On Saturday 3rd February, a large crowd gathered at Weylands orchard for the second Frome wassail, hosted by the Tree Group, Pocketful of Acorns and Frome Street Bandits. A procession through the orchard was followed by the wassail ceremony, with banging of pots and pans and shaking of wassail sticks, singing and blessing the trees with toast and cider. Frome Families for the Future were on hand making willow and ivy crowns, and Dowding’s cider provided the people and the trees with liquid refreshment.

The wassail was preceded by the selection of Frome’s new town crier, following the retirement of Mike Bishop in November 2023. Three candidates showed off their vocal skills and shared a short speech on a wassailing theme. Following deliberation, Martin Scott. aka ‘The Cheese Lord’ was chosen as the new crier for Frome. Martin had harboured ambitions to be Frome’s town crier since moving to Frome 12 years ago and said:

“Within a few weeks of moving here, I went to see the town crier festival in Victoria Park and I was so inspired. I said to my wife, ‘One day I’m going to be the town crier’. I’m so excited, so thrilled to be able to represent Frome and all its communities, as your town crier.”

Mayor Philip Campagna said “Mike has done a fantastic job for many years as Frome’s town crier and we wish him a long, healthy and happy retirement with his wife and crier’s consort Angie. Mike’s are big shoes to fill, but we think Martin will be a great asset and a fantastic ambassador for Frome: a colourful character for our wonderful town. Thanks also to Charly, Annabelle, Frome Families for the Future and everyone who made the second Frome wassail at Weylands such a great day.”

Follow the new town crier and get in touch at facebook.com/fromes.official.town.crier.