Gildhall news feb 2015 colour

Members of the Leicester Gild of Freemen with the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor John Thomas

Number 70

February 2015 1

Gild Banquet Weekend 6th / 7th June 2015 This is to give you notice of the Gild’s Banquet Weekend in June, we would very much appreciate your support.

The Banquet will be held on Saturday 6th June (7.00pm) in the Holmes Suite at Devonshire Place, 78 London Road, Leicester, LE2 0RA the city’s renowned banqueting establishment, located half a mile from the city centre near the railway station and close to several hotels. There is a carpark at the rear of the building in Prebend Street.

Following a bucks fizz/wine pre-dinner reception, an appetising four-course menu, plus coffee and chocolates, has been selected, with vegetarian alternatives. Tickets cost £40 per head, please use enclosed booking form. A wine table offering reasonably priced wines will, of course, be available for dinner.

The Freemen’s Service will be held on the following day, Sunday 6th June (10.30am), at Leicester Cathedral.

The banquet is open to all members, their friends and relations. A booking form can be found in the centre pages.

If you require any further information or require details of hotels please contact Mick Ayres on 0116 2242353 2

Number 70

February 2015

Patron: Colonel Robert Martin OBE DL President: The Lord Mayor of Leicester OFFICERS 2014 - 2015 Master: L.A. Roffee Deputy Master: M.E. Ayres Clerk: L.A. Roffee Chamberlain: A. Marriott WARDENS N. Cave, A. Chettle, M.B.Hill, L. Kirk, J.D. Lewitt, B.W. Mudford.

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GILDHALL NEWS February 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 Report on the FEW by Michael Ayres Subscriptions Living at Freemen’s Holt by a resident Bungalows now available at the Holt by Maurice Hill News from the Holt by Sandra Stocks Report on Garden Party - Nominated Charity Report on Children’s Christmas Party

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Future programme - dates for your diary Friday 20th February, Skittles Night at the Coach & Horses at 7pm Sunday 29th March, Open Morning at the Holt, start at 10.30am Saturday 11th April, An Edwardian Evening with Buffet Supper and drinks Wednesday 15th April, Common Hall (AGM) at Leicester Town Hall at 7.30pm Thursday 23rd April, St. George’s Day Service at St. Mary de Castro at 7:30pm Saturday 6th June, Annual Gild Banquet at Devonshire Place Sunday 7th June, Annual Freemen’s Service at the Leicester Cathedral

Contributions to the Gildhall News The History of the Freemen of Leicester - part 13 by John Tolton Bromkinsthorpe a link from Paul Ross Advert - Vacancy for Clerk of the Court

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For Amusement Only The Haircut The Atheist in the Woods

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Have you changed your address?

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Editor’s Comments A belated Happy and Healthy New Year to you all. As I write this the recent snow has melted, but there is a promise of more to come. I hope Spring is well on the way by the time you read this and we can look forward to some warmth.

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 As you read this edition of GNH, spring is just around the corner after the short days and long nights of the recent months. Both Common Hall and Banquet Committee’s have been busy preparing for both these events, whilst members of the Gild Court have been busy planning events for the forthcoming year. Please keep a look out in GHN and the website for details.

In addition to planning this year’s events, there has been a Making Free ceremony, kindly hosted by the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor John Thomas. There were 15 new Freemen, including 10 Daughters, taking their oath on 17th January 2015 at the Town Hall. You may recall I mentioned before that there is a possibility of only one Making Free ceremony each year. However, please do keep the applications flowing into the Civic Office as it is possible, if there sufficient numbers, to hold another one in a few months.

Please note the date of Common Hall in your diary, and the earlier start time this year. If you attend Common Hall you are invited to join us, following the conclusion of business, for a light buffet in the Tea Room. Can you please let us know if you will be attending? – this helps us get the right catering requirements and minimises wastage. If you are keen to get involved in the running of the Gild Court – this is the annual opportunity to get involved.

It’s hard to believe that it will soon be time to renew your annual Gild subscription.

