Gildhall News August 2015

Leicester & York Freemen in front of King Richard III statue

Number 72

August 2015 1

Making Free ceremony of Christine Dorothy Brookes on 27th May 2015 in the Town Hall. In photo above,Christine is standing on the right of the Lord Mayor, Cllr. Ted Cassidy. Below more of the family join the group, with Brett Elson, her nephew from Australia, on the far right

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Number 72

August 2015

Patron: Colonel Robert Martin OBE DL President: The Lord Mayor of Leicester OFFICERS 2015 - 2016 Master: L.A. Roffee Deputy Master: A. Marriott Clerk: L.A. Roffee Chamberlain: A. Marriott WARDENS M.E. Ayres, N. Cave, M.B.Hill, L. Kirk, J.D. Lewitt, B.W. Mudford.

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GILDHALL NEWS August 2015

Contents Editor’s Comments Report by Lynn Roffee, Master of the Gild Report by Brian Mudford, Chairman of the Board of Deputies Chamberlain’s Report by Andy Marriott Freemen’s robes Our Sale continues

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Your Gild Needs You!!

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Future programme - dates for your diary Thursday 20th August, Visit to Beaumanor Hall in Woodhouse Saturday 14th November, Arming a Knight, an evening talk with buffet at the Holt Friday 18th December, Visit to see the pantomime Aladdin at the Little Theatre Monday 21st December, Christmas Carols with mince pies and wine at the Holt Saturday 16th January 2016, History of the Freemen of Leicester at the Holt Wednesday 13th April 2016, Common Hall at the Town Hall, Leicester Saturday 4th June 2016, Gild Banquet at Devonshire Place, Leicester Sunday 5th June 2016, Annual Freemen’s Service at Leicester Cathedral

Contributions to the Gildhall News The History of the Freemen of Leicester - part 15 by John Tolton

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For Amusement Only Well, I didn’t know that!!!

Sudoku puzzles - Easy, Medium & Hard The Priest and the Pilot Getting older

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Have you changed your address?

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Forms included with Newsletter Booking form to see the Aladdin pantomime Booking form for Arming a Knight, includes Buffet and drinks Application for Membership & Associate Membership of the Gild Order form for Gild products

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Editor’s Comments I repeat my request, is there a Leicester freeman who would like to take over the position of Editor of the Gildhall News?

You don’t have to be a member of the Gild Court, you don’t even have to live locally, but I think you should be under 60 years old, to give you a few years to enjoy yourself in the job.So please let me know if you are interested, you are welcome to telephone me and discuss what is involved If you have a story that would be of interest to other members, please put pen to paper, or finger to e-mail. We don’t need a book, only a short article, possibly one or two pages long. It could be longer if it’s enthralling!! Have you researched your Family History and have found an interesting story of a family member that would be of interest? Preferably I would like to receive them as an attachment to an e-mail if possible, but pen and ink is acceptable.

Brian Mudford

Report by Lynn Roffee, Master of the Gild The end of spring and early summer is usually a busy time of the year for the Gild Court, and this year is no exception.

Sadly, Common Hall was poorly attended. However, we did have some well attended functions and have had good representation at Civic Events.

5th June – Banquet Weekend Welcome Evening This was an evening get together for visiting Freemen who were attending the Banquet Weekend. We also had a Leicester Freemen visiting from Australia, Brett Elson, who was here to attend his Aunt’s Making Free Ceremony. It was a very enjoyable evening, with good company and delicious food. Thanks go to John Tolton for organising the quiz.

6th June - Banquet Our Banquet was again held at Devonshire Place with 70 people attending.

The food and service were both excellent, as usual, and the lamb generated a lot of positive comments! The guest speaker was Dr Richard Buckley OBE, Co-Director - Archaeological Services at the University of Leicester who lead the team that found the remains of King Richard III. Richard gave a very interesting talk on Roman Leicester and the antiquities that were found. Our Patron, Col R Martin OBE DL, also gave us an after dinner talk which touched on Leicester Freemen during WW1 and the Magna Carta. A big thank you must go to Col Martin for arranging for the WW1 Leicester Freemen Display to be 5

brought out of it’s storage and displayed. The Gild’s President, The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Ted Cassidy MBE was also one of distinguished guests.

