Gildhall News Feb 2016

Robert Gregory being presented with a Certificate as Honorary Member of the Gild

Number 74

February 2016 1

Gild Banquet Weekend 4th / 5th June 2016 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 4th 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 car park 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 5th 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 74

February 2016

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 February 2016

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 from Andy Marriott Report on the FEW from Mick Ayres Subscriptions and Open Morning Common Hall The Gild’s Annual Banquet 2016 Garden Party

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Future programme - dates for your diary Friday 19th February , Long-alley Skittles Night at the Wheatsheaf Inn Saturday 12th March, Magic Lantern Show at the Holt Sunday 20th March, Open Morning at the Holt Wednesday 13th April, Common Hall at the Town Hall, Leicester Saturday 4th June, Annual Leicester Gild Banquet at Devonshire Place, Leicester Sunday 5th June, Annual Freemen’s Service at Leicester Cathedral Sunday 26th June, Garden Party at the Holt

Contributions to the Gildhall News The History of the Freemen of Leicester - part 17 by John Tolton

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For Amusement Only Puns for Educated Minds

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Have you changed your address?

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Forms included with Newsletter Booking form for Long-alley Skittles Night Booking Form for the Magic Lantern Show Booking form for the Gild’s Annual Banquet Renewal form for Gild Membership Standing Order form for annual Gild subscriptions Application for Membership & Associate Membership of the Gild Order form for Gild products 4

Editor’s Comments After over twelve years, this is my last issue of the GHN as Editor. I have enjoyed it immensely, but time marches on and I am getting no younger. Thankfully a new Editor has volunteerd, her name is Valerie Moore, she was made free in January 2015, and I wish her every success, and hope she enjoys it as much as I have.

If you have a story that would be of interest to other members, please put pen to paper, or fingers to e-mail.

We don’t need a book, only a short article, possibly one or two pages long. Have you researched your Family History and have found an interesting story of a family member that would be of interest? Preferably they should be sent 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 It’s been quiet in terms of attending Civic events but for some of us on the Gild Court it’s still business as usual with planning events, arranging both Common Hall and the Banquet.

The year 2015 ended on a sad note as we lost two Gild members, Jim Manship and Roy Cave, both of whom had been active in supporting the Gild over a number of years.

They will be remembered fondly and missed by all.

My husband Brian and I were invited by the Master of York, Hazel Hague, to her Birthday Halloween Party in York at the end of October which was also raising funds for a local charity. We were also pleased to meet other York Freemen and their families.

8th November - Remembrance Sunday saw a number of robed Freemen leading the Civic Party at the Cenotaph at Victoria Park.

14th November – Arming a Knight – this was a well-supported evening at The Holt. Jed Jaggard of “UP AN’ AT ‘EM! History” gave a very informative and entertaining talk as well providing replica medieval armour for people to hold and try on, (see photographs inside back cover). It was a fun evening and there were lots of questions for Jed. I received a lot of good feedback from people 5

saying how much they enjoyed the evening. They especially liked being able to hold the replicas and said they learnt a lot about medieval Knights. Hopefully we can get Jed to do another one of his many talks.

21st December – Christmas Carols Concert at St Andrews Church Aylestone – This was a new event and was a lovely evening singing popular carols followed by Mulled Wine and Mince Pies at The Holt. Judging by the number of people attending, and the comments I received, it was enjoyed by many; some of whom have already been asking if we will hold this event again this Christmas! Thanks must go to Jeff Lewitt for liaising with St Andrews Church and producing the song sheet. Thanks also go to the Rowena Bass, Rector of St Andrews for allowing the Gild to use the Church, and to Gill for playing the piano.

16th January – 40th Anniversary Talk – History of the Freemen of Leicester A talk was given by John Tolton, who is the Gild Archivist and, one of the founding members of the reformed Gild. There were a total 39 people at the talk including The Gild’s President, The Lord Mayor Councillor Ted Cassidy MBE. In recognition of their individual 40 years’ service to the Gild, John Tolton and Mick Ayres were presented with engraved glass plaques. Jean Ayres and Josie Tolton were presented with flowers to thank them for the support they have given to the Gild. Robert Gregory was presented with a commissioned Certificate as Honorary Member of the Gild for his services to the Gild over several decades.

