ISSUE 21 OCTOBER 2017 a corporate body were so unanimously Foreword prepared to “fall in behind” and act accordingly. We are now experiencing the ur guardianship refresh being sustained by Councillor Linda Orole and inherent Wright Lord Mayor. responsibilities in I was most humbled to be awarded the relation to the Town status of Honorary Freedom of Newcastle Moor and all this Contents upon Tyne and wish to express a big thank entails has without you to colleagues across the Freelage any shadow of who have over the past thirty years and doubt been distinctly more volunteered so much time, skill and acknowledged as 4 Visitors Tales professionalism in relation to the agenda 5 a consequence of we have to deal with and particularly to the 800th Anniversary. A close working ensure a strong and effective portfolio of 5 Theatre Royal Visit collaboration with Newcastle City Council commitments that so distinctly secure and has never been stronger and Councillor serve the environmental heart of such a Hazel Stephenson in her year of office as 6 Hoppings 2017 great City. Lord Mayor served to set a commitment not only in sustaining historical pride and a Also please do not hesitate to provide 7 Best Hoof Forward most remarkable enthusiasm in promoting feedback and contribute to future strategy. our fine and progressive City but setting Sir Leonard Fenwick CBE 10 Superintendent’s Report a modus operandi that the Freemen as Chairman of the Stewards Commitee

12 A Proud Historical Moment 10 13 One Hundred Years Old Editorial nce again the Editorial team have 14 135 Years of The Hoppings Owillingly given of their time to bring you some interesting articles which we 15 Christmas Guild 2016 hope continue the theme of being both informative and wide ranging. The aim of the magazine is to provide you with a 17 Newcastle upon Tyne Trade Guilds quick insight into the goings on within the workings of the Freemen of Newcastle 18 Diary Dates upon Tyne and hopefully their positive 14 impact on the City. 19 Notice Board The Editorial team are always after new and enlightening items for print and would welcome any suggestions, photographs or articles for consideration relevant to The Great North Run 2017” COURTESY Freemen and The City. (contact details are OF NEWCASTLE EVENING CHRONICLE. on the back cover, just preface your com- Front cover photograph taken by Kevin Batey (Town Moor Superintendent) munication with “Editorial Group”) Showing 2017 Hoppings trailer advertisement next to The Freemen Herd. Guild swearing in and new Lord Mayor photographs taken by Steve Brock We look forward to hearing from you. Official Photographer, Steve Brock Photography. - Copies available from www.stevebrock.co.uk Tel 01912863430

