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Number 67 May 2014

De Montfort Hall,Leicester

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Gild Banquet Weekend

14th / 15th June 2014This is to give you notice of the Gild’s Banquet Weekend inJune, we would very much appreciate your support.

The Banquet will be held onSaturday 14th June (7.00pm) inthe Holmes Suite atDevonshire Place, 78 LondonRoad, Leicester, LE2 0RA thecity’s renowned banquetingestablishment, located half amile from the city centre nearthe railway station and close to

several hotels. There is a carpark at the rear of the buildingin Prebend Street.

Following a bucks fizz/wine pre-dinner reception, an appetisingfour-course menu, plus coffee and chocolates, has beenselected, with vegetarian alternatives. Tickets cost £40 perhead, please use enclosed booking form. A wine table offeringreasonably priced wines will, of course, be available for dinner.

The Freemen’s Service will beheld on the following day,Sunday 15th June (10.30am), atLeicester Cathedral.

The banquet is open to allmembers, their friends andrelations. A booking form canbe found in the centre pages.

If you require any furtherinformation or require details of hotels please contact MickAyres on 0116 2242353

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Patron: Colonel Robert Martin OBE DLPresident: The Lord Mayor of Leicester

OFFICERS 2014 - 2015Master: L.A. Roffee

Deputy Master: M.E. AyresClerk: M.B. Hill

Chamberlain: A. Marriott

WARDENSN. Cave, A. Chettle, L. Kirk,J.D. Lewitt, B.W. Mudford.

Number 67 May 2014

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GILDHALL NEWSMay 2014

ContentsEditor’s comments 5Report by Lynn Roffee, Master of the Gild 5Report by Brian Mudford, Chairman of the Board of Deputies 6Chamberlain’s report by Maurice Hill 7Gild Accounts to 31st March 2014 21Report on the FEW by Michael Ayres 7Report on this year’s Common Hall 8SureStop water stop valves 9Will writing and lasting Power of Attorney 9

Future programme - dates for your diary

Sunday 1st June, Visit to Cutty Sark and Camden Lock Market 10Saturday 14th June, Annual Gild Banquet at Devonshire Place. 11Sunday 15th June, Annual Freemen’s Service at the Leicester CathedralSunday 29th June, Freemen’s Garden Party at the Holt 14Tues 5th August & Sat 9th August Leicester’s Freemen during WW1 12September? Visit to the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust in Derby 14Friday 19th December, Puss in Boots at the Little Theatre 15

Contributions to the Gildhall NewsThe History of the Freemen of Leicester - part 10 by John Tolton 15Mrs. Lilian Wignall – a Freeman of the City of Leicester, old and new. 18A poem - Richard III by Jim Manship 20

Have you changed your address? 22

Forms included with the NewsletterBooking form for visit to Cutty Sark and Camden Lock MarketBooking form for Annual Gild Banquet at Devonshire Place.Booking form for visit to Puss in Boots pantomime at the Little TheatreApplication for Membership & Associate Membership of the GildGild products order form

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Editor’s CommentsI thought a visit to the Cutty Sark at Greenwich and CamdenMarket would be of interest to many of you, but very few havebooked to date. Don’t let this be another trip that the Gildhave to cancel. Have a look at the details on page 10, agreethat it will be a good day out for the family and send yourbooking form to Maurice Hill.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 abook, 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 anattachment to an e-mail if possible, but pen and ink is acceptable.

Brian Mudford

Report by Lynn Roffee, Master of the GildI feel very honoured and very privileged to have been electedMaster of the Gild of Freemen of the City of Leicester atCommon Hall on 16th April 2014, and also to be the firstfemale Master. I think it can be seen that the Gild doesactively embrace change.It goes without saying how important, and I’m sure I speakfor all Court Officers and Wardens, it is to maintain tradition,but also to move with the times and look to the future toensure that the Gild goes from strength to strengthNow that daughters are eligible to take their freedom, we

have only seen a couple take up the opportunity to get involved with the Gild. Westill seek ‘younger’ freemen to become involved and I am delighted to welcomeNick Cave to the Gild Court, who I am pleased to say falls into this category.As with any such club, society or organisation, support is always a necessary andwe need our members support whether it is organising events or trips, volunteeringto help with setting up and running an event or just supporting those events.Please help us by putting forward yours ideas and suggestions – your input isboth welcomed and valued.We are keen to get all Gild Members involved in both the organising and therunning of activities of the Gild. To sum up, anyone who is eligible to take up theirfreedom is most welcome to join the Gild. It would be even better if we couldentice more of the new Freemen to join the Gild and to get involved in whatevercapacity they can. I look forward to meeting you and your family at the variousevents planned during the next year.