Can I please remind those members who have not already paid for this year to send a cheque asap, and for everyone to check their bank statement to ensure you are

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paying the correct amount. Again, this helps us in many ways not least chasing members for late payment several times, the cost of stamps, and of course, to reduce the amount of the Chamberlains time spends on this exercise.

Lynn Roffee

Report by Chairman of the Board - Brian Mudford There are three articles in this issue of the Gildhall News concerning living at Freemen’s Holt. One is from a resident see page 9, another is from Maurice Hill giving details of the advantages of living on the Holt, also on page 9, and one from Sandra Stocks on page 10. If you are considering moving, then these are well worth a read.

If you are interested in viewing a bungalow or are thinking of a possible move to Freemen’s Holt for either yourself or a family member please contact Lynda Bramley in the office on 0116 283 4017. Photographs of the bungalows are available on the website together with floor plans with dimensions of the rooms. Go to www.leicesterfreemen.com and either click on the link on the home page or select the “Freemen’s Holt” page for more details. You may also request an application form via the office on the above telephone number or via email from leicester.freemen@talktalkbusiness.net I, and my wife Gill attended, along with several Board members, the Christmas Dinner at Beedles Lake on 10th December. A total of sixty people enjoyed the three course dinner. This was a good day out for residents, and non-resident Freemen and their friends. There were several non residents who were disappointed to miss this outing as they had other engagements or appointments.

At the Making Free ceremony on Saturday 17th January 2015 15 people were made free, see the photograph on the back cover. They were: David Michael Ball, Julie Ann Barron, Charlotte Louise Barry, Nicola Jane Barry, Charlotte Louise Farrell, Daniel James Laurence, Sophie Jane Laurence, Richard John Lehane, Susan Elizabeth Lehane Flowers, Margaret Pearl March, Valerie Moore, Linda Gail Norman, Jane Elizabeth Whiteley, Peter Edward Whiteley, and Timothy Paul Wildbore.

Once again I extend a very sincere welcome to them all.

Brian Mudford 6

Chamberlain’s Report by Andy Marriott Foreword The information contained in this report is a summary of the Gilds Bank Balances and 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 and I would like to ask you all to please submit your membership fee’s as a matter of urgency.

Gild Accounts Book The Gilds Accounts Book as of Sunday 11th January 2015 has the following figures recorded Receipts £ 4257.50 Standing Orders £ 888.50 Payments £ 5266.67 Petty Cash £ 40.47

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

Business Account as of 10th November 2014 holds £ 3,862.78 Treasurers Account as of 20th November 2014 holds £ 389.24 These figures do not take into account any monies and cheques banked after these dates which will be reflected in the next statements we received

Other Business 1.

The Gilds bank account has now been confirmed as being with Lloyds Bank and all paperwork around the change of signatories has been submitted to Lloyds Bank and we are now awaiting confirmation of change of details. In the interim banking of monies can still be completed and the signing of Gild Cheques can be completed by the previous signatory which will still enable the Gild to complete any business transactions as and when required. This is still ongoing as I have now been requested to submit my passport for additional Identification following the new policies in place with Lloyds Bank

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For ease of creating reports I am currently transferring the Gild books to an electronic format as well as keeping the paper copy this will allow for ease of information sharing should the need ever arise

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Arrears there has been no movement on the arrears of outstanding Gild membership despite a notification reminder being sent out and I am now looking for the Court’s views on how we should proceed with this matter.

Andy Marriott

Report on the FEW (Freemen of England and Wales)

by Michael Ayres Since my last report in the November Gildhall News on the FEW AGM weekend, hosted by the Stafford Freemen Guild and held at the Yarnfield Conference Centre, there have been no meetings of the FEW. The next meeting is a Court meeting on Saturday 14th March starting at 2 00 PM. The meeting will be hosted by The Guild of Freemen of the Borough of Northampton. The meeting will be held in the Guild Hall, Saint Giles Square, Northampton NN1 1DE. This is an open meeting and all Members and Associate Members of the Leicester Gild are invited to attend. Why not come along and meet members of other Guilds, find out about their activities and outings. You will be able to take part in the meeting and to ask any questions about Freemen’s affairs.