2 Freemen Magazine Freemen Magazine 3 annoying her. She said that she knew that if she bent forward she would fall, so she : Visitor’s Tales got down on her knees and removed the Theatre offending weeds. She said “then I tried to get up, but even with my good knee, I Royal Visit hen I first met Janet she was 87, a couldn’t make it!” Fortunately in her quiet Wwise old spinster living in her own cul-de-sac, she had an observant neigh- bour who came to her rescue. house backing onto her 84 years old n November a group of Freemen were sister’s. One year I told her our summer Turned 100 she had not been sleeping given a tour of the Theatre Royal in coach trip was going to Berwick and she I well for a night or two but decided to bus Newcastle. The visit was arranged by Ian said that when younger she had walked into town to do a little shopping. It was there, about 60 miles up the coast! I Miller of the Shipwrights. Ian organises the February and cold outside, but the bus from the previous evening and there were looked shocked and she explained that Town Moor Charity’s annual trip to the was warm and comfortable and she soon some technical checks being carried out. she had done it about ten miles at a time pantomime at the Theatre Royal. dropped off to sleep, a sound sleep! A This didn’t affect our visit and we had a and getting the bus home in between the passenger saw this very old lady’s head The original Theatre Royal opened in 1788 comprehensive tour with a knowledgeable walks. fall and alerted the driver who decided to in Drury Lane, off Moseley Street. It was and amusing member of the theatre Not long after her 90th birthday, her “kid” stop and soon the police and paramedics replaced in 1836 by the current building staff. We were taken below, back and on brother 83 told me she had broken her were on the scene and had the sleeping as part of Richard Grainger and John stage; the last giving an impressive view shoulder, having fallen off the table! When Janet on a stretcher when the cold outside Dobson’s redevelopment of the City of the auditorium. We visited the stalls, I visited her she said she had been stand- woke her up! She wasn’t going into any Centre. The architects were Benjamin and circle and right up to the Gallery, known ing on the table to hang curtains and ran hospital, there was nothing wrong with John Green who were Freemen belonging as the Gods in my day and now fitted with out of table! On another occasion her her – so the bus drove away and then the to the Bricklayers Company. The building is comfy seats, not wooden benches. There brother asked if she had shown me her leg ambulance, leaving the police in charge. considered to be one of the finest theatres was an interesting exhibition of historical and I said she wasn’t that sort of girl.He They said they’d take her home and asked in the country and is Grade 1 listed. items, including posters and programmes, said that she had told him she had fallen who’d be there. “No one” she said “I live in the Gallery area. Some of our party indoors but he thought that it had been on my own!” The police said that they In 1899 a serious fire, which started during a remembered Charlton Heston in A Man for outside. Sure enough when I called she could not leave her on her own, they’d performance of Macbeth, destroyed most All Seasons in 1988. The display includes said confidentially that she had gone into seek a neighbour to be with her and went of the auditorium, although the exterior the Shipwrights’ coat of arms as the the garden for some rhubarb (carrying a off looking for one after seeing her into her was not affected. The auditorium was Theatre has a record of the Shipwrights’ knife) when she had fallen! house. Several neighbours must have been rebuilt, to a design by Frank Matcham who mediaeval mystery play but none from out as they came back with someone from was a great theatre architect, and the other Guilds. I grew to expect some tale of mischief or three doors away, only to find that Janet theatre reopened in 1901. adventure whenever I called on her, like had made tea for them! One wonders The guide covered the history of the The building was refurbished in 2011 at a when she had told her sister she was pop- what the police put on their report! building and the refurbishment plus ping into town and subsequently came cost of almost £5m. The 1901 design for anecdotes about performances and out of M & S , seeing a bus for Berwick and By 103, after her sister had died, she the auditorium was recreated as far as actors. It was very enjoyable. deciding it was a nice day, she would reluctantly agreed to have a telephone possible and the portico was restored as it Tours can be booked via the Theatre’s board it! “To go to Berwick?” I asked. “No, installed but told me she wouldn’t use it. had been damaged by the weather over website but you can have a look around I just went to Alnwick and got the little bus “What you’ve never had, you never miss.” the years. but relatives could ring her. At 104 when the public areas, including the Exhibition up to my niece’s” she replied. The niece Our visit coincided with the panto season. I called the door was opened promptly on the gallery floor, any time when the had rang Janet’s sister to tell her who her There were two performances a day and by a carer who invited me in saying with theatre is open. surprise visitor was and she got her hus- the cleaners were sweeping up confetti band to drive her back into Alnwick just in a grimace that Janet was “helping” her in time to miss a bus. By the time she got into the kitchen. I asked if I could borrow her Newcastle it was dusk and the 20 minute and the carer said “Yes please” Janet local bus service was down to hourly and and I sat chatting in the front room and her agitated kid sister was waiting at their eventually the carer came in to get her she had, only to be informed that usually Two weeks later she had begrudgingly bus stop to give her a piece of her mind! book signed, asking if I would like a cup of she didn’t! A while later I pointed out that agreed to move from her beloved bunga- tea. I politely declined but Janet said that her untouched tea would be getting cold low into a residential care home where she Just before her 100th birthday she told me she would have one! The tea arrived with and was told that she hadn’t wanted it, unfortunately suffered a stroke, went into how she couldn’t stand dandelions in her biscuits and the carer left. I was asked if she just asked to get her to do something hospital and passed away. front lawn and three in flower had been she had shut the gate and I confirmed that for her money!

