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Number 63 May 2013

Statue of Richard IIIin Castle Gardens

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Gild Banquet Weekend

8th / 9th June 2013This is to give you notice of the Gild’s Banquet Weekend in

June, we would very muchappreciate your support.

The Banquet will be held onSaturday 8th June (7.00pm) inthe Holmes Suite atDevonshire Place, 78 LondonRoad, Leicester, LE2 0RA thecity’s renowned banquetingestablishment, located half amile from the city centre

near the railway station and close to several hotels. There is acarpark at the rear of the building in 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 £39 perhead, please use enclosed booking form. A wine table offeringreasonably priced wines will, of course, be available for dinner.

The Freemen’s Service will be held onthe following day, Sunday 9th June(10.30am), at St. Mary de Castro.

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

If you require any further informationor require details of hotels pleasecontact John Tolton on 0116 283 5042

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Patron: Colonel Robert Martin OBEPresident: The Lord Mayor of Leicester

OFFICERS 2013 - 2014Master: J.E. Tolton

Master Elect: A. ChettleDeputy Master: M.E. Ayres

Clerk: L.A. RoffeeChamberlain: M.B. Hill

WARDENSL. Kirk, J.D. Lewitt, A. Marriott , B.W. Mudford,

Number 63 May 2013

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GILDHALL NEWSMay 2013

ContentsEditor’s comments 5Report by John Tolton, Master of the Gild 5Report on the F.E.W. by your representitive Michael Ayres 6Report by Bill Hargrave, Chairman of the Board of Deputies 7The Leicester Freemen’s website 8“Save our Spire Appeal” by St. Mary de Castro 9Activities at Freemen’s Holt 15Spiraling Costs of the Gildhall News 18SureStop water stop valves 19Chamberlain’s report and Accounts from Maurice Hill 20

Future programme - dates for your diarySaturday 8th June, Gild Annual Banquet at Devonshire PlaceSunday 9th June, Annual Freemen’s Service at St. Mary de CastroSunday 23rd June, Visit to the Royal Air Force Museum at HendonSunday 4th August, Visit to Trentham GardensWednesday 18th September, Tour of Everards BreweryFriday 8th November, Fish & Chip Supper, with a talk on WW1 memorialsFriday 13th December, Visit to The Little Theatre to see Cinderella

Contributions to the Gildhall News

The History of the Freemen of Leicester - part 6, by John Tolton 16

Have you changed your address? 22

Forms included with the NewsletterBooking form for Gild Annual Banquet on 8th June 2013Booking form for trip to Hendon on 23rd June 2013Booking form for trip to Trentham Gardens on 4th August 2013Booking form for Fish & Chip supper on 8th November 2013Booking form for Pantomime at the Little Theatre on 13th December 2013Renewal form for annual subscriptionsStanding Order form for Annual SubscriptionsApplication for Membership & Associate Membership of the GildGild products order form

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Editor’s CommentsMay is here already, it is amazing how the time flies by asyou get older. I have just returned from York, having attendedthe fifty eighth annual banquet arranged by the Gild ofFreemen of the City of York. There were eight of us fromLeicester, four Freemen, three wives and a guest. It was avery enjoyable weekend where we met fellow Freemen andtheir wives from Coventry, London, Shrewsbury and York.We look forward to meeting them again at our banquet

weekend in June.

If you have a story that would be of interest to other members, please put pen topaper, or finger to e-mail. We don’t need a book, only a short article, possibly oneor two pages long. It could be longer if it’s enthralling!! Preferably I would like toreceive them as an attachment to an e-mail if possible, but pen and ink isacceptable.

Brian Mudford

Report by John Tolton, Master of the GildFinally we seem to have rid ourselves of the prolonged winterweather and we are now enjoying a little sunshine. What adifference it makes to feel the warmth of the sun on yourback instead of shivering in an overcoat with scarf and glovesto keep the cold out.

Since my last report in the February issue of the GildhallNews there have been a few social events along with anumber of more formal occasions.

On Friday 1st March a long alley skittles evening at the Coach & Horses at Markfieldwas arranged by Brian Mudford and was enjoyed by 48 Gild members with friendsand family including a party of Coventry Freemen who joined us for the evening.As usual at these events we all had a good time and the competitive aspect of theskittles was not taken too seriously. Many thanks to Brian for organizing theevent.

The annual Open Morning was held on Sunday 7th April at the Holt when a numberof members came to pay their dues for the year and to buy Gild products. Sincethe introduction of paying subscriptions by standing order the numbers attendinghas fallen slightly. Never the less during the course of the morning there were agood number popping in, not just to pay their annual subscription but to have achat as well. It is worth noting that because of rising costs we will no longer beposting Gild products free of charge but will be charging for the postage. Theopen morning is an ideal opportunity to view the items for sale and to buy whatevertakes your fancy.

