ISSUE 17 FEBRUARY 2015 Contents Foreword

In the second 4 Exhibition Park decade of the 2lst Century, the Freemen of 5 Nunsmoor Allotments the City have a most pivotal role Michaelmas & and inherent 6 responsibilities, Christmas Guild greater in scope and challenge than when in l774, the transition 8 Lord Mayor’s Coach was fully realised by the Trade The Coat of Arms of the and Merchant Guilds to grasp the Summer Social Event nettle of ensuring the Town Moors 9 City of remained as an environmental asset with the traditional rights of 10 Moor Bank Lodge ‘air and exercise’ for the public at large secured in perpetuity via Shipwrights Annual Act of Parliament. The vision and commitments since those times has Outing not only been sustained but more

ISSUE 17 clearly defined in respect of duty FEBRUARY 2015 of care and effective partnership 11 North Eastern Cross working with Newcastle City Council. Country Championships We continue to blend traditional values with a progressive 12 Stewards Committee engagement, in all that we do. Whilst we may not please everyone News all of the time the confidence installed as a consequence of our overriding objectives provides the 13 Stints very bedrock of all that we do, some of which is reflected upon via this 14 Trade Guilds History Edition of the Magazine.

We champion and are proud of 16 Superintendent’s Report what is being achieved for not only our City but the North East of England in all that we do. 18 Diary Dates

Front cover photograph: Moor Bank Lodge Garden. Sir Leonard Fenwick CBE Edited by Chairman, Stewards Committee Freemen of Newcastle Upon Tyne Editorial Team Guild swearing in photographs taken by Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne The Newcastle Upon Tyne Freemen Magazine, Official Photographer , Steve Brock Photography. Moor Bank Lodge, Claremont Road, Copies available from www.stevebrock.co.uk Tel 01912863430 Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4NL

FreemenMagazine 3 Editorial Nunsmoor Allotments Welcome to 2015 and Issue 17 of our Magazine which kicks Nunsmoor Allotments is one of the Freemen’s large portfolio of Allotments sites with the Freemen being the largest provider off a busy year for the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne. of Allotment sites in the City other than the City Council. The It is heartening to hear that so many readers look forward to reading our magazine and Nuns Moor site occupies a large 12.58 acre expanse situated hearing about the work and activities of the Freemen of the City. 2014 was an eventful year at the junction of Barrack Road and Brighton Grove (diagonally with ever increasing requests for use of the Town Moors, an asset which we continue to opposite the BBC Newcastle studios). cherish and protect with values and tradition which the Freemen hold dear. We do hope you enjoy the content of this issue which includes the first of some abstracts of the history of the various Guilds of Newcastle and an insight into our stewardship of the Town Moors. These allotments are ‘War seven years to one year with Time Allotments’; they were the warning that if things did Thanks go to Nick Atkinson who kindly edited the previous issue, Due to work commitments set up as a TEMPORARY not improve the lease would Nick has decided to step down as Editor although he will continue to serve on the Stewards facility during the War years to not be renewed – this was Committee. enable people to grow their several years ago! own food. It would appear As always we do rely on Company Stewards and Freemen alike to keep us informed of any that this was overlooked The Stewards Committee address or changes or in circumstance, please let us know via email to over the years and the site continued to monitor the [email protected] or to the address at the back of this publication. was not returned to grazing situation and conducted Allotments Association with following the end of the regular inspections of the the outcome being that a War – an important lesson for site; despite pressing the fresh start is required for the the Freemen (in particular Association Committee site. The two primary options the Stewards Committee) to improve the site and for the new start were: to always be vigilant and ensure compliance with the Exhibition Park proactively manage the lease there has been no leases on sites on the Town significant improvement. A The £3 Million renovation of Exhibition Park is now completed. During the major • Return the area to Moor. As an Allotments site new Association Committee elements of renovation, annual events were in danger of cancellation until the grazing and make the this area of the Town Moor was put in place and they land available to the Freemen answered the call for help by making the former Tyneside Summer is not available for grazing tried over several years to public for rights of air and Exhibition site available for two important local events. and is closed to the general rectify the situation – in fact exercise. This would also public for the right of air things got worse with many significantly enhance the The first being the Northern Pride event The second being the Mela, a free event and exercise, this is always instances of vandalism and vista on one of the main which was held on Saturday 19th July & based around Pakistani, Bengali, Indian something that today’s criminal damage. As part of routes in and out of Sunday 20th July 2014 commencing on and other South Asian cultures which is Steward Committee are very the attempted improvements the City. the Saturday the Northern Frontrunners 5K open to anyone who wants to learn more conscious of when reviewing the association £16,000 was run plus some main stage entertainment, about Asian cultures and be entertained and considering the spent on the installation of a • Clear the site and and with a Parade from the Civic Centre with a chance to meet new people as well appropriateness of leases. new water supply system for create a remodelled set the site – within a short period at 12noon arriving at the Town Moor then as enjoy different music, art and food in of allotments which Over a period of years the of time the entire new system continuing till 6pm, the event continued on Newcastle, the event was held on 24th and reflects current allotments condition of the Nuns Moor was vandalised and rendered the Sunday. 25th August. The organisers went out of their needs and best practice site became more and more unusable. way to thank the Freemen of Newcastle for and which is in dilapidated with a good their support. compliance with the number of the allotments Eventually in 2013, with no lease. failing to comply with the improvement the Stewards terms of the lease especially Committee, with due regard in respect of structures to their duty of care for all Further to discussion at Guild and fences plus a range of areas of the Town Moor, it has been determined that materials that should not decided that they could not the site will be cleared and be on site. Despite many renew the lease for this site. a reduced size site will be warnings to the Association Since then the Allotments set up as allotments with the there was no improvement Association Committee remainder of the site being in the situation. Eventually have applied their best opened up to public access because of manifest endeavours to rectify the and returned to grazing. dilapidation the Stewards issues, however this has not This is a major undertaking Committee reduced the term worked out. Discussions were which will be managed and of the lease on the site from held with Newcastle City underwritten by the Freemen. Officers, Councillors and the 4 FreemenMagazine FreemenMagazine 5 Michaelmas Guild 13th October 2014