4 Freemen Magazine Freemen Magazine 5 HOPPINGS 2017

e can report on a successful 2017 individually and allocated to a particular WHoppings which opened on the ride operator. For security every ride, 16th June for nine days of fun closing vehicle and living van is issued with a on Saturday 24th. The official opening permit containing the operators name and ceremony took place on 17th June, vehicle registration number which must following speeches by Sir Leonard Fenwick, be displayed and checked prior to entry Chairman of the Freemen of Newcastle, to the site, which is quite an administrative George Bliss, Chairman of the Northern task. Section of the Showmen’s Guild and Attendance was good and helped by Jeremy Dodd, Commanding Officer, Fifth the good weather, and the public were he Freemen have exercised their right Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. able to enjoy over 300 attractions ranging Best Hoof Tto graze cattle on the Town Moor from The Lord Mayor Councillor Linda Wright from white knuckle rides to the many time immemorial, the right to do so having rang the Fair Bells signalling the opening of catering offers. Due to the recent security Forward originated prior to the Norman Conquest. the fair and the Military Show which took issues at other cities there was a raised place on the first weekend. The official police presence which was bolstered by party toured the Fair taking the opportunity patrolling armed officers, with many of the to sample some of the attractions. children taking the opportunity to have As all Freemen are aware the maintaining the conditions and capacity of the areas We had two choices for the week the fair their photograph taken with the friendly of herbage rights (grazing rights) on the available for grazing from year to year. commenced, the 23rd or the 16th but as officers. All served to reassure the public Town Moor is the most important factor This year 485 cattle have been initially in ensuring the continuance of an open the 23rd ran into July for the last day we that it was a safe event. introduced onto the Moor. space in the interests of the inhabitants of decided to open on the 16th. The weather Preparations for the 2018 Hoppings the city and their right to “air and exercise” Until now, Freeman and Beef farmer, Ricky was very kind with plenty of sunny days. commenced once the site was cleared, as stated in The Newcastle upon Tyne Alder, from Ponteland, has been the only Had we waited until the 23rd the event with dates being confirmed as Town Moor Act 1988. Freeman to exercise his ancient right to would have lived up to its reputation for 22nd – 30th June. graze cattle on the Moor and has done rainy days. The Act stipulates that the Stewards so for the past 15 years. However in late Committee shall decide the number of April early May 2017 a decision was made Setting up commenced in May cattle, not exceeding 800, which may to re- introduce a “Freemen Herd” to the by our staff led by Town Moor be grazed. This number is dependant on Town Moor. Superintendent Kevin Batey. The marking out was achieved for Every January Kevin Batey, the Town Moor the first time by using satellite Superintendent, writes to existing graziers navigation, a system which is inviting them the opportunity to graze accurate to within 2mm. their cattle for a new season, which lasts from March to November. This year due to Interestingly many of the public two graziers retiring the opportunity arose believe that the showmen just for a new herd to be introduced onto drive onto the field and setup Hunters Moor. With the benefit of Ricky’s their equipment where they experience, along with Kevin’s knowledge want, but every one of the 300+ built up over a period of 32 years​ of positions are marked out

6 Freemen Magazine Freemen Magazine 7 to a maximum period of 36 months. (A due to the Moor bordering heifer is a female animal that has never major roads in and out had a calf as opposed to a cow, that will of the city. Cattle pens have had at least one calf). are also in constant need of maintenance as they Hunters Moor is approximately 63 acres are required to load in size and with Ministry ​​guidelines ​of the cattle safely onto 0.6 beast per ​acre it can comfortably transport wagons when accommodate the Freemen herd and moving cattle off the Moor. provide space for any potential increase in Understandably all this care the size of the herd should it prove prudent and maintenance attracts to do so. many “man hours” that It will come as no surprise that owning a have to be paid for. herd of cattle does generate paperwork. In addition the income from The Cattle Tracing System (CTS) is the “stints”, the rent charged database for all cattle in Great Britain for grazing one beast on to which owners must notify births, the Moor, a charge that movements and death of cattle on their the Freemen Herd will also holding. The database is maintained incur, after administration by The British Cattle Movement Service costs, are paid directly to (BCMS). Every bovine animal in the UK the Freemen and widows has a holding number, relating to where dealing with graziers and fulfilling one of his​ and widowers of Freemen the animal is being held and a unique many roles of supervising grazing on the living within the Newcastle personal number, shown both on an ear Moor, accompanied by Sir Len Fenwick, City Boundaries. felt not to have sufficiently grown yet to they were tasked with creating a Freemen tag in each ear and on a paper cattle achieve a realistic price in a “deadweight” herd. passport which is held by the current The Freemen are fortunate in that with auction. The beasts are therefore sold on keeper of the animal. The unique personal Ricky being a Beef farmer, he is constantly in the auction to either dealers or other Visits were made to Hexham, Northallerton number and the passport remain with monitoring market trends, prices and farmers who are buying for finishing and so and Darlington Cattle market auctions. the animal throughout its life and any potential opportunities to sell the cattle are usually looking for well-grown animals Between the three auctions 40 heifers, movement to a new holding must be that over the grazing season have grown of up to two years of age. A benefit to the of different breeds, Aberdeen Angus, recorded on the passport, dated along sufficiently to take back to market. As the seller in a “liveweight” auction is that the British Blue X, Limousin X and Charolais, with details of the new holding number. Freemen herd is aimed at the consumer seller can pull the cattle out of the auction were purchased. Whilst the British Blue The system therefore allows for traceability meat market it is intended that the if it is felt that the auctioneer has not X, Limousin X and Charolais are usually of the beef. beasts will be put into what is known as a achieved an acceptable price. However de-horned when young horn buds first “deadweight” auction. pulling cattle from this auction means that appear, the Aberdeen Angus are naturally To balance the books costs have to be you might well have to then start factoring “polled” livestock, ie are without horns, factored in to include transportation of As with any other type of auction there in the cost of over winter housing, not to a condition all graziers must meet when cattle to and from market. There is always is a great reliance on the theory of basic mention transporting the cattle back, in putting cattle on the Moor to graze as a the possibility that there will be the need to economics of “supply and demand”. our case, to the Moor. safety precaution to minimise danger to call upon veterinary care. Bearing in mind the potential overheads already incurred, you can be dealing the public. There are also additional overheads that The Freemen have always remained in a very precarious environment in a vigilant in protecting the Moor and that When purchasing cattle, in this case for are necessary and beneficial to all graziers “deadweight” auction, especially as the commitment continues today. Whilst introduction into the human food chain, who use the Moor, the cost of which, are seller is not allowed to remove the beasts it’s early days the re-introduction of The experience and intuition are invaluable. met by The Freemen. from the auction because the auctioneer Freemen herd is a demonstrative step Whilst obviously cost will have a bearing The Moor itself has to be managed has been unable to achieve a minimum forward by the Freemen in their belief that on whether to buy or not, the ability to whether it be drainage issues, providing anticipated price. the Moor should at all times, as stated identify the correct conformation/frame fertiliser to encourage strong growth of The other option to that of a “deadweight” earlier, be available for grazing, protecting of the beast, offering potential to grow, pasture, weeding as some weeds can be auction is that of a “liveweight” auction the open space, a wonderful asset for the will determine potential profit when selling. poisonous to grazing livestock, examples and is known as “sell in the store”. Store City and its residents. As the heifers purchased are intended for would be Hemlock, Horsetail or Pokeweed. Cattle are animals being brought on for consumption, their lifespan will be limited In addition fencing has to be maintained beef, as with the Freemen herd, but are