Robert is not a Freemen but his contribution to the Gild and Freemen has been exceptional. See photograph on front cover.

Finally - It has been mentioned before in the GHN that Brian Mudford, the GHN Editor, is relinquishing his role with effect from this this edition. Brian has undertaken this role for over 12 years and has worked hard to make it informative and interesting. I know that many people look forward to catching up with the news and jokes/puzzles. I am pleased to say that Brian will remain on the Gild Court. New Gild Member, Valerie Moore, has offered take over as Editor from the next edition of the GHN. The Court is both pleased and very grateful to Valerie and we wish her every success. Brian has offered to help Valerie with support in her new role.

The Gild year ends in April so can I please remind you that subscriptions will be due then and it would save time and money if you would pay promptly. If you have a Standing Order please ensure you make the correct payment.

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This is also a timely reminder to put 13th April 2016 Common Hall in your diaries.

Mick Ayres is standing down from the Court so we will have at least one vacancy to fill. We are looking for Members/Associates to get involved in the running of the Gild! So please come along and talk to members of the Gild Court as to how you can help.

I’d like to thank the Gild Court for their support and hard work; and to those Members/Associates and Friends that have supported me and the Gild over the last year, and to everyone who has attended events during 2015/2016.

Lynn Roffee

Report by Chairman of the Board - Brian Mudford Mrs JM Wildbore and Mrs C Brookes were recently welcomed to the Board which now comprises seventeen deputies. If you are a Freeman of Leicester and would like to be involved as a charity trustee I encourage you to contact the office on 0116 283 4017 for further details.

As part of the charity’s ongoing work to ensure high standards of governance the Planning Committee has spent significant time and effort working on a Governance Checklist; documents relating to trustee recruitment, induction and ongoing training and a plan to ensure the charity could recover quickly in the event of an emergency or disaster.

New residents have now moved into bungalows 17 and 33 and are settling into living at The Holt.

Bungalows 7 and 19 have been allocated to new residents who plan to move in once renovations are complete. One standard bungalow is currently being refurbished and is available for consideration. The extension to 34 has commenced and is expected to take fourteen weeks.

Fence repainting is now complete and patio cleaning has begun across the estate. Flower beds opposite the entrance gates were replanted with winter bedding and Christmas trimmings in time for the festive season.

The Welfare Committee approved Christmas hampers being provided to six recipients of charitable payments this year in lieu of a Christmas bonus. These were packaged into Christmas gift bags and distributed by deputies prior to Christmas.

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I, and my wife Gill, attended along with several Board members the Christmas Dinner at Beedles Lake on 10th December. A total of sixty one people enjoyed the three course dinner. This was a good day out for residents, non-resident Freemen and their friends.

A number of other events and activities took place at the Holt during the Christmas period: •

The Brownies came to the Holt on 8th December and visited some residents in their bungalows to sing carols and play instruments

•

Southfields Brass Band played Christmas carols around the estate on 17th December

•

All freemen were invited to sing Christmas carols at St. Andrews Church on 21st December, followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the Community Centre, this event was arranged by the Gild.

•

Staff and their families prepared and cooked dinner for 19 residents on Christmas day

The popular Wednesday afternoon activities of Freemen’s Fun-time alternating weekly with Freemen’s Flicks continued through to mid-December and resumed again in the New Year.

Card making classes were held in October and November and these are planned to continue in 2016 along with new activities including Colouring for Fun and Relaxation. These events at the Holt are open to non residents as well as residents, and if you would like to attend please phone the office on 0116 283 4017 for details.

Planning for the 2016 Garden Party to be held on Sunday 26th June has begun in earnest. Please see Maurice Hill’s article on page 13. Tickets will be available later in the year for this popular event held once every two years.

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 8

would also welcome feedback on this format and suggestions of any changes or additions members and wardens would find useful.

I would like to take this opportunity to also personally give Maurice Hill my most profound thanks. Maurice has kindly given his time to undertake the task of following up and contacting the membership who are still in arrears.

Membership Arrears There has been a fantastic response in payment of Gild membership arrears following the hard work of Maurice Hill in contacting membership who had to date not paid their membership. The amount received to date by Maurice is £299, this is not included in the figures below. However there are still Gild members who have still not paid for this year’s membership and I would like to ask you all too please submit your membership fees as a matter of urgency.