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Finally, a Cheese and Wine evening was held on Saturday 13th April to raisemoney for the ‘Save our Steeple’ appeal for St Mary de Castro. An excellentpresentation was given by Virginia Wright, a local Blue Badge Guide, on thehistory of the church and that part of Leicester surrounding St Mary de Castroand she generously waived her fee for the benefit of the appeal. Thirty sevenmembers and friends attended the evening and a raffle was held to boost thedonation. The raffle raised £74 and the entrance fees for the evening raised£314.50 so after deducting the cost of food and drink the evening raised £261.53p.A further £180.00 has been raised by direct donations from gild members.Congratulations to all those helping to boost the appeal funds.

There have been two swearing in ceremonies since my last newsletter report,one on the 19th January (17 new freemen) and again on the 26th March (threenew freemen), the latter of which I was unable to attend. Also, there was to havebeen a Crown Court Opening ceremony on Wednesday 10th April but the trial tobe presided over by the Judge was cancelled, the reason for which can only besurmised, so the ceremony was no longer required.

On Wednesday 17th April Common Hall was held, the name given to our annualgeneral meeting, which after the election of officers culminated in a lively discussionabout attracting new, younger members. There is a definite need to attract thosefreemen who feel that they are not catered for because of their age, but there isan even greater need for those who feel left out to come forward and activelytake part in the organizing of events for their own age group. The average age ofthe Gild Court is advancing each year and if new, younger blood does not comeforward there is a danger of the Gild fading away. Not yet, but at some time in thefuture.

There was little change in the composition of the Court at Common Hall, thenewly elected wardens are Michael Ayres, Jeff Lewitt and Lorna Kirk, and thenew Master will be Tony Chettle who will take office at the Annual Banquet inJune.

This will be my last newsletter as Master of the Gild and I would like to thank allthe Court members and other Gild members for their support and help during myyear of office. I would also like to wish every success for the incoming Masterand Court members in the future and, of course, to all the Gild members at large.

John Tolton

Report on the FEW (Freemen of England and Wales)by Michael AyresOn Saturday 16th March Tony Chettle and myself travelled to York to representthe the Leicester Gild at the FEW meeting held in Bedern Hall.

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The meeting began with the Master of the York Gild, Mrs. Hazel Hague, welcomingthe delegates present to York.The meeting then continued with the approval ofthe minutes of the court meeting held on March 17th 2012 at Freemen’s HoltLeicester.

The President of the FEW Allan Fallows then gave his report,part of whichreminded Freemen of the ongoing problem of registration of Freemen’s Landsand Rights under the land Registration Act are still going on as we approach thedeadline of October 13th this year. (Fortunately the land Registration Act does notaffect the Leicester Freemen’s Land)

Then followed a discussion on the appointment of Apprentice Freemen, FEWcan only advise on the admission of Apprentice Freemen to the Gild. It’s theresponsibility for each Gild on the admission of Apprentice Freemen. The feedbackfrom most of the Gilds is that they did not want to change from the legislationalready in place, a further discussion on the subject will take place at the AGM on14th September in Oxford.

Michael Ayres

Report by Chairman of the Board - Bill HargraveMy first year as chairman of the board has simply flownby. Since March 2012 I have attended nine freedomceremonies where a total of 104 people of all ages tookup their freedom.

Since the last Gildhall News there have been twoceremonies.In February, a ceremony was held at theTown Hall for three new Hereditary Freemen:

Geoffrey Measures who inherits his freedom from hisgrandfather John Measures

Lynn Gartside inherits her freedom from her father - Ian Tebbutt, a past Chairmanof the Deputies.

Claire Sheppard who inherits her freedom from her grandfather – Frank Hargrave,

In April, the Lord Mayor, Cllr Abdul Osman conferred the freedom on nineteenpeople (see photograph on back cover):

Khristina and James Chawner

Christopher Chettle

Alexander Clements, who travelled from Scotland

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Barbara-Ann and Barry Scott who live in Northampton and Katie &ThomasScott can be connected to Jon Scot who was made Free in 1207. There was anote in the records “Admitted in the year when Sir Simon de Rochefortrecovered Leicester (after March)”

Gary, Robert & Sophie Atkins together with Cherie & Chloe Hurst inheritfrom Patricia Atkins, daughter of the late Bob Hargrave

Dorothy & Ronald Brown, inherit the freedom from Frank Manship

Paula Guerra (from London) & Corinne Sweeney (Nottingham) originatefrom a weaver William Bramley who received his Freedom in 1488

Julie O’Brien (from Berkshire) is linked to Andrew Langton who was madeFree in 1481

Margaret Hames can trace her origins to a Grocer, Henry Bentley who wasmade Free in 1478

A One-bedroom bungalow will be available shortlyThere is a refurbishment project currently being undertaken on a vacantbungalow. If you are interested and require more details or would like to visitthe Holt please telephone the clerk to make arrangements.