8 Freemen Magazine Freemen Magazine 9 North has now been fully grazed by three generations of the Martin family, another first for the Town Moors. In the next edition Superintendent’s of this magazine I will hopefully be able to give you all an update on our first Freemen Report 2017 grazing season.

Environmental Projects Our Elizabethan fencing project got underway around the boundary of the

former Brighton Grove allotment site COURTESY OF BBC NEWS PRIDE EVENT 2017 (also known as intake 3) these works are expected to be completed by the end of Pride Event – which was held over 21st- September 2017. 23rd July. The weather was not kind for the Pride weekend which resulted in our staff

COURTESY OF CANCER RESEARCH UK RACE FOR LIFE PRETTY MUDDY Events carrying out some minor reinstatement The list of which grows year on year with works. At the time of writing the following events are due: e welcomed the cattle back on the Town moors are becoming increasingly Wthe 31st March of this year, with the popular due to their close proximity to the Party in the Park – is coming to the Town exception of Mr Bryan Manners and Mr Roy City Centre. Moor on 11th, 12th and 13th August. Collinson whom both retired from grazing the Town Moors after approximately Every Saturday the Park run takes place with Chinese State Circus – from the 20th 25 years’ service. We wish them all the anywhere between 300-700 participants. August through to the 30th August. very best for the future. In addition to Every Sunday the junior park run takes Mela – also runs the same time as the this two sections on the Town Moors place with an average of 100 participants. became available to graze, this was put circus which is over the August Bank to Committee and was agreed firstly to The Hoppings -The Hoppings marking out Holiday weekend, Sunday 27th and Moor, Mr Siswick agreed to do this which write to our remaining graziers and put commenced on 8th May this year. This Monday 28th August. the option to graze extra pasture to them. opened up Hunters Moor for the Stewards year was the first time in the events history Great North Run – this year is held on We had two graziers interested in grazing Committee to introduce for the first time in in which we used GPS to which I have the main Town Moor which consisting of almost 25 years the Freemen herd. It was Sunday 10th September agreed to graze 40 head of cattle, the to add was a great success. The event a minimum herd of 200 head of cattle, Other events in October and November which is a huge financial commitment. task of buying the herd fell into the laps opened on the 16th June and closed on include the Heaton Harriers Cross Country Both parties were invited to put their points of Ricky Alder (Stewards Committee and 24th June and again with the weather and the Movember race (this is for men’s across. After much consideration it was local farmer/grazier of Nuns Moor South) on our side enabled us to have another agreed to let the main Town Moor to myself and the Chairman Sir Leonard fantastic event. testicular cancer research). For the first Daniel Kemp. Daniel used to graze Castle Fenwick. After many visits to North East time in the events history we are holding Leazes Moor. The Stewards Committee cattle marts we managed to build the Cancer Research UK – held with “Pretty the “Living North” event, this is usually decided to ask Mr Chris Siswick (formerly Town Moor herd to the sum of 40 cattle Muddy” and 5k and 10k races over the held in Gosforth Park Race Course but the grazing Hunters Moor) if he would consider by mid May. The other stints that became weekend of 8th/9th July. event management team have decided moving down the road to Castle Leazes available were those of Mr Roy Collinson. to bring it to the Newcastle’s Town Moor Roy grazed Nuns Moor North in conjunction this year, so fingers and toes crossed for a with Freddie Martin and his daughter very successful event. Joanne. Mr Martin’s other daughter Sarah has been heavily involved in the running of In our next edition I will bring you up to her father’s Town Moor herd, so it seemed date on our environmental projects and only appropriate to offer Sarah the chance how our events have faired. to graze with her father and sister on this moor and taking over Mr Collinson’s 33 Kevin Batey stints. This she has done and Nuns Moor Town Moor Superintendent COURTESY OF NEWCASTLE/GATESHEAD INITIATIVE MELA 2017

