061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07 23:09 Page 2

freemen THE NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

MAGAZINE

BE E 3

07
20
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061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07 23:09 Page 3

The Coat of Arms of the City of

Newcastle upon Tyne

Front cover: Blackfriars at night, Newcastle upon Tyne

Stewards Committee and New Freemen photographs courtesy
of Lee Dobson (www.leedobsonphotographer.com)
061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07
Foreword
We can look forward to 2008 with
pride and confidence
The traditional values which
are the bedrock of the
Freemen are being upheld in
all that we do but the Court of
Guild and the Stewards
Committee do recognise that
in this day and age there are
the dynamics of a changing
society which must be account
for. As a consequence we are
pursuing environmental
improvement to enhance the
landscape yet not detract from
the very essence of the open
space as an area where
ancient rights of “sole and
several” pasture are
successfully exercise. As we
all know without the grazing
cattle there would not be the
Moors as an unfettered open
23:09 Page 4
CONTENTS
freemen
THE NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
MAGAZINE
BE E 3
07
20
VE SU
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NO IS
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heath where the public
can enjoy rights of
“air and exercise”.
Contents
A strategy to reinforce the
agricultural dimension of our Editorial 4
affairs is of pivotal to the Organisational Restructure 5
revival of the role of Town
Town Moors 6
Moor superintendent and all
this entails. The Stewards The Hoppings 7
Committee are delighted
Committee. New Freemen 8
Kevin Batey is to carry the
mantle in this regard. Antiquated Poetry 9
The Freemen are much more Notice Board 10
than a historical artefact hence
Customs & Excise Visit 11
are moving forward to ensure
the legacy Newcastle upon Blackfriars 12-13
Tyne is so justly proud of can Stints 14
be successfully sustained.
The Master of the Gild 15
I am entering into by 21st year
as Chairman. For 20 of those FEW Leicester weekend 16-17
years. Stephen Alderson has
Dates for your Diary 18
been Vice Chairman.
Stephen has chosen to step Contacts 19
down from this appointment
and he will be sorely missed
by myself and colleagues,
The Editorial Team
having contributed so The Newcastle upon Tyne
much to the work of the
Freemen Magazine
Stewards Committee. Moor Bank Lodge
The positive feedback in Claremont Road
relation to the magazine is Newcastle upon Tyne
very much appreciated. Do NE2 4NL
not hesitate to voice opinions. E-mail freemenmagazine@tiscali.co.uk
L.R.Fenwick CBE
Chairman Stewards
Committee
FREEMEN MAGAZINE 3
061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07 23:09 Page 5

EDITORIAL

Editorial Team
The Editorial Team continue to be enthused by
the positive feed-back from our readers

Your encouragement has been interposed

with useful ideas for features and articles, all of
which are carefully considered and utilised
wherever possible.
Our magazine is being distributed world wide, the
eventual aim being to deliver a copy to every
individual Freeman of Newcastle upon Tyne. If
you are aware of any case where this is not so,
please let the Editorial Team know so the mailing
list can be modified accordingly.
Although magazine returns have decreased, we
still had 15 copies of issue2 returned by the Royal
Mail; so please make sure you promptly inform us
of any change of circumstance. Likewise, any
items you would like to share with your fellow
Freemen, such as new Stewards, deceased
Freemen, or important Company information, can
all be posted on the magazine’s “Notice Board” .
Contact details for the Editorial Team can be found
on page 3 of this newsletter.
It is our intention to continually remind you of the
benefits that are available to Freemen of
Newcastle upon Tyne and their families; and we
will tell you how to apply for such benefits.
In this issue we cover in detail the subject of
“Stints” – beneficial to you if you live within the
boundaries of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne.
In this case, as with the other benefits, it is up to
the individual to apply. Your Company Steward is
always there to give assistance, if required.
Alan Robson Jim Johnson
The day to day variety and pressure of work
shouldered by the Stewards’ Committee and the
Town Moor Staff has come as a big surprise to
many of our readers. Some had not realised that
there is such a substantial investment in time
and money from the Freemen of Newcastle
upon Tyne that goes into the upkeep and
management of the Town Moors – this being
contrary to the local media reports of past years.
Our newsletter does not have enough copy
space to report in detail on the vast volume of
work undertaken by the Stewards’ Committee,
but we promise to always keep you abreast of
the topical highlights.
We look forward to reading your letters
and emails.
Editorial Team