Michaelmas Guild was held on 13th October 2014 in the Guildhall Newcastle upon Tyne.

The Close Guild started at 10am with prayers take his seat for the Open Guild, At the end taken by Canon Kevin Hunt, then following of the proceedings the calling of the names the company roll call the election of the by the Lord Mayor Principal Secretary Ian Stewards Committee took place. There were Humphries, of those claiming their right to be 13 applicants and the Company Stewards sworn in, the Guild was closed and the lord present completed the ballot paper voting Mayor presided over the swearing in of 17 for no less than 9 and no more than 12, the new Freemen. following being elected. Judith Barbara Barber; Bakers & Brewers: F.H. Alder: H. Alder: P. Anderson: C.G. Frances Ruth Nixon; Coopers: Helen Nixon; Atkinson: N.B. Atkinson: A.R. Bainbridge: Sir Coopers: Louise Clark; Cordwainers: Ronald L.R. Fenwick: W.G. Frizzle: K. Hall: J. Johnson: Blackburn; Shipwright: Sarah Elizabeth I.F. Miller: H.D.Wilson: Sir Leonard Fenwick McAlpine; Cordwainers: Sarah Clare West; was re-elected as Chairman: David Wilson Butchers: Euan Patrick Stenhouse; Master was re-elected as Vice Chairman, both Mariners: Peter John Edward Gibson; Michaelmas Guild 2014 unanimously. Bricklayers: Gillian Sarah Baty; Cordwainers: Debra Churchill; House Carpenters: David Christmas Guild 2015 The Close Guild finished at 11.45am, coffee Bowman; Joiners: Deborah Joan Hall; was served prior to the Stewards and Shipwrights: Margaret Storey; Tanners: Robert Freemen assembling at 12pm in readiness Graeme Bell; Smiths: Emma Green; Taylors: for Councillor George Pattison Lord Mayor to Laura Jane Irving; Bricklayers.