The Annual General Meeting was held at the community centre on the Holt.Although quite well attended by residents it was poorly supported bynonresidents. The annual accounts are available to see on the website byFreemen only. To access the accounts etc. please telephone the clerk for apassword.

Bill Hargrave

The Leicester Freemen’s WebsiteDISAPPOINTMENT

In January we launched the new website for Freemen of Leicester and in the Mayedition of Gildhall News we asked you to have a good look around the site and letus have your comments.

Less than 20 Freemen responded, and although the feedback from the few wasgenerally positive, it leaves us unclear as to whether www.leicesterfreemen.comis the useful communication device we had hoped for.

REWARD.

Your feedback is important. Every Freeman who responds to the followingquestions will be entered into A Free Prize Draw

Question 1 What do you think to the look and feel of the website?

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Question 2 Have you found the website easy to navigate around?

Question 3 What do you think of the electronic version of the GildhallNews?

Question 4 Board meeting minutes and the Summary Annual Reportfor the Charity are available for Freemen their widows/widowers who wish to access these. To access these pleaseapply for the password via the “Contact Us” page. Is this ofinterest to you?

Question 5 How could we make the website more interesting for you?

Your answers to the questions should be sent to Lynda Bramley, Clerk to theBoard at leicester.freemen@talktalkbusiness.net, entering FEEDBACK in thesubject box.

Cheese & Wine Evening, Saturday 13th AprilMick Ayres and I attended an event last September at the Church of St. Maryde Castro held to launch the ‘Save Our Spire’ appeal. The spire of St Maryde Castro is in a really poor condition with a crack in the fabric of the spirewide enough for a man’s arm to enter.

There is a particular connection with the Gild of Freemen in that the churchwas founded in the year 1107 by Robert of Meulan, who also granted acharter in the same year to the Merchants of Leicester allowing for theformation of a Gild of Merchants; the predecessors of the Freemen ofLeicester.

Apart from a number of fund raising events to be organized by the churchthere is a ‘Sponsor our Stones’ initiative whereby sponsors donate a sum ofmoney for a stone which is dedicated to that sponsor. The nature of thestone depends on the sum of money donated. A sum of £250, or more,would pay for a decorated stone sponsored by and dedicated to the Freemenof Leicester.

Virginia Wright, a Leicester Blue Badge Guide, agreed to give a talk at acheese and wine evening at the Holt and agreed that her fee will be donatedto the fund. The Cheese and Wine evening was held on Saturday 13th Aprilattended by 37 freemen and guests along with Virginia Wright and herhusband, Peter. Along with individual donations given by freemen beforehandand a raffle held on the evening a sum of £441 was raised for the ‘Save ourSpire’ appeal.

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Individual donations were given by those listed below for which I am greatlyindebted.

Mrs M. E. Bailey £10Micheal S. Abbott £10John Hurst £10David Tolton £10John Findley £10John Tolton £10Peter Shipley £10Brian Mudford £20Iris Cave £10Janet Crawley £10Michael Ayres £10Amanda Collinson £30Lorna Kirk £30

John Tolton

Programme of Future EventsVisit to Hendon, Sunday June 23rd 2013

Leaving the Holt at 9.00a.m.

For our first trip this year we are going to the Royal Air Force Museum at Hendonand the early indications are that this will prove to be a very popular trip so wewould advise securing your seats as soon as possible.

The Museum offers a fun, enthralling day out for all the family. With over 100aircraft on site nowhere else enables you to get so close to so many historic andground-breaking aircraft.

The Historic Hangers in which the exhibition is housed are now listed buildingsand were once part of the old Hendon Aerodrome, the cradle of British aviation inthe early 20s.

The exhibition is broken down into a series of halls e.g. milestones of flight, bomberhall, fighter aircraft, and Battle of Britain etc.

There is the opportunity to explore the inside of the mighty Sunderland flying boatand see the cramped conditions of the crew.

The Bomber Hall follows the development of the bomber from its first appearancein World War1. The hall is in part a memorial to the 131,000 young men who died

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in the bombing offensive in Europe, the only way the Allies could carry the fightback to Hitler’s Germany.

The Battle of Britain Hall tells the story of the World’s first decisive air battle whenthe Royal Air Force stood alone against the might of the German Luftwaffe inWorld War2. Listen to Winston Churchill give his ‘Battle of Britain’ speech to afearful nation from his 10 Downing Street Office. Watch ‘Our Finest Hour’, themuseum‘s sound and light show which explains the battle. See aircraft from bothsides who took part in the battle.