‘‘ It is our intention to continually remind you of the benefits that are

available to Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne and their families; and
we will tell you how to apply for such benefits.
‘‘
4 FREEMEN MAGAZINE
061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07 23:10 Page 6
Organisational
restructure
The Stewards Committee have undertaken an
organisational review of the supporting infrastructure
and related costs
We have also considered the future
strategic direction of the organisation
and the imperatives we must achieve
in order to be a viable and successful
organisation and ensure stability in
the future.
Arising out of a lengthy consultation
period where our staff were given the
opportunity to express their views
and have an input, we found the
enthusiasm for change from our staff
very encouraging.
The first phase of the re-organisation
was to restructure our staff
responsibilities; in particular the
position of Town Moor Superintendent
has been reintroduced and combines
the tasks of the Town Moor Foreman
and Administrator, improving our
effectiveness in managing the various
aspects of Town Moor management.
The enhanced role and accountability
of the Stewards Committee members
with distinct areas of management
responsibility has served to institute a
much greater spirit of ownership and
team working with inherent
organisational flexibility and better
informed deployment of resource.
Moor Bank Lodge
RESTRUCTURE
The positions of Administrator and
Town Moor Foreman are discontinued.
Kevin Batey was successful with his
application for the position of Town
Moor Superintendent which merged
tasks and responsibilities of both
Administrator and Foreman role.
David Holland and Billy Harland,
agricultural staff wished to continue in
their existing jobs.
Mrs Ansell did not want to be
considered for the post of Town Moor
Superintendent, and requested the
following statement be conveyed to
all Freemen.
“I am proud at having set up the Office
at Moor Bank Lodge, of my many
varied achievements whilst in post and
the cordial working relationships
forged over the years.
I wish to say ‘thank you’ to the
multitude of contacts and friends in the
vast number of external organisations I
have had the pleasure of working with
over the last 23 years and extend best
wishes to my many friends in the
individual Companies of Freemen.
There are too many to name
individually, but no doubt each
one will recognise themselves in
this statement.
Please be assured I am in good health
and looking forward to new ventures”.
We are now setting up a review of
our IT system, and the external
infrastructure at Moor Bank Lodge to
ensure we are in the best position to
face the challenges of the future.
FREEMEN MAGAZINE 5
061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07 23:10 Page 7

TOWN MOOR

Grazing Traditional Elizabethan

the Moors
Despite the rather
metal fences
changeable weather Our environmental improvement The reclamation of the Grandstand Rd
grazing was very good this program continues with the allotment site is now complete, the
season with 549 cattle installations of new fence lines at grass sword is flourishing and the
depastured on the various Nuns Moor adjoining Ponteland Rd, finishing touch being the new fence.
Town Moors. Fenham Hall Drive, Nuns Moor being It is intended to complete the
complete with the Elizabethan remainder of the Dukes Moor leading
Foot and mouth restrictions
specification. The exception being up to Blue House during the winter
were a concern, the
Nuns Moor Park where a metal period leading into 2008.
restrictions prevented the
movement of cattle even palisade fence was introduced, as a A further phase is now planned for
between Moors, hence counter measure to the anti-social the Nuns Moor perimeter to the north
when a cow calved we behaviour that poses a threat to the of Fenham Hall Drive and the
were unable to have them grazing cattle. Ponteland junction.
returned to the farm being
the normal practice.
Also as we neared the end
of the grazing season the New cattle pens
phased removal of cattle by New cattle pens have been installed at Dukes Moor and Nuns Moor, as can
the farmers was restricted, be seen the pens are of high specification to ensure a safe working
hence 215 head of cattle environment for our staff and graziers, also as good husbandry during the
had to graze longer than movement of cattle back to the farms.
anticipated on the Town
Moor and combined with
the loss of the Hoppings
site due to reinstatement,
even with 70 acres to graze
the cattle headed for the
hills as they pursued the
perfect eight inch fresh
green grass, they will be
returning to the farms not
only healthy but fitter.
Ricky Alder
Stewards Committee

