Number 69
November 2014 1
Jeff Lewitt, Jean And Mick Ayres, David and Rita Johnson, and the Gild Master, Lynn Roffee outside the Town Hall before the homecoming parade of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Anglian regiment The Regiment, known as The Poachers, are a Light Role Infantry Battalion that recruits from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. Being The Mascot for the 2nd Battalion is a highly honoured role, and is required to wear the outfit of a typical poacher, complete with a fresh hare when on ceremonial parade.
2
Number 69
November 2014
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: M.B. Hill Chamberlain: A. Marriott WARDENS N. Cave, A. Chettle, L. Kirk, J.D. Lewitt, B.W. Mudford. 3
GILDHALL NEWS November 2014
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 WW1 Event held at the Holt
5 5 7 8 10 12
Future programme - dates for your diary Sunday 9th November, Remembrance Day Service at Victoria Park Friday 19th December, Puss in Boots at the Little Theatre 14 Saturday 6th December, Children’s Christmas Party 14 Friday 20th February 2015, Skittles Night at the Coach & Horses 15 Wednesday 15th April 2015, Common Hall (AGM) at Leicester Town Hall Saturday 6th June 2015, Annual Gild Banquet at Devonshire Place Sunday 7th June 2015, Annual Freemen’s Service at the Leicester Cathedral
Contributions to the Gildhall News The History of the Freemen of Leicester - part 12 by John Tolton
15
For Amusement Only Easy, Intermediate and Hard Sudoku puzzles The Law
19 21
Have you changed your address?
22
Forms included with the Newsletter Booking form for Children’s Christmas Party Booking form for Long-alley Skittles Night Standing Order form for annual Gild subscriptions Application for Membership & Associate Membership of the Gild Gild products order form
4
Editor’s Comments As I am writing these comments, Halloween is just around the corner and Bonfire night will soon be upon us. If you are thinking about Christmas presents then a Gild scarf for the ladies and a set of cufff-links for the gentlemen could be a good start. Don’t forget the Gild have special Leicester Freemen Christmas cards also available. See the full list of Gild products on the order form. We are trying something new this month, Sudoku puzzles of varying degree of hardness, see page 19. Let me know if you like them and would like them to be repeated. 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!! 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 Since my last report, the number of events the Gild attends during the year has quietened down. The Gild Court remains active in planning events for the remainder of the Court year as well as planning for Common Hall and the Annual Banquet next year. The Banquet, which is to be held on 6th June 2015, will be held at our usual venue, Devonshire Place. Please put the date in your diary now! It would be nice to see more Freemen at this event and the Gild Court looks forward to welcoming you. The Gild was invited to attend the Memorial Service to mark the Centenary of the Beginning of the First World War, on 3rd August, at Leicester Cathedral. This was a joint event that was organised by the City and County Council, The Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire and Leicester Cathedral. The focus of the service was not primarily on remembrance but on the shift in people’s minds and hearts, as the potential scale of the conflict started to become apparent. On the 8th August a large contingent from Leicester attended the Coventry Gilds Fish and Chip supper with a variety of Skittle games. Despite a very wet evening everyone had a good time. 5
On the 5th and 9th August the World War One events were held at the Holt. From the comments that were received, and from the comments written in the visitor’s book and the emails received, it seems that those people attending enjoyed both days. Some people attended on both days. Whilst it was a project – with a start and end date, work will continue albeit at a slower pace. So if you come across any photos/medals/information etc. of ancestors who served during WW1, and were Freemen or from Freemen families please do let me know and we will add to the list of names. I have already been asked when I am starting WW2! Any volunteers to help? The 3rd-5th October saw a small group from Leicester attend the Annual Freemen and Guilds of the City of Chester Banquet weekend. The Banquet was held in the newly renovated Town Hall and it is a splendid building. It was officially opened on 15th October 1897 by the HRH The Prince of Wales (the future Edward VII). Brian and I had our friend, Denise Howkins from Australia, staying with us at the time, so it was a timely and unique opportunity for her to meet a number of Freemen from across the country by attending the weekend with us. The Gild has received an invitation from The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor John Thomas, to attend the Remembrance Day Service and Parade which takes place at the War Memorial, Victoria Park on Sunday 9th November 2014. Members of the Gild will be processing in their robes and I shall be laying a wreath on behalf of the Gild. I mentioned in the last Gildhall News about Freemen getting in touch