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The Mace-Bearer Magazine - Guild of Mace-Bearers

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<strong>The</strong> <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong><br />

[Type text] 1<br />

www.civicprotocol.com<br />

2012


IN THIS EDITION<br />

<strong>The</strong> Objects, Ideal & Motto <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s 4<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> Council 4<br />

Patrons 5<br />

Officer Reports 6<br />

Officer’s Antics 10<br />

A Diamond Year 11<br />

Annual Conference 2012 12<br />

A Mayors Musing 13<br />

It Is Not Always Easy Being a Mayor 13<br />

<strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s <strong>of</strong> the City and the Ward Beadles 1 14<br />

Social Scene 16<br />

Becoming the Youngest Town Sergeant/<strong>Mace</strong>bearer 17<br />

Around the South East Region 19<br />

From the Editor’s Wife 19<br />

<strong>Mace</strong>s, <strong>Mace</strong>s and More <strong>Mace</strong>s 20<br />

<strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s <strong>of</strong> the City and the Ward Beadles 2 22<br />

A Little Relief from the Tax Man 24<br />

Taking Stock! 24<br />

<strong>The</strong> Art <strong>of</strong> the Chauffeur 25<br />

Glass Sword 26<br />

A Visit to Buckingham Palace 27<br />

Civic Insignia 28<br />

<strong>The</strong> Invisible Men (and Women) 28<br />

<strong>The</strong> City <strong>of</strong> Ripon Bellman 29<br />

<strong>The</strong> Exeter Experience 2012 30<br />

Royal Wootton Bassett 30<br />

<strong>The</strong> Ceremony <strong>of</strong> the White Gloves 31<br />

A Mayor’s Best Friend 31<br />

Coat <strong>of</strong> Arms 32<br />

Breaking the Ceremonial Mould 34<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> On-Line 35<br />

<strong>The</strong> Royal Hospital Chelsea 36<br />

T-Shirts 37<br />

<strong>The</strong>re Shall Be a Scottish Parliament 38<br />

An Olympic Year 39<br />

Preston <strong>Guild</strong> 40<br />

A Royal Visit 42<br />

A Little Light reading 42<br />

Conference 2013 43<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Areas 44<br />

Recipe Corner 45<br />

Puzzle Pages 46<br />

Merchandise 48<br />

Answers 50<br />

A Plea from the Editor 50<br />

Patrons and Past Prime Wardens 51<br />

Front Cover: Nick Clarke (QRIH), Cas Butler (WG), Ted Roberts (RAOC), Bert Willis (RNF), Malcolm Smart MBE (RSigs),<br />

Combined Age <strong>of</strong> 357, Army Service 109 years. Royal Hospital Chelsea (See Page 36)<br />

3


THE OBJECTS, IDEAL & MOTTO OF THE GUILD OF MACE-BEARERS<br />

4<br />

Objects<br />

To uphold and preserve the customs <strong>of</strong> the civic and corporate life <strong>of</strong> the Country and<br />

Commonwealth and to advise thereon.<br />

To collect and disseminate information that will assist members in the performance <strong>of</strong> their duties.<br />

To uphold the position and dignity <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mace</strong> <strong>Bearer</strong> within the civic and corporate<br />

domain.<br />

To promote the spirit <strong>of</strong> comradeship and co-operation amongst its members.<br />

To encourage a degree <strong>of</strong> uniformity in civic and corporate ceremonial without infringing the<br />

peculiar and characteristics customs <strong>of</strong> individual Towns and Corporations<br />

To assemble its members periodically to discuss matters <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional interest.<br />

Ideal<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> shall be strictly non-sectarian and non-political and shall not seek the status <strong>of</strong> a Trade<br />

Union.<br />

THE GUILD COUNCIL<br />

Motto<br />

Semper Fidelis<br />

(Ever Faithful)<br />

Prime Warden Joe Caruana primewarden@macebearer.com<br />

Renter Prime Warden Owen Collier renterwarden@macebearer.com<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Clerk Peter Townsend clerk@macebearer.com<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Bursar Owen Collier bursar@macebearer.com<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Training Officer Keith Simpson training@macebearer.com<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Editor Alan Spencer editor@macebearer.com<br />

AREA REPRESENTATIVES<br />

North and North Wales Stephen Smith north@macebearer.com<br />

Scotland Willy Paterson scotland@macebearer.com<br />

South East Chris Hobbs-East southeast@macebearer.com<br />

South West and South Wales Michael Coy southwest@macebearer.com<br />

WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Welfare Officer Ron Crabbe welfare@macebearer.com<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Web Master Peter E Legg webmaster@macebearer.com<br />

For general enquires e-mail info@macebearer.com


PATRONS<br />

As Patron <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s I am delighted to contribute to this edition <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>, especially<br />

given how vital our mace is to the House <strong>of</strong> Commons, and indeed to Parliament. As Speaker <strong>of</strong> the House <strong>of</strong><br />

Commons my main role is to chair parliamentary debates and proceedings in the Chamber. However, it is important<br />

to note that without the ceremonial mace in place on the Table <strong>of</strong> the House, the House <strong>of</strong> Commons would not be<br />

constituted and business could not take place.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Mace</strong> originally represented the emblem <strong>of</strong> the Royal Serjeant at Arms who, on request <strong>of</strong> the Commons by the<br />

sovereign in the 15 th century, enabled the House to go about its business both within the Commons and outside it on<br />

occasions when the Serjeant carried out orders such as arrests on behalf <strong>of</strong> the House. In recent times, the mace has<br />

become the symbol <strong>of</strong> the authority delegated to the Commons by the Sovereign, and to this day it is returned to the<br />

St James’ Palace when the House is prorogued or during dissolution.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Speaker’s procession which takes place each day before the Commons’ sits is led by the Serjeant at Arms<br />

carrying the mace across his right shoulder. <strong>The</strong> procession is another marked indication <strong>of</strong> the importance <strong>of</strong> the<br />

mace and the traditions and values that it and its bearers symbolise. For visitors <strong>of</strong> Parliament, the Speaker’s<br />

Procession is one <strong>of</strong> the most highly anticipated events <strong>of</strong> the Parliamentary day. <strong>The</strong>re are always schoolchildren,<br />

tourists, and <strong>of</strong>ten international delegations that take the opportunity to watch the procession before visiting the<br />

Public Gallery to watch proceedings.<br />

<strong>The</strong> importance with which the <strong>Mace</strong> is regarded can be seen throughout history. For example, in an attempt to<br />

suspend Parliamentary proceedings, King Charles I, famed for his conflicts with Parliament, called for the <strong>Mace</strong> to be<br />

returned to him. In defiance, the Commons refused. In more recent times, Members <strong>of</strong> Parliament have on occasion<br />

attempted to remove the <strong>Mace</strong> in protest, an act which has been deemed as an act <strong>of</strong> grossly disorderly conduct in<br />

parliamentary procedure and can result in suspension from the House.<br />

Each day when groups <strong>of</strong> schoolchildren arrive to watch Speaker’s procession, I am reminded by the importance <strong>of</strong><br />

this tradition and am pleased that the mace will continue to be an iconic symbol for future generations.<br />

Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker <strong>of</strong> the House <strong>of</strong> Commons<br />

5


FROM THE EDITOR<br />

Dear All, I am pleased that you have once again given me the opportunity to produce<br />

this magazine.<br />

<strong>The</strong> first colour edition last year was my first attempt at producing a magazine and to<br />

say I was apprehensive about how it would be received by <strong>Guild</strong> Members is somewhat<br />

<strong>of</strong> an understatement. However, you must have enjoyed it as I received many positive<br />

comments and suggestions. Thank you to everyone who got in touch.<br />

In 2012 there are many events that are hard to ignore. First and foremost is the<br />

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> have paid their own tribute to Her Majesty and<br />

you can find out more on this in ‘A Diamond Year’.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Annual Conference was held in February. If you did not attend the AGM in 2012,<br />

maybe the report and pictures will encourage you to join us in Royal Wootton Bassett in<br />

February 2013.<br />

One suggestion I received was for a puzzle page. I have taken this idea on board and have produced a couple for your<br />

amusement there will even be a small prize (details on the puzzle page).<br />

I would like to thank all contributors <strong>of</strong> the previous and this edition. Without these there would be<br />

no magazine.<br />

Alan Spencer, Editor<br />

FROM THE PRIME WARDEN<br />

6<br />

First, thank you for trusting me to this Office.<br />

In April 1996 I was invited by our then Town Clerk, Mrs. Christine<br />

Knapman, to become <strong>Mace</strong> <strong>Bearer</strong> to the Mayor <strong>of</strong> Hertford, and was<br />

installed by the outgoing Mayor Councillor Henry Sergeant.<br />

In 2002 I became a Member <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong>, and have enjoyed the<br />

companionship and camaraderie <strong>of</strong> Fellow Members at many<br />

Conferences. It was both my privilege and pleasure to Host the<br />

Conference in Hertford in February <strong>of</strong> this year. <strong>The</strong> Conference was<br />

deemed to be successful and the Dinner enjoyed by all who attended. It<br />

really goes without saying that we were royally entertained by Richard<br />

Strudwick with his amusing anecdotal response.<br />

I would like to publicly thank the Hertford Team at <strong>The</strong> Castle and my<br />

colleagues for all their support. Special thanks must go to our <strong>Guild</strong><br />

Clerk, Peter Townsend, for his patience and invaluable guidance leading<br />

up to <strong>The</strong> February Conference and ongoing.<br />

I am finding it strange that the whole year <strong>of</strong> preparation was more active than my first four months in <strong>of</strong>fice, (I am<br />

not complaining about this).<br />

In this Our Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year, and with London presiding over the Olympic Games, many Festivities will<br />

be taking place across our Nation. Here in our County Town we are looking forward to Celebrating the Jubilee with a<br />

huge picnic in our Castle Grounds Hosted by our new Mayor, Councillor Jane Sartin, in the company <strong>of</strong> Lord Charles<br />

Cecil who will light the Beacon on top <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> Castle.<br />

Also on 24th June we hope our streets will be filled with happy people taking part in our first Town Carnival for 12<br />

years; and on 7th July the Olympic Torch will be carried through our Town. Much is happening, much more to come.<br />

It is my great privilege to be Prime Warden in such a special year in our Countries Calendar. I trust I will serve you<br />

well. Greetings and Best wishes to you all.<br />

Joe Caruana, Prime Warden


FROM THE RENTER PRIME WARDEN<br />

From Her Majesty’s Royal Town <strong>of</strong> Wootton Bassett in <strong>The</strong> County <strong>of</strong><br />

Wiltshire<br />

I feel deeply honoured to have been elected Renter Warden <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Mace</strong>-bearers in This the Queens Diamond Jubilee year and an Olympic year<br />

as well<br />

Plans are already under way for next year’s Annual Training, Conference and<br />

Dinner. Which will be held 6 - 8th February 2013 in Royal Wootton Bassett<br />

and I hope as many <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong> members both old and new are able to<br />

attend. A warm welcome awaits you all<br />

Most <strong>of</strong> you will know me as <strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> Bursar Don’t forget to read my Bursar<br />

report included in this issue<br />

For those <strong>of</strong> you who do not know me. I have been <strong>Guild</strong> Bursar for some four<br />

years. Here in Royal Wootton Bassett I hold the dual position <strong>of</strong> Town Crier and<br />

Sword-<strong>Bearer</strong>. I was appointed Deputy Town Crier and Sword bearer to the late Fred “Boots” Deacon. On 21 April<br />

2001 and took over Fred’s mantle at his retirement in 2005. My predecessor held the <strong>of</strong>fice for 31 years and was an<br />

early member <strong>of</strong> this <strong>Guild</strong>. When Don Trafford (Banbury) was Prime Warden in 1985-86<br />

My role here in Royal Wootton Bassett is a voluntary position and I’m appointed on a yearly basis at <strong>The</strong> Annual<br />

General Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> Town Council and Mayor making Ceremony<br />

It was customary here for the Mayor and Officers <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> Crown to be appointed on behalf <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> Lord <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> Manor<br />

by <strong>The</strong> Court Leet on his behalf and by his approval being the undisputed Lord <strong>of</strong> this Town. He owned <strong>The</strong> Town Hall<br />

and placed a covenant in place forbidding it to be used for political and religious meetings that still applies to this<br />

day. In order that no one steps out <strong>of</strong> line and challenged his authority<br />

My best wishes are sent to you all in this Diamond Jubilee Year<br />

God Bless Her Majesty, Long May You Reign Over Us, and GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.<br />

FROM THE AREA REPRESENTATIVES<br />

Owen Collier, Renter Warden<br />

NORTH AND NORTH WALES<br />

Hello everybody for those that do not know me my name is Stephen Smith and I work for the City <strong>of</strong> Salford.<br />

I have had a busy time at work so far this year as we now have two Mayors,<br />

a City Mayor whom was elected on the 4th <strong>of</strong> May by the people <strong>of</strong> the<br />

City for a four year term <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice and Ceremonial Mayor who still does one<br />

year.<br />

I look forward to seeing members from the North Area at the <strong>Guild</strong><br />