6 FREEMEN MAGAZINE
061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07
The Hoppings 2007
Due to persistent rain the pull on
and setup of the fair was put back
one day in an attempt to minimize
damage to the site. The circular
service road drainage
improvements proved to be
helpful but the concentration of
heavy vehicles across some 40
acres took their toll.
On opening day the sun came out
to greet the Lord Mayor for the
official opening, the crowds
turned out, hopes were high and
fingers were crossed this was the
start of a good Hoppings, but with
dusk came the rain, along with the
previous wet weather and by the
turn of the week the fairground
became a quagmire.
Many thousands still turned out
and “plodged” through the mud,
determined to enjoy the fair,
returning home covered in mud,
wet, but happy, in typical
Geordie fashion.
23:10 Page 8
In real terms the event was a
costly write off with operational
losses all round. Town Moor
herbage reinstatements has
incurred extraordinary expense in
excess of £70,000, prompting the
Freemen in partnership with the
City Council to consider certain
key elements, scope and layout of
the fair, density of equipment
including living trailers, types of
rides and their suitability, impact
of environmental damage year on
year, future organisation and
TOWN MOOR
authority in running such an event
and the financial consequences.
Along with our staff, to whom the
travelling Showpeople have paid
great tribute for the tireless effort
and commitment they showed
before and during the fair, in
particular in ensuring the safe
evacuation of the vehicles and
equipment in what proved the
most atrocious conditions in living
memory and the energy shown in
commencing the reinstatement of
the Moor. We are striving to help
make sure the Hoppings
continues, having said that, we
realise the event must modernise
to keep pace with the
requirements and expectations of
the public at large
To achieve our objectives we
will continue to work closely
with the City Council and the
Northern Syndicate of the
Showmen’s Guild.
FREEMEN MAGAZINE 7
061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07 23:10 Page 9

COMMITTEE

Stewards Committee
Elected at the Michaelmas Guild for the ensuing year:
Mace Bearer, P.Anderson, J.Johnson, K.Hall, H.D.Wilson Vice Chairman, Councillor P.J.Arnold Lord Mayor,
L.R.Fenwick Chairman of the Stewards Committee, W.Frizzle, D.M.Lowdon, I.F.Miller, C.Atkinson,
F.H.Alder, Sword Bearer,
also elected (not in photograph) R.M.Grey Hon Treasurer, A.R. Bainbridge

New Freemen
Lord Mayor Mr Peter John Arnold
with new Freemen.
Ryan Phillip Sample son of Noel, House
Carpenter. Christopher Henry Thompson
son of Robert, Butcher.
David Thompson son of Brian, Butcher.
Oliver James Freeman Pashley son of
Simon James, Shipwright.
Sworn in at the Michaelmas Guild
October 8th 2007.

James Duncan Usher, son of Gordon Frazer, Cordwainer.

Sworn in at the Civic Centre June 18th 2007

8 FREEMEN MAGAZINE
061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07 23:10 Page 10

POETRY

Poetry of powerful
Freemen in the 1700s
When reading through our magazine, it is easy to assume it is a new concept,
keeping the Freemen of Newcastle informed of our affairs, alas no. Way back in
the mid-1700s (when Bonnie Prince Charlie was around), a publication was
produced "The Freemen’s Magazine" or the Constitutional Repository. It contained
accounts of Guild proceedings, articles such as the bills of Rights, letters to the
editor and the replies, the Burgess Poll for the election of Members for Newcastle
upon Tyne, and the names and company of all Freemen taking part, (noting it
was the Freemen alone who elected Members of Parliament). This old publication
also contained odes and poems to amuse the readers; one such poem
‘The UNFORTUNATE CUCKOLD’ gives a brief glimpse into humour of the time.