Gild Accounts Book The Gilds Accounts Book as of Friday 15th January 2016 have the following figures recorded Receipts

£

4282.25

Standing Orders

£

918.50

Payments

£

5273.74

Petty Cash

£

328.74

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

Business Account as of31st December 2015 holds

£

3864.46

Treasurers Account as of31st December 2015 holds

£

758.05

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

Andy Marriott

Report on the FEW (Freemen of England and Wales) by Michael Ayres The 2015 Freemen of England and Wales AGM was hosted by the Berwickth upon-Tweed Freemen’s Guild, and held over the weekend of Friday 11page....

Continued over September to Sunday 13th .

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The Leicester Gild was represented by Michael and Jean Ayres, Robert Gregory and Patricia Abel. The number of delegates present over the weekend from other Guilds including Leicester Gild totalled 88.

Friday began with Registration in the Guild Hall between 5.00 -7.00 pm when the Freemen of Berwick welcomed the delegates attending. This was followed by a three course meal at Berlino’s restaurant. After the meal Captain Jim Evans gave a welcome talk with a short history on the town of Berwick and its Freemen. There have been Freemen in Berwick for at least 1000 years.

Originally they were Trade Guilds. In the time of Prince David of Scotland, later King David I, Berwick was recognized as a Royal Burgh with a Castle, Sherriff and a Royal Place. By the 13th Century Berwick was a premier town of Scotland. In 1296 Edward I of England sacked Berwick and it never again attained its early prosperity. Over the next 200 years Berwick changed hands 13 times, making a total of 26 times throughout history.

Saturday 9.30-10.30 am Open Forum held in the Guild Hall. Howard Crapper of Oxford asked whether Magna Carta could possibly be considered as the origin of the Freedom in the UK. He noted that King John had been forced to give power to the people, thereby becoming the start of local government.

Alan Fallows felt that the viewpoint actually taken on this, was the power devolved to the Barons, and therefore it was probably not the forerunner of the Freemen Charters. Alan Fallow reported that the FEW contact on land Registration with the “12CB” law firm had now been concluded. He noted that Shrewsbury, Oxford and York were the Guilds principally affected by the findings. The meeting closed at 10.30 am, when coffee was served in the hall.

The AGM started at 11.00 am with the Mayor of Berwick-upon-Tweed Cllr.

Hazel Bettison welcoming everyone to Berwick in this its 900th Celebration year, described the various events taking place. The meeting then continued with the normal AGM format, with reports from the Guilds of the various events which had taken place throughout the year.

The meeting concluded with the election of officers, Ronald Leek, Freeman of Alcester President, Capt James Evans Freeman of Berwick Deputy President, and Hon Secretary, Nick Johnson Freeman of Hale. There were no further changes of officers. The AGM meeting closed at 12 00 noon.

12.30-2.00 pm Buffet Lunch held in Berlino’s Restaurant. Saturday afternoon was free to visit the various 900th events taking place.

On Saturday evening a drinks reception was held in the Guild Hall at 7.00 pm followed with the four course Banquet in the Guild Hall, when 110 persons 10

were seated for the Banquet. After the meal we enjoyed the entertainment

by Northumbrian Pipes and Fiddlers.

On Sunday Morning we returned to the Guild Hall for tea and coffee before the Church Parade at 10.30 am. The Parade to the Holy Trinity Church was led by the Pipes and Drums and the Freemen wearing their robes. After the service the Parade returned to the Guild Hall, once again led by the Pipe band. Upon our arrival at the Guild Hall we assembled for photographs, before the thank you and farewell speeches at 12.00 noon. The weekend closed with a Civic Lunch at 1.00 pm

Michael Ayres

Subscriptions and Open Morning Your annual subscriptions are the only income received by the Gild and they are its lifeblood. Without these the Gild would simply cease to exist.

Subscriptions are due on the 1st of April each year and can be paid by standing orders, cheques made payable to “Gild of Leicester Freemen” and by cash at the annual Open Morning at the Holt.