Take a trip in one of the two flight simulators, visit the 4D theatre a small chargeis made for these.

There is a well stocked shop so make sure that you allow plenty of time to purchasea memento of your visit. To refuel during your visit take your own lunch to eat inone of the picnic areas or visit the Wings Restaurant, which is licensed, forsomething substantial, or the Wessex Café for a light snack.

To secure your seats on this trip do not delay use the booking form enclosed.

Adult seats £18.00 each

Child seats £13.00 each

Non Gild members seats £20.00 each

Maurice Hill

The Gild Annual BanquetSaturday 8th June 2013

Devonshire Place, London Road, Leicester

Arrangements for the fourth Annual Banquet are well in an advanced stage and Ilook forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the banquet to be held onJune 8th at Devonshire Place on London Road. The Annual Freemen’s Service isbeing held at St Mary de Castro on the following day, Sunday 9th June. This yearsees a slight variation on previous years in so far as the induction of the incomingMaster will take place at the banquet. In the past the incoming Master has takenup his new role at Common Hall, but this year the robe and chain of office will behanded over at the banquet.

Devonshire Place is a splendid venue for our banquet, the service is beyondreproach and the food is excellent. This year for the first time there will be achoice of menu consisting of:

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Starter course1. Old Nick Cheddar & Smoked Bacon Rosti garnished with

Caramelised Pear2. Cream of Tomato & Basil Soup

Sorbet courseMain course

3. Beef Fillet Mignon served with a Red Pesto & Brandy CreamSauce

4. Mushroom & Butterbean Stroganoff served on a bed of TagliatelleDessert Course

5. Baileys Bread & Butter Pudding served with Whiskey Cream6. Deconstructed Eton Mess (A traditional English dessert mixing

strawberries, meringue & cream)All followed by a Cheeseboard including Biscuits, Celery & Grapes andfiltered or decaffeinated coffee.

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

General inquiries about the banquet, or any other Gild matter, should bedirected to John Tolton at johntolton@hotmail.com.

Trip to Trentham Gardens StaffordshireSunday 4th August 2013

For our second trip this year we will be visiting Trentham Gardens in Staffordshire.With parkland originally designed by Capability Brown and gardens laid out by SirCharles Barry, this former estate of the Dukes of Sutherland became a playgroundof the people in the early 20th century.

The revival of the Italian Gardens was led by the renowned designer Tom Stuart-Smith, and the 10acre Victorian garden now includes Piet Oudolf’s Rivers ofGrass and Floral Labyrinth, grand Italianate parterres, fountains, trellis walkway,David Austin Rose border and bright vibrant coloured perennials towering aboveyou as you wander through the maze of flowerbeds.

The new look gardens have matured into some of the finest in Britain and describedby Alan Titchmarsh as ‘the must see gardens’. The gardens were highly

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commended by Visit England Excellence in Tourism awards 2012, in the bestlarge visitor attraction category.

Take a woodland walk around the mile long lake and see if you can spot the newenchanting fairies or steam along the lakeside on the miniature train or set sail onthe electric catamaran.

Most areas of the gardens are accessible to wheelchair users, and there are lotsof seats around the lake and gardens.

At the end of the lake is the Monkey Forest (admission extra) where you can takea walk on the wild side. It is set in 60 acres of beautiful woodland and meadowswhere 140 Barbary macaque monkeys from the Atlas Mountains of Algeria andMorocco live in total freedom.

You are plunged into a fascinating world as you hear rustling in the trees, chatteringin a strange language and see the monkeys crashing through the branches.

Alongside of the Gardens is the Trentham shopping village with 60 timber lodgeshousing shops, cafes and restaurants. Enjoy the village atmosphere. Beware,you’ll be tempted by independent retailers and big name brands offering freshlocal food ,specialist teas, home, kitchen and ceramic goods, and a hugh selectionof gifts, soft furnishings and stylish ladies, gentlemen and children’s clothing.Believe me, there’s even outfits for dogs.

Also in the village is the Trentham Garden Centre which is the Blue Diamond’sflagship store, it is simply massive you could spend hours browsing around itsvast indoor and outdoor facilities.

The centre is so big it even contains three brilliant cafes and restaurants, theCafé Bello, Six Arches Restaurant and the Terrazzo del Giardino.

This trip should prove to be a very enjoyable day for all ages, so reserve yourseats without delay using the enclosed booking form, and come and have a goodday out.

Prices including admission are

Adult seats £23.00 each

Child seats £18.00 each

Non Gild members £25.00 each

Maurice Hill

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Visit to Everards Brewery Ltd. Castle AcresNarborough Leics. LE19 1BY

Wednesday 18th September 2013We have arranged a visit to Everards Brewery and the following arrangementsapply. You are asked to report to Everards reception at 10.30am where you willbe shown to the hospitality suite for an introduction to Everards. A tour of thebrewery will then take place taking you through production, packaging andwarehouse areas. Please be aware that the tour includes several staircases andis unfortunately not suitable for those with walking difficulties.