If you cannot attend the meeting and would like further information about the FEW, why not become a Member and receive the News Journal which is published three times a year. To become a member or associate member of the FEW contact the Membership Secretary Eileen Forth. 88 Whitethorn Close, Huntington, York. YO3 9EU, Phone 01904638361 or e-mail the President Gordon Varndell GV.44@hotmail.co.uk

Subscriptions

Michael Ayres

Subscriptions are the life blood of the Gild without which the Gild would most probably cease to exist. Just a reminder that the present subscriptions are £9 per annum for members and £6 per annum for associate members and payment is due on the 1st April each year.

Our ambition is now to maintain the progress we have made and to achieve this we would request that you advise us asap of any changes of address etc., and continue to pay your subscription if at all possible on time. Remember these can be paid in any of three ways, By standing order using the form enclosed to set it up.

By cheque made payable to “the Gild of Leicester Freemen” and sent to the Chamberlain.

By cash at the Holt open morning on Sunday 29th March.

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At the open morning you not only can pay your subscription, but can enjoy having coffee and biscuits, meeting fellow Gild members, purchase from the range of Gild products and chance your luck in the raffle. – you could be a winner!!

Andy Marriott Chamberlain

Living at Freemen’s Holt – by a resident.

Nearly three years ago my wife and I moved into a bungalow on the Holt and at the time we moved I was just 69 years old. Now that might seem a little on the young side to some, but the Holt is not a home for old people, it’s more of a retirement complex.

There are old people living here and that’s because people live longer here in a stress free environment. Time and again I have heard the statement “I am not ready to move to the Holt yet.” This isn’t an old people’s home where you are waiting for God, it is a complex where people come to enjoy their retirement.

Just a few years before we came here to live a small group of residents was collectively celebrating their 80th birthdays that year, and by way of enjoying the event they all went off to Paris for a few days living it up.

So what makes the Holt so special?

There are a number of reasons that make life so good living here. The total lack of stress is paramount (which possibly accounts for the longevity of the residents), no worrying about repairs to the bungalow or the central heating, or cutting the lawn. It is all taken care of by the Freemen’s Charity. On the estate there is a real community spirit and once a week there is a coffee morning where those who are able take it in turns to make the drinks. There is no compulsion to attend and a few choose to give it a miss.

If any of you are thinking of moving to the Holt I can only recommend that you don’t leave too late. The times I have heard, “I should have moved earlier, I am too old to go through the stress of moving now.”

Ask anyone living on the Holt, and they will all tell you that it is the best thing that they ever did.

Bungalows now available at the Holt We currently have a number of standard bungalows available at the Holt and an extended bungalow will be available later this year. If you would be interested in any of these bungalows then contact Lynda Bramley in the office, Tel. No. 0116 2834017, to arrange a visit to see the bungalows and obtain application forms.

Much has been said in the past of living stress free at the Holt but there are other advantages that you might not be aware of and some of these are as follows.

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A very modest maintenance charge is made for the bungalows, standard bungalows £130/month, extended bungalows £182/ month.

For each bungalow the water rates, monthly window cleaning, colour television licence (currently £145.50) for those aged up to 75, after which it is free, and a 24/7 alarm system with pull cords and personal pendent are all paid for by the Board.

If the Board consider it to be necessary, prior to occupancy, a new kitchen will be installed to the resident’s choice up to a cost of £2940.

Some items do have to be paid for by the resident. These are Contents insurance, Council tax (all bungalows are band A currently £1008/year), and other utility charges.

All of the bungalows are decorated prior to being occupied and future decorating is at the resident’s expense. Any changes to the bungalow are also at the resident’s expense and subject to the Board’s approval who will arrange for tradesmen to carry out the required work.