10 Freemen Magazine Freemen Magazine 11 Nick Forbes finished his citation of Sir Leonard by saying:

“His vision for Newcastle is one that rises to the challenge of an aging population, changing public expectations, advances in healthcare and the need for continued investment in local public services. Town Moor so that it can be used as a Improving outcomes for patients and their families has always been community resource providing recreational Sir Len’s primary concern. He has shown space for the people of the city to enjoy. real commitment and heart for vulnerable Colleagues have praised “an honest, people in the city”. highly intelligent man who is passionate As Chair of Newcastle’s Freemen, Board about our city and its institutions. He has Member of NE1 and a Charitable Trustee, a legendary capacity for hard work in A Proud Historical Moment in Sir Len’s leadership has enhanced the his pursuit of excellent healthcare for the vibrancy of Newcastle’s economic, people of the North East”. “Freedom of the Time for The Freemen of the City social and cultural life. He has overseen City” would express our gratitude for the improvements to footpaths, highways, humanity of a man whose work makes the lighting, cycling and drainage on the city and the region a better place”. n 13th December 2016, Newcastle The citation went on to explain that on Oupon Tyne City Council awarded Sir his watch Newcastle Hospitals Trust had Leonard Fenwick CBE, Chairman of the received the accolade of “ Best in Britain”. Stewards Committee,” Freedom of the His leadership being renowned for produc- City”, the highest honour the City Council ing service excellence, building positive One hundred Years Old can bestow upon a citizen. relationships with the public, partners and The nomination was moved by Nick healthcare staff. and still Growing Forbes, Leader of the Council, and sec- The Leader of the Council pointed out onded by Councillor Joyce McCarty, Dep- that Sir Leonard played a momentous role uty Leader of the Council. The Certificate On Saturday 30th September North in developing healthcare services for the was presented to Sir Leonard by The Lord Highbury Allotment Association celebrated people of Newcastle, successfully deliv- Mayor, Councillor Hazel Stephenson. its Centennial Anniversary. ering radical changes, undaunted by the Paying tribute to Sir Leonard, Nick Forbes prospect of endless reforms to ensure the The Lord Mayor, Councillor Linda Wright, highlighted how Sir Leonard had been public receive optimal care and treatment attended with Sir Leonard Fenwick, David born and bred in West Jesmond, New- in the state of the art facilities. Credit was Wilson and Kevin Batey representing the castle, attending John Marley Secondary given to Sir Leonard’s ability to engineer Freemen. Sir Len and the Lord Mayor School in the city, before joining the NHS as the development of a £30m Cardiotho- signed the original NHAA minutes book, a Management trainee at the age of 18, racic Centre of Excellence, that is one of provided by the Chairman of NHAA, resulting in Sir Leonard being the longest the top five international institutions for the Michael Howard. serving hospital Chief Executive, respon- quality of services provided. sible for 9000 staff and a budget of one billion pounds each year.

12 Freemen Magazine Freemen Magazine 13 All the Fun of the Fair: 135 Years of Christmas the Hoppings Guild 2016 Photo of Swearing in group with the Lord Mayor Courtesy of Tyne and Wear Archives and Museum

