Artists Of Frome with Stephanie Le Cocq
Wild delights ho
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ISSUE 121
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the splendour that is marston park
YO U R GU I D E TO E VE RY TH I N G FR O M E
Congratulations!
You have bought the house of your dreams. With help from Estate Agents who kept it all moving, Solicitors who made sure all the Ts were crossed and Surveyors who allowed you to see the true potential. You have the keys and the confidence to make it all yours.
Geoffrey Hunt. Proud to be part of the local team.
ISSUE 121 april 2021
Rose Langley
H
ere we are, on the cusp of waving goodbye to our third, and probably least fun, lockdown. Winter, without the option of socialising, meant more TV and more books, often trying to find stories which worked for a four-year-old and two (apparent) grownups. Enter Wind in the Willows. We watched three different film versions and read the book cover to cover many times. We even made up a complicated game of catch involving a tea towel and shouting “Onion sauce!” (something Mole says to a couple of rabbits).
when we are ready, we can step out and immerse ourselves in what it means to be alive
Ratty – sociable, amiable and relaxed; always up for a social gathering, ready with a glass of wine and a hamper of food to be shared. Toad – a blur of energy and noise; excited by everything and afraid of nothing, keen to launch in to new situations without a backward glance. Prone to stealing motorcars and shouting “Poop poop!” Badger – a natural hibernator, grumpy when woken and generally a bit gruff. I’d say I’m Rat with a splash of Badger. But for those Moles out there, don’t worry. If you feel like your re-entry in to the world is a little overwhelming, you are not alone. For many, Lock down was an opportunity to opt out of all the pressures of the outside world, and it might take you a little more time to pop your head back above ground.
When I was talking with a friend recently about the end of lockdown, she remarked that she would be like Mr Toad from Wind in the Willows, bursting on to the scene with a loud “Poop Poop!” So, how will I emerge from this enforced hibernation? What animal am I?
And if you have absolutely no idea of what I’m talking about a) that would be nothing new, and b) read Wind in the Willows, for no other reason than this: the world is full of stories and art and music and colour. Of people and places, animals and plants. It is what makes life worth living.
Mole – emerging in to the light, tentative and nervous; keen for new experiences but also full of fear and anxiety.
So when we are ready, we can step out and immerse ourselves in what it means to be alive, whichever animal we are.
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Design: blackinkstudio.co.uk Front cover: Marston Park Cover credit: Violinist Lettice Rowbotham at Marston Park Copy deadline for the May issue: April 14th Published by Rose Langley, trading as Make a List Publishing, Sole Proprietor Editor Rose Langley 07957878717 rose@thelistfrome.co.uk . thelistfrome.co.uk *The publishers shall not be liable for any loss occasioned by the failure of an advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions or misprints.
In Pursuit Of Spring At B l ac k Swa n A rt s
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lack Swan Arts have joined forces with Somerset Art Works for their first exhibition since last year’s coronavirus lockdown. ‘In Pursuit of Spring’ has been inspired by poet Edward Thomas’ account of his journey by bicycle between London and Somerset to meet the arrival of spring in 1913. Responding to various themes in Thomas’ book, In Pursuit of Spring, such as hope, change and renewal, around 50 Somerset Art Works members have created artwork to illustrate the Somerset leg of Thomas’ journey. He enters the county near Farleigh Hungerford and travels west through Norton St. Philip, Shepton Mallet, Wells and Glastonbury, eventually arriving on Cothelstone Hill in the Quantocks on 28th March, as the storm clouds of the Great War gathered. Thomas was killed four years later at the Battle of Arras. The work will be displayed alongside text from the book which is published by Little Toller Books of Dorset.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the natural world has been an important consolation for many of us. Now, when we all need a sense of hope and renewal, Thomas’ descriptions of springtime Somerset – the ‘noble elms’, verdant banks teaming with celandine, pennywort and cranesbill, the calls of larks and linnets – are a poignant reminder of the beauty of our county. This exhibition brings together Thomas’ text with contemporary images and representations of Somerset, and is a wonderful way to celebrate the reopening of Black Swan Arts – almost 108 years to the day since Thomas completed his journey. As well as the physical exhibition, Black Swan Arts will host a carefully curated online exhibition, including short films about selected artists. If coronavirus rules allow, there will also be a series of art workshops – details to be announced later. All the work will be for sale. Please visit www.blackswanarts.org.uk to view the exhibition and purchase some artwork. Your support is vital in enabling this vibrant community arts centre and registered charity to continue serving the people of Frome with a varied programme of innovative and contemporary exhibitions, a shop, studios and courtyard café.