Christmas Guild 19th January 2015

At the close of the Open Guild, the following were sworn in by Councillor George Pattison Lord Mayor.

Adam Irvine, Bricklayer: Janice Charlton, Butcher: John Dryden, Butcher: Elizabeth Ena Garry, Cordwainer: Mandy Turnbull, Cordwainer: Christopher Edward Sample, House Carpenters: Richard Alan Sample, House Carpenters: Charlotte Blacklock, Tanners: Brenda Patricia Sparham, Tanners.

6 FreemenMagazine FreemenMagazine 7 Summer Social Event Summer Event was held on 3rd August 2014 and once again a resounding success especially considering it is organised by one person Alan Bainbridge, the Town Moor Superintendent Newcastle upon Tyne Kevin Batey assists with the setup and a good many of those attending. John could meet up with others and talk about help on the day by who is the lead person for Creepy Crawlies all manner of concerns, with distractions to Lord Mayor’s Coach Alan’s family and later explained that his mother passed keep the conversation fresh and have an away very suddenly. but due to the enjoyable time doing it. There have been Since the joint purchase of the Lord Mayor’s family friend. Alan said... circumstances communication was difficult. various suggestions over the years which I coach by the Freemen of Newcastle and Shepard I have on behalf of The Freemen given our have resisted, from introducing things for Offshore (Freddy and Bruce Shepard) the coach condolences. children to do, to getting star performers has remained in the care of the City Council at the in for the adults. Although children are Mansion House in Jesmond. Freddy leased and “The weather is always The whole event went well with the various welcome this is first and foremost an event over the past months renovated the Palace of Arts a concern when side attractions creating lots of interest and for Freemen and the entertainment is aimed building in Exhibition Park to display a collection of organising an outdoor stimulating conversation, from the Drug Dogs at adults with suitable coverage for the event, as those who to the Marching Band. My thanks go to all children. motor vehicles and carriages including the jointly attended the 2014 concerned. owned Lord Mayor’s Coach, which was welcomed Freemen’s summer event Cost must be borne in mind when any event to the building by Sir Leonard and Freddy. will know the weather At the start of the event I did mention that is planned. It would be irresponsible for me was kind to us. Not as the previous year had been a bit of a smash to continue to expand the fete without Sir Leonard in this regard explained: “The Freemen of the forecasters had said and grab when it came to the sandwiches bearing this in mind. Over the very short time Newcastle have been around a long time and have the previous day, which and I asked people to refrain from getting I have been organising the event I have guarded the Town Moor. was reflected in the three, four and more at any one time, seen the cost rise at an alarming rate and many congratulations I portion control was once again a challenge some thought must be given to the viability “It’s great that the carriage is now on the Town Moor and received when the sun this year, so apologies to those who did not of the event as it exists in its present form. is available at any time for the Lord Mayors. shone all afternoon. get to taste the excellent roast - back to the It’s strange that I was drawing board I think. The Summer Freemen’s event has become “All in all It’s a privilege that the Lord Mayor’s Carriage congratulated on the The drink counter has always proved to be the largest annual meeting of Newcastle remains in Newcastle upon Tyne.” weather more than a popular place and probably the scene Freemen that Newcastle has seen since anything else, the only of the two hardest working volunteers Jean before the Second World War and probably thing over which I have Bainbridge and Vera Harvey, Jean is there before then. There are other events that no control of at all. because she is my wife and has continually have a higher profile within the city that most It was unfortunate that supports me in everything I get myself Freemen seem to conveniently forget about, one of the Headline involved in. Vera is a family friend, many it would be good to see a similar support at performers [The Creepy thanks to them both. these other events.” crawlies] failed to turn up. I was acutely aware The idea at the outset was not to put on a Alan Bainbridge that this disappointed fete, but construct an event where Freemen