I have received many favourable comments from both local and visiting Freemen on the Banquet weekend. These events don’t just happen – there are a number of people involved in several months of planning and meetings. I would like to thank the Banquet Committee for all the hard work they put into planning the weekend.

7th June - Annual Freemen Service Leicester Cathedral Sadly, once more, there were only a few Leicester Freemen attending the service, with more visiting Freemen from others Gild’s in attendance. After the service there were several group photos taken at the statute of King Richard III. It was a colourful event with all the different coloured robes, including the Lord Mayor, Gordon Varndell, the President of FEW, and the High Sherriff – Gordon Arthur and Mrs Janet Arthur, This annual service is open to all Freemen and not restricted to Gild Members/ Associates or those with robes.

Our Aussie attendee Brett, together with his Aunt Christine and her husband Mick, joined us for the whole weekend and they all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Brett was keen to join in everything and managed to borrow a robe and had many photos taken to show his wife and children back in Australia.

24th June - Damask Rose Ceremony The Lord Mayor, invited seven robed Freemen to join him for this ceremony.

Mick Ayres, Peter Bates, Eric Critchlow, Keith Harding, Jim Manship, Peter Staines and myself attended. The Lord Mayor, in full regalia, Deputy Lord Mayor, two Ward Councillors and Freemen processed from the Town Hall to O’Neill’s (formerly the Crown and Thistle) in Loseby Lane. We arrived on the stroke of 1.00pm and the Lord Mayor proceeded to knock on the door of O’Neill’s. He was greeted by Steve Thorn, the Manager, who presented him with four old pennies (previously known as Groats) and a Damask Rose. Steve had got into the spirit of the ceremony and was suitably attired in clothing that was worn hundreds of years ago. This ceremony is always held on this day to coincide with the Feast of St John the Baptist. As it was lunchtime and with many people in the area, it was an opportunity for the public to take many photos, particularly with the Lord Mayor, and to speak with the Freemen.

4th July - Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving on Armed Forces Day. (Held a week later than the National event) This service was “Honouring Britain’s Armed Forces Past, Present and Future” and was held at Leicester Cathedral. The Gild was invited to attend this Annual Ceremony. A total of 15 Freemen and their spouses attended the Service. This 6

year the Gild had been invited to wear Robes and to be part of procession into the Cathedral, which added to the occasion.

5th July - Civic Service for the City of Leicester The Lord Mayor invited 5 robed Freemen and their spouses to attend the Civic Service, which was held at the Leicester Cathedral, and was followed with afternoon tea.

Next year’s 40th Celebrations The Gild celebrates its 40th Year during 2016. As part of the celebrations several events are being held throughout the year and the first event is on Saturday, 16th January 2016. See the November edition of GHN for further details.

To those Freemen reading this edition of the GHN who are not members of the Gild, why don’t you become members of the Gild? The membership fee is used to part fund the printing of the GHN and to help towards reducing the cost of events that are held throughout the year. All of the people involved in the Gild Court are volunteers and not paid any expenses, so membership fees go back to members. Please show your support and join the Gild, or if you haven’t yet renewed your membership – please do so now do so now!

Finally Brian Mudford, Past Master, and currently the Editor of GHN, has already made public that he wishes to stand down from this role, and has been seeking to find a replacement. He is willing to show someone how to compile the GHN with the view of them taking on the role of Editor. You don’t necessarily need to live local to produce the GHN. With access to Skype and the internet you can live anywhere. If we can’t find a replacement then it’s possible the GHN will no longer be in the same format. I hope there is someone willing to put the GHN together into its current format. If you would like more information on the role as Editor then please contact Brian or myself.

As I have previously said, in the GHN and at events, we do need more people to join in the running of the Gild Court, particularly young people, as well as volunteers to help out at events. This can include setting up tables, to collecting plates, washing up, or buying raffle prizes. Usually, it is left to the same few Residents at The Holt who help out – so please try and give a hand – it will really be appreciated. Experience not necessary, just a willingness to help where needed. In this way it shares the load, keeps events running and makes the Gild sustainable for the future.