FROME’S ART CENTRE
An online exhibition
G ALLER IES C AFE S HO P STUDIOS COURTYAR D 2 Bridge St . Frome . BA11 1BB F R E E E N T RY www.blackswanarts.org.uk
Registered B L AC K S WACharity N A R TNo.292463 S .O R G . U K Registered Charity No.292463
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Bat Art School For Budding Young Artists
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at Art School will be running Saturday classes for young, budding artists aged 7 – 16, and is reopening on April 17th. Based at the Bat Print Studio at the Silk Mill, there are
amazing facilities for printmaking as well as fine art and ceramics. Principal Michael Gill, an Advanced Skills teacher and former Director of Art at the prestigious Merchant Taylor’s School, enjoys helping all students reach their creative potential. Bat Print Studio also runs an exciting programme of courses for adult beginners. For further information or to enrol go to www.batprintstudio.com or email info@ batprintstudio.com
We’re back with a Spring in our step! All being well, we anticipate opening our doors from Monday 12th April. We look forward to welcoming you back for Covid-safe, socially-distanced browsing.
AGE
7-16
Saturday Art School for Young Artists
www.batprintstudio.com e: info@batprintstudio.com t: 07443 491801
Not yet out and about? You can keep ordering by email, phone or online.
www.winstonebooks.co.uk T: 01373 473111
E: winstonebooks3@gmail.com
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Marston Park wh e r e a rt m e et s n atu r e
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arston Park is a Grade II listed park and garden near Frome in Somerset, designed for recreation in the 19th century. It boasts charming ruins, including the Boat House and Keeper’s Cottage, as well as beautiful views across the lake and woodland. This stunning and unique destination will be offering a wonderful programme of events and experiences throughout the year, all starting when the gates open on the 30th April.
“We want Marston Park to be a place where everyone can come to get inspired ” 6
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Marston Park will be running an eclectic cultural programme alongside holistic and creative workshops, talks and activities, to suit all tastes, energies and interests. Whether it be watching a lone violinist performing on the stage in the lake, taking part in a Haiku masterclass, exploring a visual art exhibition, or yoga classes on the lakefront, visitors can expect to come away both entertained and inspired. A collection of stay/work creative studios under canvas line one side of the lake, furnished with a
desk, guitar, easel and artists’ materials, they are just as perfect for inspiring creativity as they are for relaxing and soaking up a sunset. Across the water, artisan picnic hampers, wood-fired feasts and al fresco banquets are on the menu. The lakeside bar is open every day until 11pm, and extrathirsty visitors can wet their whistles on scheduled beer and nature pairing trails and micro cocktail bars. Food trucks are serving a rotating menu with a melting pot of local flavours and globally influenced cooking, from Greek and Northern-Thai street food to wood-fired sourdough pizzas. “It feels as if it has never been so important to get out in nature and reconnect with total strangers, friends and family. We want Marston Park to be a place where everyone can come to get inspired as we all look to the future, and how we want to live,” explains Michael Fenna, one of the co-founders.
Visit with a free membership or book a stay at Marston Park from 30th April via the website.
Find and follow: www.marstonpark.co.uk www.facebook.com/marstonpark www.instagram.com/marstonpark
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Artists Of Frome With Stephanie Le Co cq
What is your artistic background?