Please wear suitable footwear and clothing as some areas may be cold and wetunderfoot. The tour then returns to the hospitality suite where samples of variousales will be available along with a light buffet lunch, and the visit should concludeby 2.00pm.

If you are intending to take advantage of the sample ales offered during the visityou are encouraged not to drive and to make alternative transport arrangements.The minimum number of people for the tour is 8 and the maximum 12. Theminimum age of visitors is 18 years.

The numbers of places on this visit are limited. If you would like to be includedthen please contact Maurice Hill 33 Mossdale Road Leicester LE3 2UT Tel No.0116 2895394 who will deal with Everards confirming the visit, and numberstaking part.

The cost f the visit is £7.50 per person and you will pay this yourself by cash orcheque to the brewery on arrival.

Maurice Hill

Fish and Chip Supper, Friday, 8th November 2013Freemen’s Holt, Old Church Street, Aylestone

‘Their Name Liveth For Evermore’A look at memorials and war graves of WW1

As the 100th anniversary of WW1 nears, this talk will look at some of thememorials to the fallen that left an emptiness in so many lives and graves ofparticular interest. Our speaker is non other than Brian Johnson, local author,speaker and family historian who has previously given excellent talks atprevious events.

Tickets are priced at £8.50 each and you are urged to make your bookingearly using the enclosed booking form.

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Visit to the Little TheatreDover Street, Leicester

to see Cinderella on13th December 2013

starting at 7pm.Take one glass slipper, a magic pumpkin,Buttons and a Fairy Godmother, mix themtogether with a charming Prince, a girl with akind heart and her two nasty step sisters, addan invitation to the royal Ball and what have

you got? – the traditional family pantomime Cinderella of course.Please book early for this seasonal treat the whole family can enjoy - freemen,family and friends. Tickets cost £14 for adults and £12 for children (up to 16).Tickets will be allocated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.Please remember to complete the application form in capital letters and makesure that your address is clear. We don’t want to send your tickets to thewrong address.

Brian Mudford

Activities at Freemen’s HoltFreemen’s Holt has a variety of activities happening every week. Theseinclude invitations for Freemen of Leicester, Freemen’s Widows andWidowers not living at Freemen’s Holt to come and join us. We have lunchesat different times throughout the year; these are held in the community centre.

During the summer months we have talks on different subjects that everyoneis invited to, along with other fun activities like quizzes games and otherexperiences. Wednesday 29th May there will be a talk about the ShuttleworthClark Foundation, all talks start at 2pm here at Freemen’s Holt.

We also visit Freemen, Freemen’s Widows and Widowers in their own homes.We are always looking to improve the lives of the Freemen of Leicester.

If you would like to be included in our list of interested Freemen for any ofthe activities, visit from us or any other information, please ring the office on0116 2834017 and speak to either Lynda or Sandra or alternatively Emailoffice@leicesterfreemen.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

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

History of Freemen – Part 6. The Religious Gilds You may recall in my last contribution to the Gildhall News I wrote about theTown Halls of Leicester up to the end of the 15th century, when the Corporationheld their first meeting in the building we now know as the Guildhall. However,the Guildhall was originally the property of one of the numerous religiousgilds that sprang to prominence in the middle of the 14th century. All thegilds, both large and small, served the same purpose, and they were a nationalphenomenon. In Leicestershire, apart from Leicester, there were religiousgilds in Melton Mowbray (Gilds of St John and of St Mary), Hinckley (HolyTrinity Gild), and nearby Oakham had four religious gilds.

They played a wider role than purely religious gilds, and they would be morecorrectly called social-religious gilds. There religious objects were to maintainone or more chantry priests to sing mass for the souls of their foundermembers and other notable people (including royalty) and each gild wouldbe closely allied to a parish church. On the social side the brotherhoodprovided mutual support in time of sickness and adversity as well as providingsumptuous feasts on feast-days. Membership of the gilds was not exclusivelymale, it would be open to women, and many husband and wife partnershipsenjoyed membership of the various gilds.

By far and away the most important gild in Leicester was the Gild of CorpusChristi founded in 1343, and it had great influence in the affairs of the towncouncil. The meetings of the town council (common hall) took place in theCorpus Christi Guildhall from the late fifteenth century onwards andoccasionally the same person would be the mayor of Leicester and the masterof the gild. Although known as the Gild of Corpus Christ its full title was the‘Gild of the Precious Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, St Mary, and all saints’,and its annual feast and procession celebrated on the Thursday after TrinitySunday. The procession was one of the greatest events in the calendar inLeicester when the mayor, the Corporation, and the officials wore their robesand paraded through the town. It was not only the most important, but therichest gild in Leicester, and was an exclusive club comprising of manyhusbands and wives from the principal business families in the town. TheGild became the leading property owner in Leicester with revenue exceedingthat of the Borough itself. Its chapel was the Lady Chapel in the south sideof St Martin’s Cathedral.