with me if they had ideas/ suggestion about activities/events and/or wanted to get more involved with the running of the Gild. Sadly, no one has been in touch and I know that Brian Mudford has previously made appeals of a similar nature. So again, I am appealing for your views, ideas and support. Your Gild Court will continue to arrange a variety of events and would appreciate your continued support by attending these events. Some time ago I had a conversation with a few Freemen who were interested in arranging a WW1 Battlefield tour. Brian and I have now been liaising with another interested party to take a small group on, the 26-29th April 2015, to the Ypres Salient. The price is approx. £270.00 per person. This includes return coach to Leicester and three nights’ accommodation at a Best Western Hotel. The trip will include visiting museums, cemeteries and other places of interest in the local area. Final arrangements are still to be made and we hope
6
to have the information out shortly. It will be on a first come first served basis. A Making Free Ceremony is being planned by the Civic Office for early in the New Year. As these ceremonies are likely to only be held once a year, if you have family members wishing to take their Freedom they should contact the Civic Office ASAP. It seems too early to be wishing you all “Seasons Greetings” at this time, but the next edition of GHN is not published until February. So I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! Stay safe and keep warm. Lynn Roffee
Report by Chairman of the Board - Brian Mudford I would like to make a plea to the younger Freemen out there. Your Board members are getting no younger and we need new blood to add to the experience required on the Board to continue to run the Charity effectively. Do you have a few hours a month available, normally on a Monday evening immediately preceding the first Wednesday in the month? Please give it serious thought, we need you. For more information please contact Lynda Bramley in the office on 0116 283 4017 There are both standard and extended bungalows that will become available during the next few months. 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 On 17th August the Chairman’s Trophy was held at Freemen’s Holt. This is a patio garden competition to recognise the gardening achievements of the residents. They participate in this annual celebration with prizes available for 7
the best front garden, back garden, hanging basket, patio tub and allotment. The Chairman’s Trophy is awarded to the best overall display for both front and back patio gardens and everyone enjoys a barbecue afterwards. I was pleased to welcome the Lord Mayor, Councillor John Thomas, and his Consort Mrs. Margaret Corley to Freemen’s Holt. The Lord Mayor was presented with a cheque for £200 from the Board of Deputies for the Lord Mayor’s Charity. Jeff Lewitt was the winner of the Chairman’s Trophy for 2014. See photograph on front cover showing Jeff and Christine’s front garden, and inside back cover showing Christine and Jeff receiving the Chairman’s Trophy. Congratulations go to all our residents for their flower displays which have been a picture again this year. It makes the walk around the estate a real treat. Some photographs of the patio gardens and winners of various categories for the Chairman’s Trophy can be viewed on our website at www.leicesterfreemen.com We have a schedule of entertainment planned through the winter with Freemen’s Flicks showing popular films alternating with Freemen’s Funtime which is a mixture of activities including a quiz, word games, bingo and a raffle. The emphasis is on fun with small prizes for the winners but everyone enjoys these afternoons which are held on Wednesday afternoons from 2 pm to around 4 pm in the community centre. Everyone is welcome to attend just call the office for more information or check the website for details. Southfields Brass Band is booked for the evening of Monday 15th December. If you would like to hear some Christmas carols you are invited to come to Freemen’s Holt for around 7.30 pm to start getting into the Christmas spirit. There is a Making Free ceremony scheduled for January 2015 so, if you’re thinking of applying for your Freedom of the City then get your application in quickly otherwise it could be a year before your big day comes around. Don’t forget that there is the option to receive your Gildhall News as a printed copy if you would prefer or don’t have access to the internet. Again please contact Lynda on 0116 283 4017 or email leicester.freemen@talktalkbusiness.net to make your request. And finally I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Brian Mudford 8
Chamberlain’s Report by Andy Marriott Foreword The information contained in this report is 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 and I would like to ask you all too please submit your membership fee’s as a matter of urgency. Gild Products Christmas is just a few months away and I’d like to remind you to take a look at the Gild products currently on sale as these would make ideal stocking fillers for both him and her as well as our wonderful selection of Christmas cards which would make a delightful addition to any ones mantelpiece this Christmas.