he Christmas Guild held on Monday 16th Ridley, son of Matthew White Ridley. Hannah TJanuary 2017 was presided over by Lord Carr-Ellison, daughter of John MacMurrough airs have been held on the Town Moor decimal currency was introduced. They Mayor Cllr Hazel Stephenson, her second of the Carr-Ellison. Harry John Carr-Ellison, son of John since the 12th century and The Hoppings still work and you can have a try. Old three Guilds in the Lord Mayors calendar. 12 F MacMurrough Carr Ellison. started in 1882. Horse racing had been pennies can be purchased at five for £1 new Freemen were sworn in. staged on the Town Moor since 1731. or you can bring along any that are still in Daniel Thomas Rogerson, Coopers. Samantha Easter Guild 2017 From 1751, Race Week was the week your sock drawer. These machines are on Louise Rogerson, Coopers. Kyle Richard Hall- nearest Midsummer Day and featured the loan from a private collection. The Easter Guild held on Monday 24th April 2017 Brown, Ropemakers. Stuard Ronald Ferguson, was presided over by Lord Mayor Cllr Hazel Northumberland Plate. The race meeting Cordwainers.Michael Kenneth Ferguson, There are some bendy mirrors, hooking Stephenson, her third and final Guild in her was very popular and in 1882 was transferred Cordwainers. Andrew Gordon Ferguson, ducks (sadly without water) and lovely term of office. The Lord Mayor was presented to Gosforth Park where it is still held. Cordwainers. Lesley Anne Avery, Joiners. displays of old prizes (remember the chalk Barbara Maxine Avery, Joiners. William Elliott with cut glass crystal by Sir Leonard Fenwick, The races were replaced on the dogs?), paintings and photos. Proctor, Plumbers. Susan Jane Atkinson, Chairman of the Stewards Committee, on Town Moor by the North of England Shipwrights. Mary Elizabeth Earley, Smiths. Ross behalf of the Freemen to acknowledge that her The exhibition is at the Discovery Museum Temperance Festival which set out to Graham Foggin, Taylors. year of office covered the 800th Anniversary and was originally due to finish on Sunday be an alternative to the debauched celebrating Mayoralty and Freemen and in 1st October. However the curator has revelry of the races. The festival Merchant Adventurers 800th. appreciation for her enthusiastic support of the stated that since the 3rd June, when the eventually became known as The Freemen of Newcastle. exhibition first opened, up until the end On Wednesday 4th January 2017 a special Hoppings. No one knows the origin swearing in ceremony took place in the of September they have had in excess of the name although in might Guildhall to celebrate the 800th Anniversary of of 122,500 visitors to the museum, many relate to the dancing which took King John awarding a Charter to The Company of whom have enjoyed “All the Fun of place. The role of the Temperance of Merchants. Many Stewards from various the Fair”. Therefore ​ due​ ​ to​ overwhelming ​ ​ Movement decreased over the years Guilds of the Freemen of Newcastle along with popular ​ demand,​ ​ the​ ​ museum​ ​ has​ ​ ​ but there are still no sales of alcohol Lord Mayor Hazel Stephenson attended the decided​ to​ ​ extend​ ​ the​ ​ exhibition,​ ​ with​ ​ a​ celebration. at The Hoppings. new ​ end-date​ ​ of​ ​ ​Sunday​ 4th​ ​ March​ ​ 2018.​ There is an exhibition at the Discovery The museum is open 10 until 4 on Museum in Newcastle charting the weekdays and 11 until 4 at weekends. history of The Hoppings. Information Admission to the exhibition and the Photo of Swearing in with the Lord Mayor boards describe how the fair has museum is free although donations are developed and specifically covers appreciated. the history of the Town Moor, the 14 new Freemen were sworn in. Temperance Movement, the The Museum is in the old Co-op office Martin Wood, Goldsmiths. Michael Cook, Coopers. Jack Gummerson, Master Mariners. Freemen and the Showmen and their building on Blandford Place just off Jane Elizabeth Allen, Plumbers. Rachael Heron, way of life. Descriptions of the rides St James Boulevard. It contains the Photo of Swearing in with the Lord Mayor Ropemakers. Thomas Petrie, Shipwrights. Kirsten and sideshows and how they have collection previously housed in the Amanda Taylor, Weavers. Tracey Powers, changed bring back many memories. museum in the Exhibition Park including the The following were sworn in as Freemen of Turbinia, the first ship powered by steam Newcastle. Weavers. Melanie Louise White, Smiths. Kerry There is also an excellent display of coin turbines. It also has very good displays on Martin Clayton, son of Carl Frank Clayton. Anne-Marie Whiteside, Smiths. Matthew operated amusement machines including north east life over the years and of course Kristina Ann Clayton, daughter of Carl Frank Lannigan, Bakers and Brewers. Ryan Bowlt, pinball and other games of skill. These a café. Clayton. Rose Alice Shaw, daughter of Sir Coopers. Jamie William Harding, Shipwrights. were finally phased out in 1971 when Ralph Harry Carr-Ellison. Matthew White Thomas Edward Harding, Shipwrights.