The founder members of the Gild in 1343, known as the thirteen, were Raulfde Ferrers, John Hayward, Gilbert de Avener, John Porter, Geoffrey Kent,

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Roger de Knightcote, John Martyn, John de Elmeshale, Richard Leverych,Thomas de Beby, John Cook the elder, and William Dunstable. Of the thirteenthe first four were officers or servants of the Earl and were given precedenceover the others, all prominent burgesses. Not only were the foundersresponsible for the running of the fraternity but in the event of the death ofany one of them they alone chose a successor from the community to takethe place of the deceased.

Membership of the Gild was not guaranteed to be permanent. Any evil doer,evil speaker, or offender against the articles of the foundation and who hasbeen twice warned would on the third time of offending be removed from thefraternity for ever. Likewise there was a similar penalty for not attendingcommon assembly. By the beginning of the 16th century the number of namesdirectly associated with the Gild had risen to 64 and it was at about this timethat the first part of the Guildhall was built.

For most of its life the Gild was closely associated with the government ofthe Borough, although it did not have any official status. In the event ofcomplaints or disputes among the members of the 24 (the Corporation) thetwo Gild wardens with the mayor had powers of arbitration. The mayor himselfwas liable to a fine by the wardens if he failed to execute judgment with thepossibility of imprisonment in the event of defaulting on his fine.

The Gild was dissolved in 1548 under the Chantry Act and much of theproperty previously owned by the Gild was transferred to the Corporationunder Leicester’s Charter from Queen Elizabeth I in 1589.

Of those founder members two stand out as surnames still today in theFreemen’s Rolls. John Porter was the earl’s clerk, under steward andreceiver, and responsible for guarding the castle prisoners, collecting rents,dues and rendering the annual accounts for the castle. John Martyn (Martin)was mayor in 1334, 1339 and 1344, and represented the Borough inparliament in 1337, 1353 and 1354 and is an ancestor of our Patron, Col.Robert Martin.

Other religious gilds in Leicester performed similar roles to that of the Gild ofCorpus Christi and the most prominent of those was the Gild of St Margaretand St Katharine which was maintained by a body of citizens living in theBishop’s Fee outside the town walls. Again there were thirteen foundermembers and the first Master was John Porter mention above. It was notunusual for someone to be a member of more than one gild, and unlikeCoventry there was no hierarchy amongst the gilds.

Further gilds in Leicester included the Gild of St George who also had achapel in St Martin’s (now used as a Regimental chapel), and it remained a

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poor and unimportant gild whose only claim to fame was the civic possessionknown as the ‘Riding of the George’. The Gild of the Assumption of theVirgin Mary was founded prior to 1346 and its main object was to provide achaplain to officiate at the Gild’s alter in All Saints Church in what is nowcalled Highcross Street. A very wealthy, though small gild was the Gild ofHoly Trinity blessed with the patronage of Lord Hastings and was foundedby Sir Richard Sacheverel and Lady Hungerford at some time before 1495.The Gild’s altar was in the south aisle of St Mary de Castro.

Other lesser known gilds included the Gild of St John attached to the Hospitalof St John, the Gild of St Michael (the church had no vicar by 1487 andprobably disappeared very soon after), the Gild of our Lady beyond the Waterand the Gilds of St Cross and St Thomas.

John Tolton

Spiraling CostsOver the years there has been a dramatic rise in the cost of producing andissuing the Gildhall News to Freemen. Quite some years ago the Board ofDeputies agreed to pay the cost of printing the newsletter; at that time inblack & white only along with the postage. Some year’s later colour wasintroduced into the Gildhall News and the extra cost of this was met by theGild as they requested the change. And of course in recent years the numberof Freemen has risen a good deal with the admission of daughters to thefreedom. The last issue in February cost the Board and Gild between us£800 for printing and £252 postage and that includes approximately 200copies issued via email. So without those two hundred electronic copiesprinting and postage would have been a good deal more. None of this takesinto account the cost of the clerical labour in addressing the envelopes whichin itself takes at least a day to carry out.

The rising cost of the Gildhall News is becoming increasingly difficult tosupport and the situation is not likely to improve, so the Board and the Gildare considering ways to reduce the burden. The most suitable way withoutreducing the quality of the newsletter is for more freemen to agree to receivethe Gildhall News from the freemen’s web page. The alternative will be toreduce the quality of the Gildhall News.