Conference in February 2013 which will be held at Royal Wootton Bassett.<br />

If anyone wishes to contact me my e-mail address is<br />

north@macebearer.com<br />

I am still trying to arrange some sort <strong>of</strong> get together for the North <strong>of</strong><br />

England anybody with any ideas please contact me on the above e-mail<br />

address.<br />

Stephen Smith, Salford<br />

7


SCOTLAND<br />

I am 54 years old, married to Elizabeth for 30 years with one daughter<br />

Ashleigh, who is about to give birth, so I will soon be known as Papa Paterson.<br />

I have worked for East Dunbartonshire Council for 34 years, 16 years as a<br />

janitor and 18 years as Council Officer which I have really enjoyed.<br />

It has been a busy last few months as it has been our local election plus we<br />

have a new Provost, most <strong>of</strong> the Scottish authorities have a new<br />

administration and the Scottish Government is trying to cut the Councils from<br />

32 to 19.<br />

We are closing our Council Headquarters and moving <strong>of</strong>fices to the Marina. I<br />

have been told I am getting a water taxi. Ha Ha!<br />

I would like to finish <strong>of</strong>f and thank Joe Caruana for the <strong>Guild</strong> Conference. It was a great success. Good luck to the<br />

<strong>Guild</strong>.<br />

Slangevar.<br />

SOUTH EAST<br />

8<br />

Willy Paterson, East Dunbartonshire<br />

To report on everything that all our members have been doing over the last year<br />

would be impossible so I have called on just one <strong>of</strong> the 66 members <strong>of</strong> the South<br />

East area to report on what his town has been doing. Every year I will be asking a<br />

different member to report on their town and this year is the turn <strong>of</strong> the Town<br />

Sergeant <strong>of</strong> Hythe, Terry Reene. His report can be found later in the magazine.<br />

As possibly the youngest member <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong>, I was asked by the editor to provide<br />

an article for the magazine on how I became a mace-bearer. I hope you find this<br />

interesting. Maybe for future magazines some <strong>of</strong> you can let us know how you too<br />

became a mace-bearer.<br />

I look forward to seeing many <strong>of</strong> you in Royal Wootton Bassett in February 2013.<br />

Many Thanks<br />

Christopher Hobbs-East, Dover<br />

SOUTH WEST AND SOUTH WALES<br />

We are pleased to report that Ron Crabb, <strong>Guild</strong> member from Exeter was awarded the British Empire Medal in the<br />

Queen’s Birthday Honours list.<br />

OBITUARIES<br />

It is with regret that we have to inform members <strong>of</strong> the following death<br />

Alan Hughes, Freeman <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong><br />

Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.


FROM THE GUILD BURSAR<br />

Once again thank you to all the members that paid their membership on time. This not<br />

only makes my job as Bursar a lot easier. But also saves the <strong>Guild</strong> a considerable<br />

amount <strong>of</strong> money in postage and photo copying which is nearly £100.00 a year that<br />

could be diverted to other uses without the need for membership to be raised<br />

Again this year, late payments or no payment with the excuse “My Council normally<br />

pays” is no excuse for members not submitting their subscriptions. Send me your<br />

payment first A receipt will always be issued, if you require one, in order to claim<br />

the money back from your City or Town Council.<br />

At one <strong>of</strong> the regional gatherings kindly hosted by the former South West Rep Ernie<br />

Davis at Exeter City Council, out <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> 33 <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s present only three<br />

members were employed full-time, five received honorariums, 25 mace-bearers<br />

(including me) receive no expenses at all and carry out mace-bearing duties<br />

voluntarily.<br />

Looking at the current membership statistics, the South West Region has the largest number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mace</strong>-bearers<br />

making up 39% <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong>s membership. With most <strong>Guild</strong> members paying their own subscriptions. This is nearly<br />

half the membership!<br />

Unfortunately North and North Wales has the lowest number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> Members (21%) whilst it has some <strong>of</strong> the<br />

biggest Cities and Towns in the country and population figures. Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne<br />

members. Are you not proud to be members <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s and carry your <strong>Mace</strong>s, in honour <strong>of</strong> your<br />

Sovereign in North & North Wales? In this Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year.<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Items for purchase (<strong>Guild</strong> Members only) all items in stock at present. Postage prices will have to rise to over<br />

the recent increased in charges beyond the <strong>Guild</strong> control<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> Council will meet here in Royal Wootton Bassett in August<br />

May you carry your <strong>Mace</strong> or Sword with Pride<br />

FROM THE GUILD CLERK<br />

It is with disappointment that I have to say that the membership has fallen this year.<br />

<strong>The</strong> reason for this is because <strong>of</strong> cutbacks in local government which has meant<br />

redundancies within our field <strong>of</strong> expertise and on top <strong>of</strong> this some have been told that<br />

their council has stopped paying for their annual subscription and this has resulted in<br />

members not renewing their membership.<br />

In 2013, the <strong>Guild</strong> Conference and AGM will take place in Royal Wootton Bassett on<br />

the 6th – 8th February. Could I encourage as many members as possible to attend as<br />

this is the one time that we as a <strong>Guild</strong> all come together to learn and to teach fellow<br />

<strong>Mace</strong> <strong>Bearer</strong>s old and new the art <strong>of</strong> carrying the <strong>Mace</strong> and the protocols that<br />

surrounds the Mayoralty.<br />

Owen Collier <strong>Guild</strong> Bursar<br />

We continue to keep the costs <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong> and therefore for you the members to a<br />

minimum. You can help us by emailing me with confirmation <strong>of</strong> your email address so that the <strong>Guild</strong> Officers can<br />

keep in contact without incurring the expense <strong>of</strong> postage. Can I also encourage you to use the <strong>Guild</strong>’s website and<br />

message board as this is another way we can all keeping contact with each other.<br />

Finally, if there is anything that the <strong>Guild</strong> Council or I can do to help please do get in contact with us.<br />

You will find all our contact details in this magazine.<br />

Peter Townsend, <strong>Guild</strong> Clerk<br />

9


FROM THE TRAINING OFFICER<br />

10<br />

In February 2012, I attended the Annual Conference & training in Hertford, which was<br />

very well attended and hugely successful, with the newly appointed Joe Caruana, Prime<br />

Warden and Owen Collier, Renter Prime Warden.<br />

<strong>The</strong> members came from all over the country and were not disappointed with the level <strong>of</strong><br />

training incorporated in the programme, with Hertford County Crime Prevention Officer,<br />

Colin Clare, providing valuable information regarding our personal property and being<br />

aware <strong>of</strong> our surroundings when on Mayoral duties. Regarding the Mayoral chains, Mr<br />

Clare, informed us that the price <strong>of</strong> gold has risen considerably over last few years, which<br />

may draw jewellery thieves to go for GOLD. Mr Clare, did advise us to visit and register on<br />

this website: - www.imobilse.com.<br />

Mr Ray Charlton, who now owns the civic robes company Michael's <strong>of</strong> Bristol, presented a great understanding <strong>of</strong><br />

how to care for all your Mayoral attire. <strong>The</strong>re were so many questions on this subject that, unfortunately, we ran out<br />

<strong>of</strong> time!<br />

Mr William Hunt, College <strong>of</strong> Arms, provided us with a great understanding <strong>of</strong> his work and how the Windsor Herald<br />

has helped for thousands <strong>of</strong> years. I am hoping to organise a tour <strong>of</strong> the College <strong>of</strong> Arms as I am sure many members<br />

would be keen to visit. Details will be available on the <strong>Guild</strong> website.<br />

Tony Sharp, President <strong>of</strong> the City <strong>of</strong> London Ward Beadles, gave a presentation Ward Beadles and their involvement<br />

in the City with the Lord Mayor. More details <strong>of</strong> this can be found later in this magazine.<br />

Finally, I would stress that it would be great if we could increase the London's <strong>Guild</strong> member’s attendance at our<br />

conferences.<br />

OFFICER’S ANTICS<br />

Keith Simpson, Hammersmith & Fulham<br />

<strong>The</strong> editor received a number <strong>of</strong> pictures <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong> Officer’s that he could not resist sharing with readers.<br />

Willy Paterson (yes, really!) in his prize winning ‘Cruella deVille’ persona.<br />

Yours truly waiting for the Mayor at a function<br />

(it’s not all hard work!)<br />

(Photo courtesy <strong>of</strong> matthew@altobasso.com)<br />

Steve Smith, proudly<br />

receiving his Queen’s Jubilee<br />

Medal.


A DIAMOND YEAR<br />

As <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s we could not let 2012 pass without mentioning the Diamond Jubilee <strong>of</strong> HM Queen Elizabeth II.<br />

©John Swannell/Camera Press<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s sent a scroll congratulating<br />

the Queen on her 60 th year as our Sovereign.<br />

Her Majesty graciously sent a message <strong>of</strong> thanks in<br />

return.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Queen is not unfamiliar with the <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong> as the Editor sent a copy to Buckingham Palace in 2011.<br />

11


ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2012<br />

On Thursday 02 February 2012 <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s from around the country converged on Hertford for the <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s<br />

annual conference. <strong>The</strong> weather was extremely cold but the welcome we all received could not be warmer.<br />

<strong>The</strong> weekend <strong>of</strong>ficially started with a get together at Hertford Castle where members had the chance to catch up<br />

with old friends over a glass <strong>of</strong> wine and a sumptuous buffet provided by Hertford Town Council. Joe Caruana still in<br />

his position as Renter Prime Warden gave a tour <strong>of</strong> the castle including the dungeons<br />

After lunch, was the turn <strong>of</strong> Windsor Herald William Hunt to give a very entertaining<br />

insight into the College <strong>of</strong> Arms.<br />

Last training session <strong>of</strong> the day was a talk on Beadles and Sergeants at <strong>Mace</strong> by Tony<br />

Sharpe.<br />

12<br />

A number <strong>of</strong> training sessions had been organised for<br />

Friday. In the morning, delegates were given a talk on<br />

crime prevention by Colin Clare followed by a<br />

presentation by Ray Charlton <strong>of</strong> Michaels’s <strong>of</strong> Bristol on<br />

the care <strong>of</strong> robes.<br />

Guests were not forgotten with a trip to the Hertford Museum in the morning<br />

followed, after lunch, with a trip to Hatfield House opened especially for a private<br />

tour courtesy <strong>of</strong> Lord Salisbury.<br />

Friday evening was a chance for members, <strong>The</strong> Mayor <strong>of</strong> Hertford and<br />

Invited guests to enjoy an excellent ‘black tie’ dinner at ‘<strong>The</strong> Whistling<br />

Duck’ Restaurant.<br />

If you have not attended the Annual Conference before then do try to attend in 2013 in Royal Wootton Bassett. Not<br />

only is the conference an excellent training opportunity, it is a great chance to meet with fellow mace-bearers from<br />

across the country to compare notes and possibly get advice from more experienced colleagues.<br />

Alan Spencer, Editor


A MAYORS MUSING<br />

I have the privilege <strong>of</strong> being elected by the city councillors <strong>of</strong> Southampton to the position <strong>of</strong> Mayor. I am the 790 th<br />

Mayor in the history <strong>of</strong> our city.<br />

I am very proud <strong>of</strong> all our ceremonial <strong>of</strong>fices and procedures, from the<br />

wearing <strong>of</strong> the robes to chairing the council meetings. One <strong>of</strong> the most<br />

important parts <strong>of</strong> our city heritage and history are the Town Sergeants<br />

and sitting right alongside this are the <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s perform a vital part <strong>of</strong> this city’s functions. <strong>The</strong>y lend<br />

a great deal <strong>of</strong> gravitas to all the varied functions that we attend.<br />

Wherever we go they perform sterling work. Everyone we meet is not<br />

only impressed with them but, when the role is fully explained, say how<br />

much they think it adds to our city.<br />

It is not only the ceremonial role but the message it sends when the<br />

Mayor and <strong>Mace</strong>-bearer attend. That both roles are linked together<br />

both convey the importance <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />

I believe that our city is better for having this important <strong>of</strong>fice. It sends a<br />

clear message that we value our traditions and our history as well as the<br />

people that carry out the duties. We can have all the ceremony and<br />

traditions we want but without the dedication and expertise <strong>of</strong> our<br />

<strong>Mace</strong>-bearers and Town Sergeants the whole edifice would not work<br />

and we would be the poorer for that.<br />

In my discussions with Mayors and Chairs, across not only Hampshire but nationally, they all agree that one <strong>of</strong> the<br />

most important elements <strong>of</strong> the job is the <strong>Mace</strong> and <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s.<br />

I believe it is <strong>of</strong> vital importance that the things that make this such a great place to live and work are valued and<br />

retained, indeed re-introduced where they have been lost.<br />

IT IS NOT ALWAYS EASY BEING A MAYOR<br />

Two boys on<br />

crutches could<br />

kick the ball but<br />

Mayor couldn’t<br />

Cllr Derek Burke, <strong>The</strong> Right Worshipful the Mayor <strong>of</strong> Southampton<br />