The bungalows are fully maintained with the surrounding grass cut and also maintained.

Accommodation for visitors to stay overnight is available for a very small cost.

All residents are visited daily on weekdays and checked by telephone at weekends. They have access to all on site activities which currently include film shows, fun afternoons, pampering sessions and occasional lunches.

Finally, from the above it can be clearly seen that there is much more to the Holt than initially meets the eye

Maurice Hill Chairman of the Welfare Committee

News from the Holt 2014 at Freemen’s Holt was an interesting one, we have said goodbye to some of our residents and hello to new ones.

There has been building work with two bungalows being extended to include an extra room. The excitement is that No 28 being a front extension is a new design which has caught the estates attention, and we are now taking bookings for the “open day” viewing. The new residents are excited and looking forward to planning their move date.

Coffee mornings at the Holt are lively affairs with residents taking turns to make tea and coffee, we often have the local police officers join us to keep us up to date with what’s happening in the local area and take on any concerns we might have.

We have hosted several lunches for residents and for non-residents, these are always very well attended.

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There was the Garden Party at Freemen’s Holt and although the weather did give us a few problems the day proved to be a very good one with well over £1,735 being raised for Take Heart Leicester. A further £215 from surplus donations from Wednesday afternoon activities of Freemen’s Flicks and Funtime was also donated to this charity.

A bus of 20 residents and non-residents visited Ulverscroft Manor in June and 60 others visited Beedles Lake for Christmas lunch with all agreeing it was a good day out. The view over the lake provides a stunning setting for a festive meal.

We have new plans for 2015. Lynda and I are planning a coffee morning for any Freemen, spouses, widows and friends who would like to come along. Why not join our first coffee morning at 11.00am on Tuesday 14th April. Come along for refreshments, a chat and make some new friends.

We are also planning to try some different activities that will be open to both residents and non-residents and of course, our lunches will still be offered, if you would like to come for lunch please get in touch with the office with your name and contact number and we will get in touch when we arrange our next one, who knows how many new friends you could be making, please don’t be put off if transport is a problem as we may be able to help with that also.

We have a therapist who comes to Freemen’s Holt once a month and offers head and shoulder massage or reflexology if this appeals to you give Lynda or myself a ring on 0116 283 4017 and book yourself a spot each treatment cost £15.

Sandra Stocks

2014 Garden Party – Nominated Charity Over the past years we have donated monies raised at the bi-annual garden parties to nominated charities and have never known precisely what the money was used for.

2014 was different. The nominated charity was ‘Take Heart Leicester’ (THL) a small local charity who work hard to provide vital and much wanted equipment for the adult cardiac unit at the Glenfield Hospital and we know what the £1750 we were able to raise was used for.

Our money was used towards the purchase of two ‘Non Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation’ machines known as ‘NIPPYs’, because the last V has a tail hence reads NIPPY. Many people requiring cardiac surgery arrive at the hospital with breathing difficulties and in some cases their lips are of a blue colour. In many instances before surgery can take place the breathing problem must be brought under control and in the past the patient would be placed in an induced coma in the intensive care unit for a period of time while this was being done.

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Using the NIPPY the breathing problem can, in many cases, be brought under control much easier without the need for induced coma or intensive care.

Following the purchase of the machines, June and I were invited by Alan Phillips Chairman of THL to visit the Hospital and see the machines. The visit was delayed initially because the machines were in use.

We were greeted by Alan Phillips and Sally Garner, Medical Physics Medical Equipment Project Officer and saw only one machine the other being in use at the LRI. We were thanked profusely for the donation and the machines are now being fitted with a small plaque showing that they were donated by the Freemen of the City.

Inside the rear cover you will find a photograph of June and myself with Alan Phillips and one of the NIPPY machines. Thanks everybody for all your donations at the Garden Party. Well done everyone

Maurice Hill

Children’s Christmas Party The Children’s Christmas party was a great success with both children and parents having a fun time. The event was held at Varney’s fun factory where the Children enjoyed a range of bouncy castles, climbing gym and a visit from Santa followed by a large children friendly spread of food.