This is a plea to those who receive a hard copy of Gildhall News throughthe post to seriously consider reading the copy on the web page andopting out of receiving their copy through the post. Please notify Lynda atFreemen’s Holt at leicester.freemen@talktalkbusiness.net if you arewilling to opt out of receiving a postal copy.

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SureStop water stop valvesWater 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 quitea struggle to turn the stop tap off especially if you are elderly or disabled,also if the stop tap as not been used for some time it can become affectedby scale and partially seize up. From personal experience, and being 80+,it’s one thing to turn off the stop tap and entirely another trying to get up offof the floor afterwards!

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, orinside a 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 ata cost 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

20

Chamberlain’s Report by Maurice HillThe Gild accounts have now been audited by Russell Mason and give a truepicture when compared with last year which was beset with missinginformation and a Chamberlain at the start of a very steep learning curve. Ishould point out that I am still learning but now feel more in control of thesituation to the extent that Russell was very complementary regarding thecondition and presentation of the accounts and has suggested ways that willmake them easier to record and analyse in future.

Some things of note are that the accounts now show cheques awaitingpayment into the bank, a petty cash figure, but still show an overvalued stockfigure. We made a loss of £136 overall on functions we staged albeit a quitesmall amount but even this might have been avoided if the hand writing of anapplicant for one function had been clearer and as a result was miss read.

On the subject of functions we have endeavoured to stage a full programmefor this year, and those still to come are:-

8th June Annual banquet23rd June Trip to Hendon4th August Trentham Gardens Stoke18th September visit to Everards Brewery8th November fish & Chip evening at the Holt13th December Panto

I have set out to create a new and up-to-date card index for all members andassociates both at home and abroad. This is progressing very well and myambition is to make this as complete as possible with where ever possibleEmail addresses included in an attempt to minimise the cost of postage infuture. This is quite a challenge but I feel will prove to be well worth the effort.

We are about to introduce a new stock item which is a Lady’s scarfemblazoned with the Gild badge and is in the same colour as our gowns andwill cost £15 each.

Problems with the bank continue, and I’ve written to them and requested thatin future statements are sent direct to me and at the start of each month, thiswill make it so much easier to keep control of our finances. I await their reply.

I’m pleased to report that Russell Mason has agreed to continue as HonoraryAuditor.

Summing up I can report that the Gild’s finances show an increase in value of£832 when compared with the last correct and full audit completed in 2011, andif you have not yet paid your subs for this year can I remind you that they arenow due.

Maurice Hill

21

The Gild of The Freeman of the City of LeicesterIncome and Expenditure account for the year ending 31 March 2013

2013 2012IncomeEntrance Fees 24 22Annual subscriptions

Guildsman 1,416 813Associated Members 362 1,778 245 1,058

Donations 18Sales of Gild insignia

Gowns, tie badges etc. 542 947Less cost (387) 155 (1,445) (498)

Bank Interest 2 21,958 602

ExpenditureFunctions and events

Expenses 5,659 6,823Income (5,523) 136 (8,313) (1,490)

Printing postages and stationary 1,681 722Freeman of England and Wales

Membership subscriptions 2013 60 60Donations to Lord Mayor’s Appeal 200 200

Civil Authorities 0 28Other Gilds 0 0

Miscellaneous Expenses 49 832,125 (397)

Excess(deficit) of income over expenditure (167) 999Add balance from previous year 7,045 6,046

Total 6,878 7,045Represented by:Cash at Bank 4,587 5,448Cheques awaiting payment into the bank 818Petty Cash 277Stock of Gild Insignia 1,839 1,844Prepayments 685 0

8,206 7,292Less cash received in advanced and creditors (1,328) (247)

6,878 7,045

I have examined the books and vouchers of the Gild and certify that the Income andcertify that the Income and Expenditure Account is in accordance therewith.

Russell D MasonHonorary Auditor10-Apr-13

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 19th July 2013

For your News and Views write to :

Brian Mudford11 Huntsman CloseMarkfieldLeicestershireLE67 9XE

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

23

From left to right on back row are Kamal Adiata, City Barrister & Head of Standards, Lynn Roffee,Clerk of the Gild of Freemen, Bill Hargrave, Chairman of the Board of Deputies, the Lord Mayor,

Cllr Abdul Osman, Tony Chettle, Deputy Master of the Gild of Freemen, and Michael Ayres,Warden of the Court. The new Freemen on the front row are Lynn Gartside, Geoffrey Measures

and Claire Sheppard after the Making free ceremony on 26th March 2013

Group photograph taken in Bedern Hall in York after the Sunday morning service forthe Gild of Freemen of the City of York on 21st April 2013

Group photograph taken after the M

aking Free ceremony on 20th A

pril 2013 of the nineteen new freem

en together with Jane

Wildbore, a Freem

en’s Deputy, B

ill Hargrave, C

hairman of the B

oard of Deputies, the Lord M

ayor Cllr A

bdul Osm

an Lynn R

offee, Clerk of the G

ild of Freemen, and Jim

Manship a m

ember of the G

ild of Freemen.