The Unfortunate Cuckold

FATIGUE’D with work of the day,
Gay John homeward does bend his way;
Knocks at his door, but is was lock’d
Within, and entrance quite was block’d.
He thunders then with all his force,
Call’s his wife till he was hoarse,
Who was then with her gallant toying,
And Venus’s pleasures full enjoying.
Their hearing such a thundering noise,
Did then confute their present joy’s.
Under the bed she hides her gallant,
For she had a most cunning talent;
The gin-pot after him she threw
Under the bed, the pot it flew
To pieces, this their fright renew.
Then eagerly opens the door,
Says John, could you not hear before ?
But let me stand an hour to roar ?
Says she, I had a great head-ach,
And on the bed a nap did take.
In truth, says he, all is not weel,
For an odd smell I’m sure I feel.
Then for a candle quick did go,
All her craft could not stop the woe,
Which was then hasting to begin,
All on account of the curs’t gin.
The Devil, who does always hear,
And help all those who do him fear,
Made her to duty then quite blind,
A pair of bellows chanc’d to find:
While John did look under the bed,
She struck him with
them on the head;
Extended poor
John on the floor,
Then her gallant run
out of the door.
Not yet content
with what
she’d done,
The devil who did like such fun,
Made her again to mischief run.
John had not yet recovered,
Nor could lift up his aking head,
Before she struck another blow
With the bellows, the blood did flow,
Death seemed in his eyes to glow.
She went where all the cash was laid,
Took all, nor then one moment staid,
But quick after her gallant hied,
Regardless if John liv’d or died.
When John a little did recover,
His senses did begin to hover;
He went in haste his desk to open,
With sorrow saw it had been broken;
Cash, cloaths-all gone –
shocking to say!
His senses in an instant flew away.
Old Nick a rope laid in his way,
To end the strife – chase grief away;
And possessed by the hellish elf,
Without ado– he hang’d himself.

FREEMEN MAGAZINE 9
061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07 23:10 Page 11

ards
New Stew ements
NOTICE
and bereav
rds
New Stewa rs Company
BOARD
Carpente
House
John Tate
Return o
nts
Bereaveme y
mpan Town M f the
Butchers Co o
Derek A lde r Superint or
pany
endent
Taylors Com
g in
James Fog Since the
Trinity House retiremen
Freemen of
to
Douglas M f
Company, 1996 the rley in
o
and Colliers f Freemen
r of the Gild o Stewards
Past Maste Committe
e has
r Hall
James Taylo operated
with the
distinct ro
any les
eons Comp Administr of
Barber Surg th and Town r
ato
st Hogar
Alfred Erne Foreman
Moor
Kevin Bate respectiv
ompany y
apprentice (pictured) joined th ely
Bricklayers C in 1985 o e staff as
under the n leaving an
Robert Row and beca
guidance
of Dougla
school an
d
me Town s,
Moor Fore flourished
Company We are d
Upholterers elighted K man.
oatsworth the more evin has st
Robert A.C Superinte
compreh
ensive ro
epped up
to
ndent wh le of
agricultura ich embra
la ces both
as routine nd environmental
administr d
ative affair uties as well
s.

Michaelmas Guild
The Guild at Michae
lmas paid tribute to
for the contribution Pat Ansell
she has made to the
organisation and we
llbeing of the Freem
spent some 23 years en, having
as Administrator du
of significant change ring times
and development.

10 FREEMEN MAGAZINE
061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07
Customs and Excise visit!
On the day the Showmen were to
arrive to set up on the Town
Moor, the Chairman Len Fenwick
was present on site to address
prevailing ground conditions with
the staff and also, Messrs Colin
Noble and John Murphy of the
Northern Syndicate. The staff
were deployed at this time
undertaking routine preparatory
tasks, much of which was directed
at surface protection work. Both
tractors were in use.
Unbeknown, the staff were under
surveillance and a team from
Customs & Excise came onto site
in a vehicle, and following some
initial questioning impounded
Impounded tractors on the Town Moor
23:10 Page 12
both tractors to test the fuel (ie.
gas oil) that was being used.
Arising out of the test and the
initial response given, the
Chairman was placed under
caution and obliged to respond to
a series of structured questions as
part of a detailed lengthy
interview and in providing a
recorded statement
The tractors were released from
seizure following negotiation and
avoidance of an on the spot fine.
Subsequently, a senior
investigating officer attended
Moor Bank Lodge to meet with
myself, Honorary Treasurer and
the Chairman to further address
whether or not derv (white diesel)
or gas oil (red diesel) which
CUSTOMS
involves a 2 fold plus cost increase
because of tax – fuel duty
surcharge, should be used on
Town Moor based activities.
The guidance is less than clear in
respect to type of activity different
fuel must be used. The outcome
was that for some but not all
activity red diesel could be used,
but as a tractor has a single fuel
tank, the dual fuelling is neither
practicable nor appropriate.
As a consequence it was decided
to run our tractors solely on white
diesel, the fuel storage and
dispensing installation at Moor
Bank Lodge has had to be
replaced at a cost of £2,100.
Kevin Batey
Town Moor Superintendent
FREEMEN MAGAZINE 11
061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07 23:10 Page 13

