Alan Shelley

Notice of Retirement from FEW Executive at the Forthcoming AGM Bedern Hall York, 18 March 2023 Report to the FEW Executive and to the Court Meeting by the VP/DP FEW business and internal activities have continued to be quiet and are virtually at a standstill with the exception of a few specific enquiries. Gilds/Guilds have been regathering and indicate a restored interest in their activities. Following an area warden’s concerns regarding the legitimacy of Freedom – for clarification, I have…

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BBBF Old Boys Reunion, at Cirencester 2022

For Guidance Aide Memoire ‘Entitlement’ to Freedom The Municipal Corporations Act, 1835, effectively and initially disbanded the freemen of borough towns and cities and removed their governing powers. Subsequently, the law allowed the freemen to regain their personal ‘right’ to retain the title of ‘freeman’. This being a customary right of liberty given to those in perpetuity. It was a successional title that provided the opportunity for legitimate children of the freeman to be admitted to freedom at adulthood. Customary…

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I was kindly invited to say a few words to the newly admitted Freemen at Gloucester on Friday 7th October 2022. This was in the presence of the Mayor, Councillor Howard Hyman, the Deputy Mayor and the Sheriff of Gloucester along with the City Marshal, the City Sword Bearer and the Master of Ceremonies. The President, Mr Lee Hensley, of the Gloucester Freemen presented the candidates with certificates for their achievement.

Accession Proclamation at Sudbury of King Charles III Photo by courtesy of Mrs Fiona Wheeler Photo by courtesy of Mrs V. Herbert The Proclamation took place outside the doors of the Town Hall with Freemen Michael Wheeler and Barry Hibble as Macebearers.

Vice President’s Report to the FEW AGM (by Zoom) September 2022 This has been another limited year, caused by the restrictions of an ongoing Covid Pandemic. Following the last AGM, myself and the Area Wardens have met with some confusion, particularly over the positions of the Officer without Portfolio (nomination) and of clarity concerning the ‘Working Group’. Political difficulties over its membership have prevented an in-depth examination of FEW procedures. Nevertheless, some outline preparations have been started and terms of…

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BBBF Reunion 2022 at Cirencester Park and the RAU The Reunion took place 23 and 24 August 2022, in the convivial company of the Earl of Bathurst and was much enjoyed by all.

Freemen of England and Wales An association of Freemen and Guilds in England and Wales Patron: The Right Honourable, The Earl Bathurst Alan Shelley BA DLA FRSA VP 21 July 2022 Warden’s Memorandum (1/22) As I reported to the Executive Trustees recently, our Association has been through a depressing period of disagreement, exacerbated by the restrictions caused by Covid. I believe that we can now close that chapter and begin to agree a few basic changes to our operations. Getting…

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GLAF Return to Alney Island, Gloucester, 30 June 2022 On a fine morning at 10.45 we met Nicola Chidley, PROW (standing in for Alan Bently) at the ‘Reserve’ carpark off Westgate. We were introduced to James Fotios, an officer of the City Council. James explained that he was relatively new to the job but would advise as best he could. Observations We walked the footpath closest the city toward the refurbished Docklands. The ‘Castle Meads’ are rich grassland meadows. I…

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‘Cirencester Park Estate’ A visit is being planned for the BBBF & Plumpton ‘Old Boys’ with Lord Bathurst at his wonderful Park and Farmland Estate. Subject to prevailing conditions, we may also visit the Royal Agricultural University. Subjects of interest for discussion: Agroecology, and the new methods of cultivation Future Farming, in the new Global Economy Actions in the light of shortages caused by the War in Ukraine Dealing with the outcome of Ash Dieback and other persistent blights Water…

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