The Adults enjoyed a variety of hot drinks, cold drinks and alcoholic drinks with the opportunity to relax and chat whilst the children played.

The feed back received at the end of the event was 100% positive and I have also listed a few ideas that I feel will improve this event if we run it again in 2015

Event Costings Ticket Sales Total cost Misc . Items Event deficit

21 x £3.00 sweets

£63.00 £274.00 £4.98 -£215.98

This was a subsidy for the event agreed by the Gild Court.

Andy Marriott

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Programme of Future Events Long-alley Skittles Night Friday 20th February 2015, arriving at 7.00pm Coach & Horses, Field Head, Markfield LE67 9RF Our Long-alley Skittles Night is again being held at The Coach and Horses, an Everards pub on the A50. Traditional skittles food will be served, there is a selection: Faggots, chips and peas, Steak & Ale Pie, chips and peas, and a Vegetable Lasagne, mixed salad and chips. Please indicate your selection on the booking form.

The evening will be very relaxed as usual, there is a maximum capacity of 45, so don’t miss out and book without delay, orders for the meals have to be in by the 13th February. The cost is only £8.00 each.

Brian Mudford

Open Morning – Sunday 29th March 10.30am to 12 noon at Freemen’s Holt There will be an open morning as in previous years at Freemen’s Holt on the morning of Sunday 29thMarch where all Gild members and their families are welcome to drop in for a chat and a cup of coffee or tea. It also an ideal opportunity to pay your subscription for 2015 and to purchase any of the many Gild products we have for sale.

Rising postage costs have caused the Gild Court to regretfully decide to charge postage for the delivery of Gild products and the Open Morning is an ideal opportunity for you to purchase your Gild products and to avoid the extra burden of postage.

There will also be the usual raffle and maybe give yourself a chance to spoil yourself with a prize of a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine. We look forward to seeing you for a chat and listen to your comments.

An Edwardian Evening in the Community Centre at the Holt Saturday 11th April 2015 at 7.30pm Buffet Supper and Drinks included - Admission £8.50

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We welcome back the always popular Felicity Austin to the Holt and she will tell us about Leicester in the Edwardian era and invite us to join in with some of the songs that were popular with our grandparents. Felicity will once again be in costume for her talk.

Come along for what promises to be a most enjoyable evening.

Please book as soon as possible using the booking form included in this issue

Common Hall Wednesday, 15th April 2015 - Council Chamber, Town Hall, 7.15 pm for 7.30pm (Please note the earlier start time) Our Annual General Meeting will be held, as usual, in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall, Leicester. It will be opened by the Lord Mayor, President of the Gild, and is the occasion when all members can have their say on Gild Matters. Associates are also invited to attend.

We are looking forward to more members getting involved in Gild matters and it would be encouraging if all new Freemen were to attend Common Hall and to give their thoughts. It is important that the planned events cover the wide age range of our members and we would particularly appeal to our younger members to attend (so that you can arrange, or help arrange, events suitable for that group).

A tasty buffet will be served in the Lord Mayor’s Tea Room after the business part of the evening has concluded.

The Gild Annual Banquet Saturday 6th June 2015 Devonshire Place, London Road, Leicester This year will be the sixth year that the Gild have held their Annual Banquet at Devonshire Place and all freemen, not just Gild members, are invited with their family and friends.

It is an ideal way for new freemen (and that includes lady freemen) to find out what we are all about and what makes us tick.

The event has been a great success in previous years; attended by freemen not just from Leicester but from many other guilds up and down the country. The Gild Court has received nothing but plaudits from those who attended in the past, so much so that some of the visiting freemen from other Guilds consider our banquet to be the highlight of the year. Tickets this year will be maintained at ÂŁ40.00 per head.

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Devonshire Place is an excellent venue providing top class food accompanied by top class service and, of course, the company is also top class. The Banqueting Hall is set out with round tables which make for easy conversation with your neighbours and ensures that no-one is left out at the end of the row.