I’ve always loved drawing and enjoyed all the arty subjects at school. I come from a relatively conservative household, with my British dad as an engineer and my Filipino mum a nurse. I think growing up in a mixedrace household, and being a product of two cultures made me really open and inquisitive about different cultures and histories. I went to the University of Brighton and studied Printed Textiles with Business, and I guess I “found myself” creatively there. I’ve now been a print designer and illustrator for 14 years, and have worked all over the world, from Scandinavia to New York. I’m now back in the UK, based in Batcombe, and I freelance with different clients across Europe creating fashion prints for different brands. I also do illustration commissions and, of course, my own projects! Last year, I finally
launched my online shop selling my art prints, which I am so happy to be able to share now. What made you follow this path?
I don’t think I could do anything else! I’ve always been drawn to detail, pattern, colour and nature, and I try to create artwork that reflects this. I think over the last few years of my career, I’ve tried to focus my freelance work on higher quality, sustainably-minded brands. In the past, I worked for “fast-fashion” brands. I think every designer I know wants to have a positive impact on the planet, but our industry is not built to do this. It was actually this that made me start drawing animals as a side project, to slow down creatively, and focus on the meditative quality of my detailed ink drawings and to think about nature. I ultimately felt that to do this, I wanted to give back to the environment, to almost offset my own carbon footprint. I decided to contribute at least 10% of my profits to conservation charities and try to do everything as sustainably as possible. What is your physical creative process? What materials and techniques do you use?
I mainly work with a trusty thin pen. I love these Japanese Pentel Slicci pens that have a 0.25 nib, but they are getting so hard to find, so I try to buy them in bulk. I then colour my artwork either digitally or with watercolour inks. It depends on how confident I feel at not messing up my artwork! I spend a lot of time researching and trying to create unique ‘collections’ of prints that have meaning. My first 8
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collection is my Vulnerable Species Alphabet Series, where I have tried to avoid drawing the classic endangered species and really research unique, less-known species that are on the brink of decline. My second collection is my Language of Flowers Series. I have been researching the Victorian interpretations of flowers and their meanings, and have tried to make my own unique bouquets - each with themes of love. What inspires your work?
I am obsessed with traditional craft and folk art. William Morris will always be my hero, for obvious reasons, but I find inspiration all over; I’ve recently discovered Tibetan medical paintings. They are intricate miniature paintings of different subjects; each has wonderfully odd characteristics. It has inspired me to create magical wallpapers. Coming soon, I hope!
If you hadn’t become an artist, what would you have done?
Hmm… something to do with wildlife and nature...or psychology? I’m not sure I can call myself an artist either. I feel like I’m really a designer more than anything. How do you find the Frome area, in terms
How did lockdown affect the way
of creativity and artistic community?
you work and create?
Gosh, how gutted am I that we moved back to Somerset, when Covid hit. I don’t think I’ve really been able to experience the true community scene here just yet. I’ve known Frome since it was a sleepy market town when I was younger, and now its independent scene is really thriving and inspiring, even during these bonkers times. I have so much respect for all these businesses that are doing what they are so passionate about and working so hard to keep on going. Give it up to Burrito Boi for giving us a date night in a Frome car park during lockdown!
It allowed me to breathe. I feel fortunate to have had this time to focus on my own projects. Even though last year I struggled financially, I at least felt like I’ve done work I’m proud of. I have definitely been afraid to fail in the past, but this year, that voice in my head quietened down and told me to just do more of what I love. Where do you work from? Tell us about your studio.
I am currently in the spare room at my mum and dad’s cottage in Batcombe, so I’d hardly call it a studio... but I have a desk and I’m very grateful for it. My dream studio would be a Parisian loft with lots of light. We can all dream, right?
Are there any artistic processes/ disciplines which you haven’t worked in/with, but would like to?
I am currently working on ideas for wallpaper and printed ceramics, but I am also slowly growing my shop - so everything is taking time.
What is your favourite place to be for artistic inspiration?
Paris! I usually try to visit every year for work. It’s a place buzzing with art and culture, and of course, amazing food. I love going to galleries and visiting all the unique shops. There’s an amazing perfumier/coffee shop called Café Tortoni that I love to visit and soak in the atmosphere.
I’ve also started work on an illustrated book that I am collaborating on with my husband. He is a lettering artist and carves bespoke gravestones (mattloughlin.com). We decided we wanted to create something together. It will be based on British wildlife, but I can’t say more yet! How can people see and buy your work?