8 FreemenMagazine FreemenMagazine 9 Tyne Bridge Harriers secretary, David Appleby, explained, “Those of you who were Moor Bank Shipwrights North Eastern on Town Moor in 1986 for the National will Annual Outing Cross Country remember that the course was a white-out. Lodge Gardens “While I’ve been told it looked picturesque with streams of athletes with their heads Following the return as Town Moor land Championships down going up Cow Hill I’m hoping things our staff looked after the greenhouses won’t be that bad this time round. and garden of the Moor Bank Lodge The North Eastern Cross-Country garden while communicating with Championships have never been held “Tyne Bridge were delighted and honoured horticultural organisations with the offer on the Newcastle Town Moor, however, when asked if they could host this year’s to take any rare or plants of special thanks to the Freemen of Newcastle, championships even though time was pressing but I think we are all set for a great interest which had been abandoned by history was made with the109th running day’s competition. the University. of the championships taking place at 11 o’clock on Saturday morning on the “However, I have to say a big thanks to the Plants have been 10th December 2014. Freemen for giving us the permission to use collected by Botanic Town Moor at short notice.” Gardens from around the country, and by the Autumn we were able to turn down For their annual outing members of the the heating in the Shipwrights Company visited Trinity greenhouses making House on the 4th October 2014. Twenty- a considerable five attended this very interesting saving to the running costs. guided tour lasting one and a half hours – which we can highly recommend. The outside gardens were a particular challenge due to many peripheral areas The magnificent old building is situated off being overgrown with various weeds, some Broad Chare, near the Law Courts, and one noxious which were of concern had they goes through an archway into the courtyard been allowed to spread to other areas where a plaque on the wall indicates that it of Town Moor. Our staff dealt with the was built in 1721. infestation and are now looking after the garden on a care and maintenance basis, A flight of stone steps leads up to the consideration to the future of this area is Entrance Hall which contains various underway. There are many unusual and interesting curiosities. A model of the rare trees which will remain and continue battleship Ville de Paris made by prisoners to flourish, we have had many suggestions out of beef bones and a model of the regarding the grassed area, from continuing Groyne Lighthouse, may be to keep as a lawn, another being to establish seen, while other relics are mounted on the a wildflower meadow with a variety of walls or suspended from the ceiling. flowers which in turn would attract a variety of insects and, of course, the creatures that We were shown around the Library and the feed on them. Board Room, the walls of which were literally covered in paintings and engravings. Some Earlier in the year City Council officers of the paintings were by Carmichael, the visited the site together with the Stewards shipwright turned artist. Committee and were dismayed at the dilapidated condition of the infrastructure. Finally we came into the Chapel which We shall continue to consult with the is said to date from 1491 with its ancient City Council as to the best option for pews and pulpit of finely carved black the buildings. In respect of the external oak. Our guide was excellent and very landscape we now believe the presentation knowledgeable indeed. is much improved. Ian Miller Senior Steward 10 FreemenMagazine FreemenMagazine 11 We have many requests for charity runs to Each resident Freemen (living within the use the Town Moor, each one has to be city of Newcastle) or surviving spouse is Stewards assessed to take the safety of the public Stints entitled to apply before 1st April in any year and cattle into consideration. The Cancer We should never underestimate the for stints (each of which shall be in respect Research 5k and 10K Race for Life including importance of grazing the Town Moor, of the right to depasture one cow) if the Committee