I look forward to seeing you at one of our events during the year, and it goes without saying that suggestions and comments are always welcome (lynnroffee@hotmail.com or 07828 965 984)

Lynn Roffee 7

Report by Chairman of the Board - Brian Mudford The Board has implemented a new committee structure and way of working. This has enabled the Board to be more productive but has generated more administrative work. As a result a new assistant Clerk Jane Hammond has been recruited and is nearing the end of successful three month trial period.

The office at the Holt has been knocked through providing a larger working area to accommodate the additional member of staff. The visitor’s accommodation, located above the office, has been redecorated and fully spring cleaned (including carpets). This has been put to good use recently with visitors from far and wide including Devon, York, Canada, South Africa.

On Wednesday 27th May 2015 I attended the Making Free ceremony at the Leicester Town Hall of Christine Dorothy Brookes in the presence of the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Ted Cassidy MBE. Her nephew, Brett Elson, also attended, he had travelled from Australia for the event. See photographs inside front cover.

There have been a number of bungalows vacated over recent months. Three bungalows have been extended and a further three have been refurbished, including a full rewire of the electrics, new radiators, new kitchen units and worktops and total redecoration in neutral paint finish as necessary. This will result in six new residents moving into the Holt by the end of September this year. The Board of deputies would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new residents.

Planning permission to extend a further bungalow has been submitted and is due imminently. It is planned that building work on this bungalow will be completed during the second half of 2015 Two standard bungalows are still available to allocate to new residents so if you are interested please contact the Clerk or come along to the Open morning planned for Saturday 15th August 2015, For details see the article entitled “Our sale continues� on page 10 Other improvements have been made across the estate including fences being repainted, a new handrail to the fishing station down by the canal, the flower beds have been replanted with bedding plants to provide beautiful colour at the entrance to the estate and near the path going towards the 8

patio seating area overlooking the canal. The grounds have looked very good throughout 2015 with an especially beautiful showing of roses during the year Brian Mudford

Chamberlain’s Report by Andy Marriott Foreword The information contained in this report is a summary of the Gilds bank balances and a snap shot of the Gilds Accounts. It is my continued intention to provide a report for each of the Gild’s quarterly meeting’s using this format whilst also supplying the accounts books for viewing by any gild member on request. I would also welcome feedback on this format and suggestions of any changes or additions members and wardens would find useful.

Membership Arrears There are still a large number of Gild members who have still not paid for this year’s membership 2015 to 2016 and I would like to ask you all too please submit your membership fee’s as a matter of urgency.

Gild Accounts Book The Gilds Accounts as of Sunday 12th July 2015 have the following figures recorded Receipts Standing Orders Payments Petty Cash

£ 3125.50 £ 36.00 £ 3696.83 £ 222.41

Gild Bank Accounts We have received the latest Bank Statements from Lloyds Bank.

Business Account as of 9th June 2015 holds £ 3863.67 Treasurers Account as of 17th June 2015 holds £ 3232.96 These figures do not take into account any monies and cheques banked after these dates which will be reflected in the next statements we receive.

Gild Banquet This year’s annual Banquet figures are recorded below Income

£ 3170.00

Expenditure

£ 2756.50

Remaining Balance

£ 413.50

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Any Other Business 1. The Gilds Bank account details have now been amended and all signatures and correspondence have been placed under the current Chamberlain’s name and address.

2. Owing to the movement of the Bank Account details during the change over period the Bank Gilds Account’s Statement’s for March 2015 have been confirmed by Lloyds Bank as being sent to the old correspondence address which is reflected in the low sum enter against standing orders and the figures given from the current statement. I am hoping to receive these statements in the very near future.

3. I am unable to report on any actual arrears figures until I have had the opportunity to review March’s Bank statements against the membership register.

Freemen’s Robes

Andy Marriott

I am currently updating the List of Freemen who have Robes as I have been made aware that some Freemen have inherited a robe, and their names are not on the list. This list is used, from time to time, to contact Freemen to see if they are available to attend Civic events. At this stage I should point out that there are only a handful of places available and often we are advised of civic events at short notice. If you would like your name added to the list, or wish to check to see if your name is on the list, then please email me at lynnroffee@hotmail.com or telephone 07828 965 984. Even if you don’t wish to participate its useful to know who has a robe.