Lynn Roffee

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Report by Chairman of the Board - Brian MudfordIt is a great honour to be elected Chairman of the Boardof Deputies at the AGM in March. I look forward to aninteresting and challenging term of office.

I would like to thank my predecessor, Mr. Bill Hargrave,the committee chairmen and my fellow Deputies for theirhard work during the past year.

Following a prolonged recruitment drive, the Board nowcomprises of 18 Deputies. The diverse skills andexperience of the Board is a valuable resource in

maintaining and developing the services provided for the Freemen of Leicester. Ifyou are a Freeman of Leicester and have a few hours a month to spare, andwould be interested in joining the Board please emailoffice@leicesterfreemen.com or phone Lynda on Leicester 0116 283 4017.

The increased number of deputies on the Board has allowed us to review theway we are organised. We are now trying out a new committee and meetingstructure. This involved the creation of a new Planning committee which it ishoped will provide capacity to succeed in our ambitions for the charity.

Bungalow 27 has been extended and the residents have moved in. Planningpermission for the front extension at bungalow 28 has been obtained, and therefurbishment of Bungalow 25 will start shortly.

The annual inspection of the estate by the Deputies took place on Saturday 5th

April. This was used to prepare a project plan for improvements and any remedialwork required.

Freemen’s Holt is looking in good order, the grass, shrubs and flowerbeds arebeing well cared for. Four fragrant standard yellow roses were purchased inmemory of Roger Allen. These have been planted in the shrub beds either side ofthe steps outside the community centre.

A good time to visit the Holt will be at the garden party which is planned forSunday 29th June. This will be a good day out for all the family, with many attractionsfor all ages. A steering committee under the guidance of Maurice Hill is workingextremely hard on the programme for your enjoyment. The only thing necessaryto ensure a success again this year is that you support this event. See the flyerfor more details and don’t forget to apply for your tickets.

At the making free ceremony held on 30th January , seven people were madefree, including 106 year old Lilian Wignall, family name Harding.Lisa Joanne Davies, family name MeasuresChristine Ann Johnson, family name MeasuresJoseph Andrew Smith, family name Measures

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Michelle Louise Smith, family name MeasuresOliver Charles Smith, family name MeasuresKeith Raymond Wignall, family name HardingSee photograph on the outside of the back cover.

Brian Mudford

Chamberlain’s Report by Maurice HillThe accounts have now been audited and a copy of the Auditor’s report is containedin page 21 of this issue of the Gildhall News.

The report shows the result of the exercise to claim back membership arrearsboosting the membership income by some £957 when compared with 2013.

If we analyse the result of the audit and compare it with 2013 we find that 2014shows cash at bank plus petty cash plus prepayments giving a total of £5137,whereas 2013 shows cash at bank plus cheques waiting payment into bank pluspetty cash plus prepayments giving a total of £6367.

2014 is down by £1230 compared with 2013.

The prime reason for this downturn is the increase in the Gild Stock because wehad to purchase new Christmas cards plus we bought a supply of ladies scarves,and we also had a considerable decrease in the amount of cash received inadvance

Finally I can report that I have completed the new card index system and it is nowin use.

Maurice Hill

Report on the FEW (Freemen of England and Wales)by Michael AyresMembers of the FEW Executive Committee held their first meeting of 2014 atFreemen’s Holt on Saturday 11th January. The meeting commenced at 10:30 am,after a break for lunch the meeting closed at 4:00 pm.

For the next meeting of the FEW, the Court Meeting was held on Saturday 15th

March at Freemen’s Holt. Saturday morning began at 10:00 am with an Executivecommittee meeting, followed by the Wardens meeting at 12:00 noon. After Lunchthe Court meeting commenced at 2:30 pm (This meeting was open to all membersof the Leicester Gild). Ten members of the Leicester Gild were present at themeeting; Members of other Guilds present, Berwick on Tweed, Pembroke, York,Shrewsbury, Alcester, Coventry, Northampton and Grimsby.