News applications exceed the number of stints the Pretty Muddy event has been given the it is the single most important activity We have continued assessing and green light and we are working with the or the stints outnumber the applications a installing the Elizabethan metal fence organisers to finalise arrangements. These undertaken by the Freemen, this ballot takes place. where appropriate, in 2014 a section on are in addition to the annual events the centuries old tradition of grazing mulch east of the A167 on Grandstand Road largest being the Hoppings, also the Circus, cows is so important it is enshrined in Resident Freemen if allocated a stint may adjacent to the woods was installed, we Great North Run, Army recruitment day, law, as described in the Town Moor Act. depasture their own cow or authorise the took the opportunity to bring the fence not forgetting the Nuns Moor Fair, the list is Stewards Committee to sell or transfer on endless. their behalf the stints which they have been line nearer to the road thus reducing Stints is a term used to describe the authority allocated in the ballot. the verge to a manageable depth of Members of the Stewards Committee and to graze a cow on the Town Moor. three metres. the Town moor Superintendent constantly The Stewards Committee may impound any carry out inspection of areas where a lease The Stewards Committee have the power, cattle, horses, sheep, pigs or other domestic subject to provisions of the Town Moor Act As you will be aware there is a public is in place, ranging from the Newcastle Golf animals at large on the Town Moor without 1988, to regulate the stintage of the Town perception that the Freemen are responsible Club to Allotments, lease enforcement being lawful authority. Moor, that is to say, the allocation of grazing for all maintenance of the verges of the a very important function to protect the rights and the conduct of grazing and may Town Moors when actually it is in partnership Town Moors. When any lease is due to be The grazing season starts on 31st March make such rules for that purpose as may be with the City Council. Newcastle City renewed we review the content to ensure through to 31st October each year, (and required. Council has been obliged to reduce verge there is provision for reinstatement within on occasions beyond) dependant on the and hedgerow maintenance, and where the lease, an area which was lacking as condition of the herbage, the graziers start They also decide the number of cows which this has had an impact on areas adjacent to we experienced with the University Botanic to deliver the cattle gradually building up may be depastured on the Town Moor in the Town Moors we have stepped in to carry Garden lease. the the herd circa 600 cattle were present any year having regard to the conditions out the work to protect the Town Moors from on the Moors. At the end of the season and capacity of the areas available up to infestation and to ensure the routes into the We are often asked ‘what is an Intake?’ graziers collect the cattle which are returned a maximum of 800 cows. City are presentable. In accordance with the provisions of the to the farms for the winter period. Town Moor Act 1988 the City Council may, No cow can be depastured except under There are many requests for events to with the concurrence of the Stewards the authority of a stint ticket issued by be held on various Town Moors which Committee, grant leases of Intakes by public the Stewards Committee to a Newcastle we accommodate as much as possible, auction or tender for a term not exceeding resident Freemen or surviving spouse or his permission has been given for the Army 21 years. Revenue derived from the intakes or her transferee on payment of a sum Medical Corp to hold a “Medi-Challenge” is utilised by the Town Moor Money Charity. which is fixed be the Stewards on Nuns Moor which will involve a scenario The Stewards Committee carefully consider Committee and applied towards the where casualties are located and medically the potential impact any lease has on the cost of herding, administration for assessed then evacuated by foot to a environment. depasturing cows on the Town Moor. Chinook helicopter which will land on the Moor.