BLACKFRIARS
The Dominican or Black Friars
settled in Newcastle in the early
11th century. There had been a
community of Friars Preachers
since 1238-9, it is assumed that
the Dominican friary was
consumed in the raging fire of
1248 along with the Tyne Bridge
and much of the Borough. The
present Monastery of Blackfriars
was built by Sir Peter Scott and
his son Nicholas Scott on a site
given by three sisters. This took
place between 1250-1260. The
building consisted of three sides
with the church forming the
fourth, the walls being eight feet
thick in places.
Over the years many Royals
visited en route to and from
Scotland. In 1322 King Edward II
and Queen Isabella stayed for
two weeks. In 1334 King Edward
III and Edward Baliol (the Scottish
King) stayed; and it was in the
Blackfriars Church that Edward
Baliol, with the Earls of Athol,
Dunbar, Mat and Buchan did
homage to King Edward III for
the Kingdom of Scotland in the
presence of the Earl of Cromwell
and Warren, the Archbishop of
York and the Bishop of Carlisle.
On the 10th January 1539, during
the reformation, King Henry VIII’s
visitor (Richard) – the Suffragan
Bishop of Dover, received the act
of surrender signed by the Prior
(Roland Harding). There were 14
members of the Friary at its
dissolution. The church was
returned to the Crown and on
the 7th March 1543 King Henry
VIII sold the remaining buildings

The Friars occupied the buildings from about 1240 until 1544
‘‘
‘‘ some three centuries: but the Companies of Freemen were in full
occupation from 1555 up to 1955 and later.

12 FREEMEN MAGAZINE
061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07
to the Mayor and Burgesses of
Newcastle. The church itself
was destroyed and the
recovered materials were used
to build the first lighthouse in
Tynemouth and the High and
Low Lights in North Shields.
In 1552, the Corporation leased
the main range of buildings of
Blackfriars to nine ancient Craft
Guilds of the Town for a yearly
rent of 42 shillings – each Craft
Guild to pay a ninth. These nine
Companies were the Smiths, the
Tailors, the Cordwainers,
Saddlers, Dyers, Bakers and
Brewers, Skinners and Glovers,
Butchers and the Tanners. The
halls were used as meeting
rooms and workshops along with
a Pub called the Bakers and
Brewers Arms in the area known
as Friars Green. Over the years
the Guilds rebuilt and improved
the buildings. However,
following the Municipal
Corporations Act of 1835, the
23:10 Page 14
Guilds became less prosperous
and struggled to find the money
to meet cost of maintenance.
Sadly by 1951 the fabric of the
buildings had come into
disrepair, so the Freemen
handed over their rights in the
property to the City Council
pending the restoration of the
buildings. At this time, some of
the Companies continued to
use the halls for their meetings.
The City set out several
proposals on what to do with
Blackfriars, one of which was to
demolish the buildings and
leave the foundations as an
ancient monument – this
was vigorously opposed by
the Freemen.
Finally, in 1963 the City Council
converted the buildings into an
exhibition and education centre.
The Smiths Hall was retained for
use by 5 of the original nine
Companies as their meeting
place – it is now known as the
BLACKFRIARS
Freemen’s Hall. This hall has its
own entrance built in 1679 and
repaired and restored in 1803,
1823 and 1926 by the Smiths
Company. In the Freemen’s Hall
there are fine fittings consisting
of a Steward’s bench and desk, a
large round table with a wrought
iron enclosure and numbered
seats for the Brethren. There is
also a fine carved wooden
fireplace which dates from about
1775. The hall is still used today
for several of the Companies for
their meetings.
It is worth noticing that The Friars
occupied the buildings from
about 1240 until 1544 some
three centuries: but the
Companies of Freemen were in
full occupation from 1555 up to
1955 and later – a century longer
than the Friars. There is no doubt
that the Freemen played a pivotal
roll in the preservation of
Blackfriars as seen today.
FREEMEN MAGAZINE 13
061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07 23:10 Page 15