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The meeting commenced with an opening address by the President of theFEW Gordon Varndell, who thanked the Leicester Gild for hosting the meeting.

Following reports from the Secretary and the approval of the accounts, theWardens for the FEW then gave their reports. This is always the interestingpart of the meeting, when you hear the reports from Guilds around the Countryon the activities and outing which they hold. The meeting closed at 4:00 pm.

A full report of this meeting will be published in the June FEW Journal 178.

The Freemen of England and Wales 2014 AGM weekend will be hosted by theStafford Freemen on Friday 19th to Sunday 21st September, further informationand costs of the AGM are available by contacting Mick Ayres on 0116 2242353.

Michael Ayres

Common Hall – 16th April 2014This year’s Common Hall was held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall onWednesday 16th April to elect three court members and to elect officers of theCourt and to discuss proposed amendments to the rules as identified in the Noticeof Common Hall.Gild members were welcomed to the Council Chamber by the Lord Mayor,Councillor Mustafa Kamal who retired from the meeting before the business ofthe evening took place. Deputy Master Mick Ayres chaired the meeting whogave the Gild’s annual report in lieu of the Master, Tony Chettle who was unableto attend.The three retiring members from the Court were Lynn Roffee, Brian Mudford andJohn Tolton (the latter did not seek re-election). Three other gild members(Nicholas Cave, Keith Harding and Peter Staines) sought election onto the Courtcreating the need for a ballot. The successful candidates were Lynn Roffee,Brian Mudford and Nicholas Cave who will each serve on the court for a threeyear period.Lynn Roffee was elected Master of the Gild, Michael Ayres Deputy Master andAndy Marriott the Chamberlain. Maurice Hill agreed to accept the post of Clerkfor a short time until the next Court Meeting in July, after which time he would notcontinue in that office.Some discussion took place about the proposed rule changes, some of whichwere cosmetic changes and were approved, as was the proposal to invite nonfreemen to become honorary members of the Gild for providing exceptional serviceto the Freemen of Leicester and Bob Gregory was successfully elected asHonorary Member for life. Proposals in respect of awards for freemen whoprovided exceptional service were defeated.After the business of the evening was concluded the members retired to the tearooms for refreshments.

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SureStop water stop valvesThis report first appeared in the Gildhall News this time last year. Severalpeople have requested the details again, and for the information of the newfreemen it has been decided to repeat the report.

Water leaks and burst pipes can cause serious damage and are one of themain causes of domestic floor disasters in the UK. The amount of damage awater leak can cause can be significantly reduced if the water supply can beturned off quickly. This is often not possible because stop taps are usuallylocated in out of the way places e.g. under the sink. It can prove to be quite astruggle to turn the stop tap off especially if you are elderly or disabled, also ifthe stop tap as not been used for some time it can become affected by scaleand partially seize up. From personal experience, and being 80+, it’s one thingto turn off the stop tap and entirely another trying to get up off of the floorafterwards!

A SureStop valve enables the water supply to be turned off at the flick of aswitch and overcomes all the problems associated with using a conventionalstop tap. The switch itself can be fitted in a handy position, on a wall, or insidea cupboard for example.

The Board of Deputies have managed to negotiate a very competitive pricewith GAP Property Services for the supply and fitting of a SureStop valve at acost to you of only £108.

To have one fitted, and we would strongly recommend that you do, contactGAP Property Services, who carry out most of the Maintenance work at theHolt, direct, and they will make all arrangements.

GAP Property Services Leicester Ltd. Unit 9 Woodgate Business Centre 74 Bradgate Street Leicester LE4 OAW Tel. No. 0116 2425796

Maurice Hill

Will Writing and Lasting Power of Attorney (LPAs)The Welfare Committee of the Board of Deputies are currently working with AGEUK to establish both low cost Will Writing and if possible low cost LPAs. WillWriting has now been agreed and full details will be included in the next issue ofthe Gildhall News a simple joint Will could cost as little as £85 compared with theusual £400 for the same service.

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A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to statewho you would like to make certain decision on your behalf if at some futuredate you reach the point where you are no longer capable or want to yourself.

There are two different types of LPA: property and affairs LPA and health andwelfare LPA. Each type covers different decisions. You can choose to make eitherboth types or just one.