If for any reason you wish to dispose of a robe, or have may considered donating it to the Gild, please contact me.

Lynn Roffee

Our Sale Continues We are continuing to sell the advantages and benefits of moving to live on the Holt.

During the coming weeks we will be welcoming six new residents who are moving into four of our bungalows. Currently we have two vacant bungalows with a further one becoming available later this year.

To learn more and arrange to view the available bungalows telephone the office on 0116 283 4017, or why not come with your family, if you want, to 10

our next Holt open morning in the Community Centre on Saturday 15th August 10am – 1pm and enjoy a chat, a cup of tea a look at the bungalows and tour of the estate.

Remember, you have nothing to lose and possibly everything to gain.

Maurice Hill Chairman of Welfare Committee, Board of Deputies

YOUR GILD NEEDS YOU !!

I am writing not as the youngest warden of the Gild but as a Gild member.

Although I only took up my freedom three years ago it is clear that if the Gild is not supported by new freemen / lady freemen then within a few years there may not be a Gild at all. This would be a tragedy after all these years.

The Gild needs young blood injected into it, as we need new ideas, trips and events that people of all ages can enjoy and appreciate. There is only a certain amount that can be done without the support and input from you – the readers of this quarterly journal.

I therefore ask for your help. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions of events, trips etc that you think would be of interest please get in touch with us, the Gild is open to suggestions from each and everyone of you. Suggestions will be considered and discussed at Gild Court meetings and will be reported in the Gildhall News.

Please send your views and ideas to: leicestergild@hotmail.com Nick Cave

What do you do on Wednesday afternoons?

Well we have a good time down at the Holt every Wednesday afternoon starting at 2.00pm. One week we have a film (Freemen’s Flicks) and the next week we have Freemen’s Funtime.

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These alternating afternoons are very much social events with residents of the Holt and friends, but all Freemen and their spouses are welcome. So don’t be lonely or if at a loose end come and join us Admission is only £1 and you get tea/coffee and biscuits.

We try to show a variety of films and currently we are waiting to screen “The Theory of Everything” and “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”.

The Freemen’s Funtime program consists of stand up bingo, mini beetle drive, boggle, quiz, dominoes, free raffle and more.

If you decide to join us, and we do hope you will, make a phone call to the office (0116 283 4017) or to me (0116 289 5394) to find out what’s on that week.

We look forward to seeing you.

Maurice Hill

Chairman of Welfare Committee, Board of Deputies

Programme of Future Events Visit to Beaumanor Hall Woodhouse LE12 8TX on Thursday 20th August 2015 at 6pm The full tour takes around 2 hours & 30 minutes, which includes a break for tea and biscuits. You will visit the main rooms in the Hall & Cellars and outside you will see the buildings erected in WW11 when Beaumanor Hall was a Y station and go into at least two of them.

Cost is £6.00 per person payable on entry.

If you wish to attend then please contact Andy Marriott, 10 Goldhill, Leicester LE2 6TQ, Tel: 0116 2442776

Arming a Knight with Jed Jaggard from “UP AN’ AT’EM!” Includes Hot Buffet Supper & Drinks Saturday 14th November 2015 at Freemen’s Holt -7.30pm £8.50 per person Hands on History for all the family. A really entertaining evening with Jed Jaggard, and the opportunity to handle the types of clothing worn, and armour used, by a Knight. Please complete booking form included in this issue and return to Andy Marriott 10 Goldhill, Leicester LE2 6TQ, tel: 0116 244 2776 12

Visit to the Little Theatre , Dover Street, Leicester to see Aladdin on Friday 18th December 2015 starting at 7 pm.

A perfect Christmas treat for all the family!

Please book early for this traditional family pantomime - freemen, family and friends.

Tickets cost £14 for adults and £12 for children (under 16). Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis. Please complete booking form included in

this issue Please note that we have to return unsold tickets to the Little Theatre by the end of October, so don’t delay in booking your seats.

Christmas Carols with Mince Pies and Mulled Wine Monday 21st December 2015 - 7.30pm at Freemen’s Holt Join us for an informal evening for Gild Members and their families to sing along to classic Christmas Carols such as “Good King Wenceslas” and “The Holly and the Ivy”.