What artists inspire you, and why?
I often react to art based on colour as well as craft. I especially love the work of Matisse and Gauguin for their confidence in colour and scenery. My favourite designer is Anna Glover. If you haven’t seen her wallpapers, please check them out.
Please do check out www.StephanieLeCocq.com. Or my instagram @StephanieLeCocqStudios. I am currently open for commissions. I have also taken over the shop window of the Dovecote Gallery in Bruton. THE LIST FROME
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Spring Gifts S h o p Lo cal
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1. Storage Bag - Hoooked Zpagetti T-Shirt Yarn Crochet Kit, Frome Yarn Collective, £14.99 • 2. Castello Vases, Garden Trading - Matthew Paul - from £4.95 • 3. Frome’s very own superstar author Keith Stuart returns with his latest novel It’s a fantastic read! Hunting Raven - £14.99 (Hardback) • 4. Sterling silver bracelet with two forget-me-not charms. Christina Oswin Jewellery, £80 • 5. ‘Bloom’ In Burnt Orange By Rosanna Morris, 50 x 80cm, The WHY Gallery £130 6. H is for Himalayan Monal - by Stephanie Le Cocq. stephanielecocq.com - from £35
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www.fromeyarncollective.co.uk E: info@fromeyarncollective.co.uk T: 01373 473 557 11, Catherine Hill Click and Collect and Free Delivery within a mile.
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Children’s ‘Draw & Explore’ classes Classes are purposely kept small in order to help nurture individual progress; all materials are included in the price. APRIL 2021 Our Spring Term will look at the costume and set design of the Ballet Russes. Classes will include producing fashion illustrations, pattern design, creating paper theatres and paper costumes for further drawing exercises.
1 Bath Street, Frome, BA11 1DG _ 01373 764 472 hello@matthewpaulinteriors.co.uk Matthew Paul Interiors Matthew Paul Interiors
Class are held weekly at St Marys Hall on Innox Hill, Frome. THURSDAYS: 4.15- 5.15 (Ages 6 - 9 yrs) 5.30 - 6.30 (ages 10- 12 yrs) Book online through the website: www.alizarinstudio.co.uk
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The River House is on the Move To its new home at Bl ack Swan arts
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fter almost seven years on The Bridge, The River House is on the move to begin an exciting venture just around the corner at Black Swan Arts. Having outgrown its intimate home some years ago, the move will give River House lovers more space to meet, munch and soak up the sunshine in the glorious garden, a hidden gem of rare outdoor space in Frome. “We’ve always loved the cosy atmosphere of our previous home, but with social distancing becoming
a reality for a while longer, we hope to take that same atmosphere and recreate it in a bigger and safer space. We are beyond excited to collaborate with Black Swan Arts on future events and workshops, and continue to grow alongside the wonderful, creative community they support,” owner Ellen Porteous told us. “Whilst we are embracing the change of location, we want to reassure our loyal River House customers that their favourite cakes, bakes, beverages and brunches will remain, and all served by the same familiar happy faces!”
“We are beyond excited to collaborate with black swan arts on future workshops and events”
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The River House arrived on the Frome café scene back in 2014, and fast became a firm favourite among the coffee lovers and café dwellers of the town. Serving up a menu of creative brunches, homemade cakes and bakes, and its very own Loud Mouth coffee, The River House has built its reputation on both its mouthwatering menus and eccentric service. Emma Warren, centre manager of Frome’s art centre says, “We are utterly delighted to start a new partnership for our courtyard café which will take us out of lockdown and into a fresh new space for regulars and new visitors alike. We’ve missed connecting with people so much and feel full of renewed hope for this much-loved community space”.