To provide more information on the subject of LPAs we propose to arrange apresentation on the subject at the Holt with a guest speaker.

We would suggest that you give the question of “Do I need an LPA?” some seriousthought and come along to learn more.

Please send me your details and if sufficient people are interested we will goahead and arrange the presentation.

Maurice Hill

Programme of Future EventsVisit to Cutty Sark at Greenwich and Camden Lock

Sunday 1st June 2014, coach departs the Holt 8.30 amCost £28.00 Gild members, £30. 00 non Gild members and

£25 children (under 16)All prices includes the £9.50 admission charge

After a disastrous fire and at a cost of £50million the Cutty Sark was reopenedto visitors in April 2012 thus beginning a new chapter in the extraordinary life ofthe last surviving tea clipper, the fastest and greatest of her line. She is a livingtestimony to the bygone, glorious days of sail and, most importantly, amonument to those that lost their lives in the merchant service.

Venture aboard and beneath one of the world’s most famous ships. Walk alongthe decks in the footsteps of the merchant seamen who sailed her well over ahundred years ago. Explore the hold where precious cargo was stored onthose epic voyages then marvel as you balance a 963 tonne national treasureon just one hand.

Enjoy the unique experience of sitting directly underneath the ship in the EvenKeel café sampling the range of homemade cakes or try hot soup andsandwiches, get the kids involved and sign them up for the special ship’sapprentice lunch! We then move on to Camden Lock which is on the routehome

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Camden Lock Market is the original arts and crafts market in Camden, havingstarted on the site of the old timber yard some 40 odd years ago.

Featuring some of London’s finest designer/makers, it has become the creativeheart of London, with amazing, one of a kind shops and stalls. It prides itself onthe quality of the products and services on offer.

Please Book as soon as possible, using the booking form included in thisissue.

The Gild Annual BanquetSaturday 14th June 2014

Devonshire Place, London Road, LeicesterI would like to remind members that this year will be the fifth year that the Gildhave held their Annual Banquet at Devonshire Place and all freemen, not justGild members, are invited with their family and friends. It is an ideal way fornew freemen (and that includes lady freemen) to find out what we are all aboutand what makes us tick. Everyone is welcome and those who work hard toorganize the evening really appreciate the presence of new members.

The event has been a great success in previous years; attended by freemennot 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 inthe past, so much so that some of the visiting freemen from other Guildsconsider our banquet to be the highlight of the year. Tickets this year will bepriced at £40.00 per head.

Devonshire place is an excellent venue providing top class food accompaniedby top class service and, of course, the company is also top class. TheBanqueting Hall is set out with round tables which make for easy conversationwith 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 andwherever we go we are made welcome, and we like to reciprocate. Freemenfrom whichever town or city they hail from are friendly, and I like to think thatwe are as well.

The following morning, Sunday 15th June, the Freemen’s Annual ChurchService will be held in St Martin’s Cathedral at 10:30 am and all freemen andtheir families are invited to attend regardless of whether or not they attendedthe banquet.

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

continued on page 14

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2014 Garden PartyThis year the garden party at the Holt will be held on Sunday29th June please make a note in your diary.

Volunteers Wanted!!We are urgently seeking volunteers to help with the setting up and taking downof this year’s Garden Party.

Can you lend a hand for a few hours during the evenings of week commencingMonday 23rd June, or on Saturday 28th June or evenings Week commencing30th June?. All we need to know is when you could help, your name andtelephone number, in order that we can call upon you as required.Just a coupleof hours sometime in the above periods will be an enormous help to us.Please do come and help us get the show on the road

Please send requested details to me at:-33, Mossdale Road, Kingsway, Leicester LE3 2UT

Email mozjune@talktalk.net

Maurice HillGarden Party Committee

Visit to the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust in Derby

Consideration is being given to arranging a visit to Rolls-Royce Derby, possiblyin September 2014. You will see the largest collection of aero engines in thecountry, ranging from World War 1 era piston engines, the famous Merlin, rightup to modern day jet engines. The collection also includes examples acrossRolls-Royce’s product range including marine and industrial applications. Thereare a small number of vintage cars, some of which hark back to the early daysof Rolls-Royce and the start of the motor car era. There are also examples ofengines and motor cars from distinguished names such as Armstrong Siddeleyand Napier, whose companies became part of the Rolls-Royce group in theirlatter years.