A number of us attend banquets organized by other Freemen’s Guilds and wherever we go we are made welcome, and we like to reciprocate. Freemen from whichever town or city they hail from are friendly, and I like to think that we are as well.

The following morning, Sunday 7th June, the Freemen’s Annual Church Service will be held in St Martin’s Cathedral and all freemen and their families are invited to attend regardless of whether or not they attended the banquet.

If you would like to reserve your places at the banquet please complete the booking form in the centre of the Gildhall News and return it to Andy Marriott at the address on the form.

Contributions to the Gildhall News ***************************** History of Freemen – Part 13, The 17th Century Although the 17th century is dominated by the Civil War and the rise of Oliver Cromwell, events in Leicester included other moments of note.

A great deal of buying and selling land took place by the Corporation during the early part of the 17th century, not all of it for the benefit of the coffers of the town funds. In 1624 the Corporation purchased land from Lord Spencer in the South Fields of Leicester adjacent to land that was already held as common land, and the following year purchased land from William Franke known as the Upper Pringle along with land in the High Fields.

Furthermore, the Corporation purchased the Castle Mills from Sir Edward Moseley for the benefit of the town population, (one of their few altruistic transactions).

A little earlier in the century the Corporation had incorporated the Newark Hospital in the name of the Mayor, Bailiff and Burgesses from a former Master of the Leicester Corporation, Mr. Fowkes, for a financial consideration.

The practice of selling and leasing town property to members of the companies of 24 aldermen and 48 burgesses continued throughout the major part of the 17th century. It was agreed by the Corporation that Grange land should only be leased to Freemen of Leicester and only to those who reside within the town. However, members of the Corporation held the most valuable leases.

In 1670 Mayor William Dean was subjected to a definite accusation of corruption by way of a rhyme at the head of an account of the sale of land in the Borough Records: Dean! Dean, double Dean, the child that is to bear 15

shall curse the time when Dean was mayor for cutting of the stroke and selling the town’s land and putting the money in squinting Pollard’s hand.

Also occurring in the early part of the 17th century was friction between farmers and freemen over the use of common land in the South Fields. Excessive grazing of sheep by the farmers over existing grass created a shortage for horses and cattle grazed by the freemen, particularly as the use of horses in general use had increased in recent years.

During the 17th century between a third and a half of the common land in the country was enclosed for private use and Leicester and Leicestershire were no exception, so the population was finding it more and more difficult to be self sufficient. As a result of the enclosure of lands serious riots broke out and orders were received for the collection of arms and mustering of men to quell the riots. A gibbet was erected to dissuade participation in the riots and Lord Huntingdon arrested the Mayor, Mr. Heyricke, on suspicion of sympathizing with the rioters Those opposed to the enclosures were expecting some support from the new Commonwealth Parliament as Oliver Cromwell was himself opposed to the land grab, but they were to be disappointed by the lack of action by the Government. Indeed, in 1649 several men were arrested for spreading false rumours that the Commonwealth Parliament was ordering the removal of enclosures.

Apart from the land problems there were changes taking place in the trade and commerce of Leicester with new industries and trades arriving. In 1632 corporations were directed by the Privy Council to nominate persons to sell tobacco and in Leicester five out of the nine nominated were either mercers (cloth merchants) or grocers with close ties to the Corporation.

The Tailors Company was finding difficulty in maintaining trading privileges because of strangers not paying scot and lot and setting up their business in the suburbs and selling their services undercutting the established tailors. In 1674 a tailor by the name of Shilcock who had served seven years apprenticeship was finding it difficult to provide himself with a sustainable living. He purchased a quantity of cloth from abroad and made ready-made garments (as opposed to made to measure) and sold them to poor people. Could this be the forerunner of Primark? Some of the strangers after setting up their business applied for freedom and some of those who were unsuccessful and denied their freedom set up as ‘botchers’, (menders of clothes).