STINTS

STINTS
The popular perception of a Freeman of Newcastle upon Tyne is that
he has an ancient legal right to graze his cattle on the Town Moor

The Freemen have ancient rights, enshrined in
legislation (i) to exercise rights of 'sole and several'
pasture which enables the grazing of cattle on the
Town Moors. In essence this is the raison d'être of
the Freemen and is the very reason why the Moors
still exist today as an open space. Without the
grazing cattle, the very future of the environment as
we know it may well be put at risk!
Any Freemen or his widow, providing they reside
within the boundary of the City of Newcastle upon
Tyne enjoy the rights to the privilege of grazing
cattle. The number of cattle that each Freeman or
their dependants may seek to graze is dependant
upon the quota of 'Stints' earmarked on an annual
basis by the Stewards Committee. In particular, the
available acreage of fit for purpose pasture does
determine the total number of cattle that is then
converted into 'Stints'.
The expectation is that some 800 'Stints' will be
allocated and recognising in this day and age that
whilst the duty to effectively graze the Moors is a
statutory duty, the beneficiaries themselves will not
be in a position to directly provide and lead cattle
onto the Moors. As a consequence the Stewards
Committee do ensure that enough cattle are
depastured across the season (April to November)
and hence the integrity of the open space is
maintained as well as the distribution of the income
benefit to the respective Stint ticket holders.
Note: The quantum of Stint tickets are distributed
each year following application to (pro-forma
circulated annually) eligible beneficiaries to the
Town Moor Superintendent, Moor Bank Lodge,
Claremont Road, Newcastle upon Tyne. Closing
date lst April. A ballot is held in the Guildhall to
determine distribution of any residue of tickets over
and above the basic quota.
Newcastle upon Tyne Town Moor Act 1988.
Guild Hall under the Tyne Bridge

14 FREEMEN MAGAZINE
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GILD OF FREEMEN

The Master of the Gild

This is my first column as Master of the Gild, but I do not want to waste
the space in pledges and emotional words. So, to business!
One of the principal functions associated with the
Gild of Freemen in recent years was the Gild
newsletter, which went to members of the Gild and
was financed through their Gild subscriptions. The
direct funding provided by the Stewards Committee
means that the new magazine now goes free to every
Newcastle Freemen but this has inevitably impacted
subscriptions to the Gild of Freemen, even though
they are a mere £2 a year and £1 for senior citizens!
We are therefore most grateful to those companies
and individuals who have pledged their
continuing support to the Gild of Freemen
by financial donations and subscription
renewals and would appeal to others
not to forget us. Funds will still be put
towards Gild events and we hope too,
to expand our activities and
responsibilities in the coming months.
When the Gild started, the aim was to
provide a forum and social
calendar for those Freemen
who were not members
of their Companies.
(Remember, in
those far-off
days, there were
several closed
companies
and others with “questionable” admissions policies).
It was equally understood however, that the Gild
could be as much an additional interest to company-
keepers, as to those for which it was originally
conceived. I listen with amazement to stories of some
of the events that were run in times gone past and the
numbers that attended them. Hopefully, we can again
build some of that same enthusiasm and interest.
So, I would draw your attention to the annual
Freemen’s Christmas Buffet on Saturday 15th
December (details on page 17).This year we
will have live music to go with the buffet, the
carols and customary impressive raffle. All
are welcome – and no, it doesn’t clash with
a Newcastle home game!
In the spring, we are hoping to organise a
get-together with the Alnwick Freemen and
another with the Durham Freemen, of
which details to follow.
So, the Gild of Freemen of Newcastle
upon Tyne is alive and kicking
and I am looking forward to
my term as Master.
Captain Stephen Healy,
Master of the Gild