The Exhibitions are available to view between 09.15 and 12.30 hours Mondaymornings and Friday mornings, and between 09.15 and 16.00 hoursWednesdays.

A Guide will take you round the Exhibitions. There is no charge to visit and theycan accommodate a group up to 30 persons. Sensible shoes should be wornwhilst visiting the exhibitions (no high heels or open toe shoes). It is possible

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for visitors to take photographs (for their own personal use) within theexhibition areas.

We need to know how many people would be interested in this visit, before weproceed any further. We would consider hiring a coach from Freemen’s Holt ifthere were sufficient interest.

Please contact Andrew Marriott as soon as possible on 0116 2442776 ,07505132582 or e-mail andymarriott@live.co.uk if you are interested.

Visit to the Little Theatre , Dover Street, Leicesterto see Puss in Boots on 19th December 2014

starting at 7 pm.A purrrrrrfect Christmas treat for all the family!

Please book early for this traditional family pantomime - freemen, family and friends.Tickets cost £14 for adults and £12 for children (under 16). Tickets will be allocatedon a first-come, first served basis.

Please complete the application form in CAPITAL LETTERS and make sure youraddress is clear. We don’t want to send your tickets to the wrong address.

Contributions to the Gildhall News*****************************

History of Freemen – Part 10,the Tudor Period Elizabethan Charters

During the reign of Elizabeth I it became more and more apparent thatthe Charter of 1489 granted by Henry VII did not comply with the currentlegal view of local government of Elizabethan lawyers and that moves torectify this situation were necessary. Much of the land in and aroundLeicester was owned by the Crown or the Duchy of Lancaster andnegotiations had been taking place for certain parcels to be transferred tothe burgesses. Because the company of 24 burgesses and 48comburgesses did not have corporate status it wasn’t clear that landpurchased was for the benefit of the town which led to suggestions ofcorruption in the Mayor’s Court. The burgesses petitioned the Crown fora charter to regularize the situation.

In February of 1589 the burgesses of Leicester wrote an obsequious longwinded letter to Queen Elizabeth stating that the borough was governed

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by a Mayor and company of 24 aldermen and a society of 48 honest andlawful men known as the Company of eight and forty, but their existencemight not be deemed to be valid in law. The petition went on to ask thatthe existing body be recognized and established as a corporate bodyalong with the heirs and successors of those present and be styled foreveras the Mayor and burgesses of the town of Leicester. Yearly the Mayorshall be elected from the society of twenty four for a period of one year onthe day of the Feast of St Matthew the Apostle and that the first Mayor tobe elected shall be William Ludlam. They also requested that they shouldbe able in law to acquire, receive, hold and possess lands and tenementsto themselves and the successors, and to be able to sell, grant, or assignthe said lands.

Perhaps the most far reaching inclusion in the petition was the requestthat all issues, profits, commodities, emoluments and hereditaments shouldbe lawfully held and enjoyed by the Mayor and burgesses of Leicester.Income from much of the lands and properties in Leicester benefitted theCrown and not the borough. The properties listed in the petition includesome names that may be familiar; the Horse Fayre, a tenement inSanveygate, the Saturday Shambles and the Saint Nicholas Shambles.‘Shambles’ is an obsolete mediaeval term for an open-air slaughterhouseand meat market and at that time there were little or no sanitary facilities.All the guts, offal and blood were discarded in a disorganized mess werethe butchering was carried out and by extension any scene of totaldisorganization today is referred to as a shambles.

At a Common Hall held in April 1589 confirmation of the new charter wasrecorded and that the new books of Incorporation and other records shouldbe kept in a box provided with three locks, one key to be held by theMayor, one by the recorder and the third to be held by the chamberlain.

Just ten years later, in 1599, a further petition was sent to the crownshowing concern for the law and order in the Borough of Leicester, or intheir words, “Desiring that the Borough may remain peaceful and quiet, tothe terror of evil-doers and the praise of them that do well, and that ourpeace and other acts of justice may be observed there without furtherhindrance.” In order to perform the function of law and order satisfactorilythe petition requested that the corporate body of the Mayor and Burgessesshould be extended to the Mayor, Bailiffs and Burgesses of the Boroughof Leicester. Furthermore, the Borough of Leicester shall be a free boroughin itself, and that the burgesses and their successors shall be a corporatebody in fact and in name and shall consist of a perpetual community of

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one mayor, two bailiffs and the burgesses of Leicester and shall have aconstant succession.