1212 FreemenMagazine FreemenMagazine 13 Newcastle, a privilege not granted to the shippings, paying for every sack of wool 10s. and the like sum for every 240 woolfels. December guild of Merchants. In 1343, they complained 11, 1509, King Henry VIII. renewed the above grant: and, in 1517, he made an exemplification Newcastle upon that the other burgesses of the town were of former grants to the merchants of Newcastle. The exports of this society, about the year 1520, permitted to purchase merchandise at prime appear to have been canvas, sheep skins, lamb-fels, lead, grindstones, coals, and rough-tanned cost, for their private use, out of all ships in leather. Tyne Trade the port, which was an infringement of their immunities. In 1353, Edward III. removed the A. D. 1546, King Edward VI. granted the charter under which the present company of Merchant staple of English wool from the Flemings to Adventurers took their corporate title of “The Governor, Assistants, Wardens, and Fellowship of Guilds England, when Newcastle became one of Merchant Adventurers of the Town and County of Newcastle upon Tyne,” which is their present the nine staple towns and in 1397, Richard II. name of incorporation. Previous to this time, they were styled “Merchant Venturers in the Ports of British History Online includes granted leave to the Newcastle Merchants Brabant beyond the Seas.” By this charter, it was directed that a Governor, twelve Assistants, and interesting abstracts of the various to carry woolfels, and other commodities, two Wardens, should be elected, and sworn on the 9th day of October in every year; that the Guilds of Newcastle upon Tyne too to any other foreign port, besides Calais, on company should have a perpetual succession; power to sue and be sued, &c. a seal, a clerk, many to include all in one issue, but paying custom and subsidy. This licence was, and beadle; power to purchase lands, to take recognizances, to make bye-laws, to buy and ship we will include two or three in each in after reigns, often repealed and renewed, to foreign parts, &c. as before by Henry VII. publication. just as the Merchants succeeded in bribing the crown. A considerable trade, at this time, The following are the names of the original officers of the Company, inserted in the charter, seems to have been carried on between viz. Henry Anderson, Governor; Robert Brandling, Robert Lewen, George Davell, Mark Shaftoe, Merchant Adventure’s, comprising the Newcastle and the ports of the Baltic. Cuthbert Ellison, Robert Brigham, William Carr, Bartholomew Bee, Roger Mitford, Thomas Bewicke, three branches of Drapers, Mercers, Bertram Anderson, and Oswald Chapman, Assistants; Bertram Bewicke and John Rawe, Wardens. and Boothmen. In the year 1480, the society of Merchants of Charters of confirmation were subsequently granted by Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, and King Newcastle subscribed a written agreement James I. for the better government of that body, which was to remain in force for six years. They bind themselves to meet and hold their courts Coopers Guild at the Maison Dieu Hall, on the Sandhill, on The ancient ordinary of this society, dated January 20, 1426, the last Thursday of every month; their head enjoined them to go together yearly at the feast of Corpus Christi meeting (called a guild) to be on the Thursday in procession, as other crafts did, and play their play at their own next after “Mid-fast” Sunday. Apprentices to charge; each brother to attend at the hour assigned him at the serve seven years. The society are to go in procession, on pain of forfeiting a pound of wax; that none should procession on Corpus Christi Day, when they take a Scotsman born to apprentice, nor set any such to work, are to appear in the meal market, by seven under the penalty of 40s. whereof 26s. 8d. to go to the fraternity, o’clock in the morning. (By an after insertion, and 13s. 4d. to “Sente Nicholas Kyrkwarke.” No brother to take any The borough of Newcastle upon Tyne, the time is altered till “after high mass be more than one apprentice in seven years. All turners and pulley- distinguished by some privileges in former done.”) Those persons of the society who, makers coming to Newcastle, to be bound by the same ordinary. charters, was honoured very early in the reign for the time being, shall be mayor, sheriff, An ‘after clause’ forbade the employing of any Dutchman; and, by another after clause, the of King John, with new franchises and more or aldermen, to attend, with their officers company of ropers was united with this society. extensive immunities. It was not, however, till and servants, upon the holy sacrament, his 17th year, A. D. 1215, that he constituted and according to seniority of office, are to By an ordinance of the corporation of Newcastle (17th of Elizabeth) which consolidates the therein a society of free merchants, the be principal in the said solemn procession, companies of coopers, pulley-makers, turners, and rope-makers, it is ordained, “That none members of which he exempted from in which the latest made burgess is to walk of these companies shall take any apprentice but one in four years, except the children of pleading anywhere without its walls to any foremost. The name of the play they acted brethren;” and by a bye-law of this consolidated company, in the year 1786, it was enacted, plea, but that concerning foreign tenures: was “Hogmagog.” Many entries occur in their “that for the enrolment of every apprentice so taken, a brother shall pay £10, or any apprentice he released them also from the duties of toll, books concerning the expenses of the above at all during the servitude of another, £5.” lastage, pontage, and passage in all the sea- procession and play. January 30, 1650, the corporation of Newcastle ordered this company a lease for seven years of ports of his dominions at home and abroad, a place in the Manors, to be a meeting-house. The Company of Plasterers appear to have met empowering the mayor of Newcastle, or sheriff December 4, 1504, a licence was granted by with this society soon after the restoration. The following entry occurs in their books:—”June 5, of , to give them reparation King Henry VII. to the governor and merchants 1667, received of the Plasterers for their part of the plastering of the new meeting-house, £1, 4s. for whatever injury they might sustain. of the Merchant Guild of Newcastle upon 6d.” October 7, 1699, a warrant was granted to this society by the Mayor of Newcastle, to search The above charter was confirmed to the Tyne, empowering them, till the 1st of August all herrings, &c. a power which is still continued in their hands. In 1725, a legacy of £20 was left by merchants of Newcastle by the succeeding next, to buy any wools or woolfels of the Mrs. Margaret Stephenson to this society, to be divided, and let out to two brethren for a certain sovereigns, Henry III. Edward II. and Edward III. growth of Northumberland, Cumberland, number of years, without interest. The company consists of 70 members. Previous to 1791, they with the addition of new privileges. Westmoreland, Durham, Allerton, and met in a room above the Water Gate, on the Sandhill. Richmondshires, and ship them from In 1281, an Italian merchant occurs making Newcastle to any part of Flanders, Brabant, At present, they hold their meetings at a tavern, but have petitioned for Pink Tower, which it is large shipments of wool and leather at Holland, Zealand, or any foreign parts, at two expected will soon be converted into a handsome meetinghouse.