Members of the Cordwainers Company also had some difficulty in maintaining their trade privileges for the same reason as the tailors. The burgesses ruled that no man could claim his freedom through apprenticeship unless that apprenticeship was served in a trade that usually and legally took apprenticeships. This regulation was aimed at cobblers who set up shops and took on apprentices as cheap labour repairing shoes only and did not make new shoes.

A new trade that was coming to the fore and would influence trade in Leicester for a long time to come was that of stocking makers (hosiery). In the latter part of the century

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new mechanical means were introduced offering benefits of quantity over quality and the Industrial Revolution was beginning.

Laws governing the making and selling of beer and the control of alehouses and inns were widely disregarded except in times of tumult as experienced in the riots.

Freedom still remained a valuable privilege and applications were only considered with regard to economic reasons for the ability to trade legally except where the applicant required freedom in order to stand for the borough as a member of parliament. In 1669 Samuel Brown applied for freedom of the borough and was refused because he was a Quaker.

Sadly records during the Commonwealth and Protectorate Period are scarce but religious intolerance was prevalent. The army was the guardian of religious observance and took its responsibilities seriously. In 1649 two men were arrested in Leicester for possessing heretical books which were considered to be of dangerous consequence and could lead to atheism and prophanity.

Observance of the Sabbath was strict and parents were fined for allowing their children to play on the Lord’s Day and one man was placed in the stocks for ringing the church bells. Christmas celebrations were outlawed and the wearing of colourful clothes could result in severe punishment. When Oliver Cromwell died and his son Richard succeeded him as Lord Protector he proved to be no match for his father and became known as ‘Tumble down Dick’. General Monk marched down from Scotland in 1660 and very soon the Mayor of Leicester was expressing great joy at the return of King Charles II, and though this show of loyalty may well have been sincere, it was not accepted as such. But more of this later.

John Tolton BROMKINSTHORPE Paul Ross has been looking at some old maps of Leicester and came across Bromkinsthorpe. This is now the Tudor Road / King Richard’s Road area of the City.

Not having heard the name before he thought that you may be interested to read further details that he found on the internet. Follow the link below: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/leics/vol4/pp380-383#fnn2

Vacancy - Election of Clerk at Common Hall There is a vacancy for the Clerk to the Court. If you are interested in undertaking this role, and would like further information, please contact the Master, Lynn Roffee e-mail : lynnroffee@hotmail.com. Please note that there will be elections for Wardens and Officers as well. There are four Court meetings a year, with occasional task and finish meetings for Common Hall and the Banquet, so the time commitment is minimal 17

The Haircut A teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of his father as to when they could discuss his use of the car.

His father said he’d make a deal with his son, “You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible a little and get your hair cut. Then we’ll talk about the car.”

The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he’d settle for the offer and they agreed on it.

After about six weeks his father said, “Son, you’ve brought your grades up and I’ve observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I’m disappointed you haven’t had your hair cut.”

The boy said, “You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that, and I’ve noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair, and there’s even strong evidence that Jesus had long hair.”

The father replied, “Did you also notice that they all walked everywhere they went?”

Atheist in the Woods An atheist was walking through the woods. ‘What majestic trees!’What powerful rivers! ’What beautiful animals! He said to himself.

As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him.

He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charge towards him. He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder and saw that the bear was closing in on him. He looked over his shoulder again and the bear was even closer. He tripped and fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw and raising his right paw to strike him...

At that instant the Atheist cried out, ‘Oh my God! ’Time Stopped. The bear froze. The forest was silent. As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky.

‘You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don’t exist and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament?

Am I to count you as a believer?’.

The atheist looked directly into the light, ‘It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian?’ ‘Very well,’ said the voice. The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed. The bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head and spoke: ‘For what I am about to receive, may the Lord make me truly thankful, Amen.’

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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 17th April 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

19

June and Maurice Hill with Alan Phillips and one of the NIPPY machines purchased by monies raised at the Garden Party held in 2014..