Booking details will be the in November Edition of GHN

History of the Freemen of Leicester from their origins in the 12th century to the present day Saturday 16th January 2016 - 7.30pm at Freemen’s Holt The first celebration event marking the Gild’s 40th Anniversary will be a light Supper and a talk given by John Tolton about the history of the Freemen of Leicester from their origins in the 12th century to the present day. Find out how we lived with our Norman conquerors, how the Battle of Bosworth changed our lives, how we coped with the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution, and finally what happened when the freemen lost the right to govern. After the talk there will be an opportunity for Gild members to raise any questions relating to the history of the freemen.’

This is a Free event for Member’s (plus 1 guest) and Associate’s only. Booking details will be in the November issue of the GHN 13

Contributions to the Gildhall News ***************************** History of Freemen – Part 15, The beginning of the end.

The period from the succession of James I through the time of Oliver Cromwell and up to the abdication of James II had been a turbulent 85 years for the Corporation of Leicester. Successive kings had issued new charters regulating the election, the size and composition of the corporation, but after all that time the freemen at large still had no say in the election of the individual members of the corporation. They were still a self electing body of people.

In 1689 James II was replaced by William III and Mary as joint sovereigns who were staunch Protestants and much of what had become law under the Stuarts was removed.

The franchise for the election of two Members of Parliament was expanded to include all freemen in the borough who were not receiving alms and inhabitants who satisfied certain qualifications and paid scot and lot (what we would now call rates). This meant that there was now quite a large electorate in the borough, which was likely to grow with the rapid expansion of Leicester and the creation of new freemen to vote at forthcoming elections.

There were some freemen on the town council who thoroughly disapproved of the removal of James II and refused to swear allegiance to William and Mary. Adversely there were those who disapproved of James II and some who were removed from office either in 1684 or in 1688 who wanted to return to office. There was, however, no strong competition to become a member of the Council and at times it was necessary to fine citizens who refused to take up their places.

Since the middle of the 1600’s public office was restricted to Anglicans and although the law was relaxed temporarily in 1672 and 1687 a permanent change did not take place until 1689 under the Toleration Act. After which non-conformists could hold office providing they practiced what was referred to as Occasional Conformity. The corporation were determined to exclude any non-conformists from their number, which didn’t pose any real problem for them as they were self electing. Various non-conformist religions were taking a hold in Leicester; Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Baptists and Quakers and all required meeting places. One such building (the Great Meeting House) shared by the Presbyterians and the Independents was built in 1708 and still stands in Bond Street today.

The population of Leicester in 1670 was approximately 5000, by 1712 it had risen 20% to 6000 and by 1730 had reached 8000, a 60% rise in 60 years. A more rapid expansion was to follow and by 1801 (the year of the first official census) the population had reached 17,000.

This created a severe logistics problem for the Corporation and also the beginnings of a threat to the freemen and their monopoly of trade in Leicester. The incoming population needed housing, work, food and water, and other basic needs.

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In 1670 the first stocking frame was introduced in Leicester and its arrival was met with considerable opposition and fears that the machine would take away work from the hand weavers. Indeed, opposition was so great that frames were set up in cellars for concealment, but the industry soon established itself to give the notion of industry in Leicester a whole new meaning. Frames were expensive and wealthy master-hosiers invested in large numbers of the frames and leased them out for a weekly rent. The new industry expanded rapidly and by 1715 there were 500 to 600 frames in use in and around Leicester. In the Admission Rolls of Freemen less than 14% of new admissions in 1670 were in the weaving industry yet by the 1740’s they numbered over 41% of new admissions.

The rapid population growth was partly due to the falling infant mortality rate but largely due to the massive migration of labour from neighbouring areas. Developments in farming methods in the Agricultural Revolution meant that farm workers were losing their jobs along with the housing that went with the job. So apart from incoming labour into the knitwear industry there was also a demand for workers in the building trades.