Gild Accounts Book The Gilds Accounts Book as of Sunday 12th October 2014 has the following figures recorded Receipts £ 3,800.50 Standing Orders £ 888.50 Payments £ 4,445.22 Petty Cash £ 189.45
Other Business The Gild’s 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 concludes my report Andy Marriott 9
Report on the FEW (Freemen of England and Wales) by Michael Ayres This year the Freemen of England and Wales AGM, was hosted by the Stafford Freemen’s Guild and held over the weekend 19th – 21st September. The complete weekend activities were held at the Yarnfield Conference Centre. Jean and I were the only two to represent the Leicester Gild over the weekend. Friday 19th began with Registration at 4:30 pm for delegates who had booked for weekend. The bar opened at 6:00 pm until 1:00 am, with the evening buffet served betweent 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm. At 8:15 pm we attended a very interesting talk and slideshow by Dr Kevin Leahy on the Staffordshire Hoard. The Staffordshire Hoard was discovered in a Field just off the A1 and near the old Roman Fosse Way, by a gentleman who had purchased a second hand metal detector. The hoard of Anglo-Saxon treasure contains parts of gold sword handles (but no blades) gold buckles and buttons but no ladies Jewellery, vases or drinking vessels, and no indication of a camp or settlement being discovered on the site. (This is a most unusual find dated by the archaeologist to be around 6th to 7th century. They have no indication on how it came to be buried there.) The Hoard is valued at £3 million and is open for the public to view at Birmingham City Museum. On the conclusion of this most informative talk, we retired to the bar to be entertained with music and songs performed by the Loveheart Billionaires. Saturday 20th after breakfast at 9:15 am a morning visit was arranged to Trentham Gardens for the delegates not attending the AGM. The Open Forum began at 9:50 am with discussion by one or two of the Guilds querying if they may be able to change their constitution to revive the lost tradition of creating Apprentice Freemen. This could be possible if the local council and the Freemen were to revive their old constitution. (Unfortunately this does not apply to the Freemen of Leicester) The discussions continued with Tom Gibson a Freemen of York explaining the problems they had encountered with the York City Council on the ownership of the York Stays. (Common land inherited by the Freemen of York) The Council claimed ownership of the land under the new land registration rules. The Council and York Freemen have now resolved the problem; it was pointed 10
out that Freemen should keep a careful eye on their lands and capital investments. The open forum ended with a coffee break at 10:30 am. The AGM opened at 10:45 am with the election of the Executive Committee. There was no change to the Committee from last year, with some of the committee members now having to hold two offices. This is quite concerning to the FEW as no young Freemen are coming forward to join or to hold office on the committee. A number of the delegates attending said they are having the same problem of recruiting young Freemen to join their Guild and take an interest in activities. (A member made the point that if the problem did not change the Freemen would cease to exist in future years.) The full report on the AGM will be published in the FEW journal no 179. After a buffet lunch at 1:00 pm we boarded our coach for a visit to Shugborough Hall, which is a fine Georgian Mansion and is the ancestral home of