“Titter ye not”

Members of our Batts Combe quarry team were thrilled to honour the memory of comedy greats, plus meet actress Dame Joanna Lumley at the opening of an extension to a community hub in Loxton, Somerset, backed by the Frankie Howerd OBE Trust.

The Trust, now led by national treasure, President Dame Joanna, was set up to mark the life and work of one of Britain’s most popular twentieth century comedians, Frankie Howerd. Known for his roles in classic films such as “Up Pompei” and several of the “Carry On” series, Frankie lived in the Loxton area for many years and was revered locally for his community support.

Ahead of the grand opening of the Hub’s second phase, the quarry was able to help the Trust meet its tight construction deadlines with a donation of 20 tonnes of aggregate for use in creating a car park.

Actress Dame June Whitfield, for whom the latest extension in Loxton’s blacksmith’s building is named, was a close friend of Frankie’s with whom she appeared on stage and screen. Younger audiences would know her for her scene-stealing role as Edina’s mother in BBC’s Absolutely Fabulous – alongside Joanna Lumley. The Dame June Whitfield Community Hub will provide a new shop and a bus service in addition to the Hub’s already opened cafe and activities centre.

Phil Davies, Chairman of the Frankie Howerd OBE Trust said: “We are very grateful to Batts Combe quarry for its kind donation. It will help to ensure the best possible start to our extended community hub and we look forward to providing the community again with vital services lost over recent years.”

Representing Batts Combe at the ceremony were Area Clerk, Michelle Beasley and Fines Plant, Weighbridge and Distribution Supervisor Caroline Gould, along with local haulier, Arnold Webber, who delivered the stone.