Many may feel that the Mayor has it easy compared to the <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>. However, if<br />

we make a mistake few people would notice (we hope!) and it would certainly not<br />

make the pages <strong>of</strong> the local or national newspapers.<br />

<strong>The</strong> editor came across an article in the Sun newspaper (16 March 2012). Aislinn Lee,<br />

Mayor <strong>of</strong> St Albans in Hertfordshire was taking part in a world record bid by students<br />

at St Columbus College. As the Mayor came to take the 650 th kick she ‘scuffed’ her kick<br />

and the ball failed to travel the necessary 11 metres.<br />

<strong>The</strong> poor Mayor was embarrassed and subject to on-line mockery by students.<br />

Fortunately, to the relief <strong>of</strong> the Mayor, the previous record <strong>of</strong> 579 passes had been<br />

beaten.<br />

13


MACE-BEARERS OF THE CITY AND THE WARD BEADLES<br />

Tony Sharp, President ‘<strong>The</strong> Ward Beadles <strong>of</strong> the City <strong>of</strong> London’ gave an illuminating talk at the 2012 Conference in<br />

Hertford. Tony has kindly submitted the following article for those who were unable to make the conference.<br />

Now I am sure that you are all familiar with the City <strong>of</strong> London’s Lord Mayor’s Show which involves great pageantry<br />

and you have probably seen the three Esquires to the Lord Mayor who accompany him; <strong>The</strong> City Marshal who wears<br />

a plumed hat, the Sword <strong>Bearer</strong> who wears a fur or Muscovy Hat and the Common Crier who wears a forensic wig<br />

and who actually carries the Great <strong>Mace</strong> <strong>of</strong> the City.<br />

However, the Ward Beadles actually pre-date that <strong>of</strong>fice. <strong>The</strong> Common Crier only dates from the institution <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Lord Mayor in 1189 and the <strong>of</strong>fice developed out <strong>of</strong> the Mayor’s personal mace bearer or Beadle.<br />

Now firstly you may have heard <strong>of</strong> the title <strong>of</strong> Beadle applied to other <strong>of</strong>ficials. <strong>The</strong> Livery Companies or <strong>Guild</strong>s <strong>of</strong> the<br />

City also have Beadles and those that have Halls have Hall Beadles. Yet these <strong>of</strong>ficials are employees <strong>of</strong> those<br />

companies and indeed the <strong>Mace</strong> <strong>Bearer</strong> to the Lord Mayor is an employee <strong>of</strong> the City Corporation. I am sure that<br />

most <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Mace</strong> <strong>Bearer</strong>s in the <strong>Guild</strong> are actually employees <strong>of</strong> their boroughs.<br />

However, the Ward Beadles <strong>of</strong> the City <strong>of</strong> London are elected <strong>of</strong>ficials and as such they do not receive remuneration,<br />

they get an honorarium to cover their expenses, which it actually hardly does.<br />

When I say that they are elected whom, you may ask, so Elects them?<br />

<strong>The</strong> answer is that they are elected by the ordinary Voters in the City who also elect the Councillors and the<br />

Aldermen <strong>of</strong> the Wards. Until 2004 they were elected every year but since then every five years. Note that they are<br />

Elected Officials <strong>of</strong> the Wards and not Elected Representatives on the City Council.<br />

Now the Alderman, the senior elected Councilman <strong>of</strong> a Ward, is also an ancient <strong>of</strong>fice and they are still to this day<br />

also the City’s Magistrates or Justices <strong>of</strong> the Peace. As such legal <strong>of</strong>ficers who sit in judgement on others they<br />

required an executive <strong>of</strong>ficer who could bring wrong-doers before them.<br />

That executing <strong>of</strong>ficer was and is <strong>The</strong> Ward Beadle who acts on the instruction <strong>of</strong> the Alderman. Today these duties<br />

are largely ceremonial but also electoral in that the Official who keeps Order at both the elections for Sheriffs and for<br />

the Lord Mayor, elections that take place every year in the great <strong>Guild</strong>hall <strong>of</strong> the City, are the Ward Beadles. <strong>The</strong><br />

Ward Beadle also calls to order the election meetings held in the Wards for the voters to question their councillors<br />

and to elect them; these meetings are called the Ward Motes and are the most ancient assemblies in the City,<br />

predating the elections <strong>of</strong> Sheriffs and Lord Mayor.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are twenty five Wards <strong>of</strong> the City and each elect a suitable person to the ancient <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> ‘Ward Beadle’ <strong>of</strong><br />

which in fact there are twenty nine: the three largest Wards have two or three Ward Beadles.<br />

14


What were the Origins <strong>of</strong> the Beadles?<br />

Well they had a number <strong>of</strong> public order duties which before modern police forces developed would be known as the<br />

Watch, night or day watch. An <strong>of</strong>fence was committed and the Beadle would go equipped with his mace to<br />

apprehend the <strong>of</strong>fender and take him before the Alderman. Later he would approach the wrong-doer to take his<br />

fine. I know that you are all aware that at the opposite end <strong>of</strong> a <strong>Mace</strong> is the symbol <strong>of</strong> authority <strong>of</strong> the law <strong>of</strong>ficer, be<br />

it the Mayor’s or the Borough’s coat <strong>of</strong> arms,these <strong>of</strong>ten combined with a crown to denote that the ultimate<br />

authority was the King. <strong>The</strong>se symbols grew until they became the most notable part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Mace</strong> and the cudgel<br />

end became reduced to a small knob. So we effectively all carry our <strong>Mace</strong>s up-side down!<br />

<strong>The</strong> earliest set <strong>of</strong> rules and responsibilities for the Ward Beadles <strong>of</strong> the City come from ‘<strong>The</strong> Customs <strong>of</strong> London in<br />

the Reign <strong>of</strong> King John’<br />

“<strong>The</strong>re are three chief folkmoots annually. One at Michaelmas, to know who is sheriff, and to hear his commands.<br />

<strong>The</strong> second at Noel for keeping the wards. <strong>The</strong> third at St John’s day to protect the city from fire, by reason <strong>of</strong> the<br />

great drought. If any Londoner neglect one <strong>of</strong> these three, he is in the king’s forfeiture for forty shillings. But by the<br />

law <strong>of</strong> London the sheriff ought to have enquiry made concerning any one <strong>of</strong> whom he would know, for certain,<br />

whether he is there or not.<br />

If the good man say that he was not summoned, that must be ascertained from the beadle <strong>of</strong> the ward. If the beadle<br />

says he was summoned, the man is convicted at the husting; for the beadle has no other witness, nor ought to have<br />

than the great bell which is rung at St Paul’s for the folk-moot.”<br />

(reproduced from Stubbs’ ‘Select Charters’ OUP).<br />

<strong>The</strong> ‘folkmoot’ at ‘Michaelmas’ is the ‘Common Hall’ at which the Lord Mayor is elected, but originally in that period<br />

it was when the citizens were informed by the king who he had appointed as the sheriff.<br />

That at ‘Noel’ was the Ward mote elections as held in December until 2003 when it moved to March under the<br />

revised electoral arrangements.<br />

That at ‘St John’s Day’ is the midsummer ‘Common Hall’ became that for when the citizens elected the Sheriffs.<br />

As can be seen, the Beadle was the sole judge and witness <strong>of</strong> a citizen’s compliance, who would be subjected for<br />

neglect to the swingeing fine <strong>of</strong> £2.00; this at a time when a workman may earn only a penny a week!<br />

Primarily, it must be understood that Ward Motes were originally meetings <strong>of</strong> the Freemen only (but is now for all<br />

the electors on the Register or the Ward List) so that the democratic and electoral element <strong>of</strong> the meetings whereby<br />

they elected Councilmen was a later development. Indeed for centuries only the Ward <strong>of</strong>ficers and the Ward Beadle<br />

were elected.<br />

This was because these Ward Motes were essentially the same as a Manorial Court with the Freemen making<br />

‘presentments’ <strong>of</strong> civil issues and criminal matters with the Alderman punishing miscreants according to law, the<br />

Beadle ‘attaching’ such persons as the court’s <strong>of</strong>ficer. In the early period the Alderman was the main landowner in<br />

the Ward, so he was lord <strong>of</strong> the manor.<br />

Indeed, even today, ward electors can ask general questions at the Ward Motes which the Alderman, Ward Clerk<br />

and Common Councilmen attempt to address.<br />

According to the famous Liber Albus compiled by the City Secretary John Carpenter at the request <strong>of</strong> Sir Richard<br />

Whittington in 1419 (Part I, Chapters I to XVI; and most <strong>of</strong> which <strong>of</strong> its procedures are still maintained) the Beadle as<br />

an elected <strong>of</strong>ficer actually predates that <strong>of</strong> the Councilmen as elected representatives.<br />

<strong>The</strong> councillors date from as late as Richard II – Henry IV, but then they did not govern the City as today. <strong>The</strong> election<br />

<strong>of</strong> Alderman is much later still and was only (until the last Act <strong>of</strong> 2003) ‘once for life’, this deriving from the<br />

Aldermanry <strong>of</strong> a Ward as a personal property acquired as the land title <strong>of</strong> a City magnate. <strong>The</strong> Sheriffs were originally<br />

appointed <strong>of</strong>ficers, <strong>of</strong> and by the king, until the early twelfth century (Henry II) whence from they were elected by<br />

the Liverymen. <strong>The</strong> Lord Mayor first appears in 1189 (Richard I).<br />

…continued on page 22<br />

15


SOCIAL SCENE<br />

16<br />

Prime Warden Joe Caruana chatting with <strong>The</strong> Worshipful the Mayor <strong>of</strong> Hertford<br />

Councillor Mrs Sally Newton, <strong>Guild</strong> Council Members, Members and guests


BECOMING THE YOUNGEST TOWN SERGEANT/MACEBEARER<br />

2010 was an important year for me as this was the<br />

year I got my dream job. It all started when my friend<br />

was made redundant but unfortunately the jobcentre<br />

in Deal where we lived had closed so I was tasked with<br />

taking him and his wife to the next nearest which was<br />

in Dover. Well as he waited to be called forward we<br />

thought we would have a quick look on the computers<br />

to see what was about. <strong>The</strong>re it was Dover Town<br />

Council are looking for a new Town Sergeant/General<br />

Assistant.<br />

Now most people especially <strong>of</strong> my age (at the time 24<br />

years young) would have no clue what a Town<br />

Sergeant was but I was the lucky one as for many<br />

years before I had been lucky enough to help the<br />

Town Mayor <strong>of</strong> Ramsgate out with a few jobs.<br />

One <strong>of</strong> these jobs was when I was 19 in 2005 and<br />

Ramsgate Council had just appointed a new Town<br />

Sergeant (still in post today) and the first week he<br />

joined was Battle <strong>of</strong> Britain week. In Ramsgate they<br />

have a big parade through the town. I had been<br />

attending these parades for a number <strong>of</strong> years as my<br />

father was and still is the Officer Commanding <strong>of</strong><br />

Ramsgate Air Cadet Unit and I was a Civilian<br />

Instructor, so this was the parade (apart from<br />

Remembrance Day) that the Air Cadets had to be at.<br />

Well the council felt it would be unfair<br />

to ask the new Town Sergeant to do<br />

such a high pr<strong>of</strong>ile event so they<br />

asked me to step in as I knew the<br />

layout <strong>of</strong> the day. As you can<br />

see by the picture I was a<br />

natural! Ha I wish as inside I<br />

was panicking! Yes I knew the<br />

layout <strong>of</strong> the day but I had no<br />

idea how to macebear! Well it<br />

all went smoothly and<br />

apparently I did a good job and<br />

the Mayor was happy.<br />

So this all flashed through my mind<br />

when I saw the words Town Sergeant on the job role.<br />

Do you know <strong>of</strong> a younger <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>? Let the Editor know.<br />