The River House
01373 464847 www.riverhousefrome.co.uk www.blackswanarts.org.uk
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Burrito Boi Th e R es tau r a nt
A
fter starting a takeaway service during the first lockdown, it’s fair to say that Burrito Boi has been a huge success story. And now the trio behind the business are taking the next, and much anticipated, step and are opening their own premises at Station Approach in early May. “We are ready to take Burrito Boi to the next level. over the last nine months we’ve been operating from our tiny home kitchen but thanks to the amazing community we have here and the incredible people of Frome, we’ve now outgrown the house, which is an amazing problem to have and for that we are really grateful. So we’d like to take the opportunity to thank people for sticking with us throughout the process and helping us bring our dream to life. Being able to have customers drop in for a beer before picking up their food to take home is going to be amazing, and even more so, to sit in our restaurant and enjoy their meals here with us!” said Dom. Alongside their usual menu, there will be a few new additions including more burritos, exciting side dishes and drinks – think draught beer, soft drinks,
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cocktails, wines and spirits. They will be continuing with their takeaway service for both delivery and collection, and will be open for lunch too. “We have a large shared outdoor seating area at Station Approach, with some amazing neighbours who also offer brilliant food. The restaurant can seat around 25-30 people, creating a nice, intimate atmosphere. Our vision is to create exactly what we would want from a street food restaurant: good energy and good food!” The team are keen to offer the space for events, with more details being announced later in the month. They plan to offer the space for private events, parties and weddings.
Burrito Boi is still open Thursday to Sunday from 5-9pm for both delivery and collection.
Order via Facebook and Instagram @burritoboifrome or by phone - 07946 277161
T AN AY! R AU M ST IN RE MING CO
FROME COLLECTION COLLECTION FROME
AND DELIVERY DELIVERY SERVICE AND SERVICE THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY TOSATURDAY SATURDAY5-9PM 5-9PM burritoboifrome burritoboifrome T: 07946 277161 To order - Contact us via DM on social media or call us! burritoboifrome T:07946 277161 burritoboifrome To order - Contact us via DM on social media or call us!
Taking enquiries and bookings for weddings, festivals and events
Collection every Wednesday 5.30pm to 7.30pm HOME DELIVERY AVAILABLE
For the full list of local, sustainable & seasonal produce and to order online go to our website
www.fromefoodhub.co.uk
Cafe At The Park australian influenced takeaway cafe we do superfood smoothies, cold press juice iced coffee, poke + buddha bowls, speciality coffee acai bowls, sweet treats
@batheats
@batheats
14 king street, frome,
join us for outside seating
somerset
from April 12th.
tuesday - saturday 09:00am-3:00pm
nooktheshop.co.uk
nooktheshop@gmail.com
@nooktheshop
Le Pique-nique! Come and join the Bistro Lotte team at the Cafe in Victoria Park, open 7 days a week, weather permitting. Serving coffee, cold drinks, ice creams, cakes and more
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Our home delivery service starts in April – Follow Us On Instagram to keep updated
A Baked Herb Custard Makes 4 Butter, for greasing 2 eggs, plus 2 yolks 285ml single cream 4 tbsp chopped mixed herbs, finely chopped: mint, parsley, dill, chives or wild garlic whatever takes your fancy Finely grated zest of 1/2 a lemon 1/2 garlic clove, crushed to a paste Salt and pepper About 60-80g fresh goat’s or ewe’s cheese First, preheat your oven to 160C and put the kettle on to boil (this dish only takes a few minutes to put together).
Food with
Folk
Recipes from our resident Foodie Laura Coate
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pring. Never has it been more longed for than now. Each year I take great joy in the appearance of green shoots. First, the snowdrops, next the nettles and wild garlic, and the primroses; the blooming of colour into what was brown and broken. It’s at this time of year that I venture out for my first gentle forage and brighten the stews and bakes hungover from winter with dots of green. This little lunch dish tips the balance into all-out chartreuse and celebrates all the jollity of springtime.
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Grease 4 small ramekins with butter. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, cream, chopped herbs, garlic and lemon zest, then season with salt and pepper. Divide the cream mixture equally between the four ramekins and gently tap them on the work surface to release any air bubbles. Dot the filled ramekins with the soft cheese and poke it down beneath the surface. Place the ramekins in a roasting tray and pour enough boiling water into the tray so that it reaches just over halfway up the sides. (It’s best to pull an oven rack out a tad, then place the roasting tin onto it before carefully pouring the boiling water into the tray and carefully sliding back the oven rack, to avoid any hazardous mishaps. Oven gloves are a necessity.) Bake the custards for 20 minutes, or until just set, then remove them from their water bath and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Eat with a green salad that has a bit of crunch to it, plus some Jersey Royals or bread for the most delectable April lunch.