This year the Open Morning will be held on Sunday 20th March 10.30- 12.30 why not come along, not just to pay your subscriptions but to take the chance to meet and chat with other Gild members, enjoy a cup of coffee and biscuits, try your luck in the raffle and look over the Gild merchandise on sale.

I’ve just recently had the task of chasing up subscription arrears and this was not a welcome task especially at this very expensive time of the year. If you were one of the people I had to contact then please accept my apologies. To avoid a repeat exercise please pay your subscriptions promptly, remembering it is £9 for members and £6 for associates.

Maurice Hill

Common Hall Wednesday, 13th April 2016 - Council Chamber, Town Hall, 7.15 pm for 7.30pm (Please note the 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.

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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 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’s Annual Banquet Saturday 4th June 2016 Devonshire Place, London Road, Leicester This year will be the seventh 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 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. Ticket prices this year will be maintained at £40.00 per head.

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 5th 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 Mick Ayres at the address on the form.

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2016 Garden Party This year the garden party at the Holt will be held on Sunday 26th June, please make a note in your diary.

As usual after much discussion it was again agreed that the only way the garden party could be improved upon would be to make it an annual event but this is not practical. We will be continuing with the format generally as before with the introduction where possible of some new entertainments. The organising committee have already been formed and a chairman appointed, this year it will be Wayne Manship. The committee will shortly be holding their first meeting,.

We do have one major problem and are seeking your help. The committee members are primarily residents of the Holt plus members of the Board and staff, but we all have the same problem that of age.

When making a note in your diary will you also consider the week before and the week after the event, because we will be seeking volunteers to help with the setting up and taking down of tents and equipment, and also anyone who is prepared to donate possibly one hour on the day to man one of the attractions or sell raffle tickets etc. as part of the team.

More information will be included in the next issue of the Gildhall News along with details of admission tickets.

Programme of Future Events Long-alley Skittles Night Friday 19th February 2016, arriving at 7.00pm The Wheatsheaf Inn Leicester Road Thurcaston LE7 7JN Our annual Long-alley Skittles night is being held this year at a different venue, The Wheatsheaf Inn, Thurcaston. A hot buffet supper will be served consisting of faggots, sausage, black pudding, cheese onion and potato pie, chips, minted mushy peas and beans.

As usual the evening will be very relaxed, there is a maximum capacity of 45, so don’t miss out and book without delay. The cost is only £9.00 each. If you have trouble getting a baby sitter for the night, then bring the kids with you for only £7.00 each.

Please contact Maurice Hill on 0116 289 5394 to see if there any places left 13

Magic Lantern Show Includes light supper and drinks Saturday 12th March 2016 at Freemen’s Holt – 7.30pm £7 per person We have arranged a special treat for you presented by John Finney of the Magic Lantern Society.

Forget the television, DVDs etc. come and see the Magic Lantern in action. This was the predecessor of the modern movies. Its origins can be traced back to shadow shows with cave men sitting around their fires. In our childhood most of us I’m sure using our hands have made shadows of rabbits on the wall at home and birds with flapping wings.

For hundreds of years the Magic Lantern has been used to educate, entertain and mystify audiences with showmen and their lanterns travelling the country stopping to give shows using walls and white sheets to project the images on.

The shows would most likely be of biblical nature, moral, or based upon current events and these showmen would also create stories for any children watching.

Don’t delay in booking your place for what promises to be a very entertaining evening using the booking form contained in this issue or for more information contact me direct on 0116 2895394

Maurice Hill

Contributions to the Gildhall News ***************************** History of Freemen – Part 17, A New Beginning The 1935 Municipal Corporation Act put an end to the Freemen’s reign as the governing body of Leicester and heralded the beginning of an elected council consisting of members not restricted to freemen. However, provision was made by the old corporation 30 years earlier for the benefit of freemen for the future.

For a number of years the corporation had attempted to enclose the South Fields without providing any benefit for the freemen at large, an action leading to riots resulting in considerable damage to the property of the members of the corporation. Agreement was reached in principle between the corporation and the freemen which would result in part of the enclosed land becoming freehold

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property in the name of the Freemen of Leicester under an Enclosure Act of 1804. A Commission was established to negotiate for an agreement between the two parties about mainly the position of the boundaries and in 1811 agreement was finally reached satisfactory to everyone. The Act provided for the freemen an area of land in the South Field amounting to 123 acres in total and an engraved plaque celebrating the act of 1804 now rests embedded in the wall of the Community Room at the Holt. The area was previously divided into a number of smaller parcels but for ease of identification they are named on the plan as: Freemen’s Meadow, Bull Piece and Freemen’s Common.