It is at about this time the red brick was re-introduced into house building. Previously house construction in Leicester consisted mainly of timber and plaster walls on a plinth of rubble. The return of brickwork allowed for buildings to be constructed quickly and in continuation in terraces, and for taller buildings. One of the first public buildings to receive the red brick as a form of construction was the Castle where a new front wall was constructed in the 1690’s and is still there to see today. The first reference to a brickmaker and a bricklayer appear in the Freemen’s records simultaneously in 1696.

The new freeman, John Kirk, was described as the son of Joshua Kirk, brickmaker, and the apprentice of Thomas Hastwell, bricklayer. A small piece of land in the South Fields (close to where the Phoenix Car Park now stands) was utilized for extracting clay and making bricks. The Great Meeting house mentioned above was built in 1708 and is a fine example of the red brick buildings that were erected at that time but sadly most of the red brick buildings constructed in those early days of the rapid development of Leicester were demolished in Victorian times. But even with all this rapid development the built up areas of Leicester still only constituted less than 50% of the total area inside the line of the medieval walls.

Leicester was the chief agricultural market for the county and a fair number of residents were still engaged in farming pursuits just as their medieval forbears had done. The Freemen enjoyed the rights to pasture cattle in the South Fields but this was threatened by the desire of some of the members of the Corporation to enclose the South Fields and obtaining a much enhanced rent by dividing the fields into separate farms. In 1708 the Corporation decided to go forward with obtaining an Act of Parliament for this purpose but it produced so much anger in the Freemen that the scheme was dropped.

550 acres of the fields were leased to three of the members of the Corporation in 1752 but this produced such an explosion of violence in the fields and with freemen attacking and damaging the properties of some of the Corporation members. The leases were withdrawn.

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This illustration draw by James Taylor in 1745 is typical of the brick buildings erected in Leicester in the early 1700’s. Running along the other side of the buildings is Gallowtree Gate and the open space is now the covered market.

By this time Leicester had become a centre of industry, although there were no factories as such yet. It was strictly cottage industry, Much of the work was carried out in the outlying areas, particularly the Parish of St Margaret’s, which though technically outside Leicester was very much dependant on it. Leicester was the headquarters of the master hosiers, of the men who owned the machines that were rented out to the workers. One of the leading hosiers, Richard Gale, hired out 100 frames and put forward to Parliament that the Framework Knitters Company in London should control the industry in the provinces. Fortunately, Parliament considered that the company was attempting to secure a monopoly and that many of its regulations were illegal. From then on the London Company was no longer a force to be reckoned with outside London. But it did show that the Freemen no longer held its own monopoly on business in Leicester as many framework knitters did not take their Oath of Freedom.

Even those freemen who formed the Corporation were losing their grip on the control of affairs, and in order to return the members of parliament of their choice they resorted to swearing in hundreds of outsiders as Freemen of Leicester to swell the number of like minded voters.

The eventual outcome of all these changes will be revealed in the next Gildhall News.

John Tolton

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Julie Andrews Turning 79 To commemorate her birthday Julie Andrews appeared at Manhattan’s Radio City Music Hall and performed a number from the ‘Sound of Music’. Here are the lyrics she used. (Sing it) Botox and nose drops and needles for knitting, Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings, Bundles of magazines tied up with string, These are a few of my favourite things.

Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses, Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses, Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings, These are a few of my favourite things.

When the pipes leak, when the bones creak, When the knees go bad, I simply remember my favourite things, And then I don’t feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions, No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions, Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring, These are a few of my favourite things.

Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinning, Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinning, And we won’t mention our short shrunken frames, When we remember our favourite things.

When the joints ache, when the hips break, When the eyes grow dim, Then I remember the great life I’ve had, And then I don’t feel so bad.

Julie received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores.

Submitted by Maurice Hill

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Well, I didn’t know that!!!

There is an old Hotel/Pub in Marble Arch, London , which used to have a gallows adjacent to it. Prisoners were taken to the gallows (after a fair trial of course) to be hanged. The horse-drawn dray, carting the prisoner, was accompanied by an armed guard, who would stop the dray outside the pub and ask the prisoner if he would like ‘’ONE LAST DRINK’’. If he said YES, it was referred to as ONE FOR THE ROAD. If he declined, that prisoner was ON THE WAGON. Here are some facts about the 1500s: Most people got married in June, because they took their yearly bath in May and they still smelled pretty good by June. However, since they were starting to smell, brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odour. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.

Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water!”

Houses had thatched roofs, thick straw piled high, with no wood underneath.

It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying “It’s raining cats and dogs.”

There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom, where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That’s how canopy beds came into existence.

The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying, “dirt poor.” The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing.

As the winter wore on they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entrance-way. Hence: a thresh hold.

(Well I didn’t know that! - well you do now.)

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Sudoku puzzles Test your mental agility with our three puzzles.

Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain all the numbers 1 to 9

The answers can be found on the next page.

Don’t cheat, wait until you have had a go at completing all three puzzles

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Answers to the Sudoku puzzles

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The Priest and the Pilot A priest dies and is waiting in line at the Pearly Gates. Ahead of him is a guy who’s dressed in sunglasses, a loud shirt, leather jacket, and jeans. Saint Peter addresses this cool guy, ‘Who are you, so that I may know whether or not to admit you to the Kingdom of Heaven ?’

The guy replies, “I am Bruce, retired airline pilot from Toronto.”

Saint Peter consults his list. He smiles and says to the pilot, “Take this silken robe and golden staff and enter the Kingdom.”

The pilot goes into Heaven with his robe and staff.

Next, it’s the priest’s turn. He stands erect and booms out, “I am Father Bob, pastor of Saint Mary’s for the last 43 years.”

Saint Peter consults his list. He says to the priest, “Take this cotton robe and wooden staff and enter the Kingdom.”

“Just a minute,” says the good father. “That man was a pilot and he gets a silken robe and golden staff and I get only cotton and wood. How can this be?”

“Up here - we go by results,” says Saint Peter.

“When you preached - people slept. When he flew, people prayed.”

Getting older A distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor’s office. “Is it true,” she wanted to know, “that the medication you prescribed has to be taken for the rest of my life?” ”’Yes, I’m afraid so,”’ the doctor told her.

There was a moment of silence before the senior lady replied, “I’m wondering, then, just how serious is my condition because this prescription is marked ‘NO REFILLS’..” *********************** An older gentleman was on the operating table awaiting surgery and he insisted that his son, a renowned surgeon, perform the operation.

As he was about to get the anesthesia, he asked to speak to his son. “Yes, Dad , what is it?”

“Don’t be nervous, son; do your best, and just remember, if it doesn’t go well, if something happens to me, your mother is going to come and live with you and your wife....”

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Have you changed your address ?

In the event that is necessary to inform the Gild or the Board of any change in circumstances then the information should be sent to: Lynda Bramley Clerk to the Board Leicester Freemen’s Estate 32 Freemen’s Holt Old Church Street Aylestone Leicester LE2 8NH Telephone: 0116 – 283 4017 E-mail: leicester.freemen@talktalkbusiness.net Leicester Freemen web site: www.leicesterfreemen.com

Copy for the next issue should reach the Editor by Friday 16th October 2015 For your News and Views write to : Brian Mudford 11 Huntsman Close Markfield Leicestershire LE67 9XE Telephone 01530 245414 e-mail: brianmudford@tiscali.co.uk

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Top table at the Gild Banquet on Saturday 6th June 2015

Seven Freemen standing outside O’Neils in Loseby Lane Leicester with the Lord Mayor, Cllr. Ted Cassidy and the Landlord of O’Neils at the Damask Rose ceremony on 24th June 2015 were Peter Staines, Peter Bates, Mick Ayres, the Master Lynn Roffee, Eric Critchlow, Jim Manship and Keith Harding 23

Freemen from various towns and cities, the Reverend Canon Rosy Fairhurst, the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Cllr Ted Cassidy and the High Sheriff of Leicestershire, Gordon Arthur joined with the Freemen of Leicester near to the statue of King Richard III after their Annual service at the Leicester Cathedral on Sunday morning 7th June 2015

BOOKING FORM

Arming a Knight with Jed Jaggard from UP AN’ AT’EM! Includes Hot Buffet Supper & Drinks Saturday 14th November 2015 at Freemen’s Holt -7.30pm

Please reserve

………. places at £8.50 each

.

My name is (CAPITAL LETTERS).……………...........…………………….