Follow Laura for updates and recipes: Instagram @foodwithfolk
T he Hi gh Pavem en t wi l l b e re - open i n g on May 14 t h fol lowi n g an exciting refurbishment. Keep an eye ou t for a fu l l feat u re i n t he May i ssu e of T he Li st From e. Please fol low u s on soci al m edi a, an d si gn u p for ou r n ewslet ter, for regu lar u pdates. @t hehi ghpavem en t @t hehi ghpavem en t thehighpavement@gmail.com
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“Soul connection is the cure” I am Crowdfunding currently to support parents and children.
Healer, parent coach, medium. Jen Pridgeon MSc BioMed EFT Practitioner and Healer www.letsconnectandfeelbetter.co.uk
t: 07748 758834
Gentle, effective, non-invasive, therapy for aches, pains, restricted movement, injuries, stress & many other problems.
Janie Godfrey Frome Bowen Clinic 01373 452 422 www.bowenclinicfrome.com
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Frome Appreciation Society S p r e a d i n g Th e Love
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he Frome Appreciation Society is an anonymously run project, started during lockdown, which aims to show local healthcare professionals just how much their incredible efforts have been appreciated over this last year. Members of the public nominate the recipients, who then receive personalised gift boxes. “We wanted to show them that we see them, we are grateful for them and we appreciate them. The gift boxes are made up with a combination of shop-bought items such as chocolate, candles, earrings and snazzy socks, and then a variety of personal, handmade items like brownies, handwritten letters & poems. Our goal is to just be human and remind as many people as we can that they are seen, they are admired and appreciated for all that they do for our community.”
Frome Appreciation Society has already delivered boxes to a huge number of NHS workers, but they’d like to be able to deliver many more. The boxes are funded by donations from the community, and each box is topped up by funding from FAS members. “At the moment we have 120 nominations and donations for 70 boxes. We need donations to help pay for the boxes for these incredible nominees. Any donations and nominations would be greatly appreciated to help us keep spreading the magic and positivity of this project.”
For more information on how to donate
or nominate, go to www.appreciationsociety.org or follow FAS on social media. @fromeappreciationsociety @appreciationsocietyfrome/
Not all veterinary practices are the same We are available to care for your pets, horses and animals 24/7 If your pet is overnight with us, they are never left alone Garston vets - a truly independent approach to animal care for over 100 years.
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01373 452225
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Trug & Lettuce O u r n e w G r e e n Fi n g e r e d Gu r u
• Sow your sweet peas at the base of wigwams or other supports, and transplant any that you might have started off indoors into their final positions. Keep an eye on them and make sure they stay tied in and water them as needed. In the fruit & veg patch:
Our new gardening expert and all-round good chap, Alistair from Trug & Lettuce will be guiding you through the planting year, with handy hints and tips.
A
pril is upon us – a time when we can expect to enjoy some much-needed sunshine, and to get caught in a few April showers too. We’ll see the daffodils continuing to bloom along with the trees and hedgerows and, as we get more and more daylight and hopefully some warmth, we might need to get the lawnmower out and give our sward a trim! Now, finally, after many months of twitching green fingers that have had to make do with flicking through the pages of the seed catalogue, we can finally get started and begin to sow in earnest. Here are a few things that need doing this month In the flower garden:
• Plant up hostas, delphiniums and lupins and protect the new shoots of these, and other vulnerable plants, from slugs and snails. In the past slug pellets were popular but there’s now much debate about their potentially harmful side affects. Try making a barrier and fixing copper tape around it to protect your plants instead.