14 Freemen Magazine Freemen Magazine 15 June 2017 Lord Mayor’s Service A private ceremony was held in the The swearing in of the new Lord Mayor (cllr NEWCASTLE Linda Wright) of the City of Newcastle upon Lord Mayor’s Silver Gallery at The Civic Tyne took place on Wednesday 24th May 2017 UPON TYNE Centre on 26th June 2017 to accommodate at the Church of St Thomas the Martyr, St Mary’s the Swearing in of Annie Boutland, Shipwrights, Place, Newcastle upon Tyne. The service was TRADE GUILDS: whilst in the City having travelled over from taken by The Reverend Catherine Lack and Australia. was well attended by many city dignitaries. Information from; Prior to the service the departing Lord Mayor British History Online. St Mary Magdalene & Holy Jesus Kenton Road and (Cllr Hazel Stephenson) in welcoming the Grandstand Road junction. new Lord Mayor to the role, mentioned how Butchers Building work continues at pace with an much she had enjoyed working alongside The There is an inrolement of an ordinary of Traffic improvement works have now been anticipated completion time of May 2018. Freemen during her year in office. completed by the Council at this junction. this society in the archives of the corpo- The new Lord Mayor, interestingly, followings ration of Newcastle, dated July 20, 1621. In addition the opportunity was taken at the in the footsteps of her mother, councillor Belle This enjoins them to meet every year same time to implement flood relief safeguards, Nixon, who twenty years ago was also Lord which the Freemen were happy to assist in this Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne. on Ash-Wednesday to choose their two environmental improvement to the area, by The Lord Mayor’s husband, Colin, will be her wardens; that apprentices should serve at agreeing to the necessity to fence off areas Consort during her year in office. least eight years, five of which to expire of the moor on both sides of the junction to before a second could be taken; that no grazing. Initially there was the need to remove “Hobnobbing with a brother should be partner with any foreign- the Elizabethan fencing to allow contractors Freeman” ers called crockers, on a pain of forfeiting access which has now been re-instated. The administration office There are to be forty nine Holy Jesus bungalows £5; that none should kill after nine o’clock Spraying of the weeds that have taken a hold at Moor Bank Lodge was initially earmarked for Freemen aged fifty on Saturday night, nor keep open shop during the construction work has been done recently informed of the and above. Thirty six will be one bedroom after eight o’clock on Sunday morning; which should allow the re-seeding of the area passing away of Stuart T Cato, who became a that no brother should buy,or seek any li- bungalows of which three will be designed for to quickly enhance the appearance of the the benefit of disabled residents. There will be Freeman of the city in cence to kill fresh in Newcastle during Lent, junction. 1956. a further thirteen two bedroomed bungalows without the general consent of the fellow- Stuart was brought up in Derby, after school he ship, on pain of forfeiting £5; that none and three of those will be designed also for the Annual Church Service. trained to be a baker, leading him to securing a should kill either at Lent or at any other benefit of disabled residents. job with Meredith & Drew (now United Biscuits) The Freemen’s annual church service at St time, within the liberties of the High Castle, Further qualifying criteria for a bungalow Nicholas Cathedral was held on Sunday 7th in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, where he was part of a team inventing recipes. “being in the County of Northumberland” and contact details will be reported as the May 2017, commencing with the Lord Mayor on the like pain for each offence. But that information becomes available. (Cllr Hazel Stephenson) and Freemen walking in In the earlier years of production, recipes tended to be the work of one person, with a any butcher, though not a brother, might customary procession around the Cathedral. new recipe possibly being put initially on file expose good meat to sale in the market, Nuns Moor As usual a coach had been provided for and not being produced till years later. This from the hours of eight in the morning till attending Freemen leaving Moor Bank Lodge was most certainly the case for two well known Following the clearance of the allotments on four in the afternoon. February 9, 1713, in good time for the service. A supply of robes products, Cheddars and Hobnobs. Cheddars the site work continues to bring the land up to they made an order to change the day of were also made available for use on the day to was Stuart’s recipe and came into production an acceptable standard to return the area for whilst he was at United Biscuits, earning him the add to the pageantry of the occasion their head-meeting from Ash-Wednesday the grazing of cattle. nickname of “Mr Cheddars” from family, friends to the preceding Wednesday in every The service was taken by The Dean, Christopher and work colleagues. Hobnobs did not come year. There is an order, that no free brother Dalliston, with refreshments being served after into production for some eight years after Stuart should blow a calf’s pluck, or any other the service. had left United Biscuits, with him having been head hunted by Mars Confectionary. Stuart part of a calf, except calf’s close-ear, nor Freemen support is always welcome. however did receive a phone call from an ex- any other goods but a cow’s udder, under colleague telling him that his recipe was used a penalty of 6s 8d unforgiven. This society when Hobnobs were first launched. consists of above 80 members, of whom Another well known product, Krackawheat, not more than 50 are meeting brothers. Contractors have commenced placing the was also Stuart’s recipe and as Technical Director for Mars Germany it was his team that Their hall is on the south side of Black Friars. boundary Elizabethan fencing around the site produced Balisto, a popular wholemeal biscuit The annual income of the society does not that is now synonymous with Town Moor land. bar snack across much of Europe. exceed £40.