Now I would have taken the job back in 2005 in<br />

Ramsgate but I couldn't as by then I did not know how<br />

to drive so I thought that was my last chance to<br />

become a Town Sergeant.<br />

So fast forward a few months I had attended my 2<br />

interviews at Dover Town Council and as part <strong>of</strong> one<br />

<strong>of</strong> these I had to attend that years Mayor Making. As I<br />

said before this was not my first encounter with<br />

Mayors but Dover definitely did Mayor Making on a<br />

grander scale to others I had attended.<br />

Well after much deliberation the council decided to go<br />

with me instead <strong>of</strong> the other applicant. I was made<br />

up! I couldn't believe my luck. But then came the hard<br />

part, actually doing the job for 20 hours a week<br />

instead <strong>of</strong> just stepping in.<br />

My background within the RAF as my father is a Flt Lt<br />

and also my brother is serving at RAF Marham has<br />

helped a lot with the two years I have been in post.<br />

But the people who have helped me the most are my<br />

first two Mayors. I have been very lucky that Cllr Sue<br />

Jones and Cllr Ronnie Philpott have been there for me<br />

all the way. Now this could be trying to explain how to<br />

get to certain places then realising we are completely<br />

lost or by telling me quietly how I was going wrong.<br />

We have had many a laugh and a tear over the two<br />

years. I think the funniest has probably been when we<br />

went to Belgium for the first time last year and people<br />

thought Ronnie was my Nan and Sue was my Mum!<br />

Well, theoretically, the age group we could be but it<br />

did make us laugh. Also I’m glad to say I have stopped<br />

being asked if I am the Mayors husband! It was fine<br />

for the Cllrs as they looked like they had a toy boy!<br />

Anyway, so my first two years has been an eye opener<br />

but I wouldn’t change it for the world! I love the<br />

history <strong>of</strong> the job and the history I have become part<br />

<strong>of</strong> and I hope one day when I retire in 60 years’ time<br />

my family can look back and be proud I was part <strong>of</strong><br />

this historical job which we all do.<br />

Chris Hobbs-East, Dover Town Council<br />

17


AROUND THE SOUTH EAST REGION<br />

Chris Hobbs East, Area Representative for the South East region has asked one <strong>of</strong> the members from the region to let<br />

us know what he has been up to in the past year.<br />

Hythe being an ancient town and Head Port within the<br />

confederation <strong>of</strong> Cinque Port town, retains a<br />

significant pride in supporting those events within the<br />

Confederation and neighbouring towns and limbs. In<br />

addition to these the Mayor <strong>of</strong> Hythe strives to<br />

support local businesses, charities, schools and the<br />

wider community. This has involved the attendance at<br />

local schools for school productions and prize giving's.<br />

Hythe Aqua is one <strong>of</strong> the largest swimming clubs in<br />

the South East and earlier this year a delegation <strong>of</strong><br />

German swimmers were welcomed to the Town and<br />

provided with a tour <strong>of</strong> the Town Hall. <strong>The</strong> residential<br />

homes and retirement homes in the town have<br />

garden parties, Easter bonnet parades and Christmas<br />

shows which have been widely supported by the<br />

Mayor and his wife. During the year the Mayor<br />

supports a boot fair and quiz with the aim <strong>of</strong> raising<br />

funds in support <strong>of</strong> his chosen charity which is<br />

currently the Peoples Hospice.<br />

Hythe invites Mayors from the neighbourhood to<br />

attend our Mayor Making, Civic Sunday, Christmas<br />

Carol Service and the very popular day out in Hythe<br />

which takes in the crypt at St. Leonards church which<br />

contains over 2000 skulls, the Romney Hythe and<br />

Dymchurch light railway and a trip down the royal<br />

Military Canal on the new electric boat. Local fish and<br />

chips also figure during the day !<br />

This year <strong>of</strong> course has seen the Jubilee celebrations<br />

which took the form <strong>of</strong> a party in the park culminating<br />

in the lighting <strong>of</strong> a Beacon.<br />

Probably the biggest and best known event is the<br />

biannual Venetian Fete which takes place on the canal<br />

and the Mayors from all over the Confederation can<br />

be seen on their pontoons floating down the canal<br />

ably pulled by two sea cadets. Just as they set <strong>of</strong>f the<br />

skies opened and it became rather wetter than people<br />

expected.<br />

Hythe is also one <strong>of</strong> those towns looking forward to<br />

the passing <strong>of</strong> the Olympic Torch and it is anticipated<br />

that a full Civic delegation will wave it through.<br />

Come on other regions. Let your Area Rep have your report. It could be featured in the next magazine.<br />

FROM THE EDITOR’S WIFE<br />

After several days complaining <strong>of</strong> aching muscles in his arm and shoulder the Editor came<br />

home from work and announced that he had ‘<strong>Mace</strong>-bearer’s Shoulder’. Well, after picking<br />

myself up <strong>of</strong>f the floor I asked whether this was an <strong>of</strong>ficial diagnosis or was he making things<br />

up again? Apparently the pain had been subsiding but after carrying the City <strong>Mace</strong> the pain<br />

had come back. <strong>The</strong>refore, ‘<strong>Mace</strong>-bearer Shoulder’ it must be!<br />

Terry Reene, Hythe<br />

Coincidentally, a few days later I saw the following entry on Facebook from the South West<br />

rep “New shoes + 14 hr shift = OWWWWWW”. Obviously, one would question whether<br />

wearing new shoes for such a long shift was a particularly bright idea. However, it still goes<br />

to show that <strong>Mace</strong>-bearers can suffer for their art.<br />

Susan Spencer, Southampton<br />

19


MACES, MACES AND MORE MACES<br />

Continuing our look at different <strong>Mace</strong>s<br />

ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA<br />

In size and shape the Sovereign’s <strong>Mace</strong><br />

broadly follows the style and shape <strong>of</strong><br />

the Royal <strong>Mace</strong>s made for the Sergeants<br />

at Arms in the reign <strong>of</strong> our Founder, King<br />

Charles II. At 52” in length and weighing<br />

24 pounds it was designed by Lt Col<br />

Charles Webb and Aubrey Bowden,<br />

crafted by master silversmith Norman<br />

Bassant and gifted to <strong>The</strong> Royal Hospital<br />

by Ronald Gerard OBE.<br />

<strong>The</strong> head (Bowl) has a distinctive theme<br />

<strong>of</strong> oak leaves and acorns, which are<br />

strongly associated with <strong>The</strong> Royal<br />

Hospital (Charles II escaped capture by<br />

Parliamentarian forces after the battle <strong>of</strong><br />

Worcester in 1651 by hiding in an oak<br />

tree), and supports the large St.<br />

Edward’s Crown. Within the Crown is a<br />

disc bearing the Royal Coat <strong>of</strong> Arms.<br />

A scroll bearing a Latin dedication is wrapped around<br />

the shaft beneath the brackets. <strong>The</strong> main shaft is in<br />

two sections, each with Latin inscriptions. <strong>The</strong> bulbous<br />

ornaments (knops) bear four silver devices, including<br />

the Royal Cyphers <strong>of</strong> Her Majesty and King Charles II,<br />

<strong>The</strong> Royal Hospital badge, acorns and cuirasses. <strong>The</strong><br />

lower finial repeats the upper section <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Mace</strong> and<br />

its base is shaped like the cascabel end <strong>of</strong> a cannon.<br />

INSCRIPTIONS ON THE MACE<br />

DEDICATION - Spiral below Head, under Brackets:<br />

MILITIBUS FIDELIBUS GRATO ANIMO DEDIT REGINA<br />

‘Presented to her faithful soldiers by their grateful<br />

Sovereign’<br />

20<br />

UPPER INSCRIPTION - between top<br />

and centre Knops:<br />

HANC VIRGAM REGIAM PROTESTATIS<br />

REGIAE INSIGNE DEDIT REGINA<br />

ELIZABETHA SECUNDA QUA<br />

CELEBRARETUR REGNI SUI LUSTRUM<br />

DECIMUM ET OFFICIUM MILITARE<br />

CORONAE PRAESTITUM AB EMERITIS<br />

QUI USQUE AB ANNO MDCXCII IN<br />

HOSPITIO REGALE CHELSEIENSI<br />

HABITAVERUNT ANNO DOMINI MMII<br />

‘This Sovereign’s <strong>Mace</strong>, symbol <strong>of</strong> Royal<br />

authority, was presented by Queen<br />

Elizabeth the Second to commemorate<br />

her Golden Jubilee and in recognition <strong>of</strong><br />

military service to the Crown by the In<br />

Pensioners who, since 1692, have<br />

resided at <strong>The</strong> Royal Hospital Chelsea.<br />

<strong>The</strong> year <strong>of</strong> our Lord 2002.’<br />

LOWER INSCRIPTION - between centre and lower<br />

Knops:<br />

IN SUBSIDIUM ET LEVAMEN EMERITORUM SENIO<br />

BELLOQUE FRACTORUM CONDIDIT CAROLUS<br />

SECUNDUS AUXIT JACOBUS SECUNDUS PERFECERE<br />

GULIELMUS ET MARIA REX ET REGINA ANNO DOMINI<br />

MDCXCII<br />

For the succour and relief <strong>of</strong> veterans broken by age<br />

and war. Founded by Charles the Second, enlarged by<br />

James the Second Completed by William and Mary,<br />

King and Queen, in the year <strong>of</strong> our Lord 1692.<br />

(This was in effect the “Mission Statement and Royal<br />

Patronage” <strong>of</strong> the Royal Hospital on opening, and<br />

which remains to this day the core objective <strong>of</strong> its<br />

activities)<br />

John Rochester, RQMS (C), Compliance Manager & Curator, Royal Hospital, Chelsea


THE COMMONWEALTH MACE<br />

If you were watching the Queens’ Jubilee Boat Pageant, the eagle eyed <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong> would have seen a <strong>Mace</strong> on<br />

board the Royal Barge ‘Spirit <strong>of</strong> Chartwell’.<br />

(Royal Collection trust / ©Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2012)<br />

<strong>The</strong> Commonwealth <strong>Mace</strong> was presented to Her Majesty <strong>The</strong> Queen in 1992 to commemorate the 40 th anniversary<br />

<strong>of</strong> her accession to the throne.<br />

<strong>The</strong> mace includes the Royal Coat <strong>of</strong> Arms, the symbol <strong>of</strong> the Commonwealth and the flags <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Commonwealth nations at the time.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Mace</strong> is used:<br />

in the presence <strong>of</strong> HM <strong>The</strong> Queen or an immediate member <strong>of</strong> the Royal Family representing the Head <strong>of</strong><br />

the Commonwealth;<br />

at Commonwealth Heads <strong>of</strong> Government Meetings and on special Commonwealth occasions;<br />

at the annual multi-faith Observance on Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey; and,<br />

at the Commonwealth Day evening reception hosted by the Secretary-General.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is also a matching set <strong>of</strong> 55 silver gilt toasting Goblets each engraved with the respective member<br />

government’s national armorial bearings. <strong>The</strong> Goblets are used at the banquet hosted by the Queen for Heads <strong>of</strong><br />

Government at CHOGMs.<br />

MISCELLANEOUS MACES<br />

Here we bring you a selection <strong>of</strong> other maces.<br />

Reverse <strong>of</strong> £2 coin<br />

Glass <strong>Mace</strong> presented<br />

On retirement <strong>of</strong><br />

Southampton Town<br />

Sergeant. Christmas Decoration<br />

Silver Charm<br />

Novelty Sticker<br />

21


MACE-BEARERS OF THE CITY AND THE WARD BEADLES – CONT.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Beadles are already acting at the earlier date along with the Ward Clerks, whom always seem to have been<br />

appointed. <strong>The</strong> Beadles were elected at the Folk-Moot (now the Ward Motes and Common Halls) but whether this<br />

was originally an open election by those present or only to choose from those nominated by the Alderman, as today,<br />

is difficult to say. Whatever, the Beadles duties were as follows:<br />

1. To prepare the list <strong>of</strong> Freemen <strong>of</strong> the Ward for the Ward Mote and Folk-Moot and summon them to these;<br />

2. To conduct the details <strong>of</strong> any elections, in regard to the list, held at the Ward Mote with the Ward Clerk.<br />

3. To open/ close and keep order at the Ward Mote<br />

4. To ‘amerce’ non-attendees <strong>of</strong> the Ward Mote and Folk-Moot and ‘attach’ ie collect the fines for this; the<br />

Beadle’s word in regard to summons being delivered to a freeman and his non-compliance was the only<br />

evidence required.<br />

(see also Pr<strong>of</strong> Wm Stubbs Select Charters ... to 1307; Customs <strong>of</strong> London in the Reign <strong>of</strong> John 1205-06 pp 312-<br />

314)<br />

As can be seen the original role <strong>of</strong> the Beadle was as an Electoral Officer, with the Ward Clerk as Recorder and the<br />

Alderman as Returning Officer.<br />

Duties 1) and 2) are now performed by the Electoral Services section <strong>of</strong> the Town Clerk’s Department. Duties 3) are<br />

largely ceremonial and are still the preserve <strong>of</strong> the Beadle. Duties 4) have long ago fallen into disuse.<br />

Apart from the ‘Ward Mote’ the Beadles attend on the Aldermen at the seven great ceremonial occasions <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Civic Calendar.<br />

<strong>The</strong> United <strong>Guild</strong>s Service at St Paul’s<br />

This is the most recent ceremony dating from the period <strong>of</strong> our nation’s greatest peril during the Second World War;<br />

all <strong>of</strong> the Livery Companies and their Livery men attend this in mid-March. <strong>The</strong> address is always given by a senior<br />

Bishop, recently the Cardinal <strong>of</strong> England.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Spital Sermon<br />

This is a short Service, held sometime between April and May, in the <strong>Guild</strong>hall Church <strong>of</strong> St Lawrence, Jewry for the<br />

Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen only. It was instituted by the boy-king Edward VI in 1543 and marks the<br />

foundation <strong>of</strong> two ‘hospitals’:- Bridewell and Christ’s Hospital which are in fact schools. <strong>The</strong> Head Boy or Girl reads<br />

one <strong>of</strong> the Lessons.<br />

Midsummer ‘Common Hall’ at <strong>Guild</strong>hall<br />

This is for the Livery to Elect the two Sheriffs, on Mid Summer’s Day, effectively the Lord Mayor’s assistants. <strong>The</strong><br />

Sheriffs live in the Old Bailey for their year <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice with the senior judges and entertain them and deputise for the<br />

Mayor within the City at social functions.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Admission <strong>of</strong> the Sheriffs<br />