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• Sow your tomatoes, chillies and courgettes in pots – make sure you’ve got outdoor varieties if you’re sowing them outside – if not, start them off on a sunny windowsill so they’re ready to plant out towards the end of May or early June. • Sow flowering companions alongside your veg. Plants such as marigolds and borage not only give additional interest and colour but also encourage pollinating and other beneficial insects. In the greenhouse or on the sunny windowsill:
• Start to prepare to transplant any tomato plants that you’ve sown from seed. Look out for and choose your preferred type of growing bag - or why not try large pots – make up a simple support and get ready to pop your plants into their final, sheltered and sunny spot towards the end of the month. • Get some herb seeds – try basil, chives, parsley, fennel, or coriander – and sow them in pots or trays on the kitchen windowsill. In next to no time, you’ll be picking your own – and wondering why you ever bothered buying them in pots from the supermarket! In the garden – maintenance:
• New fern fronds will be ready to unfurl, so cut back any tatty old ones to make way for the new ones. • Stay on top of your weeds by hoeing between the rows of veg seedlings. Weeds grow rapidly at this time of year – don’t let them get the upper hand! Until next month – enjoy your gardening! And if you want to hear about what I’m up to, and how I do it, go to: www.trugandlettuce.co.uk
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THE CASE OF CASE
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Th e Fr o m e Fo s s i l
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ere’s another local celeb you’ve never heard of. Cecil Charles Coles Case was born in Frome in 1895, the son of a tanner. Charismatic he was not. He was dogged, snobbish, slow-moving and pudding-faced. He spent nearly all his years in the town, having as little as possible to do with other people. He never ever thought of having a job or getting married or going to the pub. And yet he is worth remembering. For C. C. C. Case had another life: he played cricket for Somerset for nearly a decade. During that time he gained a nickname (“Box”- who’d have guessed?), scored nine centuries and found an outlet for his deeply buried passion and intensity. Not that you’d have noticed, because he has gone down in history as the apotheosis of dullness, the acme of tedium. “The grimmest batsman I have ever seen,” wrote one journalist. “The kindest adjective to evoke his style,” opined another, “was probably ‘ugly’.” There was no grace or flair or risk in his batting. Somerset crowds, used to the thunder and lightning of wallopers like Harold Gimblett or Arthur Wellard, jeered him mercilessly. But it was like blowing peas at an elephant. Case carried on unwaveringly through whatever was thrown at him. After stunning yet another delivery with his lifeless bat, he would walk round and round in ever widening circles until it was time for the next one. So ferocious was his concentration that he never noticed when an opponent once bowled a rubber ball as a joke. However, even iron determination couldn’t make him a good fielder. If the ball came near him, he would rumble into action like a steam roller, snatch it up and hurl it in with all his might. Alas, it rarely went anywhere near the stumps. Batsmen made use of this by pretending to take a run, but not moving.
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THE LIST FROME
Case, greatly excited, could be relied on to fling the ball so wide that it would rocket to the far side of the ground for four byes. On retirement, Case went home and lived unadventurously off his investments. Who knew him? Very few. The only memory is from a clerk in the local bank. Case, he said, insisted on having his money in brand new notes. He died, alone and in the same family house in Keyford, in 1969. But he had had his moment in the limelight.
T h e F r o m e Fo s s i l
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DOING EDUCATION DIFFERENTLY…
ALL HALLOWS Welcome back! It’s wonderful to have our children learning and embracing their childhood in the grounds of our beautiful school.
When Dr Richards, All Hallows Head, asked our pupils on the first week of their return ‘What had been their stand out moments?’, pupils replied ‘The Science Fair’, ‘having lessons in a classroom with my teacher and my friends’, ‘the food’ and ‘practising a song which we had written over lockdown’.
Apply now to join us in the Summer or Autumn Term. For more information and to arrange a v i s i t , call Jackie on 01749 881609. Come and d i s co ve r why our children are t hr i v i ng ... Set in a stunning location, just 15 minutes from Frome and Bruton, with minibus transport available, All Hallows is a day and boarding prep school for children aged 3 to 13. A creative and dynamic curriculum, with our pupils’ happiness and well-being at the heart of all decision-making, is producing outstanding results. Children are moving on to their senior schools, confident in who they are and ready to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead. w w w. a l l h a l l o w s s c h o o l . c o . u k Frome List April 2021-2.indd 1
15/03/2021 14:58:36