‘‘
I listen with amazement to stories of some of the events that were run in times
gone past and the numbers that attended them. Hopefully, we can again build
some of that same enthusiasm and interest.
‘‘
FREEMEN MAGAZINE 15
061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07 23:10 Page 17
FEW LEICESTER
WEEKEND
A report by Captain Stephen Healy, Master of the Gild
Time for the annual jolly again and this year the City of
Leicester beckoned to the Freemen of the far-flung
boroughs of the lands of England and Wales
Yes, for us, it meant the M1 on a Friday, but a
timely start avoided the build-up and also
meant we arrived, following the obligatory
circuit of Leicester’s inner ring road, at the
hotel in good time to relax and prepare for
the opening evening’s get together.
This was a very pleasant, casual, carvery-
style dinner and, as an ice-breaker, the
organisers had put together a “freelage”
quiz, which proved both interesting and
challenging. Our table actually came
second, only losing out in a tie-breaker to a
table that contained two long-standing
members of the FEW executive, so I think
we did rather well!
This particular FEW weekend coincided
with the 900th anniversary of the City of
Leicester Freemen and Saturday’s
programme commenced with a talk
on their history by the Deputy
Master of the Gild of Freemen
of Leicester. This was followed
16 FREEMEN MAGAZINE
by the main event, the Annual General
Meeting of the Freemen of England and
Wales. Some interesting information was
given on land registry, for those boroughs
like Newcastle where rights to common land
are an issue and the status of the Borough
Freedom (Family Succession) Bill also
gained a particular mention for Newcastle.
Now I’m not a space buff, never was, but the
afternoon visit to the National Space Centre
was certainly different and who would have
guessed it was in Leicester of all place?!
Housed on the site of the old Wolseley car
factory, the building is almost taller than it is
round, its futuristic rocket tower, a strange
plastic shell, which housing a couple of full-
sized rockets, is visible for miles around.
By way of contrast, I never realised quite
how small the capsules of the manned space
rockets are – that of the USSR Soyuz rocket
in the entrance hall seems frighteningly tiny
and fragile. The Space Theatre, equipped
with a domed, 360 degree edge-blended
screen, delivered a unique multimedia
experience, using surround video
technology, lasers and digital surround
sound to involve the viewer in a fascinating
show on the training of astronauts and
proved a fitting finale to our visit.
Then it was back to the hotel for the evening
Gala Banquet, attended by over 200
Freemen and their partners. The Lord
Mayor of Leicester, the Right Worshipful
Councillor Gary Hunt, one of the guests
of honour, had the room in stitches
with his account of a recent fact-finding
visit to Albania.
061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07 23:10 Page 18

LEICESTER
Newcastle Freemen with their partners

Sunday’s Church Parade, as always
a colourful and well-attended affair,
led from the Castle House to the
nearby St Mary de Castro Church,
where a friendly and enthusiastic
vicar, who would not have looked
out of place down the road in the
front row of the Leicester Tigers,
presided over the service.
The climax of the weekend was a
lunchtime civic reception, provided
by the Lord Mayor, for which we all
squeezed into the City’s 14th
century Guildhall. And then it was
off, back up the M1, with another
weekend under the belt. This one
had been particularly pleasant, as
we met up with a number of
“ex-pat” Newcastle Freemen,
residents of the deep south, who
were able to make it to the Midlands
on this occasion. Colleagues from
Durham, Alnwick and Berwick
also ensured that the region was
well represented.
Next year it’s Hale (near Liverpool) and
already the preliminary programme
looks fun, as we might expect. The
Sunday lunch caught my eye – it’s to
be held at Halton Stadium, home of the
Widnes Viking Rugby League Club –
I’ve never had a Pukka pie and a mug
of Bovril at a FEW weekend before.

Christmas present suggestions

Silk tie bearing the Newcastle upon
Tyne Coat of Arms (a choice of single
crest or repeat crest is available).
Obtain an order form from your
Company Steward. Sales are dealt
with at Moor Bank Lodge by mail
order only. Price per tie (including
P & P) is £21.
A Newcastle Gild of Freemen Tie (Jaquard
woven) in navy blue or maroon with
under-knot badge. Price per tie (including P & P) is
£8. These Gild ties are available direct from the
Gild Hon. Treasurer – see page 19 for his address.
Ceremonial Robes
Complete with the Newcastle upon Tyne
Gild arm badge. These can also be
ordered direct from the Gild Hon.
Treasurer at a price of only £50each
(P&P included).