Gild products for sale by Lorna Kirk in the Tea room after the Making Free ceremony on 17th January 2015 20

Fifteen new Freemen after the Making Free ceremony on 17th January 2015 at the Leicester Town Hall. With them, sitting on the front row are from left to right Mrs. Lynn Roffee, Master of the Gild of Freemen, Barry Daniell a member of the Board of Deputies, the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor John Thomas, Brian Mudford, Chairman of the Board of Deputies and Andy Marriott, Chamberlain of the Gild of Freemen.

BOOKING FORM Long-alley Skittles Night at the Coach & Horses @ 7pm Friday 20th February 2015 Please reserve

………. places at £8.00 each

Food selection: Faggots_______Steak pie_______Veg.Lasagne_______ My name is

………………………………………………………………………….

My address is

…………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………….

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

Edwardian Evening with Buffet Supper and drinks Saturday 11th April at Freemen’s Holt 7.30pm Please reserve

………. places at £8.50 each

My name is

………………………………………………………………………….

My address is

…………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………….

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

Gild Gala Banquet Saturday 6th June 2015 at Devonshire Place Please reserve................places at £40.00 each I will require.........vegetarian meals .........of us will be attanding the Annual Freemen’s Service at Leicester Cathedral on Sunday 7th June 2015 My name is .............................................................................................

Address................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................ ..................................................................................................................

Post code.........................Telephone number..........................................

My guests will be: .............................................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................

Please advise on any special dietary requirements or vegetarian meals against guest name 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 E-mail: Applications will be dealt with strictly on a first-come, first served basis.

No bookings will be accepted after 25th May 2015.

RENEWAL OF GILD MEMBERSHIP FOR THE YEAR 1ST APRIL 2015 - 31ST MARCH 2016 I would like to pay the annual subscription for my membership/associate membership of the Gild for the year commencing 1st April 2015

Membership

.............at £9.00

= £.............

Associate Membership

..............at £6.00

= £.............

My name is (BLOCK CAPITALS)....................................................

My address is (BLOCK CAPITALS) ......................................................................................................... .........................................................................................................

Post code...........................Telephone............................................. e-mail address.................................................................................

I enclose a cheque/postal order for £................... made payable to “Gild of Leicester Freemen” Please post to: Andy Marriott, 10 Goldhill, Leicester LE2 6TQ. Any queries, please phone Andy on 0116 2442776 PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PAY YOUR ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION BY STANDING ORDER, PLEASE SEE OVER PAGE.

GILD OF LEICESTER FREEMEN (Kindly complete where marked by all dotted lines) To: Andy Marriott, 10 Goldhill, Leicester LE2 6TQ Date………………………………..20.…..

I, ………………………………………………..agree to pay my Annual Subscription to the GILD OF LEICESTER FREEMEN on 1st April each year by means of the signed Standing Order that I have sent to my bank.

I understand that the annual subscriptions at present are £9.00 for a full member and £6.00 for an associate member, and that I can stop or amend this Standing Order simply by giving instructions to my bank.

Signature……………………………………………………….

Address………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………

Post code……………………………………………….

e-mail address...................................................................

STANDING ORDER - PLEASE SEND TO YOUR BANK MANAGER To: The Manager…………………………………………..Bank Plc Address ……....………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………... ………………………………………………...........

Postcode……………………………………………

Please pay to:Lloyds Bank Plc, Old Market Square Branch, Nottingham NG1 6FD (Bank Sort Code 30-96-18) For the account of the Gild of Leicester Freemen (Account No. 01409164) the sum of £……………….

Commencing on 1st April 20.…, and yearly thereafter until further notice.

Kindly make the payment with reference …………………………………(my surname and initial).

Name of account to be debited....……………………………..…..

Account No.........………………………………………………….

Signature…………………………………………………………

Date

………………………………………………….20.….

Address .…………………………………………………………. .........……………………………………………………. ..………………………………………………………….

Postcode………………………………………………....

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