the Earls of Lichfield. This is a working historical estate, and still retains its working servant’s quarters. Saturday evening at 7:30 pm we were entertain by Cheryl York playing the guitar before the four course Banquet at 8:00 pm, with the toasts and speech’s completed the banquet concluded at 10 15 pm. After the banquet we were entertain in the bar by The Deacons playing drums and accompanied with a base guitar. Sunday 21st. We travelled by our own transport to Stafford Borough Council Offices for tea, coffee and biscuits, before changing into our robe’s for the procession to the Stafford Guild church, St Mary’s Collegiate Church. After the service we processed back to the Council Offices for a buffet lunch hosted by the Worshipful the Mayor of Stafford, Borough Councillor Raymond Sutherland. After lunch and farewell speeches, the Master of Stafford Guild John Edwards handed the FEW Baton to the Master of the Berwick Guild of Freemen, Captain James Evans in preparation for the 2015 AGM to be held in Berwick. Michael Ayres
11
WW1 Event held at The Holt The 14 plus months of research followed by the preparation for the 5th and 9th August exhibition all seems a long time ago. Researching is one thing but to actually hold an exhibition is another. It has been a journey of discovery on so many levels and has provided me with not only a deeper insight into WW1, but also to learn about individual men (Leicester Freemen and those that hadn’t taken their freedom) that served their Country. The superb display board, created, designed and produced by The Art Department, and was provided by Bryan Ayres, a Freemen, who owns the company. The display showed some of the research that has been undertaken. See the photograph of the display board inside the rear cover. All of the information found has been retained by the Charity for posterity. Bryan was able to pop in on the Saturday afternoon have look around and meet people. The Board of Deputies have agreed with Bryan for his Company to store the display boards which will be brought out for approved events which includes Military Dinners etc. No exhibition is complete without items for people to view, and we were very grateful for the loan of memorabilia that Freemen’s families allowed us to display. The highlight has to be the field desk, chair and uniform of Lt Col R E Martin which was kindly loaned by Col Robert Martin, who also opened the exhibition. Looking after family heirlooms is important and Keith Harding and Peter Staines ensured that all the items were not touched. Keith and Peter also played key roles in setting up and the dismantling of the tents and car parking signage. For those of you that didn’t attend either event, you missed some interesting talks as well as seeing a variety of military items that Andy Ball from the WW1 Section, of the Tommy Atkins Society brought along. Thanks go to Andy for providing such a good display of items that changed over both days, and he also took time off work to attend. The Gild also shared the tent with Andy, and Lorna Kirk looked after the stall selling Gild products on both days, with Andy Marriott helping on the Saturday. The Leicestershire & Rutland Branch of the Western Front Association, also played a key role – Dr John Sutton, Chairman gave two different talks, whilst Roy Birch gave both Exhortation’s. Jim Manship had listened to a talk and came up with a poem by the end of it, which he was asked to recite to the audience. Well done Jim! Peter Cousins, Chairman of the Leicestershire & Rutland Family History Society, also gave two talks.