Freemen’s Christmas Buffet 2007

Reservations to be received by Alan Robson (Hon. Gild Treasurer) by the 10th December – see page 19 for
contact details. This popular event takes place upstairs in the Newcastle Guildhall on Saturday 15th December
2007, starting at 12 noon.
Plenty to eat and drink in the good company of your fellow Freemen and their families.Carol singing and festive
raffle. Live background music this year. Cost is only £5.50 per head (your school children can attend free of
charge). NOT TO BE MISSED!

FREEMEN MAGAZINE 17
061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07 23:10 Page 19
DIARY
Diary dates
Monday 10th December 2007
Newcastle Gild of Freemen meeting. Upstairs in the
Newcastle Guildhall, starting at 7.30pm.
Saturday 15th December 2007
Newcastle Gild of Freemen Christmas Buffet,
upstairs in the Newcastle Guildhall, starting at 12
noon. Booking forms must be returned to the Gild
Hon. Treasurer before the 10th December.
Monday 14th January 2008
Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne, Christmas Guild,
upstairs in the Newcastle Guildhall (on Quayside,
bottom of Dean Street).
Close Court of Guild (for Company Stewards only)
starts at 10 am.
Open Court of Guild (for all Freemen of
Newcastle upon Tyne) starts at 12 noon prompt.
You must be seated by 12 noon for the Open Guild in
readiness to receive the Lord Mayor.
The meeting concludes with new Freemen being
called, and if present sworn in by the Lord Mayor.
After the proceedings a buffet lunch and refreshments
are available in the Merchant Adventurers Court.
Monday 10th March 2008
Newcastle Gild of Freemen meeting. Upstairs in the
Newcastle Guildhall, starting at 7.30pm.
Monday 31st March 2008
Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne, Easter Guild,
upstairs in the Newcastle Guildhall (on Quayside,
bottom of Dean Street).
18 FREEMEN MAGAZINE
Close Court of Guilds (for Company Stewards only)
starts at 10am.
Open Court of Guilds (for all Freemen of
Newcastle upon Tyne) starts at 12 noon prompt.
You must be seated by 12 noon for the Open Guild in
readiness to receive the Lord Mayor.
The meeting concludes with new Freemen being
called, and if present sworn in by the Lord Mayor.
After the proceedings a buffet lunch and refreshments
are available in the Merchant Adventurers Court.
Sunday 12th May 2008
Newcastle Gild of Freemen Head Meeting (AGM)
upstairs in the Newcastle Guildhall starting at 7:30pm.
Sunday 18th May 2008
Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne Annual Church
Parade. Held in the Cathedral Church of St Nicholas.
Robing in the Cathedral Chapel of St George at
9:30am with the Lord Mayor.
Should you need to borrow a robe, please advise the
Hon. Treasurer of the Gild of Freemen.
As this Freemen’s Church Parade is attended by the
Lord Mayor, it is vital that there is a good turn-out.
Annual Guild Days
• Christmas Guild – the first Monday after
13th January.
• Easter Guild – the first Monday after
Easter Monday.
• Michaelmas Guild – the first Monday after
Michaelmas Monday.
061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07 23:10 Page 20

Contacts
Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne
Superintendent and Office
Mr K.Batey,
Moor Bank Lodge, Claremont Road,
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4NL
Tel: 0191 2615970
Fax: 0191 2324677
Email: admin@freemenofnewcastle.org
Website: www.freemenofnewcastle.org

Gild of Freemen of Newcastle

Hon. Treasurer of the Gild
Mr A. Robson,
“Monarkens Fryd,”
4 Parklands,
Hamsterley Mill,
Rowlands Gill,
Tyne and Wear, NE39 1HH,
Tel: 01207 543509
Email: alan.robson4@lineone.net

The Freemen of England and Wales Association

Warden for the North of England
Mr J. W. N. Petty,
7 Wentworth Grange,
The Grove, Gosforth,
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1NL
Tel: 0191 2850591

Publishers: Cherrington Advertising Limited. Tel: 01325 304 360

061 Freemen Nov 07 27/11/07 23:09 Page 1

The Newcastle upon Tyne Freemen Magazine

Moor Bank Lodge, Claremont Road
Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4NL