformational, and I know it's given a lot of people hope of what is possible. 'I've dedicated my life to peace and reconciliation and that's what I got this award for, which I'm just so moved by it. 'I can't put it into words, I'm so happy.' Reflecting on current global instabilities with the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, Ms Berry said: 'There are people right now who are choosing not to hate even the midst of conflict. 'Even after being bereaved, I know there are people who have huge courage. 'This award, it really makes me think of everyone who's caught up in those wars and the violence, sending love and support. 'I feel this award will give me a higher profile and I haven't finished bringing anything positive, so maybe there's more I can do. 'I have done some international work and I would like to do some more. 'We all need hope, and we all need to be listened to and understood. My message is about shared humanity, that dehumanising anyone does not bring us peace.' Ms Berry said she was looking forward to her investiture and hoped to take her three daughters with her. 'They are my rock and without them I couldn't have done what I've done,' she said. 'The oldest one is nearly 35. They are incredible. I'd like to bring them, I don't know how many people you can bring. 'My dad was made a Sir before he was killed and he had six children and I remember he said any of us could come, so he wanted to do it fair. 'He was such a fair man that we drew lots, and I remember the two that went, it wasn't me. 'I think he'd be very proud. Sadly my mum, who only died two years ago, she would be very proud as well.'
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Housing developer donates to help establish Frome cancer treatment centre
A housing developer in the South West has donated a significant sum to aid the establishment of a new cancer treatment centre in Frome. Barratt Homes Bristol gave £1,500 to the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG) to support their project for a cancer treatment outreach facility. The planned facility, to be located within Frome Medical Centre, will provide systemic anti-cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy - reducing the need for patients to travel to Bath. BCUSG is a volunteer-run charity, and works closely with medical professionals at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. Alan Webb, fundraising lead and trustee at BCUSG, said: "We are incredibly grateful for Barratt Bristol's generous donation, which will go directly towards the final phase of funding for the new Frome treatment hub." Andrea Pilgrim, sales director for Barratt Homes Bristol, said: "We are delighted to support such a brilliant charity that makes a tangible difference to cancer patients and their families across the region." The charity, founded in the mid-1980s, has raised more than £6m to fund necessary equipment and facilities for cancer treatment in Bath and the surrounding areas. A team of 13 trustees and more than 100 volunteers ensure that around 95 per cent of the money raised goes directly to their projects.
BBC News
09-06-2025
- BBC News
Illegal quarry rave in Frome took police 12 hours to shut down
Thirteen people arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance following an illegal rave at a quarry have been released under and Somerset Police said it was called to an event attended by about 200 people at Asham Quarry near Frome, Somerset, at about 01:20 BST on van-loads of music equipment and staging were seized from the site while officers worked to disperse the attendees. Police said the terrain made it "difficult" to shut down the event safely "during the hours of darkness" when many in attendance were "intoxicated". Upon arrival, officers found the event to be well under way with approximately 100 vehicles and 200 people there at the event's quarry has a single public highway entry and exit point, heavy foliage and treelines, and zero visibility so late at night, police tried to encourage people to leave but music was not turned off until 09:30, with the site cleared by 14:00. The force asked the public to make themselves aware of the warning signs of illegal raves - including advertising on social media, large crowds gathering, and vans unloading equipment.A police spokesperson added: "Unlicensed music events of this nature can have a serious impact on communities and we will seek to prosecute organisers, seize equipment and vehicles. "Avon and Somerset is no place for unlicensed music events and raves which negatively impact or disturb our communities."
BBC News
08-06-2025
- BBC News
Thirteen arrested after illegal quarry rave in Somerset
Thirteen people have been arrested and five van-loads of music equipment seized after an illegal rave at a quarry in Somerset, police have and Somerset Police said they were called to an event attended by about 200 people at Asham Quarry near Frome at about 01:20 tried to get people to leave but music was not turned off until 09:30, with the last attendees cleared out by 14:00, the force Insp Becky Wells-Cole, from neighbourhood policing, said: "I understand this has been a long evening for members of the local community and I would like to reassure them that we have had officers on the scene since receiving the first phone call." The 13 people arrested were taken to police custody to be questioned, she said, while five van-loads of music equipment and staging were Insp Wells-Cole said: "Large scale unauthorised music events require extensive police resources and a very thought out and calculated approach to bring it to a safe conclusion."Due to the quarry having a single public highway entry and exit point, heavy foliage and treelines, with zero visibility owing to the time of night, our response needed to consider the safety of our officers and members of the public, in shutting down the event and dispersing those seeking to attend this illegal event." Ch Insp Wells-Cole said police were carrying out extra patrols in the area."We understand events like this can have a significant impact on the community and I would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding," she said."We would also like to thank our colleagues at the ambulance service for supporting our efforts today in providing medical attention to those who needed it."
BBC News
06-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Frome Town FC fans 'disappointed' over football stadium delay
A decision over the future of a football club's ground has been delayed, leaving fans "disappointed". Badgers Hill Stadium, which is home to Frome Town FC, was bought by Frome Town Council in 2022 after its previous owners got into financial anonymous private operator, which wants to take over the running of the club from the Frome Town Community Benefit Society (CBS), has now offered to lease the ground from the council, with a view to buying it in the future. But on Thursday the town council said the proposal did not "completely meet" legal criteria and delayed its decision on the deal. The BBC has contacted the club for comment. "I'm extremely disappointed with the shambles that took place," said chairman of Frome Town Supporters Club, Lester Silk, who is also a director at the club, said fans are worried it "might not survive" without new said he had hoped the decision could have "saved" the club but claimed the delay meant they would not be able to prepare properly for next season. The ground is owned by the council but is leased to the Frome Town CBS and used by Frome Town FC, Frome Town Women's and Frome of the meeting, the council described the current arrangement as "not sustainable" and highlighted financial difficulties at the CBS. "The CBS doesn't receive a rent from the football clubs and doesn't benefit from the revenue generated by football other than bar income on match days. But it has to cover the full cost of stadium and pitch maintenance and utility usage," the council explained."At the same time, the football club does not benefit from the revenue generated by the clubhouse." Chairman of the CBS, Max Hirst, said "significant changes" had been made and its debt reduced "by 50%" since a new board took over five months ago."We do have a plan," he added. "Our plan is to reformat the organisation and make it even better." However, an unknown private operator wants to take over both the club and the lease of the offered to pay the council £23,000 a year for a 23-year lease, with the option to purchase the ground at any point. Town councillor Fiona Barrows said she "understands" how much the stadium means to people but said it is a "complicated" explained the council must be confident there is enough benefit to the community to warrant a discounted on the rent, as well as safeguards in place to protect the council's interest."Having discussed it in detail, we don't believe either is the case with the proposal as it stands," she council asked the operator to amend its proposal and will discuss it again at a meeting in 12 days. Mr Silk said the delay provided a "very sombre" finish to the evening."Supporters could not believe that we could not move forward on this," he added."It's detrimental for the football club because we cannot move forward for the new season."