16 Freemen Magazine Freemen Magazine 17 Diary Dates: Notice Board Bereavements Company Notices Michaelmas Guild Easter Guild Monday 9th October 2017 Monday 9th April 2018 William Martin Fielding Nesham Goldsmiths Barber Surgeons Held upstairs in Newcastle Guildhall (on Held upstairs in Newcastle Guildhall (on At the 2017 Head Meeting of the Goldsmiths Quayside, bottom of Dean Street) Quayside, bottom of Dean Street) Michael Roland Moat Company, Mr W.G.Frizzle stood down as Senior Bricklayers Steward after many years of selfless service. Close Court of Guild (for Company Close Court of Guild (for Company Stewards only) begins at 10.00am. At Stewards only) begins at 10.00am. Geoffrey Alder The Guild are grateful for all he has contributed Butchers both as a Senior Steward and as a long serving this particular meeting the Stewards Open Court of Guild (for all Freemen of Barry Atkinson member of the Stewards Committee, we wish Committee is democratically elected via Newcastle upon Tyne) commences at Butchers him well. ballot for the ensuing year. 12.00 noon prompt. Alan Bainbridge was elected, unopposed, to Open Court of Guild (for all Freemen of William. H. (Bill) Loraine You must be seated by 12.00 noon for the Cordwainers the position of Head Steward, with Mrs Christine Newcastle upon Tyne) commences at Open Guild in readiness to receive the Clark and Mrs Lesley Dixon taking on the roles of 12.00 noon prompt. Lord Mayor. Elizabeth Elsie Scholes Junior Steward and Deputy Steward. Coopers You must be seated by 12.00 noon for the The meeting concludes with new Freemen Contact Details: Open Guild in readiness to receive the T Charlton being called and if present being sworn in Alan Bainbridge: [email protected] Lord Mayor. House Carpenters by the Lord Mayor. Mobile: 07894 986800 Melanie Hemmans The meeting concludes with new Freemen Following the proceedings a buffet lunch is Christine Clark: [email protected] House Carpenters being called and if present being sworn in served in the Merchant Adventurers Court. Lesley Dixon: [email protected] by the Lord Mayor. Margaret Robson The 2018 Head Meeting will be on Wednesday Joiners Following the proceedings a buffet lunch is Freeman of Newcastle upon Tyne 25th April, venue to be arranged. served in the Merchant Adventurers Court. Annual Church Parade Sandra Townsley Sunday 13th May 2018 Joiners Captain Rennison Shipley Christmas Guild Held in the Cathedral Church of St Skinners and Glovers Monday 15th January 2018 Millers Nicholas. Contact details for the Guild are: Stuart T Cato Held upstairs in Newcastle Guildhall (on Robing in the Cathedral Refectory at Quayside, bottom of Dean Street) Plumbers Colin William Angus: [email protected] 9.30am for commencement of parade Telephone: 0191 2421323 Close Court of Guild (for Company into the Cathedral at 9.45am with the Lord Alan Hugh Shaw Stewards only) begins at 10.00am. Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne. Shipwrights Olive Lawson Open Court of Guild (for all Freemen of All Newcastle upon Tyne Freemen are Tanners Newcastle upon Tyne) commences at welcome. Shipwrights Meetings of The Tanners Guild will be held at: 12.00 noon prompt. Should you need to borrow a robe there will Winifred Lawson Shipwrights The Freeman’s Hall You must be seated by 12.00 noon for the be a small quantity available on the day. Blackfriars Joyce Taylor Open Guild in readiness to receive the To assist on the day, parking will be Friars Street Shipwrights Lord Mayor. available at Moor Bank Lodge and Newcastle upon Tyne The meeting concludes with new Freemen transport at 9.00am to and from the Arthur L Foggin being called and if present being sworn in Cathedral will be provided. Tailors Christmas Meeting 4th December 2017 by the Lord Mayor. James G Patterson commencing at 6.45pm. Following the proceedings a buffet lunch is Hoppings Fair Tailors Head Meeting 2nd July 2018 served in the Merchant Adventurers Court. Friday 22nd - 30th June 2018 New Stewards commencing at 6.45pm. Members are requested to inform Christine Clark The Secretary of their attendance via email: Goldsmiths Annual Guild Days [email protected] or Stephen Miller Michaelmas Guild - the first Monday after Michaelmas Monday telephone 07988 533 855 Skinners and Glovers Christmas Guild - the first Monday after the 13th January Matthew Yewell Easter Guild - the first Monday after Easter Monday. Smiths

18 Freemen Magazine Freemen Magazine 19 Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne

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