My address is (CAPITAL LETTERS)………………………………........…. ………………………………………………………………………….... ..........................................................................................................

Postcode……………………….Telephone……………………………. e-mail address.................................................................................

I enclose a cheque/postal order for £…………….., made payable to “Gild of Leicester Freemen”.

Please send to: Andy Marriott, 10 Goldhill, Leicester LE2 6TQ. Tel: 0116 2442776 Applications will be dealt with strictly on a first-come, first served basis.

BOOKING FORM

Visit to the Little Theatre, Dover Street, Leicester To see Aladdin on 18th December 2015 starting at 7 pm Please reserve………. adult places at £14.00 each ............ children places (under 16) at £12.00 each

My name is (CAPITAL LETTERS).……………...........…………………….

My address is (CAPITAL LETTERS)………………………………........…. ………………………………………………………………………….... ..........................................................................................................

Postcode……………………….Telephone……………………………. e-mail address.................................................................................

I enclose a cheque/postal order for £…………….., made payable to “Gild of Leicester Freemen”.

Please send to: Andy Marriott, 10 Goldhill, Leicester LE2 6TQ. Tel: 0116 2442776 Applications will be dealt with strictly on a first-come, first served basis.

GILD OF FREEMEN OF THE CITY OF LEICESTER APPLICATION FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP

Full Name______________________________________________ (BLOCK LETTERS)

Address_____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

Post Code ________________Tel No. _______________________ e-mail address__________________________________________ I am a duly sworn Freeman of the City of Leicester and apply to be enrolled as a Member of the Gild of Freemen, for which I enclose the sum of £10.00 (Enrolment fee of £1.00 plus the first annual subscription of £9.00).

Signature

Date APPLICATION FOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

Full Name______________________________________________ (BLOCK LETTERS)

Address ___________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Post Code __________________Tel No. ____________________ e-mail address__________________________________________ I certify that I am the SPOUSE / WIDOW / WIDOWER / SON / DAUGHTER / GRANDCHILD aged 18 years or over (please delete where necessary) of Mr. / Mrs./ Ms. _____________________________________(Freeman of Leicester) Or I am a full member of the Guild of Freemen of_________________(City or Town) I apply to be enrolled as an Associate Member of the Gild, for which I enclose the sum of £7.00 (Enrolment Fee of £1.00 plus the first Annual Subscription of £6.00) Signature___________________________________________Date_____________ Please make cheques payable to ‘Gild of Leicester Freemen’ and send with this application to: Andy Marriott, 10 Goldhill, Leicester LE2 6TQ. Tel: 0116 2442776

THE GILD OF FREEMEN OF THE CITY OF LEICESTER GILD PRODUCTS ORDER FORM 1. Tie

- navy

………at £10.00 each

= £………….

- maroon

………at £10.00 each

= £………….

- green

………at £10.00 each

= £………….

- two ties (state colours) ...……at £19.00 two

= £………….

- three ties

…...…at £27.50 three

= £………….

2. Gild scarf

...........at £15.00 each

= £................

3. Key-ring

………at £5.00 each

= £………….

4. Lapel badge

………at £2.50 each

= £………….

5. Cufflinks

..........at £16.00 each

= £………….

………at £3.00 each

= £………….

…...…at £55.00 each

= £………….

.....….at £20.00 each

= £………….

8. Blazer badge

.........at £13.50 each

=£..............

9. Wall plaque, wooden

…..…at £24.00 each

= £………….

6. Gild pens

- new design

7. Arm badge - framed - unframed

10. Gown, made to measure, incl. delivery.....price on request

= £………….

(Chest ..........ins, height..........ft...........ins).

11. Register of Freemen- 1931-85

………at £4.00 each

= £………….

- 1986-96

………at £3.00 each

= £………….

TOTAL

= £…………. plus postage

I enclose cheque/postal order for the above total, made payable to: “GILD OF LEICESTER FREEMEN” NAME……………………………………………………………………………………..

ADDRESS………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………

POST CODE……………………………

E-MAIL ADDRESS:........................................................................................

Signed……………………………………………………………………………………….

Please post to: Andy Marriott, 10 Goldhill, Leicester LE2 6TQ. Tel: 0116 2442776