This is held in <strong>Guild</strong>hall on the day before the election <strong>of</strong> the new Lord Mayor; it is attended only by the Aldermen<br />

and Lord Mayor and current Sheriffs to watch the swearing-in <strong>of</strong> their replacements who had been elected some<br />

months before<br />

Michaelmas ‘Common Hall’ at <strong>Guild</strong>hall<br />

On the 29th September the Livery Elect two persons who have served as Sheriff and are Aldermen one <strong>of</strong> whom is<br />

then chosen by the Aldermen in private, to become Lord Mayor. He is then presented to the assembled Livery in<br />

<strong>Guild</strong>hall.<br />

<strong>The</strong> ‘Silent Ceremony’ <strong>Guild</strong>hall<br />

This is the ceremony <strong>of</strong> admission <strong>of</strong> the new Lord Mayor. <strong>The</strong> symbols <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice are withdrawn from the previous<br />

incumbent and presented to the new one. <strong>The</strong> ceremony is very complicated and is done in complete silence, before<br />

the Aldermen and invited persons. It takes place the day before the Lord Mayor’s Show<br />

<strong>The</strong> Lord Mayor’s Show<br />

This is <strong>of</strong>ficially called the ‘Presentation <strong>of</strong> the Lord Mayor and Procession to the Royal Courts <strong>of</strong> Justice’. Although<br />

the general public think this is done for their entertainment, in fact what it is for, since the time <strong>of</strong> King John when<br />

22


the citizens first chose their own Mayor, is to present him to the Queen’s representatives so that she can be told<br />

who he is. <strong>The</strong>se are the Lord Chief Justice and the senior judge at the Royal Courts who is called the Queen’s<br />

Remembrancer. Originally, this was done in state barges on the river, they rowed to Westminster Hall, which was<br />

the original royal courts. When the present building opened at the end <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> Strand in 1868 the procession moved<br />

to the street, but the celebratory groups and tableaux are still said to be carried on ‘floats’.<br />

At the great meetings held in the City <strong>Guild</strong>hall, the Ward Beadles process in with their Aldermen, the Sheriffs and<br />

the Lord Mayor who go to the dais. <strong>The</strong>n somewhat surprisingly the Ward Beadles turn their backs onto these senior<br />

persons and face the audience throughout proceedings.<br />

This is because as late as the Georgian period <strong>of</strong> the 1790s riotous behaviour by the Freemen might occur and the<br />

Ward Beadles had to protect the Aldermen and quell the troublemakers.<br />

THE OATH OF THE BEDELS<br />

From the Liber Albus, 1861 ed Riley pp 272-3 compiled by City Secretary John Carpenter at the request <strong>of</strong> Sir Richard<br />

Whittington in 1419 most <strong>of</strong> its procedures are still followed:-<br />

“You shall swear, that well and honestly you shall keep the Ward <strong>of</strong> which you are Bedel; and shall suffer no one<br />

accused <strong>of</strong> robbery or <strong>of</strong> evil covin, or huckster <strong>of</strong> ale, or <strong>of</strong> those keeping a brothel, or others commonly reputed <strong>of</strong><br />

bad and evil life, to dwell in the same Ward, but you shall forthwith shew the names <strong>of</strong> such unto the Alderman, to<br />

the end that the same may have them turned out within fifteen days.<br />

And if Alderman do it not, you shall at once, and after the fifteen days ended make known the same unto the Mayor.<br />

And if any one shall make affray or draw sword, or knife, or other weapon, you shall make known the same unto the<br />

Chamberlain <strong>of</strong> the City, or unto the Sheriffs, that so they may be able to make levy by their serjeants <strong>of</strong> such<br />

misdoers, in manner ordained for keeping the peace <strong>of</strong> our lord the King.<br />

And also, you shall return good and lawful men upon Inquests at the Hustings, and before the Sheriffs and Coroners,<br />

and not persons suspected <strong>of</strong> maintenance <strong>of</strong> parties [to the suit]. And the returns that you shall make, you shall<br />

shew unto your Alderman two or three days before the Hustings that he may see if your return is sufficient or no.<br />

And that you shall know no poultry or other small victual, or malt, or corn, to be received in any privy place, or to be<br />

sold in secret, or against the ordinance <strong>of</strong> the Mayor, but you shall warn the Mayor and the Sheriffs there<strong>of</strong>; nor shall<br />

you be <strong>of</strong>ficer in any Court Christian during your <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> Bedelship; nor shall you brew, by yourself or by any other, to<br />

sell; or keep an oven, or a cart for hire; nor shall you be a regrator <strong>of</strong> any victuals, or a huckster <strong>of</strong> ale, or a partner<br />

with such.<br />

And all other things which unto your <strong>of</strong>fice pertain to do, well and lawfully you shall do.<br />

So God you help, and the Saints.”<br />

<strong>The</strong> first two paragraphs outline the duties <strong>of</strong> Beadle as effectively a police <strong>of</strong>ficer for keeping the peace within his<br />

ward; he could be assisted by the Watch who looked after the City gates and walls.<br />

<strong>The</strong> third paragraph details how the Beadle was also an <strong>of</strong>ficer <strong>of</strong> the City Courts, summoning the freemen for jury or<br />

coroners inquest service, the latter duty was actually performed until the re-organisation and merger <strong>of</strong> the City and<br />

Westminster’s Coroner’s <strong>of</strong>fice in 1988. <strong>The</strong> reference to ‘maintenance’ was the disreputable practice <strong>of</strong> litigators<br />

paying henchmen to support them in their Court cases, usually over false claims to property rights. <strong>The</strong> Beadle also<br />

had to attend the Licensing <strong>of</strong> Pubs at the Magistrate’s court and verify that the Licensee was who he said he was.<br />

<strong>The</strong> fourth paragraph reminds us that only Liverymen could trade or manufacture within the City in public markets,<br />

hence the restriction <strong>of</strong> the non-qualified trading privately. <strong>The</strong> Ecclesiastic Courts were a competing jurisdiction<br />

within the City in the mediaeval and pre-Reformation period and there would be a clear conflict <strong>of</strong> interest if the<br />

Beadle was also a servant <strong>of</strong> the many monastries, bishops palaces and other church institutions. <strong>The</strong> final part<br />

recalls how the Beadle was effectively the consumer protection service and weights and measures inspector for the<br />

ward and so if he traded would have a conflict <strong>of</strong> interest.<br />

A lot <strong>of</strong> these duties ceased to be performed only in the last thirty years and one <strong>of</strong> our most recently retired Ward<br />

Beadles actually did undertake the calling <strong>of</strong> jurors to Coroner’s Court and accompanied Licencees for applications.<br />

Today the duties are exclusively ceremonial.<br />

Tony Sharp, President, <strong>The</strong> Ward Beadles <strong>of</strong> the City <strong>of</strong> London<br />

23


TAKING STOCK!<br />

24<br />

A LITTLE RELIEF FROM THE TAX MAN<br />

Are you aware that if you have to wear a uniform at<br />

work and are responsible for the washing and repair <strong>of</strong><br />

it then you could claim tax relief?<br />

Do you wear a recognisable uniform that shows you<br />

have got a certain job?<br />

Does your employer require you to wear it while you're<br />

working?<br />

Do you have to pay to clean, repair or replace it<br />

yourself?<br />

Have you paid income tax in the year you are claiming<br />

for?<br />

If you can answer yes to all these questions then you<br />

may be able to claim. You simply need to send a letter<br />

to your local tax <strong>of</strong>fice. For further details check out<br />

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/uniform<br />

-tax-rebate.<br />

Peter Townsend demonstrates what becomes<br />

<strong>of</strong> outgoing Prime Wardens<br />

(we did let him out when he promised to<br />

continue as <strong>Guild</strong> Clerk!)


THE ART OF THE CHAUFFEUR<br />

In the current difficult economic times it is hardly surprising that many civic <strong>of</strong>fices are looking closely at their<br />

transport arrangements and the ongoing debate about in-house cars and chauffeurs verses external private hire cars<br />

or the civic driving themselves seems set to rage for years to come so let’s have a look at the issues.<br />

First, let me declare my interests. I was a private hire driver for a<br />

chauffeur car company before becoming a Mayoral Officer/ chauffeur<br />

for 12 years, and three years ago I left the authority to go freelance<br />

again. Now some <strong>of</strong> my biggest customers are civic <strong>of</strong>fices where the<br />

civic heads are <strong>of</strong>ten expected to drive themselves but can hire a<br />

chauffeur driven car if required.<br />

In driving for a wide range <strong>of</strong> Mayors, Chairmen, Lord Mayors, High<br />

Sheriffs and Lord Lieutenants in both authority owned vehicles and my<br />

own limousine it becomes apparent that the requirement to use a<br />

chauffeur seems dependent on what the authority expect from their<br />

civic head. If the role is chiefly that <strong>of</strong> chairing the council meetings and<br />

an incidental side effect is that the chairman might occasionally be asked<br />

to attend a local function then it does not seem unreasonable for the<br />

civic to drive themselves to many events, however if the civic head is a high pr<strong>of</strong>ile representative <strong>of</strong> the council and<br />

its people who has a prominent role attending hundreds <strong>of</strong> functions both in the area and on a wider platform then<br />

there are likely to be more occasions when the use <strong>of</strong> a chauffeur is a necessary requirement.<br />

Make no mistake, whatever the size <strong>of</strong> the authority the civic head when out in public is “playing a part” and<br />

whether it’s a one-man show at a small village school or as the starring role in a massive production in which there<br />

might be a part for a chauffeur, it is all about giving the public the performance they want and expect. Most event<br />

organisers will have invited their civic head with the thought that it will raise the pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> their event, and lend it<br />

some formality and prestige. Matching their expectations is vital and having a self-drive civic turn up late because<br />

they have struggled to park then seeing them root around in the boot <strong>of</strong> the car for their chain, sling it over their<br />

shoulders and enter the venue unannounced will do nothing to increase the public demand for the service and the<br />

number <strong>of</strong> invitations a year they receive.<br />

<strong>The</strong> alternative, <strong>of</strong> having the civic driven up to the door on time, well<br />

briefed and introduced and accompanied by a well turned out chauffeur<br />

can have a dramatic effect on the dignity and gravitas <strong>of</strong> the whole event<br />

and the way the authority is viewed by the community.<br />

So if you are fortunate enough to work as civic chauffeur, whether<br />

employed by an authority or freelance, what can you do to ensure your<br />

civic doesn’t become a victim <strong>of</strong> the economic cuts and become self-driven?<br />

<strong>The</strong> answer is to make yourself as indispensable as possible!<br />

1. Make sure you know exactly where you are going. Not just the address <strong>of</strong> the venue but which door do you<br />

need to arrive at? If you are not sure then go and find out in advance, and if the venue is too far away to<br />

justify a recce make use <strong>of</strong> the internet. Does the venue/organisation have a web-site? Can you see the<br />

venue on Google Earth/Maps/Streetview?<br />

2. Remember that if you do nothing more than deliver the civic to the door then take them home again they<br />

might just as well drive themselves or book a taxi.<br />

3. Make sure you know who is meeting the civic so you can introduce them on arrival. If you arrive at the venue<br />

and there is no-one waiting to meet your civic, leave them in the car while you go and locate the host, bring<br />

them out to the door and make your introductions there.<br />

4. If you can’t remember the hosts name or you have to introduce the civic to someone you don’t know then<br />

just reverse the introduction. Instead <strong>of</strong> saying “Mr Mayor, may I introduce Mrs Xxxxx” try starting with<br />

“May I introduce the Worshipful the Mayor <strong>of</strong> Xxxxxx and wait for the host to (hopefully) to say “Hello Mr<br />

Mayor, I am Mrs Xxxxxx”<br />

25


26<br />

5. Once the civic is handed over park the car somewhere where you can quickly drive up to the door when they<br />

are ready to leave, or turn it round so you are ready to drive away the minute all the goodbyes have been<br />

said. <strong>The</strong> organisers want to wave the civic <strong>of</strong>f not watch you reversing round the car park or attempting a<br />

three point turn.<br />

6. Once the car is parked (have you removed the flag in case it gets nicked?) now is the moment to return to<br />

the room the civic is in and lurk! Just keep a watching brief in case you can assist with anything. <strong>The</strong>y may be<br />

chatting and unable to get over to the drinks table, can you fetch them something? Or have they been<br />

handed some flowers or an information pack which is now making it difficult to shake hands with everyone?<br />

7. If they are going to be going in to a formal dinner it’s always worth checking the seating plan and looking at<br />

the room layout. Is there time to change the place settings if they have not been allocated the correct<br />

position, or do you just need to be ready to show them where their seat is when they enter the dining room?<br />

8. Do you have a camera (or your phone) handy to take a photo? If the civic is being left with little to do while<br />

others arrive can you organise a couple <strong>of</strong> pics, and most civics will be pleased you’ve “gone the extra mile”<br />

if you surprise them at a later date with a couple <strong>of</strong> discrete shots <strong>of</strong> the event in action that they weren’t<br />

aware you had taken.<br />

9. If they are attending an outdoor event might they need to put their coat on (or take it <strong>of</strong>f?) or need a rug to<br />

tuck round them if they are sitting in the cold?<br />

All these little tasks (and thousands more) can be invaluable to your civic<br />

head and just make the event flow that little bit smoother for the<br />

organisers, and anything that makes your civic look good will reflect on you<br />

- the <strong>of</strong>ficer supporting them. Whether you are employed by the authority<br />

and expected to do these kind <strong>of</strong> things as part <strong>of</strong> your job, or hired in for<br />

one night and might otherwise sit in the car and read the paper it is vital in<br />

this day and age to exceed the expectations.<br />

Making the extra effort to provide an exceptional service will not only<br />

make you (and your civic) feel good, but it might just tip the balance the<br />

next time someone suggests that “they don’t really need a chauffeur – they<br />

can drive themselves to that one!”<br />

GLASS SWORD<br />

Peter E. Legg, www.freelancechauffeur.co.uk<br />

In our first edition, you will recall there<br />

was a piece about creating a glass mace.<br />

Well, since then Jim Lang has perfected a<br />

glass presentation sword. If anyone is<br />

interested in having one made for as a<br />

suitable gift for a sword bearer<br />

(retirement, birthday etc.) then please<br />

contact Jim via e-mail on<br />

enquiries@glassblowing.co.uk.