BOOKING FORM

Gild Gala BanquetSarturday 8th June 2013 at Devonshire Place

Please reserve................places at £39.00 each

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

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

St. Mary de Castro on Sunday 9th June 2013

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

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

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

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

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

Names of other persons attending (please mark with a “V” if vegetarian)

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

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

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

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 2895394Applications will be dealt with strictly on a first-come, first servedbasis. Regrettably bookings will not be acceptable after 23rd May.

BOOKING FORM

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ----

Please reserve ………. adult places at £18.00 each

.......... child places (under 16) at £13.00 each

...........places for non-Gild members at £20.00 each

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

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

………………………………………………………………………….

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

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

I enclose a cheque/postal order for £…………….., made payable to “Gild ofLeicester Freemen”. Please send to:Maurice Hill, 33 Mossdale Road, Kingsway, Leicester LE3 2UT.

Visit to Hendon, Sunday June 23rd 2013

BOOKING FORM

Please reserve ………. adult places at £23.00 each

.......... child places (under 16) at £18.00 each

...........places for non-Gild members at £25.00 each

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

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

.……………………………………………………………………….

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

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

I enclose a cheque/postal order for £…………….., made payable to “Gild ofLeicester Freemen”. Please send to:Maurice Hill, 33 Mossdale Road, Kingsway, Leicester LE3 2UT.

Visit to Trentham Gardens, Sunday August 4th 2013

BOOKING FORM

BOOKING FORM

Please reserve ………. places at £8.50 each

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

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

………………………………………………………………………….

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

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

I enclose a cheque/postal order for £…………….., made payable to “Gild ofLeicester Freemen”. Please send to:Maurice Hill, 33 Mossdale Road, Kingsway, Leicester LE3 2UT.Applications will be dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis

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

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

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

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

………………………………………………………………………….

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

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

I enclose a cheque/postal order for £…………….., made payable to “Gild ofLeicester Freemen”. Please send to:Maurice Hill, 33 Mossdale Road, Kingsway, Leicester LE3 2UT.Applications will be dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis

Fish & Chip Supper - talk on WWI memorialsFriday 8th November 2013 at Freemen’s Holt 7.30pm

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ----

Visit to Cinderella pantomime on 13th December 2013at the Little Theatre, Dover Street at 7.00pm

RENEWAL OF GILD MEMBERSHIPFOR THE YEAR 1ST APRIL 2013 - 31ST MARCH 2014

I would like to pay the annual subscription for my membership/associatemembership of the Gild for the year commencing 1st April 2013

Membership .............at £9.00 = £.............

Associate Membership ..............at £6.00 = £.............

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

My address is (BLOCK CAPITALS)

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

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

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

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

I enclose a cheque/postal order for £...................

made payable to “Gild of Leicester Freemen”

Please post to:

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

Any queries, please phone Maurice on 0116 2895394

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PAY YOUR ANNUALSUBSCRIPTION BY STANDING ORDER, PLEASE SEE OVERPAGE.

GILD OF LEICESTER FREEMEN

(Kindly complete where marked by all dotted lines)

To:Maurice Hill,33 Mossdale Road,Kingsway,Leicester LE3 2UT

Date………………………………..20.…..

I, ………………………………………………..agree to pay my AnnualSubscription to the GILD OF LEICESTER FREEMEN on 1st April eachyear 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 fullmember and £6.00 for an associate member, and that I can stop or amendthis 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 TSB Bank PLC,Old Market Square Branch,Nottingham NG1 6FD(Bank Sort Code 30-96-18)

For the account of the Gild of Freemen of the City of Leicester

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

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. Key-ring ………at £5.00 each = £………….3. Lapel badge ………at £2.50 each = £………….4. Cufflinks ..........at £16.00 each = £………….5. Gild pens - new design ………at £3.00 each = £………….6. Arm badge - framed …...…at £55.00 each = £………….

- unframed .....….at £20.00 each = £………….7. Blazer badge .........at £13.50 each =£..............8. Wall plaque, wooden …..…at £24.00 each = £………….9. Gown, made to measure, incl. delivery........price on request = £………….

(Chest ..........ins, height..........ft...........ins).10. Register of Freemen- 1931-85 ………at £4.00 each = £………….

- 1986-96 ………at £3.00 each = £………….

TOTAL = £………….plus postage

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

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

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

…………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………….

POST CODE……………………………

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

Signed……………………………………………………………………………………….Please post to:

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

Tel: 0116 2895394