12
On the Tuesday, we were treated to a truly moving and well played Last Post, played by the Grandson of Peter Staines, whilst on the Saturday we had a Piper from the Seaforth Highlanders Band. It was important that the youth of today were involved in the event in some way. I was grateful for the support of Lt. Kay Adey, from Leicester T.S. Tiger who brought along several Sea Cadets who helped out with car parking and other duties on both days. Kay just got stuck in organising the cadets, making tea/ coffee, washing up and looking after me by ensuring I was fed and watered on both days. The 1461 Squadron Wigston ATC Cadets and staff a helped with the car parking, making tea/coffee and washing up on the Saturday. The Cadets generally helped through both days. The Cadets from both services looked smart, were polite, and said they had learnt a lot and had enjoyed themselves. The caterer, Phil Wood, had researched the type of food that families would have had during WW1, and we still seem to have the same type of food today. The buffet was excellent! They say one good turn deserves another. On 16th August the Leicester North Sea Cadets undertook a sponsored Row Leicester Voyage to raise funds for the Lord Mayors Appeal. Some of the residents at The Holt not only sponsored the Cadets but also went to Aylestone Lock to wave them off from the start, whilst others waved and cheered them on when the cadets passed The Holt. Kay emailed to say thank you for the support. On the Saturday, Philippa McCray came along and spoke briefly about her First World War Centenary Quilt Project. The aim is to produce a quilt made up of squares embroidered with the names of ancestors, or those in local communities, who gave their lives. People are invited to contribute to the project by stitching a square/s with the names/s of the people you wish to commemorate. Packs are supplied for a minimum donation of £3.50 which includes p & p. One can only wonder what the men, whom we were there to remember, would have thought about the event. I’m sure they would never have imagined almost a 100 years later that we would be remembering them in this way. There are a lot of people, too many to name, who contributed in so many ways to making both days such a success. Thank you to you all! Lynn Roffee 13
Programme of Future Events Visit to the Little Theatre , Dover Street, Leicester to see Puss in Boots on 19th December 2014 starting at 7 pm. Unfortunately we have no tickets available. Any spare tickets had to be returned to the theatre by 1st November. If further tickets are required then interested parties should contact the Little Theatre direct on 0116 255 1302
Children’s Christmas Party Saturday 6th December 2014. 4 00 pm - 6 00 pm at Varney’s Fun Factory This year the Gild will again be holding a Children’s Christmas party after over twenty five years of absence. The party will be for Children between the ages of 3 years old and up to 7 years old. (This is because of the size of the bouncy castle and climbing equipment.) The party is open to all Children at £3 00 per Child, whose parents or Grandparents are members of the Gild. The cost will include the use of all the equipment in the fun house, a visit from Santa. Hot buffet served with chicken nuggets, pizza, fish fingers and chips. With drinks of blackcurrant and orange cordial included. The staff at the fun house have all been CRB checked. The Gild cannot be responsible for safety of the children during the party and we request that an adult stays and supervise their own children during the two hours that the party is in progress. There is a cafe on the premises serving serving tea coffee and snacks for the adults to sit and have a chat while the children play.
The Party will be held at SHANE VARNEY’S FUN HOUSE, SAFFRON ROAD SOUTH WIGSTON LEICESTER LE18 4TD. (If you do not know South Wigston the Fun House is near St Thomas Church). For further information about the party, contact Michael Ayres on 0116 2242353.
Michael Ayres
14
Long-alley Skittles Night Friday 20th February 2014, 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. The cost is only £8.00 each. Brian Mudford
Contributions to the Gildhall News ***************************** History of Freemen – Part 12, The Seige of Leicester In May of 1645 Leicester became a focal point in the Civil War between Oliver Cromwell and Charles I. A large Royalist army was marching to the North of England with the intention of regaining some ground there when news reached them that that the Parliamentary Army lead by Sir Thomas Fairfax was besieging the Royalist stronghold of Oxford. At this news the King and Prince Rupert decided to attack the Parliamentary stronghold of Leicester with a view to luring Fairfax away from Oxford. Why Leicester? Well, an attack on Leicester would have great strategic advantages for the King. Leicester lay in the heart of the country with direct links to the Royalist towns of Newark and Ashby. The King also had received intelligence that the Town was poorly defended and that the members of the Corporation lacked any military experience. So by the end of May Leicester was in a poor state of readiness for any attack by the Royalists. Few houses in the suburbs had been demolished to give a clear field of fire for the defenders; even though an order had been given for the flattening of houses in areas around the town few house owners had obeyed the order. To make matters worse there were only nine pieces of ordnance to provide artillery fire. The Corporation made an appeal to the neighbouring towns of Derby, Nottingham, Northampton and Coventry for assistance but the only reinforcements came from the Scottish Army, dispatching several hundred of 15
