05/05/2010
NEWS STORY
Returning to his home town, 2009 world champion, Jenson Button - who was representing the Motor Sports Association's Go Motorsport initiative - was officially presented with the Freedom of Frome.
For the Englishman, it was an emotional day; he was officially presented with the Freedom of Frome, and got to meet the many enthusiastic fans that have followed his long path to the top with a tireless belief and dedication.
For the townspeople, it was their chance to pay homage to the man who had so emphatically put their town on the map, and who had never forgotten his roots.
Button's day began with some old memories – namely, visiting the three schools that Jenson attended during his childhood.
First stop on the tour was at Vallis First School, Jenson's primary school, where he was the guest of honour in the school assembly. Afterwards, it was a quick hop to Selwood Middle School, which he attended from the ages of nine to 12. Again, he visited during morning assembly, where he answered questions on stage from the children. Finally, he stopped off at Frome Community College, where he once again spoke with students and teachers, talking about the challenges he'd faced on his journey towards becoming Formula 1 world champion.
After rekindling many childhood memories, the McLaren driver proceeded to Frome's largest open space – the market's main car park, where he took to a specially constructed stage to meet hundreds of local townspeople and well-wishers.
"I've never forgotten my roots," he said, clearly moved after seeing the hordes that had turned out to see him. "I grew up here, and I still have many of my friends and family still living in and around the town, so it's most certainly not a place that I've forgotten.
"For me, it's very important to be able to share what I've been able to achieve with the town and its community. I'm proud to have come from here, and I'm proud to have been able to put it on the Formula 1 map. It was always something I wanted to do – to return to Frome to give my thanks to everyone for their ongoing love and support – but to receive the freedom of the town at the same time is just fantastic. It's a real honour."
The mayor of Frome presented Jenson with the title in a beautiful framed ceremonial scroll. The town is also working on plans to complete a new bridge, which will be named after the Formula 1 star.