So the government of Leicester now consisted of one mayor, two bailiffs,24 aldermen (the mayor was deemed to be one of the aldermen), and 48other burgesses called the Common Council. All the burgesses had to beinhabitants within the borough to qualify as part of the corporate body.

The petition actually named the individuals to be appointed to the variousroles and the first mayor to be named was Thomas Clark, and the bailiffsThomas Chettle and James Andrew. All the remaining burgesses andCommon Council were identified with some surnames familiar amongtoday’s freemen: James Ellis, Ralph Chettle, William Yates, Ralph Ortonand Robert Johnson. The whole corporate body named was nominatedfor life during good conduct and only they could nominate replacementsin the event of the death or removal of one of their number. Democracy,even in a limited form, had not arrived yet in Leicester as the freemen hadno say in the appointments.

In addition, the mayor and aldermen shall nominate a man learned in thelaws of England to be appointed who shall be known as the Recorder,along with a second person also learned in the laws of England known asthe Steward. Further appointments included a common clerk andprotonotary, and five sergeants at mace to make proclamations and arrestsand to execute the processes of the law. The burgesses had in theirpetition asked that they can make their own laws, providing that they arenot contrary to the laws of England, and fine or imprison individuals whooffend against the local laws. A court was to be held in the Guildhall everyMonday to listen to pleas of trespass, debt, fraud, etc., or other actions atcommon law. The sitting Mayor, the Recorder and four Aldermen whowere last Mayors shall be Justices of the Peace and execute the statutesof certain laws and keep correct weights and measures. But they maynot proceed without a special mandate in cases of murder or felony orother cases touching life and limb.

No merchant or any man who is not a freeman may use any trade or sellgoods except only in fair time, unless he has obtained a license from theMayor, bailiffs and burgesses.

Around Leicester were situated the suburbs of the Parish of St Margaret,the Bishop’s Fee, the Parishes of St Leonard and of St Mary, and theNewark and the petition asked that they be included under the rule of theCorporation of Leicester.

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The plight of the poor was not forgotten in the petition. It was requestedthat a wool market be held for the purchase and sale of wool, woolenthread and yarn where subjects may buy and sell the same or use it inany way they choose. All tolls, fines, profits, etc., arising out of the marketshall be used for the profit of the poor and the sick men and women withinthe borough.

John Tolton

Mrs. Lilian Wignall – a Freeman of theCity of Leicester, old and new.My mother, Lilian Wignall was made free on 30th

January this year. She is a Harding, whose familyhas been Freemen since the seventeenth century.I understand that she is one of the oldest, or even,possibly, the oldest Freeman in England. Whetherthat is true or not, it is a considerable achievementto arrive at 106 years old, in reasonable health andstill making good decisions!To write about the occasion of her being madefree… “Free at last!”, I think was the quote fromthe Chairman of the Board at the Town Hall… is aparticular pleasure because she has remained very

active to this day and has enjoyed all her years to the full. She has been anexample to us all-showing us the value of being tough and tenacious but atthe same time cheerful and caring. It is strange that now she is more mellowthan she used to be we still fear her anger and feel driven by herstraightforward set of values- but then that’s what parents are for isn’t it?Until quite recently, Lilian still travelled. Not too long ago, she went with herolder sister Nellie to visit her relatives in New Zealand. Again, not too longago, my brother Brian and his wife Joan took her to Crete for a holiday.Because Joan had taken the trouble to learn a bit of Greek they were invitedby a local village to join in their Fiesta. They were sitting watching the villagersdancing in the square when, apparently, Mum got up, linked arms with thenearest villagers and danced happily round the squareWell, Mum has seen many changes in her life. In 1907 Boy Scouts had justhad their first camp at Brownsea Island; King Edward 8th was on the throneand the Wright brothers had just taken their Flyer into the air. Top of thePops was “Come into the Garden Maude”. Life in Leicester was very different- transport was horse drawn, and I remember Grandma Wignall telling methat one year they went on holiday to Mountsorrel on a horse and cart.