their cavalry to Leicester. Most of the recruiting came a small contingent of 150 men from the county who volunteered. With such a small contingent the defense of Leicester didn’t stand much of a chance against a Royalist army of over 10,000 well armed soldiers. Fortunately, The defending army had the benefit of three experienced soldiers of Cromwell’s Model Army commanding the town’s defenses in the guise of Colonels Pye and Grey along with Major Innes and his 200 horse who came from Newport Pagnell, giving a total of 2000 defenders, mainly consisting of inexperienced civilians. On the night of May 29, the Royalists were still travelling towards Leicester, burning down several windmills and one water mill on their journey. The next day at about 8 o’clock, Prince Rupert and his army pitched their tents towards the south side of the town, while the king took up his headquarters in the vicarage of Aylestone. Six great artillery pieces were set in a strong dry ditch known as the Raw Dyke, an ancient Roman aqueduct still in existence today near the football stadium. At 1 o’clock Prince Rupert fired two cannon shots into Leicester before sending a messenger to ask for the surrender of the defenders. The town council met in the Mayor’s Parlour in the Town Hall (the Guildhall) but after two hours could not reach a decision. They sent a messenger to Prince Rupert asking if they could give an answer the following day, and that in the meantime the Prince should not raise anymore batteries. Prince Rupert could clearly see that the town was reinforcing their defenses and that the request was a delaying tactic and angrily sent the messenger back warning him that if he returned he would put him in the stocks. Unfortunately for the messenger the Council sent him back still requesting further time. The messenger was never seen again. Prince Rupert sent a message demanding an answer within 15 minutes and while the Council members were debating their response cannon balls came crashing down on the area around castle. The siege had begun. The Royalist battery was set up facing the stone wall of the Newarke and defenders retaliated with cannon and musket fire as fast as they could and had some success putting out of action one Royalist cannon. But by 6 o’clock in the evening a breach had been made in the wall of the Newarke facing Mill Lane. An assault on the town began at midnight with Royalist soldiers storming into Leicester at seven different places. The bulk of the army attacked through the breach in the wall in Mill Lane and the remainder using scaling ladders around the walls of the town. There was fierce fighting with many Royalsts dying in the attack and the first two attempts at the Newarke repulsed. The Royalists had more success along the east and north walls of the town, eventually storming 16
into Leicester and tearing down the town gates. Soldiers and town men fought side by side in fierce hand to hand encounters in the streets of Leicester losing ground until they finally threw down their weapons by St Martin’s Churchyard. After the surrender the nastiness really began. Skirmishes continued throughout the town and the Royalists showed no mercy to the inhabitants. Not just the men folk, but women and children were put to death by the King’s soldiers. Leicester became a den of robbery, rape, wanton destruction, murder, pillage and outrage. Royalist soldiers who entered Leicester that day seized the contents of shops, as well as cannons, muskets, horses and gunpowder. Some of the town Committee members were hanged while others were cut to pieces. The King rode through the town and is reputed to have said, “I do not care if they cut them three times more, for they are mine enemies.” As dawn broke on the day following the siege of Leicester, the noise and smoke rising up from town gave way to appalling sights and sounds. There were the quiet sobs of the raped and the hysterical screams of the widowed, while the wounded lay dying in the streets. However, the cries and groans of the defeated were drowned out by the drunken songs of the victors. It is recorded that 140 cartloads of goods were confiscated from Leicester shops. Nine pieces of ordnance, 1,000 muskets, 50 barrels of gunpowder and 400 horses were also captured. The King stayed the night in Cavendish House (in Abbey Park) and 17
added salt to our wounds by demanding £2000 from Leicester’s Mayor as recompense for his losses. Lord-General Fairfax was ordered by Parliament to abandon his siege of Oxford and march to the Midlands and recapture Leicester. But in the meantime the Royalist army that remained in Leicester was given the task of refortifying the town and making it safe from reprisals by the Roundheads. The King left Leicester to march south but before he left he destroyed Cavendish House and left it in the state it is today. On the way south he stopped at Market Harborough to reinforce his army and then proceeded to Daventry. On Friday 13th June the army led by the King and Prince Rupert re-entered Market Harborough and that night heard the news that the Model Army of Fairfax had captured the town of Naesby from the Royalists. King Charles decided to meet Fairfax’s army head on and the rest, as they say, is history. The Royalists were outnumbered 9,000 to 14,000. After fierce combat and hundreds of Royalist losses, the routed King’s men began to flee the battlefield. After some ebb and flow of the battle the King and Prince Rupert eventually fled and spent the night at Wistow Hall, but the Royalists still held Leicester. On Monday 16th June the Parliamentarians surrounded Leicester and Fairfax sent a “surrender” demand to the town. The Royalists would not back down, though: They were armed and waiting. So on Tuesday, June 17, Fairfax raised a battery of cannon on the Raw Dykes, just as Prince Rupert had done in the previous month and proceeded to bombard Leicester. Before the morning was out the wall had been breached and the Royalists surrendered, although the formal signing of the surrender took place on June 19th 1645. The siege of Leicester was over. John Tolton
Extract from “The Leicestershire Chronical & Leicestershire Mercury” Saturday August 15, 1914 At a meeting of the Leicester Freemen’s Deputies on Wednesday evening it was unanimously agreed to offer the military authorities the use of the large meadow on the Aylestone Road for any purpose thought fit”
18
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
19
Answers to the Sudoku puzzles
20
The Law These are from a book called Disorder in the Courts and are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and published by court reporters that had the torment of staying calm while the exchanges were taking place. LAWYER: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning? WITNESS: He said, ‘Where am I, Cathy?’ LAWYER: And why did that upset you? WITNESS: My name is Susan! ____________________________________________ LAWYER: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact? WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks. ____________________________________________ LAWYER: What is your date of birth? WITNESS: July 18th. LAWYER: What year? WITNESS: Every year. ____________________________________________ LAWYER How old is your son, the one living with you? WITNESS: Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can’t remember which. LAWYER: How long has he lived with you? WITNESS: Forty-five years. ____________________________________________ LAWYER: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all? WITNESS: Yes. LAWYER: And in what ways does it affect your memory? WITNESS: I forget.. LAWYER: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot? ____________________________________________ LAWYER: The youngest son, the 20-year-old, how old is he? WITNESS: He’s 20, much like your IQ. ____________________________________________ LAWYER: She had three children, right? WITNESS: Yes. LAWYER: How many were boys? WITNESS: None. LAWYER: Were there any girls? WITNESS: Your Honor, I think I need a different lawyer 21
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 January 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
22
Brian Mudford, Chairman of the Board of Deputies, presenting the Chairman’s Trophy to Christine and Jeff Lewitt
The superb WW1 display board, created, designed and produced by The Art Department, and was provided by Bryan Ayres, a Leicester Freemen. 23
A photograph of those who attended the Gild visit to the Rolls Royce Heritage Trust in Derby on 30th September 2014
Jet engines and Rolls Royce veteran cars were among the exhibits viewed on the day. If you look closely at the car on the right you will see Janet Lount, a Lady Freeman behind the wheel.
BOOKING FORM
Children’s Christmas Party Saturday 6 December 2014. 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm @ Varney’s Fun Factory th
Please reserve………. children’s places at £3.00 each I will be responsible for my own Child or Children during the party To be signed by the Adult attending the party................................................. My name is........................................................................................................ Child’s or Children’s name(s) attending party.................................................. ............................................ ............................................. 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 on a first-come, first served basis. We are limited to the number of Children that can use the equipment at one time.
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________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 on a first-come, first-served basis
RENEWAL OF GILD MEMBERSHIP FOR THE YEAR 1ST APRIL 2014 - 31ST MARCH 2015 I would like to pay the annual subscription for my membership/associate membership of the Gild for the year commencing 1st April 2014
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
= £………….
12. Christmas cards (reduced price)
.......at £2 for pack of 6 = £............... 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