Apart from the land the Act also made provision for the creation of a Board of Deputies to manage the estate acquired in the name of the freemen. A fixed number of deputies were elected from each parish (dependent on the population of the parish) by the resident freemen in that location giving a total board of 24 deputies. The freemen enjoyed all the rights on the freehold land acquired under the Enclosure Act that they had previously enjoyed in the South Field but now there was no threat of losing those rights.

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In 1845 the Leicester Freemen’s Act was passed by parliament dividing the areas titled Freemen’s Common and Bull Piece into allotments of up to 500 square yards at an annual rent of one farthing per square yard. It had become apparent that the vast majority of freemen by this time were not in a position to graze livestock and that the land would be much more usefully employed if broken down into allotment gardens. Also in the act provision was made for the construction of cottages for aged and needy freemen and freemen’s widows and they were erected on Welford Road and still stand today used by Leicester University.

The Board of Deputies were empowered to buy and sell land providing they sought the agreement of the freemen and freemen’s widows resident in the Borough of Leicester. Some areas of land were sold, although the Board had no option in the matter, to the Midland Counties Railway Company. Pasture Land still remained for the use of freemen in the Freemen’s Meadow.

In order to be elected as a deputy the proposed deputy had to be a freemen resident housekeeper in the borough or one of its suburbs and to be paying an annual municipal rate of ten pounds or more in one of the parishes of Leicester.

A further act, the Leicester Freemen’s Act 1898 was passed primarily concerned with the election of deputies and their term of office. Whereas previously deputies were elected from each of the parishes in Leicester and only those resident in the parish could vote for their particular deputy the residency requirement for deputies was changed to simply being a house keeper in Leicester and not any particular parish. An elected deputy remained in office for a term of three years but could seek re-election for further terms of office any number of times. There were (and still are) 21 deputies in a full complement of the board, and one third retire from office after three years. The full title of the Board of Deputies was ‘The Deputies of the Resident Freemen and Freemen’s Widows of the Borough of Leicester’. Quite a mouthful.

Leicester Corporation compulsorily purchased the Freemen’s Meadow in 1919 for the purpose of a constructing a generating station. The sale of the land was completed in 1920 after which the deputies no longer held any land as a common or pasture for use of the freemen or freemen’s widows.

The sequence of new legislation had not finished as there was a further Leicester Freemen’s Act in 1922 which led to a change in the corporate name of the Board to ‘the Leicester Freemen’s Deputies’. Prior to this Act all monies raised from the sale of land was held in trust by the High Court of Justice and the new Act provided that the money be transferred to the Official Trustees of Charitable 16

funds to be held in trust for the Deputies. Also within the Act provision was made for the payment of a pension to poor and needy freemen or freemen’s widows at a variable weekly rate. A pension could be withdrawn if any of the following events occurred: 1. The pensioner received poor law relief other than medical relief.

2. Any pensioner detained under lawful authority as a person suffering from mental disease.

3. Any pensioner becoming an inmate of any Poor Law Institution for the purpose of receiving medical relief.

4. Any pensioner who ceases to be a resident of the City of Leicester.

5. Any pensioner being a widow who marries again.

Land known as the Bull Piece was sold to the Corporation in October 1924.

There was still more to come with the 1970s being a particularly productive year for changes, but more of that in the next Gildhall News.

John Tolton

Puns for Educated Minds 1. The fattest knight at King Arthur’s round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian .

3.She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.

4.A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption.

5.No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be stationery.

6.A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.

7.A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.

8.Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.

Diary of Walter Henry Scott, his war in Malta & Salonika Entitled Continental Holiday Diary Unfortunately there is insufficient space in this issue to continue with the diary, hopefully this will continue in the May 2016 issue of the Gildhall News.