14 FreemenMagazine FreemenMagazine 15 allowing the land to drain quicker and better rather than gathering in the slack areas and Town Moor creating mini ponds all over the site. The areas were all worked and seeded and as a result the seed has taken very well and the Superintendent’s pasture improved.

Report Southern Green returned to Moor Bank Following on from the last issue of garden on the 16th of October with our magazine I can conclude that delegates from the Avery Hill Botanic gardens in Greenwich to remove the the feedback from our graziers was specimens they had earlier potted on. Both that they had again enjoyed a very cross country championships, followed by stretches of refurbishment are being looked agencies expressed their gratitude to the the National cross country championships at and I may be reporting on them in the productive grazing season on the Town Stewards Committee of the Freemen for which is the first time they had used the Town next issue. Moors with all indicating that they allowing them the opportunity to access Moors. The Lord Mayor of Newcastle opened would love to be invited back to graze such a variety of plants that they may have the event and assisted in presenting the Town Moor Staff are steadily working their their cattle in the spring of 2015. never had the chance of obtaining. medals at the end of the event. Feedback way through the winter works programme, from the event organisers was that the the main concentration of the these works Our staff continue to maintain the Gardens Moors had provided a challenging course have involved the staff “stepping in” to The Hoppings vacated the Town Moor on a care and maintenance basis. May and all were impressed with the venue. assist the City Council with boundary fence and as the weather had been very kind I express great credit to our staff for the Moving into mid-October the Army from line clear outs and verge works on Town whilst Europe’s largest travelling fun fair works that have been carried out so far. Fenham Barracks held an open day on the Moor land. With continued cut backs within visited our City, this in turn meant that the Feedback from the Stewards Committee is Town Moor for the public of Newcastle to our City Council the Stewards Committee reinstatement works were kept to a minimal. that the grounds look better now than they attend free of charge as a way of a thank through the Town Moor Joint Working As a consequence of this it enabled us have ever done. There is further tree work you for their continued support during the Group have given assurances of support to investigate parts of the vast drainage planned in for over the winter months as part recent middle eastern conflicts. Different and assistance where needed. This has network within the site which had not been of the winter works programme, these works regiments put on their displays across the been greatly appreciated by the Local operating as it should have been. After a can only benefit the other plants within the course of the day which was well attended Council and work continues as a partnership week of investigating these areas, 3 areas gardens allowing them to flourish which will and as a consequence talks of hosting a throughout the West End of Town Moor land. were highlighted for repair. The findings were in turn enhance the overall appearance of similar event this year are already underway. reported back to the Stewards Committee the Moor Bank Lodge Gardens. Then to finish the year off we had the New On the main Town Moor our drainage along with the plan of repair, the schemes Year’s Day Resolution Charity Run, with the renewal programme continues with a vast were agreed and the works were carried The Town Moor was host to a multitude of proceeds raised from this event going to scheme being implemented below the two out immediately giving maximum benefit to events over the summer months filtering into Saint Oswald’s Hospice and Water Aid. hills, we hope this will be finished by the end the land prior to the winter months ahead. the autumn, we had the Hoppings, followed of February, and once settled will improve We imported 560 tonnes of new top soil onto by the Pride in July, followed by the Mela in Our Elizabethan fencing programme a large parcel of land that has recently the site. This was used to infill large shallow August, which overlapped with the circus, continued with 304 metres of wooden become waterlogged due to collapsed and depressions on the site to allow the surface we then hosted the Great North Run in mid- fencing being replaced on Grandstand blocked field drains. Further updates to be water to run to the drainage schemes September, then we had the private schools Road this now completes Grandstand Road included in my next report. renewal from the Blue House right up to the southern slip road of the A167. Other Kevin Batey Town Moor Superintendent