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Mum is always very patriotic. I never heard her talk much about the FirstWorld War but I know that she lived every minute of the 2nd World War. TheRoyal Family and Winston Churchill were her heroes and heroines and shetakes a fierce pride in the immense achievements and sacrifices of thosewar years. She is less generous to some of our more recent politicians!Dad and Mum shared a very full life, sailing, travelling abroad, includingsailing on a Missippi Steam Boat and riding a camel in Egypt. She also hadthat very British insistence in Spain that traffic should drive on the left – indoing so, she made a lasting impression on the bonnet of a car which haddifferent views! Mum loved to fly. In particular, she loved and still lovesConcorde. On her 90th birthday, she was given a flight around the countryfrom East Midlands airport down to Bristol and on to Heathrow. On hertelevision she still shows off, proudly, her model of that sadly missedaeroplane.Mum is a proud family person. She has always welcomed her two daughtersin Law, Joan and Ann, into the bosom of the family, and is fiercely proud ofall her grandchildren, Danny, Mark, Andrew, James and Sian – always keento get the latest news of them. In the same way, she has a great fondness forher granddaughters-in-law, Lynne, Debbie and Donna, and the, hopefully,not yet complete list of great grandchildren, Ellen, Jacob, Joel, Harry andJoe.She has always been a Christian. When she moved to Braunstone soonafter Dad died in 1979, she joined the local Baptist Church and has been aloyal member ever since, being involved in various activities, and still attendingregularly.An important part of Mum’s Christian faith is a deep caring aboutdisadvantaged minorities. Quite a few years ago, there was a programmecalled “Challenge Aneka”. One of these highlighted the plight the plight ofRumanian orphans. All of us were moved, but one our friends, Alison Roe,actually went to Rumania to set up a care home. The on-going work is calledthe Genciu Fund, which is a particular interest for Mum. She always asks usto lend support to this excellent work and will rather ask for donations to thatwork than receive birthday presents.

So, now Mum is 106 Not Out, happy to be a Freeman of the City of Leicesterand still retains a zest for life! We are starting to plan her 107th birthday partyin October.

Keith WignallFreeman of the City of Leicester.

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Richard IIIThis is the tale of Richard IIIwho died at Bosworth Field.He lost his life in battlebecause he would not yield.

His body was taken to Leicesterwhere rumours did abound.It was thrown into the river Soarso it could not be found.

Now someone has found it‘neath a car park in the city.The Priory that had once been therehad been pulled down, what a pity.

They proved that it was King Richardby a test called DNA.This in itself was a miracleso most people say.

They only took the skeleton out.So surely, I’ll be bound,the rest of what was Richardmust still be there in the ground.

Put the bones back where they werefor the last five hundred years.Then like me, surely folks,you’ll hear King Richard’s cheers.

Put a tomb there if you must,to commemorate the site.Then leave things as they used to be,and to King Richard III, good night.

Jim ManshipFreeman of the City of Leicester.

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The Gild of The Freeman of the City of Leicester

Income and Expenditure account for the year ending 31 March 2014

2014 2013

Income

Entrance Fees 5 24

Annual subscriptions

Guildsman 2,376 1,415

Associated Members 358 2,734 362 1,777

Donations 25

Sales of Gild insignia

Gowns, tie badges etc. 707 542

Less cost (584) 122 (387) 155

Bank Interest 1 2

2,888 1,958

Expenditure

Functions and events

Expenses 6,355 5,659

Income (6,340) 15 (5,524) 135

Printing postages and stationary 1,444 1,681

Freeman of England and Wales

Membership subscriptions 60 60

Donations to Lord Mayor's Appeal 200 200

SOS Appeal 262 0

Other Gilds 0 0

Miscellaneous Expenses 174 49

2,155 2,125

Excess(deficit) of income over expenditure 733 (167)

Add balance from previous year 6,878 7,045

Total 7,611 6,878

Represented by:

Cash at Bank 4,739 4,587

Cheques awaiting payment into the bank 0 818

Petty Cash 148 277

Stock of Gild Insignia 2,597 1,839

Prepayments 250 685

7,734 8,206

Less cash received in advanced and creditors (123) (1,328)

7,611 6,878

I have examined the books and vouchers of the Gild and certify that the Income and

Expenditure Account is in accordance therewith.