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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

Gildhall News (GHN) Copy for the next issue of the GHN should reach the Editor by Friday 15th April 2016 For your News and Views write to or e-mail the Editor: Valerie Moore 3, Church Avenue, Leicester LE3 6AJ Telephone 0116 222 0065

e-mail: valmoore2@gmail.com To contact the Gild please e-mail Lynn Roffee, Clerk to the Gild at lynnroffee@hotmail.com 18

Examples of the replica medieval armour for people to hold and try on at the “Arming a Knight “ evening at The Holt on 14th November 2015.

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Master of the Gild Mrs. Lynn Roffee and Past Masters John Tolton, Mick Ayres, and Brian Mudford with the Lord Mayor Cllr. Ted Cassidy MBE at the 40th Anniversary of the Gild

In recognition of their individual 40 years’ service to the Gild, John Tolton (right) and Mick Ayres were presented with engraved glass plaques

BOOKING FORM

Long-alley Skittles night at The Wheatsheaf Inn 7.00pm Friday 19th February 2016 Please reserve…….…. adult places at £9.00 each .......... child places (under 16) at £7.00 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 post to: Maurice Hill, 33 Mossdale Road, Leicester LE3 2UT Any queries to Maurice on 0116 289 5394 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BOOKING FORM

Magic Lantern Show Saturday 12 March 2016 at Freemen’s Holt 7.30pm th

Please reserve…….…. places at £7.00 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 post to: Maurice Hill, 33 Mossdale Road, Leicester LE3 2UT Any queries to Maurice on 0116 289 5394

BOOKING FORM

Leicester Gild’s Annual Banquet Saturday 4th June 2016 at Devonshire Place Please reserve................places at £40.00 each I will require.........vegetarian meals .........of us will be attanding the Annual Leicester Freemen’s Service at Leicester Cathedral on Sunday 5th June 2015 My name is ...........................................................................................

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

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

My guests will be (CAPITAL LETTERS PLEASE): .............................................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................. ...............................................................................................................................

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

Enclose a cheque/postal order for £...............made payable to “Gild of Leicester Freemen” Please send to: Mick Ayres 31 Freemen’s Holt, Old Church Street, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8NH Tel: 0116 224 2353

PLEASE COMPLETE MENU CHOICE OVER PAGE Applications will be dealt with strictly on a first-come, first served basis.

No bookings will be accepted after 20th May 2016.

Please complete the menu choice below Starter Course A) Opera House of Melon served with Mint and Pimms infused Dressing B) Seafood Ramekin – Hot smoked seafood inclusive of smoked and shell fish

Main Course C) Chicken Basillica - Breast of Chicken stuffed with Basil and Tomato wrapped in Bacon and served with a Cream Sauce D) Duo of Lamb Noisettes with a Herb Rosti and a Rosemary Redcurrant Sauce E) Vegetarian Option – Spinach, Asparagus &Four Cheese Pasta Bake All served with a selection of Seasonal Vegetables and Potatoes

Dessert Course F) Apple and Cider Crumble served with custard G) Tarte au Citron Drizzled with Honey and finished with Mascarpone Followed by A Cheeseboard, including Biscuits, Celery & Grapes Filter or Decaffeinated Coffee with Devonshire Place Mint Chocolates Guest’s Name

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

CAPITAL LETTERS PLEASE

Should you have any dietary requirements other than the Vegetarian option please, contact Carly Penney directly at Devonshire Place on 0116 254 8361 before Friday 20th May 2016.

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: Maurice Hill, 33 Mossdale road, Kingsway, Leicester LE3 2UT

RENEWAL OF GILD MEMBERSHIP FOR THE YEAR 1ST APRIL 2016 - 31ST MARCH 2017 I would like to pay the annual subscription for my membership/associate membership of the Gild for the year commencing 1st April 2016

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: Maurice Hill, 33 Mossdale road, Kingsway, Leicester LE3 2UT Any queries, please phone Maurice on 0116 289 5394 PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PAY YOUR ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION BY STANDING ORDER, PLEASE SEE OVER

GILD OF LEICESTER FREEMEN (Kindly complete where marked by all dotted lines) To: Maurice Hill 33 Mossdale Road, Leicester LE3 2UT

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………………………………………………....

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: Maurice Hill, 33 Mossdale road, Kingsway, Leicester LE3 2UT