16 FreemenMagazine FreemenMagazine 17 Diary Dates Notice Board & Freemen Shop

Easter Guild The Hoppings Monday 13th April 2015 19th June - 27th June 2015 Bereavements The Freemen of Held upstairs in Newcastle Guildhall (on Come along and enjoy all the fun of the Newcastle shop is open Quayside, bottom of Dean Street) Close largest traveling funfair in Europe (probably John George Glass Court of Guild (for Company Stewards only) the World). Margaret Storey begins at 10.30 am. Freemen of Newcastle upon Tanners Company Open Court of Guild (for all Freemen of Tyne pin badges are available Newcastle upon Tyne) commences at 12 Michaelmas Guild now. The 16mm badge depicts noon prompt. Monday 12th October 2015 Colin Ions the armorial bearings of the You must be seated by 12 noon for the Open Held upstairs in Newcastle Guildhall Shipwrights Company City circled by the inscription Guild in readiness to receive the Lord Mayor. (on Quayside, bottom of Dean Street) “Freemen of the City of The meeting concludes with new Freemen Close Court of Guild (for Company Stewards Newcastle upon Tyne”. being called, and if present sworn in by the Bill Lorraine Lord Mayor. only) begins at 10.00 am. At this particular meeting the Stewards Committee is Cordwainers Company The ever popular multi crested Following the proceedings a buffet lunch is democratically elected via ballot for the served in the Merchant Adventurers Court. ensuing year. silk ties are back in stock. Open Court of Guild (for all Freemen of William Sexton Blake Newcastle upon Tyne) commences at 12 Plumbers Company And new for the ladies - 25mm Charm, The Lord Mayor’s Parade noon prompt. Necklaces are also available complete Sunday 17th May 2015 You must be seated by 12 noon for the Open on a 60mm chain, both depict the To be held in the Cathedral Church of St. Guild in readiness to receive the Lord Mayor. armorial bearings of the City circled by Nicholas. The meeting concludes with new Freemen the inscription “Freemen of the City of being called, and if present being sworn in Robing in the Cathedral Refectory at Newcastle upon Tyne”. 9.30am. for commencement of parade by the Lord Mayor. into the Cathedral at 9.45a.m. with the Lord Following the proceedings a buffet lunch is Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne. served in the Merchant Adventurers Court. Orders to Kevin All Newcastle Freemen are welcome. Should Batey Town Moor you need to borrow a robe there will be a Superintendent small quantity available on the day. at Moozr Bank To assist on the day, parking will be available Lodge, payment at Moor Bank Lodge and transport at with order by 9:00am to and from the Cathedral will be cheque payable provided. to ‘Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne’ - the address can be found at the rear of the magazine. Annual Guild Days Ties - £27.00 Christmas Guild - the first Monday after 13th January Pin Badge - £3.00 Easter Guild - the first Monday after Easter Monday Stick Pin Badge - £4.00 Michaelmas Guild - the first Monday after Michaelmas Monday Charm - £6.00 Necklace - £7.00

18 FreemenMagazine FreemenMagazine 19 Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne Superintendent and Office Mr Kevin Batey, Moor Bank Lodge, Claremont Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4NL Tel: 0191 2615970 Email: [email protected] Website: www.freemenofnewcastle.org

http://www.facebook.com/groups/ freemenofnewcastle

COPYRIGHT: Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne. PUBLISHER: Riney Publishing Limited, Sue Riney-Smith Tel: 01325 304360 Email: [email protected]