A VISIT TO BUCKINGHAM PALACE<br />

Firstly after many trips taking the Mayoral party to the<br />

Palace, what a privilege to get our own invite. This<br />

being due entirely to being in the <strong>Guild</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mace</strong>bearers<br />

and being honoured by taking the Prime Wardens<br />

position, maybe this might be sufficient inducement to<br />

join and actively participate in the <strong>Guild</strong> affairs.<br />

Needless to say Marcia was delighted, the opportunity<br />

to find a suitable outfit to wear, and to get me into a full<br />

morning dress, as advised by our wise old <strong>Guild</strong> Clerk.<br />

Marcia suitably attired for the journey in track suit and<br />

for me Jeans and a polo. We made our way to the<br />

Winning Post for lunch, a time honoured route and<br />

watering hole. We in our lowly Megane had been<br />

overtaken by APR 1 just after leaving Ferndown.<br />

At the Winning Post, a plethora <strong>of</strong> Mayoral transport,<br />

Poole, Bournemouth, East Dorset and Weymouth were<br />

there assembled. <strong>The</strong> company were surprised to find<br />

us on our way to their destination so casually dressed;<br />

however, by our departure the Cygnets had changed<br />

their plumage. We took our place in the convoy, made<br />

a small deviation from our time honoured track due to<br />

Beach Volleyball on Horse Guards Parade<br />

and ended parked herringbone in the<br />

Mall. Unfortunately as we left the car<br />

the rain started, at the head <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Mall, Marcia found that she had<br />

left the paperwork in the car so<br />

back I went leaving Marcia<br />

and the umbrella, it is a good<br />

job seafarers and water mix,<br />

fortunately the rain was not<br />

enough to spoil the<br />

anticipation but sufficient to<br />

drive the photographers<br />

away, so the pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

photo call that would have<br />

been nice to post in <strong>The</strong><br />

<strong>Mace</strong>bearer was not available<br />

but an amateur version is<br />

available, subject to the Editor’s<br />

scrutiny. (Very smart they are too –<br />

Ed)<br />

Needless to say we had a wonderful time strolling<br />

around the gardens, Marcia especially as she is<br />

dedicated to gardening, unfortunately we had to leave<br />

the camera as photos are not permitted within the<br />

grounds, although there were a multitude <strong>of</strong> smart<br />

phones in action, however, we resisted the temptation.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re were the little points <strong>of</strong> interest, to note in the<br />

event planning, such as the two bands playing from<br />

bandstands at opposite corners <strong>of</strong> the lawn, with a<br />

pennant on each being raised and lowered to indicate<br />

when a changeovers were due.<br />

Whilst on our perambulation we were approached by a<br />

resplendent Gent and his Lady, who mistakenly<br />

recognised my <strong>Guild</strong> Prime Warden’s badge for the<br />

one he was wearing, and asked me which County I<br />

represented. He had mistaken the cross maces for the<br />

cross swords, and had assumed I was High Sherriff,<br />

as he was for Rutland; obviously I did a reasonable job<br />

<strong>of</strong> upholding the traditions <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong>’s reputation.<br />

Marcia, a dedicated foody took great delight in the tea<br />

especially the gold crown insignia topped chocolate<br />

cake provided from the refreshment marquee, I had<br />

been pre warned from my past trips , not to expect a<br />

great deal from the catering, however, I have to say,<br />

other than not having hot c<strong>of</strong>fee on tap, brilliant. We<br />

took our place close to the designated path, for the<br />

Royal perambulation, the line <strong>of</strong> which was held and<br />

continually expanded by the Gentlemen Ushers.<br />

During the afternoon the rain came in showers even<br />

until the time for the Royal family and their<br />

entourage to come onto the lawn, and<br />

then the showers stayed away. <strong>The</strong><br />

sun shines on the righteous.<br />

However finally the showers<br />

turned to more persistent rain<br />

and we having met up and<br />

spent time with the<br />

Bournemouth Mayor and<br />

Mayoress, with whom we<br />

had spent a previous<br />

evening at a Dorset<br />

Magistrates reception at the<br />

Lord Lieutenant’s home.<br />

Although the Queen had not<br />

taken her leave, we decided to<br />

do so.<br />

A marvellous day which we found<br />

most enjoyable. As part <strong>of</strong> the job the<br />

<strong>Mace</strong>bearers perform, the Mayoral visit<br />

to the Palace is one <strong>of</strong> the regular ports <strong>of</strong><br />

call, surely this must be a fitting reward. As I have said<br />

previously, this reward must be an incentive to join the<br />

<strong>Guild</strong>, attend the Conference and show your<br />

commitment to the <strong>Guild</strong> and assist in its governance.<br />

David Knight, Poole<br />

27


CIVIC INSIGNIA<br />

In this section we continue our look at Civic Insignia. <strong>The</strong> observant amongst you will have noticed that the header <strong>of</strong><br />

this section has changed. After publication <strong>of</strong> the last edition <strong>of</strong> the magazine the editor was taken to task and<br />

informed that it should be ‘Insignia’ rather than ‘Regalia’. <strong>The</strong> dictionary definitions <strong>of</strong> both are.<br />

28<br />

Regalia <strong>The</strong> emblems or insignia <strong>of</strong> royalty, especially the crown, sceptre, and other ornaments used at a<br />

coronation.<br />

Insignia A distinguishing badge or emblem <strong>of</strong> military rank, <strong>of</strong>fice, or membership <strong>of</strong> an organization<br />

As a result, your editor considers himself corrected.<br />

LONDON BOROUGH OF HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM<br />

<strong>The</strong> Hammersmith Mayoral chain and badge were provided by public subscription<br />

and presented to Hammersmith Metropolitan Borough Council on the subscribers’<br />

behalf by W J Bull, MP (later Sir William Bull). It was made by the Goldsmith’s and<br />

Silversmith’s Company and the artist and borough councillor, Sir William Blake<br />

Richmond, was consulted over the design.<br />

<strong>The</strong> chain, which is made <strong>of</strong> eighteen carat gold, consists <strong>of</strong> alternate linking letter<br />

H’s, with crossed hammers, and ornamental shields for engraving the names <strong>of</strong><br />

successive Mayors. <strong>The</strong> badge, consisting <strong>of</strong> a gold and enamelled replica <strong>of</strong> the<br />

coat <strong>of</strong> arms <strong>of</strong> Hammersmith Metropolitan Borough, is suspended from a centre link<br />

bearing the initials <strong>of</strong> the first Mayor, Thomas Chamberlen, and the date 1900.<br />

<strong>The</strong> second Mayoral badge <strong>of</strong> the Metropolitan<br />

Borough <strong>of</strong> Fulham was the gift <strong>of</strong> the sixteenth Mayor <strong>of</strong> Fulham, Fred Holgate<br />

Barber, in 1928. Made <strong>of</strong> 18 carat gold it shows the new coat <strong>of</strong> arms, granted to<br />

Fulham on 12 October 1927. This includes the crossed swords and golden mitre <strong>of</strong><br />

the Bishops <strong>of</strong> London, the wavy bars <strong>of</strong> the river and the sailing ship <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Danes. <strong>The</strong> motto is 'Pro civibus et civitate' meaning 'For citizens and state'.<br />

<strong>The</strong> chain is composed <strong>of</strong> alternate shields and the letter F connected by a wave<br />

link pattern chain. <strong>The</strong> shields have a crane on either side, and are surmounted by<br />

a crown. <strong>The</strong> centre link is surmounted by an imperial crown.<br />

THE INVISIBLE MEN (AND WOMEN)<br />

Keith Simpson, Hammersmith & Fulham<br />

At every Civic Procession with the Mayor in attendance the <strong>Mace</strong> can be seen and whenever the Mayor attends an<br />

event the Mayoral Chauffeur /Attendant is not far away. How many times have you looked at the pictures later<br />

reported in the press and said ‘That is my elbow’ or ‘I was stood just to the left <strong>of</strong> that person there’?<br />

Tim Alban <strong>of</strong> Huntingdon sent us this unusual photograph.<br />

To redress the balance, here is a picture <strong>of</strong> Tim how<br />

he normally looks.


THE CITY OF RIPON BELLMAN<br />

To those who frequent Ripon market in North Yorkshire on Thursdays, the Bellman is a very familiar figure as<br />

dressed in his formal uniform he proclaims the market 'open' at 11.00am with eleven 'dongs' <strong>of</strong> his handbell.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Bellman's <strong>of</strong>fice is an ancient one - there was certainly a Bellman by 1668 when the Corporation had to pay for a<br />

new and expensive cloth coat. Other recurrent cost over the years included his large silver badge <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice, his tricorn<br />

hat and <strong>of</strong> course his bell (nine shillings in 1668).<br />

In past centuries the Mayor was entitled to a toll, the 'Market Sweepings', levied<br />

on the corn set out for sale and trading could only begin when this tax had been<br />

collected - the go-ahead being given by the ringing <strong>of</strong> the 'Corn' handbell. It is<br />

rumoured the one <strong>of</strong> the criteria for the position <strong>of</strong> Bellman was to have the<br />

largest hands in the locality! <strong>The</strong> toll was discontinued in 1849.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Bellman's other duties were as Town Crier, an <strong>of</strong>fice which has unfortunately<br />

died out. In 1673 when there was an important announcement to be made, the<br />

Corporation had the news proclaimed at the Cross in the Market Place and also<br />

"did order the Bellman to ' tincle' (sic) the bell throughout the towne".<br />

In 1800 George<br />

Wills, Bellman,<br />

was "paid 5<br />

shillings for each<br />

whipping".<br />

As is the case today, the Bellman would walk in civic processions, but in Georgian<br />

times he also appears to have been responsible (and could claim expenses) for<br />

cleaning the Market Place, posting up notices, lighting fires for Corporation meetings, and acting as their courier<br />

(1802: "ordered that the Bellman's fees for making calls in the town in future be threepence each and fourpence for<br />

the country").<br />

One <strong>of</strong> the duties which a vindictive Bellman would have enjoyed was chastising malefactors in the Square on<br />

market day using a cat o' nine tails - an event which would certainly have contributed to town centre entertainment.<br />

In 1800 George Wills, Bellman, was "paid 5 shillings for each whipping".<br />

<strong>The</strong> identity <strong>of</strong> several Bellmen is known, one <strong>of</strong> the earliest (1749) being William Bell<br />

who presumably got the job on the strength <strong>of</strong> his name alone. John Gregg, Bellman<br />

for nearly 30 years (1853-82), had a powerful and well modulated voice, his fame<br />

soon spread abroad and many matches were made as to which town had the best<br />

Bellman. Apparently he was also very athletic and backed himself to leap any tollgate<br />

in the neighbourhood, a feat which he accomplished on many occasions. Even<br />

this man's health eventually gave out and in 1882 he was succeeded firstly by his<br />

son-in-law James Flinn and then in 1886 by his grandson Anthony Flinn.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Bellman's role in Ripon as Town Crier appears to have lapsed in Edwardian<br />

times which is regrettable for Town Criers are essentially part <strong>of</strong> our heritage much<br />

appreciated by townsfolk and visitors alike.<br />

Each July at the beautiful Ripon racecourse the Bellringer Stakes is run (this year on<br />

the21st July) which requires the Bellman in full civic uniform to walk out onto the<br />

course and sound his bell in front <strong>of</strong> the main Grandstand at the start <strong>of</strong> the race.<br />

Conveniently and presumably for the safety <strong>of</strong> the Bellman the race is over one and<br />

a quarter miles which allows ample time for him to vacate the racetrack in a sedate<br />

and dignified manner!<br />

Brian Rushworth, City <strong>of</strong> Ripon Bellman<br />

29


THE EXETER EXPERIENCE 2012<br />

A full program had<br />

been organised<br />

covering various<br />

aspects <strong>of</strong> macebearing.<br />

Members<br />

were given plenty <strong>of</strong> opportunities to ask questions and join in discussions.<br />

After a buffet lunch, Ernie had arranged for one <strong>of</strong> the City Red Coat Guides to give a<br />

tour <strong>of</strong> Exeter including an illuminating tour <strong>of</strong> the Cathedral.<br />

A big thank you to Ernie for organising the event and may I take this opportunity to<br />

wish him well now he has moved from Exeter back to his Yorkshire roots.<br />

Perhaps some <strong>of</strong> the other regions could hold similar events for their members.<br />

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT<br />

30<br />

On a bright November day Exeter welcomed a<br />

number <strong>of</strong> mace-bearers from the South West region<br />

to a meeting at the historic <strong>Guild</strong>hall. Ernie Davies,<br />

the South West Region Representative at the time<br />

had organised the day following requests from<br />

members who were unable to travel to the annual<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s AGM but still wished to get<br />

together with like-minded people.<br />

Alan Spencer, Editor<br />

In the previous magazine we included the article ‘<strong>The</strong> Office <strong>of</strong> Town Crier – Royal Wootton Bassett’ written by the<br />

guild <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s bursar Owen Collier. Since that article was submitted, Her Majesty the Queen conferred the<br />

title ‘Royal’ on the town as ‘an enduring symbol <strong>of</strong> the nations’ admiration and gratitude following Wootton<br />

Bassett’s part in the repatriation <strong>of</strong> service personnel.<br />

On Sunday 16 October 2011, Her Royal Highness, <strong>The</strong> Princess Royal presented the Letters Patent on behalf <strong>of</strong> Her<br />

Majesty <strong>The</strong> Queen, the first time a town had been granted the ‘Royal’ title since 1909.<br />

Alan Spencer, Editor<br />

Picture Supplied by Owen Collier, Bursar


THE CEREMONY OF THE WHITE GLOVES<br />

On the last day <strong>of</strong> term before Christmas the Mayor <strong>of</strong><br />

Hertford and Town Councillors attend Richard Hale<br />

School’s prize-giving, for a ceremony that has been<br />

enacted annually for more than 350 years.<br />

This unique ceremony began in 1657, initiated by the<br />

will <strong>of</strong> Ralph Minors (c1600-57), one <strong>of</strong> many<br />

Headteachers to have guided the fortunes <strong>of</strong> Richard<br />

Hale’s School in Hertford.<br />

In his will, Ralph Minors left to “the parish <strong>of</strong> All Saints<br />

Hertford ten pounds.to the Mayor, Justice and<br />

Minister…they to secure the stock and disperse the<br />

income in White Gloves for themselves if<br />

they three trustees be present at the<br />

scholars’ breaking-up in December.”<br />

In his 30 years as Master, Minors had<br />

made Richard Hale’s one <strong>of</strong> the foremost<br />

Grammar Schools in the country. He<br />

held it together during the Civil War,<br />

educating the sons <strong>of</strong> eminent Royalists<br />

and Parliamentarians alike, but he feared for<br />

the School’s future and determined to secure<br />

that future as best he could.<br />

Minors foresaw that the interest in the welfare <strong>of</strong><br />

the School by members <strong>of</strong> the Hale family who, by<br />

foundation deed and governance were its hereditary<br />

patrons, must inevitably decline. He reasoned that the<br />

hitherto passive interest taken in the School by its ten<br />

Patron-appointed Governors, most if not all <strong>of</strong> whom<br />

were eminent Hertford townsmen, must be activated.<br />

What better way than by inviting their two senior<br />

members and the Vicar <strong>of</strong> the School’s Church to<br />

formally visit and join the School’s celebrations at the<br />

end <strong>of</strong> Christmas term, the scholars’ feast, speeches,<br />

songs, orations and, “if they be present”, give them<br />

each a pair <strong>of</strong> White Gloves?<br />

A MAYOR’S BEST FRIEND<br />

An excellent public relations exercise, the tactic went a<br />

long way to ensure the Borough’s involvement in the<br />

school. Today things are a little different; it is only the<br />

Mayor who receives a pair <strong>of</strong> White Gloves and the<br />

Senior Scholar’s Latin oration recounts murky doings<br />

in the years between.<br />

(Put succinctly, the original, sizeable capital<br />

investment <strong>of</strong> £10, from the interest on which the<br />

White Gloves ought to be purchased, went missing<br />

from - or into - the Borough accounts and has not been<br />

seen since!)<br />

Thus it is that nowadays, whilst the Justice and the<br />

Minister no longer attend, when the Mayor <strong>of</strong> Hertford<br />

visits at the end <strong>of</strong> Christmas term, he or<br />

she is reminded by the senior scholar<br />

that:<br />

“in his Will proved in 1657 Ralph<br />

Minors, the third Headmaster <strong>of</strong> this<br />

School, left the Chief Burgesses <strong>of</strong> the<br />

town <strong>of</strong> Hertford a sum <strong>of</strong> money, out <strong>of</strong><br />

the interest <strong>of</strong> which they were to buy a<br />

pair <strong>of</strong> White Gloves for the Mayor<br />

whenever he visited us before the<br />

Christmas holidays, and he further directed<br />

that if any interest was left over, it was to be<br />

given to the well-deserving scholars.<br />

However, in the reign <strong>of</strong> George 11 the money<br />

disappeared.<br />

Nevertheless, we <strong>of</strong>fer you, most worthy Mayor<br />

(dignissime Maior), this sign <strong>of</strong> our goodwill and good<br />

behaviour, and we have no doubt that you will see to it<br />

that the money is found and the interest paid to us”.<br />

To which matter the Mayor annually promises, in Latin<br />

and later in English, to give full attention. In the<br />

meantime the School pays for the new White Gloves!<br />

Frank Ferguson, Hertford<br />

(With acknowledged thanks to the staff <strong>of</strong> Richard Hale School, Hertford.)<br />

A mayor struck by lightning while on his way to feed his animals has hailed his pet dog after it led him back to his<br />

house to raise the alarm and get medical treatment.<br />

Ian Thomas, Mayor <strong>of</strong> Redruth in Cornwall, was struck by lightning while holding a metal bowl, throwing him into the<br />

air and leaving him stunned and dazed on the floor. He grabbed hold <strong>of</strong> his eight-stone black schnauzer, Monty, who<br />

led him back to his house where Mr Thomas alerted his wife, Sharen.<br />

Southern Daily Echo, October 2011<br />

31


COAT OF ARMS<br />

EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE<br />

East Dunbartonshire Council came into being with the reorganisation <strong>of</strong> Scottish Local Government in 1996.<br />

East Dunbartonshire Council is really something <strong>of</strong> a hotchpotch, taking in parts <strong>of</strong> the former Srathkelvin area and all<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Bearsden and Milngavie area. In addition, regional services, previously supplied by Strathclyde Regional<br />

Council were also incorporated into the remit <strong>of</strong> the new authority.<br />

<strong>The</strong> coat <strong>of</strong> arms reflects the diversity <strong>of</strong> East Dunbartonshire and is one <strong>of</strong> the most elaborate in the country.<br />

Starting at the top the bear, which has been taken directly from the coat <strong>of</strong> arms <strong>of</strong> the former Bearsden Borough<br />

Council can be clearly seen and this is representative, obviously, <strong>of</strong> the Bearsden area. <strong>The</strong> Bear is muzzled which is<br />

always the way a bear is shown in heraldry.<br />

Underneath the bear comes the coronet which is common to the coats <strong>of</strong> arms <strong>of</strong> all Scottish local authorities and<br />

represents the rural and urban nature <strong>of</strong> the country.<br />

Going into the shield at the top there is a red rose. This is traditionally the symbol <strong>of</strong> the House <strong>of</strong> Lennox which<br />

owned extensive lands in the Milngavie area. <strong>The</strong> red rose is particularly associated with Milngavie and feature<br />

prominently on the coat <strong>of</strong> arms <strong>of</strong> the former Burgh <strong>of</strong> Milngavie. Indeed the chain <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice worn by the Provosts <strong>of</strong><br />

Milngavie was made up <strong>of</strong> a collection <strong>of</strong> gold roses.<br />

Beneath the red rose <strong>of</strong> Lenox is a stylised version <strong>of</strong> the Campsie Fells. Within the Fells in gold and green are riggs’<br />

representing the riggs <strong>of</strong> Bishopsbriggs. Bishopbriggs is in fact two words which can be translated in to “the Bishop’s<br />

riggs” or, in modern English, “the Bishop’s fields” which is a reference to the fact that, in medieval times the fields in<br />

what is now Bishopbriggs belonged to the Lord Archbishop <strong>of</strong> Glasgow.<br />

Beneath the campsite Fells and riggs is a mill which can either represent Milngavie or Milton <strong>of</strong> Campsie. <strong>The</strong> actual<br />

mill itself is a direct copy <strong>of</strong> that shown on the badge <strong>of</strong> Milton <strong>of</strong> Campsie Bowling Club.<br />

In addition to the shield and coronet, and fairly unusual for a Scottish local authority, the coat <strong>of</strong> arms also has two<br />

‘supporters’. On one side we see a Roman soldier who represents the fact that East Dunbartonshire has a rich history<br />

dating from the Roman period and has many valuable and worth seeing Roman remains. <strong>The</strong> keen eye will detect<br />

within the Roman soldier’s shield three stars.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se three stars have been taken directly from the coat <strong>of</strong> arms <strong>of</strong> the former Burgh <strong>of</strong> Kirkintilloch and represent the<br />

Holy Trinity.<br />

32


<strong>The</strong>re was some reluctance on the part <strong>of</strong> Lord Lyon to agree to the incorporation <strong>of</strong> the three stars since these are,<br />

clearly, a Christian symbol when the Roman occupation <strong>of</strong> this part <strong>of</strong> Britain, clearly predated the Christian era.<br />

However, to allow the incorporation <strong>of</strong> a symbol symbolic <strong>of</strong> Kirkintilloch, he eventually agreed.<br />

On the other side, the miner is a reminder <strong>of</strong> the proud heavy industrial traditions <strong>of</strong> part <strong>of</strong> East Dunbartonshire and<br />

particularly the coal mines which were a staple supplier <strong>of</strong> employment for almost two centuries.<br />

<strong>The</strong> motto is “AIR ADHART COMHLA” and this language was deliberately chosen because East Dunbartonshire is the<br />

only authority in Central Scotland that has a Gaelic speaking school – Meadowburn Primary School in Bishopbriggs.<br />

In English the phrase means “Going Forward Together”.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Coat <strong>of</strong> Arms was approved after lengthy discussions in 1996 and quickly became a very popular symbol <strong>of</strong> the<br />

new authority.<br />

In Scot’s law, although the arms are unique to East Dunbartonshire, the ownership remains with her Majesty the<br />

Queen. <strong>The</strong> grant <strong>of</strong> arms having been made by her Lord Lyon, King <strong>of</strong> Arms, who is head <strong>of</strong> the Scottish Heraldic<br />

Genealogical Executive. <strong>The</strong> Lord Lyon, King <strong>of</strong> Arms is appointed by the Sovereign and receives a commission<br />

issued under the Great Seal <strong>of</strong> Scotland. Jurisdiction <strong>of</strong> the lord Lyon is both ministerial and judicial. <strong>The</strong> principal<br />

administrative function <strong>of</strong> the Lord Lyon is in relation to the granting <strong>of</strong> armorial bearings by letters patent. <strong>The</strong> style<br />

“Lord Lyon” goes back to the early 16 th Century although his prefix “Lord” can be found as late as the Debtors<br />

(Scotland) Act <strong>of</strong> 1987!<br />

LONDON BOROUGH OF HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM<br />

Willy Paterson, East Dunbartonshire<br />

<strong>The</strong> coat <strong>of</strong> arms was granted on 1 March 1965, incorporating devices from the coats <strong>of</strong> arms <strong>of</strong> the former<br />

Metropolitan Boroughs <strong>of</strong> Fulham and Hammersmith.<br />

<strong>The</strong> main motif <strong>of</strong> two gold hammers inter-laced with a gold horseshoe is an indication <strong>of</strong> the borough’s name. <strong>The</strong><br />

blue and white wavy bars on the shield represent the River Thames. Above are the crossed swords and gold mitre <strong>of</strong><br />

the Bishops <strong>of</strong> London, lords <strong>of</strong> the manor <strong>of</strong> Fulham for almost eleven centuries.<br />

<strong>The</strong> turreted crest on the helmet represents civic authority. Above this is a black ship denoting the presence <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Danes in Fulham in 879AD.<br />

Two griffins, mythical creatures <strong>of</strong> strength and vigilance, symbolise the merging <strong>of</strong> the boroughs. <strong>The</strong>y sprout rays <strong>of</strong><br />

progress and enlightenment. Round their necks hang the symbols <strong>of</strong> two men important to the development <strong>of</strong><br />

Hammersmith; the scallop shell <strong>of</strong> George Pring, a supporter <strong>of</strong> the first Hammersmith Bridge, and the crosslet <strong>of</strong><br />

Edward Latymer, who left property for the welfare and education <strong>of</strong> the poor.<br />

<strong>The</strong> motto Spectemur Agendo was adopted in 1969 from the original motto <strong>of</strong> the Metropolitan Borough <strong>of</strong><br />

Hammersmith. It can be translated as 'Let us be judged by our actions'.<br />

Keith Simpson, Hammersmith & Fulham<br />

33


BREAKING THE CEREMONIAL MOULD<br />

In 2002 the University <strong>of</strong> Southampton celebrated its<br />

Golden Jubilee and I decided to undertake some<br />

research on the history <strong>of</strong> the signing <strong>of</strong> the Royal<br />

Charter in 1952, the year the new Queen was<br />

crowned. I discovered many interesting facts but I<br />

also came across some old regulations regarding the<br />

role <strong>of</strong> the Esquire Bedell who carries the Foundation<br />

<strong>Mace</strong> during the graduation ceremonies at the<br />

University. <strong>The</strong> magazine I found stated that “<strong>The</strong><br />

Esquire Bedell should be a man with a great love <strong>of</strong><br />

ceremonial born in him and young enough to be able<br />

to hold <strong>of</strong>fice for 25 years. It is a graduate’s post, as<br />

he is not a menial but an important ceremonial and<br />

honorary <strong>of</strong>ficer attached to the Chancellor”.<br />

Additionally the Esquire Bedell should “….be about<br />

6ft”.<br />

For several years I undertook the role <strong>of</strong> the Academic<br />

Marshall at graduation, whose role it was to organise<br />

academic colleagues into the graduation procession.<br />

Carrying the Jubilee <strong>Mace</strong>, the Academic Marshall<br />

leads the procession into the hall and ensures the<br />

academics are seated correctly. Next in the<br />

34<br />

procession comes the University Marshall who in turn<br />

organises the Senior Officers <strong>of</strong> the University, the<br />

Deans and Pro Vice-Chancellors and any dignitaries<br />

such as the Mayor or Mayoress. Finally the Esquire<br />

Bedell leads the Presiding Officer, either the Vice-<br />

Chancellor or the Chancellor, into the hall. I had not<br />

thought it possible to even consider myself for the<br />

role <strong>of</strong> Esquire Bedell but on showing a colleague the<br />

magazine article we began to speculate about a<br />

woman holding the position. Of course I wasn’t 6ft,<br />

nor had I completed my Master’s degree at the time<br />

but I did have a great love <strong>of</strong> ceremony and<br />

understood that graduation was both a joyful<br />

occasion and also one full <strong>of</strong> history and tradition.<br />

My nomination was approved by Senate in 2004 and I<br />

had the honour <strong>of</strong> becoming the University’s first<br />

woman Esquire Bedell. We spent some time<br />

researching what the feminine <strong>of</strong> “Esquire Bedell”<br />

might be – but no-one has been able to suggest an<br />

appropriate equivalent. I dismissed “Spinster Bedell”<br />

quite quickly.<br />

Installation <strong>of</strong> the first female Chancellor <strong>of</strong> Southampton University. From left to right: Town<br />

Sergeant/<strong>Mace</strong>-bearer Paul Potterton, Mayor <strong>of</strong> Southampton Cllr. Terry Matthews, Dame Helen<br />

Alexander DBE, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Don Nutbeam and Jo Nesbitt.<br />

Picture courtesy <strong>of</strong> Tempest Photography


<strong>The</strong> appointment received a small amount <strong>of</strong> press<br />

coverage; the Hampshire Chronicle was particularly<br />

interested in the <strong>of</strong>ficial robes and hat, detailing how<br />

they were made and <strong>of</strong> what materials. <strong>The</strong> story<br />

reached the ears <strong>of</strong> Dr D B McNeill, the very first<br />

Esquire Bedell <strong>of</strong> the University <strong>of</strong> Southampton<br />

appointed in 1952 who had retired to Ireland. Dr<br />

McNeill and I exchanged several letters, his gave<br />

wonderful details <strong>of</strong> the original graduation<br />

ceremonies held in Southampton’s Civic Centre,<br />

including Mayors quibbling over who took precedence<br />

in the procession, maces falling <strong>of</strong>f stands and rolling<br />

across the platform and much quaffing <strong>of</strong> sherry in<br />

the Mayor’s parlour prior to ceremonies. Dr McNeill<br />

was the Esquire Bedell present at the Installation <strong>of</strong><br />

the first Chancellor <strong>of</strong> the University, the Duke <strong>of</strong><br />

Wellington. I was privileged to be the first female<br />

Esquire Bedell to attend an Installation <strong>of</strong> a<br />

THE GUILD ON-LINE<br />

Chancellor, Sir John Parker. Recently there was<br />

another first for the University, the Installation <strong>of</strong> the<br />

first female Chancellor, Dame Helen Alexander DBE<br />

and I was honoured to be the Esquire Bedell attending<br />

her at the ceremony.<br />

Besides sharing in the delight <strong>of</strong> all the families at<br />

graduation, my favourite part <strong>of</strong> the ceremony is the<br />

hooding <strong>of</strong> the PhD graduates, as Esquire Bedell I<br />

prepare the hood for the Presiding Officer to place it<br />

on the graduate. I now have it down to a fine art and<br />

take great pride in ensuring the hood is ready and sits<br />

well. <strong>The</strong> number <strong>of</strong> students graduating at<br />

Southampton has grown, so that our graduation<br />

ceremonies now take place over 6 days – too much<br />

for one <strong>of</strong>ficer, so we are now 3 Esquire Bedells – all<br />

dedicated to ensuring the ceremonies run well and<br />

that our graduates know that their achievement is<br />

celebrated but also given the gravitas it deserves.<br />

Jo Nesbitt – Esquire Bedell<br />

University <strong>of</strong> Southampton<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> website www.macebearer.com<br />

continues to be the place to keep in touch with<br />

what the <strong>Guild</strong> is up to and to get advice and<br />

information about all civic protocol matters.<br />

Non members can access information about<br />

the <strong>Guild</strong>, why membership is useful and how<br />

to join, along with a gallery <strong>of</strong> uniforms from<br />

across the country and have a go at our two<br />

quizzes.<br />

Members can also register for access to the<br />

pages containing contact details for other mace<br />

bearers, the on-line Manual <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Mace</strong> – the how-to guide<br />

to civic work, details <strong>of</strong> training and other <strong>Guild</strong> events, our on-line shop, minutes <strong>of</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> meetings,<br />

back issues <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong> magazine and much more. Whether it’s the correct line up for a procession, or how to<br />

organise a completely new event for your Mayor the members’ message-board is the place to get a quick answer to<br />

that problem you are struggling with! Don’t forget that registered members can now sign up for email notifications<br />

<strong>of</strong> new messages by emailing webmaster@macebearer.com and if you have an interesting photo or story about your<br />

job why not share it with us on the message board or by sending it to the webmaster.<br />

Peter Legg, Webmaster<br />

35


THE ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA<br />

Unlike Regiments in the British Army, <strong>The</strong> Royal Hospital has no Colour, Standard or Guidon to parade on formal<br />

occasions. For that reason, and also to honour Her Majesty’s upcoming Golden Jubilee in 2002, the then Governor<br />

General Sir Jeremy Mackenzie GCB, OBE, DL, decided that clearly some kind <strong>of</strong> ceremonial device was needed for the<br />

Royal Hospital and it was at this moment that he considered that a ceremonial <strong>Mace</strong>, similar to those carried by<br />

Sergeants at Arms in <strong>The</strong> House <strong>of</strong> Commons and for Lord Mayors around the country, would be eminently suitable.<br />

Such a ceremonial device should also be gilded and in keeping with long established military tradition in Britain, as<br />

with Regimental Colours should ideally be presented to the Hospital by the Sovereign herself. Later in the year we<br />

were delighted to learn that Her Majesty had graciously agreed to present the <strong>Mace</strong> to <strong>The</strong> Royal Hospital and also<br />

that Mr Ronald Gerard OBE kindly wished to fund the construction <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Mace</strong>.<br />

HISTORY<br />

<strong>The</strong> actual ceremony for the handover was choreographed by the indomitable Garrison Sergeant Major for London<br />

District, WO1 (GSM) Alan G 'Perry' Mason MVO MBE, Coldstream Guards, (coincidentally this was also to be his final<br />

parade in that post) to take place during the Golden Jubilee review <strong>of</strong> the Royal Companies <strong>of</strong> Bodyguards that was<br />

held in the grounds <strong>of</strong> Buckingham Palace on 5th July 2002. On that day drawn up on the lawn from right to left in<br />

order to be reviewed by Her Majesty were<br />

36<br />

Her Majesty’s Body Guard <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> Honourable Corps <strong>of</strong> Gentlemen at Arms<br />

<strong>The</strong> Military Knights <strong>of</strong> Windsor<br />

<strong>The</strong> Body <strong>of</strong> Yeomen Warders <strong>of</strong> Her Majesty’s Tower <strong>of</strong> London<br />

<strong>The</strong> In Pensioners <strong>of</strong> the Royal Hospital Chelsea<br />

<strong>The</strong> Queens Body Guard for Scotland, the Royal Company <strong>of</strong> Archers<br />

<strong>The</strong> Queen’s Body Guard <strong>of</strong> the Yeomen <strong>of</strong> the Guard<br />

An august gathering <strong>of</strong> living military history if ever there was one! At the completion <strong>of</strong> the review, Her Majesty<br />

then presented the Sovereigns <strong>Mace</strong> to its first bearer, In Pensioner Des Loat (Late Royal Electrical and Mechanical<br />

Engineers).


Since 2002 there have only been 3 holders <strong>of</strong> the appointment “Sovereign’s <strong>Mace</strong> <strong>Bearer</strong>”, following Des Loat in<br />

2003 was George Kelsall (Late Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards))<br />

and since 2008 Cas Butler, Late Welsh Guards (Pictured). All selected<br />

for their bearing, enthusiasm and in no short measure, their physical<br />

ability (at no tender age) to carry the 24 pound mace during <strong>of</strong>ten<br />

protracted parades such as on Founders Day, the annual parade, to<br />

commemorate the Hospital’s Founder King Charles II.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Mace</strong> bearer is however but one element <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Mace</strong> Party which<br />

also comprises 4 In Pensioners escorts armed with halbards and a<br />

Hospital Warrant Officer as the commander. <strong>The</strong> halberds represent<br />

the half-pike/spontoon issued to 17th&18th century serjeants for<br />

maintaining the straight lines that the British infantry were famous for<br />

fighting in and who traditionally provide the escort to the Regimental<br />

colours. <strong>The</strong> Warrant Officer rather than an Officer in command is due<br />

to the nature <strong>of</strong> the Royal Hospital establishment which is somewhat<br />

lean in staff and so the <strong>of</strong>ficers carry out the parade duties <strong>of</strong> company<br />

commanders with their In Pensioners, leaving the Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (RQMS) to look after the<br />

<strong>Mace</strong> which is the role <strong>of</strong> an RQMS in Cavalry Regiments anyway.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Mace</strong> is paraded at various times throughout the year as required but notably for Founders and Remembrance<br />

Day, Friends and Corporate events in the Royal Hospital and more recently during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee<br />

Armed Forces Muster at Windsor Castle and when exercising its rights under the Freedom <strong>of</strong> the Royal Borough <strong>of</strong><br />

Kensington and Chelsea conferred on the Hospital in 2006 by parading through the streets <strong>of</strong> the Borough. When not<br />

on parade the <strong>Mace</strong> normally resides in the Royal Hospital museum where it can be viewed, resting upon the<br />

woolsack, itself on a purpose built table as described below and alongside the Freedom Scroll from the Royal<br />

Borough.<br />

T-SHIRTS<br />

John Rochester, RQMS (C), Compliance Manager & Curator, Royal Hospital, Chelsea<br />

Black T-Shirts with Gold Lettering.<br />

Available in sizes Small to XXL.<br />

£15.00 each.<br />

Please contact the editor (editor@macebearer.com) if you would like one <strong>of</strong><br />

these.<br />

37


THERE SHALL BE A SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT<br />

38<br />

“THERE SHALL BE A SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT”. Those are the words<br />

engraved into the head <strong>of</strong> the Scottish Parliament’s mace, quoted<br />

from the Scotland Act <strong>of</strong> 1998, an Act <strong>of</strong> the UK Parliament which<br />

led to the creation <strong>of</strong> a Scottish Parliament.<br />

<strong>The</strong> values <strong>of</strong> 'Wisdom, Justice, Compassion and Integrity' are<br />

engraved on the inlaid gold banding at the head <strong>of</strong> the mace - these<br />

are a reference to the ideals that the people <strong>of</strong> Scotland aspire to<br />

for their Members <strong>of</strong> Parliament; and the mace was designed to<br />

symbolise the relationship between Parliament, its people and the<br />

land.<br />

<strong>The</strong> mace and the values <strong>of</strong> the Scottish Parliament are intrinsically<br />

linked together.<br />

<strong>The</strong> mace was gifted to the Scottish Parliament by Her Majesty <strong>The</strong><br />

Queen at the Royal opening <strong>of</strong> the new Scottish Parliament on 1<br />

July 1999. Addressing the 129 newly elected Members <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Scottish Parliament, <strong>of</strong> which I was one, <strong>The</strong> