Winning “Front Garden” in Chairman’s Trophy
Number 73
November 2015 1
Group photograph of members of the Gild of Freemen prior to the Magna Carta Justice Service at Leicester Cathedral
Colonel Robert Martin MBE DL carrying a copy of the Magna Carta before the Justice Service on 13th September 2015 at Leicester Cathedral 2
Number 73
November 2015
Patron: Colonel Robert Martin OBE DL President: The Lord Mayor of Leicester OFFICERS 2015 - 2016 Master: L.A. Roffee Deputy Master: A. Marriott Clerk: L.A. Roffee Chamberlain: A. Marriott WARDENS M.E. Ayres, N. Cave, M.B.Hill, L. Kirk, J.D. Lewitt, B.W. Mudford. 3
GILDHALL NEWS November 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 visit to Beaumanor Hall by Lorna Kirk
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Future programme - dates for your diary Saturday 14th November, Arming a Knight, an evening talk with buffet at the Holt Friday 18th December, Visit to see the pantomime Aladdin at the Little Theatre Monday 21st December, Christmas Carols at St.Andrew’s church Aylestone Saturday 16th January 2016, History of the Freemen of Leicester at the Holt Friday 19th February 2016, Long-alley Skittles Night at the Wheatsheaf Inn Wednesday 13th April 2016, Common Hall at the Town Hall, Leicester Saturday 4th June 2016, Gild Banquet at Devonshire Place, Leicester Sunday 5th June 2016, Annual Freemen’s Service at Leicester Cathedral
Contributions to the Gildhall News The History of the Freemen of Leicester - part 16 by John Tolton
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Diary of Walter Henry Scott, his war in Malta and solonika
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For Amusement Only Anagrams The lost wife
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Have you changed your address?
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Forms included with Newsletter Booking form for The History of the Freemen of Leicester Booking form for Long-alley Skittles Night Application for Membership & Associate Membership of the Gild Order form for Gild products
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Editor’s Comments I repeat my request once again, is there a Leicester freeman who would like to take over the position of Editor of the Gildhall News? You don’t have to be a member of the Gild Court, you don’t even have to live locally, but I think you should be under 60 years old, to give you a few years to enjoy yourself in the job.So please let me know if you are interested, you are welcome to telephone me and discuss what is involved If you have a story that would be of interest to other members, please put pen to paper, or finger to e-mail. We don’t need a book, only a short article, possibly one or two pages long. It could be longer if it’s enthralling!! Peter Scott a Leicester Freeman, has transcribed his grandfather’s World War 1 diary. He has kindly sent in a copy for inclusion in the Gildhall News. The first section is included in this issue starting on page16, and will be continued in future issues. W H Scott, his grandfather, was featured on the WW1 Display last year. 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 I can’t believe this is the last edition before the New Year! Where does the time go! The Gild Court have been busy planning next years Banquet, Common Hall and the celebration of the Gild’s 40th year since it was reformed in 1976. As you will see from my report it’s been busier than usual for the Gild!
30th July My husband Brian and I were invited by the High Sheriff, Gordon Arthur and Mrs. Janet Arthur, for “Afternoon Tea and Jazz”. The High Sheriff remains the Sovereign’s representative for the County for all matters relating to the Judiciary, and they are responsible for the wellbeing and protection of Her Majesty’s High Court Judges when on circuit in the City.
15th August A special service of Commemoration was held in Leicester Cathedral to mark the 70th Anniversary of VJ Day. Nine Freemen and 2 spouses attended the service.
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10th September 2015 Leicester Cathedral invited the Gild to attend a Choral Evensong Service to celebrate HM Queen Elizabeth II as the Longest-Reigning Monarch of Great Britain. The event was attended by Jim and Mavis Manship, Lorna and Michael Kirk, Peter Staines and Brian and myself.
13th September 2015 The High Sheriff invited six robed Freemen to attend his Justice Service, with a Magna Carta 800 years of Liberty Theme, at Leicester Cathedral. Brian Mudford, Andy Marriott, Peter Bates, Jim Manship, Peter Staines and I attended. Col R Martin was also in attendance, wearing his robe, and carried a replica copy of the Magna Carta into the Cathedral. 2015 marks the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta (or Great Charter) by King John. These 3,000 words on parchment, written in Latin, are credited with laying the foundations of modern democracy, the defence of personal liberty and the protection of freedoms around the world. Saer de Quincy, one of the 25 English “rebel” barons involved in ensuring King John accepted the terms of the Magna Carta, owned considerable lands and property in Leicester.