Russell D Mason

Honorary Auditor

12-Apr-14

22

Have you changed your address ?In the event that is necessary to inform the Gild or the Board of any changein circumstances then the information should be sent to:

Lynda BramleyClerk to the BoardLeicester Freemen’s Estate32 Freemen’s HoltOld Church StreetAylestoneLeicester LE2 8NH

Telephone: 0116 – 283 4017E-mail: leicester.freemen@talktalkbusiness.net

Leicester Freemen web site: www.leicesterfreemen.com

Copy for the next issue should reach the Editorby

Friday 18th July 2014

For your News and Views write to :

Brian Mudford11 Huntsman CloseMarkfieldLeicestershireLE67 9XE

Telephone 01530 245414e-mail: brianmudford@tiscali.co.uk

23

Leicester Freeman runsParis Marathon

Tom Hill, grandson of Mauriceand June Hill, is studyingEuropean Law and French atStrasbourg Univerity. Inbetween times he has takenup marathon running andearlier he did the Cannesmarathon in the south ofFrance and on Sunday the 6thApril he ran the Parismarathon. The photo showsTom when he had just finishedthe run. These Freemen geteverywhere don’t they!!

The new Master of the Leicester Gild of Freemen, Mrs Lynn Roffee beingcongratulated by the Deputy Master, Mr Mick Ayres after her election at

Common Hall on Wednesday 16th April 2014

Group photograph taken after the M

aking Free ceremoney on 30th January 2014. Six of the seven new freem

en are shownstanding behind Bill H

argrave, Chairman of the Board of D

eputies, The Lord Mayor Cllr M

ustafa Kamal, Keith H

arding, am

ember of the G

ild of Freemen, and Tony Chettle, M

aster of the Gild of Freem

en. The lady sitting in the middle is the seventh

new freeman, 106 year old M

rs Lilian Wignall

Please reserve………. adult places at £28.00 each

.......... child places (under 16) at £25.00 each

...........places for non-Gild members at £30.00 each

My name is.…………………………..……...……………………………….

My address is…....………………….....…………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………….

Postcode……………………….Telephone…………………………….

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

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

Maurice Hill, 33 Mossdale Road, Kingsway, Leicester LE3 2UT.

Tel: 0116 2895394

Applications will be dealt with strictly on a first-come, first served basis.

BOOKING FORM

Visit to Cutty Sark at Greenwich and Camden LockSunday 1st June 2014, coach departs the Holt 8.30 am

BOOKING FORM

Gild Gala BanquetSarturday 14th June 2014 at Devonshire Place

Please reserve................places at £40.00 each

I will require.........vegetarian meals

.........of us will be attanding the Annual Freemen’s Service at

Leicester Cathedral on Sunday 15th June 2014

My name is .............................................................................................

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

................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................

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

My guests will be:

..............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................

Please advise on any special dietary requirements or vegetarian mealsagainst guest name

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

I 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 Telephone: 0116 2242353

E-mail: mickayres31@virginmedia.com

Applications will be dealt with strictly on a first-come, first served basis.No bookings will be accepted after 1st June 2014.

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 aMember 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 ofLeicester)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 thesum 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 thisapplication to:

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

BOOKING FORMVisit to the Little Theatre , Dover Street, Leicester

to see Puss in Boots on 19th December 2014starting at 7 pm.

Please reserve………. adult places at £14.00 each

............. children places(under 16) at £12.00 each

Please complete in CAPITAL LETTERS

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.

THE GILD OF FREEMEN OF THE CITY OF LEICESTERGILD PRODUCTS ORDER FORM1. 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 = £………….6. Gild pens - new design ………at £3.00 each = £………….7. Arm badge - framed …...…at £55.00 each = £………….

- unframed .....….at £20.00 each = £………….8. Blazer badge .........at £13.50 each =£..............9. Wall plaque, wooden …..…at £24.00 each = £………….10. Gown, made to measure, incl. delivery.....price on request = £………….

(Chest ..........ins, height..........ft...........ins).11. Register of Freemen- 1931-85 ………at £4.00 each = £………….

- 1986-96 ………at £3.00 each = £………….

TOTAL = £………….plus postage

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

NAME……………………………………………………………………………………..

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

…………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………….

POST CODE……………………………

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

Signed……………………………………………………………………………………….Please post to: Andy Marriott, 10 Goldhill, Leicester LE2 6TQ.

Tel: 0116 2442776