9th – 11th October Brian and I attended Chester Freemen’s Annual Banquet, held at the Chester Town Hall, and Church Service at St Peter’s, Westgate. It was lovely weekend and our hosts made us very welcome.
12th and 14th October The first Making Free ceremony was for one person, visiting from Southern Ireland, and at the second ceremony was for 16 people. This is the 2nd large ceremony this year and that’s really good news!
13th October Brian and I were invited by the Dean of Leicester Cathedral and The Royal Tiger’s Association, The Royal Leicestershire Regiment, to attend a special service of Choral Evensong in the Cathedral to Commemorate the Centenary of the Battle of Hohenzollern Redoubt which took place on 13th October 1915. After the service Robin Jenkins, Senior Archivist (Collections) from the Record Office at Wigston, gave an interesting talk on “Leicester’s Darkest Day”.
18th October – County Service The Gild received an invitation from H.M. Lord-Lieutenant, Lady Jennifer Gretton JP and The Chairman of the County Council, David Snart, to attend the County Service for Leicestershire. This service is usually held in the County and as it was held at
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Leicester Cathedral and the Gild was invited to attend. Six robed Freemen and three Spouses attended the service.
Finally……. The Gild Court has included a new family event – “Christmas Carols- Mince Pies & Mulled Wine” in its calendar. To ensure we do not waste food and drink, we would appreciate knowing if you will be attending. It would be nice to have your support and also to welcome some new faces as well as regular attendees at Gild events. This is a very informal get together, for all the family, in the spirit of Christmas. Most of us can’t sing but it’s the joining in that counts! And it’s Free!! You may have noticed in the last GHN that there is a planned event on 16th January 2016, as part of the Gild’s 40th celebrations. As this is a free event, bookings are being limited to Gild Members only, who may take one guest. It is hoped that members will support this event, and if successful, we will look to run other events during 2016. There are a limited number of places available for this event, so I strongly advise you not to delay booking. If you book a place/s and find that you or your guest is unable to attend, please do let me know immediately so that the place can be offered up to another member. Most of the Civic events require Freemen to wear a robe, so if you would like to be considered to attend a robed event you will need to purchase a robe. Often, there are limited seats available, so if you put your name forward and have been allocated a place, please remember to turn up! The Gild Court do need extra pairs of hands to help share the workload for the planned events. Sadly - despite my request for volunteers in the last edition of GHN, no one had come forward to offer to help. So if you are attending an event at The Holt, please do not be surprised if you are asked to sell raffle tickets, help clear up, or wash up and dry a few glasses during the evening! I look forward to seeing you at one of the events during the year. Your suggestions and comments are always welcome. If you are interested in helping at an event please contact me on 07828 965 984 or at lynnroffee@hotmail.com or speak with a member of the Gild Court.
Lynn Roffee
CHRISTMAS CARD SALE £2 FOR PACK OF 6 SEE GILD PRODUCTS ORDER FORM 7
Report by Chairman of the Board - Brian Mudford Delays to the completion of bungalow 17 are almost overcome. New flooring and a fireplace chosen by the new residents are now installed and once the finishing touches are complete the bungalow will be ready for new residents to move in by the end of November. Bungalow 33 will also have a new resident in November. Deputies from the Welfare Committee have been busy visiting a number of applicants who have expressed their interest in moving to live at The Holt following the open day held in August. Three standard bungalows are presently available for consideration. Fence repainting continues and patio cleaning is due to commence across the estate. New plants are establishing themselves in the rockery area outside the Community centre and other shrub and flower beds will soon be planted with winter bedding plants to provide some colour during the darker days. Wednesday afternoon activities are now well underway with a full programme scheduled through to December and beyond. Freemen’s Fun-time (including boggle, beetle drive and stand-up bingo) alternates weekly with Freemen’s Flicks and newly installed blackout blinds have improved surroundings for film audiences. Card making classes are also being held during the autumn. The Chairman’s Trophy and BBQ was held on Sunday 16th August attended by The Lord Mayor and sixty five people. I would like to thank Lynn Roffee and her husband Brian for helping my wife Gill and myself on the previous Wednesday to judge the winners in the various groups. The following were the winners on the day: Allotment Keith & Dorothy Harding with David & Rita Johnson Patio Tub Dot Brown Hanging Basket Jean Hargrave Rear garden Mick & Jean Ayres Front Garden Eric Critchlow (see photograph on front cover) Chairman’s Trophy Jeff & Chris Lewitt I would like to congratulate everyone who took part, as the estate looked marvellous on the day. The Lord Mayor commented that it was as “pretty as a picture”. After the BBQ I presented the Lord Mayor with a cheque for £200 on behalf of the Deputies towards his charity, see photograph inside back cover. Later in the afternoon a croquet court was laid out by John Tolton and good fun was had by all. Residents and outside Freemen will again visit Beedles Lake for Christmas lunch on 10th December. If you are interested in attending then please contact the office on 0116 283 4017, and they will be able to provide you with details, including the cost involved. 8
The Board of Deputies and Gild are jointly compiling the latest edition of the Register of Freemen. Previous Registers contain all those that have been made free for several centuries. Due to data protection requirement, only names, Village/Town/City, occupation (previously addresses were listed) and the 2 generations of Freemen that the Freedom is taken from will now be listed. This includes all those made free from 13 October 1996 up until the present time. If any Freemen has any issue with their details being printed please contact the Clerk to the Board of Deputies immediately on 0116 283 4017. The Register have previously been printed in book form but will now be made available on CD. During October I attended two making free ceremonies held at Leicester Town Hall in the presence of The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Ted Cassidy MBE. On Monday 12th October Susan Crate from Cork was made free. See the group photograph inside the back cover. On Wednesday 14th October I attended with Sue Cave, representing the Board of Deputies, when a total of sixteen freemen were made free, seven ladies and nine gentlemen. Their names in alphabetical order being: Jake Brown, Jack Downing, Susan Freeman, Deborah Harty, Mark Harty, Gary Hurst, Clare Jinks, Fiona Jinks, Richard Jinks, Shannon Jinks, Daphne Loseby, Erran Summers, Louis Summers, Mary Summers, Vaughan Summers and Viril Summers. See group photograph on the back cover. I would like to welcome all the new Hereditary Freemen who took their oath in October, hoping that they do not go away and forget us. All Freemen can keep up to date with what is happening by regularly checking the Freemen’s website at www.leicesterfreemen.com . Following the recent resignation of Bill Hargrave, the Board now comprises of only 15 deputies, the full compliment is 21. So 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. The 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.
Brian Mudford
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. 9
Membership Arrears 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 fee’s as a matter of urgency.
Gild Accounts Book The Gilds Accounts Book as of Sunday 11th October 2015 has the following figures recorded Receipts Standing Orders Payments Petty Cash
£ £ £ £
3341.00 36.00 4156.83 192.51
Gild Bank Accounts We have received the latest Bank Statements from Lloyds Bank. Business Account as of30th September 2015 holds £ 3864.07 th Treasurers Account as of28 August 2015 holds £ 1129.21 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 Gild of Freemen’s visit to Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse Eaves Thursday 20 August 2016 At 6pm on the above date, fourteen of us enjoyed an interesting visit to this historical Victorian building which was built between 1842 and 1854 for the Herrick family. It remained in their possession until World War II when it was requisitioned by the War Office. It is now owned by Leicestershire County Council for use as an education and conference centre. Our friendly guide Margaret took us on an extensive tour of the main rooms, cellars and attics of the Hall itself. We also visited some of the many buildings erected in the grounds which provided a vital listening post for Bletchley Park’s work in World War ll in cracking the Enigma code. After two and a half hours we returned to the main reception area where coffee and biscuits were available plus the opportunity of question time.
Lorna Kirk
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Programme of Future Events Arming a Knight with Jed Jaggard from “UP AN’ AT’EM!” Includes Hot Buffet Supper & Drinks Saturday 14th November 2015 at Freemen’s Holt -7.30pm £8.50 per person Hands on History for all the family. A really entertaining evening with Jed Jaggard, and the opportunity to handle the types of clothing worn, and armour used, by a Knight. If you wish to attend please phone Lynn Roffee as soon as possible on 0116 269 6381 to make your booking.
Visit to the Little Theatre , Dover Street, Leicester to see Aladdin on Friday 18th December 2015 A perfect Christmas treat for all the family! Please note that we had to return unsold tickets to the Little Theatre by the end of October, so if you wish to attend the panto then you will have to contact the box office at the Little Theatre direct on 0116 255 1302
Monday 21st December 2015 at 7.30pm Christmas Carols at St Andrews Church, Old Church Street Aylestone followed by Mulled Wine & Mince Pies at The Community Centre The Gild have introduced a new seasonal family event this year by holding a Christmas Carol evening in St Andrews Church, and followed at approximately 8.30pm, with Mulled Wine and mince pies in the Community Centre at The Holt. Whilst there is no booking needed for this event, it would be greatly appreciated if you could give us an indication of how many in your group will be attending, so that we can cater appropriately, thus minimising any unnecessary waste. Please put this date in your diary and come along and join us in the spirit of Christmas. A warm welcome awaits you! Please note: Cars should be parked at The Holt. 11
The Gild was reformed on 13th January 1976 and to celebrate the Gild’s 40th year the Gild’s Archivist, John Tolton, as well as being one of the founding members, will be giving at talk on:
History of the Freemen of Leicester from their origins in the 12th century to the present day Saturday 16th January 2016 - 7.30pm at Freemen’s Holt Find out how we lived with our Norman conquerors, how the Battle of Bosworth changed our lives, how we coped with the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution, and finally what happened when the freemen lost the right to govern. After the talk there will be an opportunity for Gild members to raise any questions relating to the history of the freemen. As this event is likely to be oversubscribed – the event is limited to Members, who may take one guest, and Associates only. Please complete the booking form included in this issue.
Long-alley Skittles Night Friday 19 February 2016, arriving at 7.00pm The Wheatsheaf Inn Leicester Road Thurcaston LE7 7JN th
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 complete the booking form included in this issue.
SHORT OF IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS? WHY NOT HAVE A LOOK AT THE GILD PRODUCTS LIST. 12
Contributions to the Gildhall News ***************************** History of Freemen – Part 16, the end of an era According to the Charter of 1599, ‘no merchant or any man who is not a freeman of the borough may use any trade or buy and sell other than in gross, except only in fair time, unless he has obtained the licence of the mayor, bailiffs and burgesses’. So it can be seen that the freedom was an economic privilege and a necessity to trade, although the nature of the freedom was changing. Freedom was obtained as it had been for centuries. That is to say by birth, servitude or purchase, however between 1689 and 1835 it became increasingly common for the corporation to grant freedom for political purposes. The corporation went to great lengths to compel all traders not otherwise qualified to take up their freedom by purchase. Freedom was granted on payment of a fine which in 1623 was set at £20, rising to £30 in 1805; a considerable sum of money in the 17th and 18th centuries. There were benefits for the trader in that they could legally trade in Leicester and enjoy the benefits if Gild membership such as support of the Gild in times of hardship. But adversely it included the liability to civic service. Freemen were obliged to partake in the corporation’s activities if called upon to do so and for this reason many non-free traders refused to take up the freedom. In 1705 a plan was tried in which cut price payments of £10 were introduced to encourage more traders to take up their freedom but the plan was abandoned due to a lack of response. The main offenders in this lack of enthusiasm for the freedom were the framework knitters and the woolcombers and threats of prosecution had little effect. A campaign against non-free tradesmen was eventually settled in 1733 with the result that Saturdays and fair days were open to all traders but week-days trade could only be carried out by freemen. As a consequence there was a considerable movement by non-freemen to take their freedom. Yet still was there resistance to become a freeman. A non-free watchmaker by the name of George Green had refused to bow to the corporation and in 1749 the case was settled by a defeat for the corporation. Green’s counsel argued that for years two women who were not free, nor were widows or daughters of freemen, had been allowed to carry on a business as milliners without interference from the corporation. More and more were the freedom regulations being evaded. The freemen’s monopoly on trade was collapsing and all that was left of the hold on trade was that of the beer sellers, and that was only because they needed a licence from the magistrates. In 1835 all trading privileges were removed and the freedom ceased to have any economic significance. From medieval days livestock markets and fairs held in Leicester were nothing more than of local importance but by the second part of the 17th century Leicester began to 13
make a name for itself in the trade of livestock. The pasture farming around Leicester proved ideal for breeding sheep and horses and a local farmer, Robert Bakewell, experimented with breeding sheep to produce a larger animal with very high quality wool. Local horses were also well regarded though out the country for their size and strength and were well suited for coach horses and dray horses. The Corporation tried to have the Saturday market enlarged to include a horse market by a Royal Charter but failed. They did succeed in obtaining a charter to hold an annual fair at springtime for the sale of all beasts and other merchandise outside the south wall of the town. This was later extended to include a horse fair at Midsummer, the site of which is commemorated by the naming of Horsefair Street today. A Wednesday cattle market was instituted in 1763 and held by the East Gate (near the present day Clock Tower) but was found to be inconveniently located so was moved to an area which today would have been between Horsefair Street and Bishop Street. The reputation of Leicester livestock was at its height and even the Smithfield Market at its best was considered inferior to Leicester’s market. The economy in Leicester was developing well but unfortunately the politics in the borough had stagnated. Freemen of Leicester had regained the right to vote in parliamentary elections in 1689 but not since 1489 had they any say in the election of burgesses on the Corporation, a matter brought before the House of Commons in 1661. Voting rights were regained by the Freemen but this was rescinded in 1684 as part of a general policy by Central Government. Not until the Municipal Corporation Act in 1835 did Freemen regain a vote in local elections, which ironically was for a new democratically elected Corporation consisting of members who were not freemen. All the public lands and public finances of the borough were regarded by the Corporation to be their own personal property to do with as they saw fit. In all fairness to the members of the Corporation they had mainly acted in the interests of the borough and its citizens, but this began to change after the Civil War. This change in attitude manifested itself mainly in the use of the South Fields, long held as common land in which freemen enjoyed special rights. As was mentioned in the previous issue the Corporation twice attempted to have an Enclosure Act passed transferring the land as freehold in favour of the Corporation. Both attempts; in 1708 and 1752; failed. After protracted negotiations between the Freemen and the Corporation a satisfactory settlement was reached that formed the basis of the Enclosure Act of 1804 that passed over to the Corporation 452 acres of the South Fields and 125 acres to the Freemen. The Freemen yielded all their grazing rights on the 452 acres and in return took possession of the 125 acres as freehold property in the name of the freemen. Twenty four deputies were elected from the Freemen to administer the estate, a fixed number from each parish of Leicester dependent on the size of the parish. Although the contents of the Act were agreed in principle the whole operation was not completed until 1811. The acquisition of the 452 acres by the Corporation paved the way for the expansion of Leicester beyond its limits that had remained the same since Roman times, 14
whereas the 125 acres largely remained with the freemen as the Freemen’s Common until 1965 In the early 19th century the country was awash with reformists, those who would push for civil and religious liberty through political reform, and on the 7th June 1832 the Reform Bill became law. The effect in Leicester was that all householders who paid an annual rent of £10 or more were given the right to vote for their member of parliament, which in itself did not alter voting numbers a great deal, but the act also removed the right of the corporation to enrol outsiders as freemen and vote in support of the corporation’s chosen parliamentary candidate. This change favoured the Liberal majority in the population of Leicester and in the election of 1832 two Liberal candidates were successful in their bid for parliament, the first time in nearly 50 years the corporation’s candidates were beaten. Following on from the successful parliamentary reform was a bid to reform municipal boroughs and a commission was set up in 1833 to review the establish corporation in England, of which Leicester was one of over 280 throughout the country. In September 1833 the commissioners arrived in Leicester to begin their inquiry in the Castle. There was open war between the commissioners and the corporation and the Town Clerk, Thomas Burbidge, refused to surrender the Hall Books for the previous 20 years. The inquiry continued with animosity on both sides but was eventually published along with the other inquiries in England in March 1835. A Bill was proposed in parliament creating 183 boroughs which would have elected councils, the councilors being elected for three years, one third retiring annually. Pecuniary freemen’s rights were preserved but trading privileges were abolished. The principal points of The Municipal Corporations Act 1835 were: •
All closed corporations were abolished
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Borough councils were to be elected by all male ratepayers who had lived in the town for three years
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Councillors were elected for three years at a time and one-third of the council was to be elected annually
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Councillors would choose the mayor, who would hold office for one year
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Councillors would choose a group of Aldermen who would hold office for six years
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Each borough was to have a paid town clerk and treasurer. Accounts were to be properly audited Councils were required to form a police force
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728 years of freemen’s history had changed virtually overnight, but life went on for freemen as will be revealed in the next Gildhall News. John Tolton 15
Diary of Walter Henry Scott, his war in Malta & Salonika Entitled Continental Holiday Diary Pte (Private) Scott 199 (T -?) R.A.M.C. St Pauls Military Hospital Malta Saturday August 21st 1915 We depart from Dyke Road Hospital, Brighton at 10:45 the “Home Production band” & our own bugle band & corps accompanied us to the station, amidst plenty of cheering. Cigarettes, papers, etc were given to us freely, the band on the station played “Keep the home fires burning” “We’re the men from Sussex” & “Auld Lang Syne”; it was a right royal send off. From Southampton Station we marched up to the Rest Camp, on arriving we were made wood fires, fried bacon on a biscuit tin lid & drank milky tea. The Rest camp is nothing but long parades from 1 to 2 hours. The weather is very hot & a good many cannot stand for that length of time, there are about two thousand of us here. We have had a very awful kit served out, including drill clothing & helmet.
Brighton Hove & Sussex VI Form College on Dyke Road: converted into a 520 bed Military hospital to receive troops in February 1915
Friday 27th August 1915 Proceed to docks amidst plenty of noise to embark, but have to return again as boat has not yet arrived. We are confined to the camp. 16
Saturday August 28th 1915 Reveille sounds at 4.30am, march to docks board small paddle steamer “St. Tudno” which conveys us to the Hospital Ship “Karapara” lying off Portsmouth. It is a fine vessel, its maiden voyage, there are only 300 of us on board & we almost seem lost on it. We set sail at 6:15pm, pass the Needles, Isle of Wight at 8 o’clock, when we drop our pilot (boat). Numerous searchlights were thrown on to us, we turn into bed shortly afterwards. How glorious to have a comfortable bed, after the one blanket & boards at Southampton.
Paddle steamer “St. Tudno
Granddad’s original of “Karapara”
Sunday 29th August 1915 Weather calm, at 10 o’clock am we had a service on the hurricane deck, very impressive. We had “for those in peril on the sea” etc. We entered the Bay of Biscay at 10 o’clock not very rough, but the vessel rolls a great deal. Monday 30th August 1915 We are still in the “Bay”, the engines have gone wrong, the ship is at a standstill & she does rock... Land in sight, the sun is getting stronger, have passed whale close to the vessel. 10:30 pm passing “Cape Finisterre”, the coast of Spain was sighted during the afternoon. Tuesday 31 August 1915 7 o’clock am sailing close on to coast of Portugal, had quite a good view of gulf St Vincent, we expect to arrive at Gibraltar about 7 o’clock pm. The sun is hot here, have posted letters home. Wednesday 1st September 1915 5:15am arrive at Gibraltar, The Rock is very imposing, it is covered with guns. The Spanish coast can be seen plainly on the far side, whilst Africa can be seen in the distance. We stayed in Gibraltar Harbour for 1 and a half hours & are now sailing along the coast of Morocco & Tangiers 17
Thursday 2nd September 1915 No land in sight, the ship stopped again in mid ocean over engine trouble again, there is a very heavy sea going & everybody looks seedy. An officer gives a lecture on “how to keep fit in the tropics”, he sits on a box, the ship gives an extra lurch & over he goes, box as well. The night is close & the lightening is great. Friday 3rd September 1915 Ran close into coast, night is our last night afloat. We hold a concert on top deck, the impromptu band was very good, quite an affable evening. Saturday 4th September 1915 11:30 am, Arrive in Malta Harbour & are soon surrounded by small boats, selling fruit, lace, etc & native lads dive for pennies. At 12 o’clock the midday gun went off close by the ship & echoed 8 or nine times. At 5:30pm are disembarked & marched to Floriana Barracks, where we were out with blankets & conducted to an underground place, a mobilisation store. Full of spiders, dust on the floor about 1 inch thick & no light, there we slept for a week on the dusty concrete floor. It was an unwelcome change to the comfortable beds on the ship.
“This is the underground store in Floriana mentioned on 4 Sept 1915. I have been trying for a long time to find out how the RAMC badge ended there and your diary has finally given me the vital clue. This is probably the oldest RAMC badge in Malta. Many thanks for the diary it is proving quite useful”. - Walter Bonnici, Malta RAMC website,who also provided these two photos above. 18
Sunday 5th September 1915 Walk into the town of Valletta, the buildings are very eastern & are built of a soft sand coloured stone, everywhere is perched up. The roads are with dust & are very trying to the eyes; black glasses have to be worn by a great number of people. Goats are to be seen everywhere, they give milk in place of cows & driven from door to door & milked on the door step. The natives have a darker skin to our own, very few wear anything on their feet & the usual dress for a man seems to be trousers, braces & shirt, nothing more. The women all wear a black hood over their heads called a faldetta, (see photo to the right). The food we have had in 24 hours is quarter loaf bread & jam & that we almost had to fight for. Monday 6th September 1915 Walk into Valletta amongst poorer parts, the people seem very poor, but comparatively clean. There seems no drunkenness. Have good view of harbour from Upper Barrakka (gardens). Splendid sight, we are unknowingly standing above the solitary gun, as it fires for sunset & great numbers of French & British battleships are in harbour, also submarines. Tuesday 7th September 1915 Have notice with 11 others to stand by to be drafted on Hospital Ship, am confined to the barracks. Hospital ship cancelled tonight. Wednesday 8th September 1915 Detailed to assist in ward, help to do surgical dressings in the afternoon assist 19
to load hospital ship. “Italia” quite a new experience, patients are hoisted up in slings, the small lighter (lighters were small ships that ferried casualties from shore to hospital ships) with ourselves & patients on, was sandwiched between tug & ship, some of the woodwork gave way. In the evening go for stroll out of the town. Fig trees, palms & cactus were everywhere; I think nothing else would grow here. We take a small cab home called a “Karozzin” (Maltese for horse drawn cab, see photo to the left) four of us rode 3 miles for 3d each, not very dear that! Thursday 9th September 1915 Have orders to move to St Pauls Hospital for duty. Leave barracks at 6 o’clock pm march about 5 miles with full kit. It is terribly hot although it is night time; we were lost twice & had to about turn. Sleeping in wooden huts & have a decent bed to lay on.
St Pauls Hospital, original taken by my Grandfather
Thats all for now, to be continued in the next issue of the Gildhall News 20
Anagrams PRESBYTERIAN: When you rearrange the letters: BEST IN PRAYER ASTRONOMER: MOON STARER DESPERATION: A ROPE ENDS IT THE EYES: THEY SEE THE MORSE CODE: HERE COME DOTS DORMITORY: DIRTY ROOM SLOT MACHINES: CASH LOST IN ME ELECTION RESULTS: LIES - LET’S RECOUNT SNOOZE ALARMS: ALAS! NO MORE Z ‘S A DECIMAL POINT: I’M A DOT IN PLACE THE EARTHQUAKES: THAT QUEER SHAKE ELEVEN PLUS TWO: TWELVE PLUS ONE MOTHER-IN-LAW: WOMAN HITLER
The lost wife Two guys, one old, one young, are pushing their carts around Asda when they collide. The old guy says to the young guy, “Sorry about that. I ‘m looking for my wife, and I guess I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” The young guy says, “That’s OK, it’s a coincidence. I’m looking for my wife, too... I can’t find her and I’m getting a little desperate.” The old guy says,”Well, maybe I can help you find her... what does she look like?” The young guy says, “Well, she is 27 yrs. old, tall, with red hair, blue eyes, is buxom, long legs, and is wearing short shorts. What does your wife look like?’ To which the old guy says, “Doesn’t matter, — let’s look for yours.”
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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 th Friday 15 January 2016 For your News and Views write to : Brian Mudford 11 Huntsman Close Markfield Leicestershire LE67 9XE Telephone 01530 245414 e-mail: brianmudford@tiscali.co.uk
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Brian Mudford, Chairman of the Board of Deputies presenting the Lord Mayor, Councillor Ted Cassidy with a cheque from the Board for his charity
Photograph taken on 12th October 2015, after Making Free ceremony of Susan Crate who is standing to the left of the Lord Mayor, Cllr. Ted Cassidy 23
Sixteen new Freemen after the Making Free ceremony on 14th October 2015 at the Leicester Town Hall. With them, sitting on the front row are from left to right are the Rev’d Canon Alison Adams, the Lord Mayor’s Chaplain, Sue Cave a member of the Board of Deputies, Lynn Roffee, Master of the Gild of Freemen, Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Ted Cassidy, Brian Mudford, Chairman of the Board of Deputies and Peter Staines, a member of the Gild of Freemen.
BOOKING FORM - FREE EVENT The Gild was reformed on 13th January 1976 and to celebrate the Gild’s 40th year the Gild’s Archivist, John Tolton, as well as being one of the founding members, will be giving at talk on:
The History of the Freemen of Leicester To be held at The Holt, Old Church Street, Aylestone A light supper will be provided Saturday 16th January 2016 starting at 7.30pm As this event is likely to be oversubscribed – the event is limited to Members, who may take one guest, and Associates. (If you have booked a place and subsequently find that you and/or your guest are unable to attend, please inform Lynn Roffee ASAP, so that the place be may offered to someone on the waiting list. Thank you!) My name is (CAPITAL LETTERS).………….................…...........……………………. My address is (CAPITAL LETTERS)………..................………………………........…. ………………………………………………………...................................………………….... ..................................................................................................................... Postcode……………...………….Telephone……………….........................……………. e-mail address............................................................................................. My guest is:................................................................................................. Please post to: Lynn Roffee, 39 Thorpe Field Drive, Thurmaston, Leicester LE4 8GU Any queries, please telephone Lynn on 0116 269 6381
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 Applications will be dealt with strictly on a first-come, first served basis.
GILD OF FREEMEN OF THE CITY OF LEICESTER APPLICATION FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP
Full Name______________________________________________ (BLOCK LETTERS)
Address_____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________
Post Code ________________Tel No. _______________________ e-mail address__________________________________________ I am a duly sworn Freeman of the City of Leicester and apply to be enrolled as a Member of the Gild of Freemen, for which I enclose the sum of £10.00 (Enrolment fee of £1.00 plus the first annual subscription of £9.00).
Signature
Date APPLICATION FOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
Full Name______________________________________________ (BLOCK LETTERS)
Address ___________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Post Code __________________Tel No. ____________________ e-mail address__________________________________________ I certify that I am the SPOUSE / WIDOW / WIDOWER / SON / DAUGHTER / GRANDCHILD aged 18 years or over (please delete where necessary) of Mr. / Mrs./ Ms. _____________________________________(Freeman of Leicester) Or I am a full member of the Guild of Freemen of_________________(City or Town) I apply to be enrolled as an Associate Member of the Gild, for which I enclose the sum of £7.00 (Enrolment Fee of £1.00 plus the first Annual Subscription of £6.00) Signature___________________________________________Date_____________ Please make cheques payable to ‘Gild of Leicester Freemen’ and send with this application to: Andy Marriott, 10 Goldhill, Leicester LE2 6TQ. Tel: 0116 2442776
THE GILD OF FREEMEN OF THE CITY OF LEICESTER GILD PRODUCTS ORDER FORM 1. Tie
- navy
………at £10.00 each
= £………….
- maroon
………at £10.00 each
= £………….
- green
………at £10.00 each
= £………….
- two ties (state colours) ...……at £19.00 two
= £………….
- three ties
…...…at £27.50 three
= £………….
2. Gild scarf
...........at £15.00 each
= £................
3. Key-ring
………at £5.00 each
= £………….
4. Lapel badge
………at £2.50 each
= £………….
5. Cufflinks
..........at £16.00 each
= £………….
………at £3.00 each
= £………….
…...…at £55.00 each
= £………….
.....….at £20.00 each
= £………….
8. Blazer badge
.........at £13.50 each
=£..............
9. Wall plaque, wooden
…..…at £24.00 each
= £………….
6. Gild pens
- new design
7. Arm badge - framed - unframed
10. Gown, made to measure, incl. delivery.....price on request
= £………….
(Chest ..........ins, height..........ft...........ins). 11. Register of Freemen- 1931-85
………at £4.00 each
= £………….
- 1986-96
………at £3.00 each
= £………….
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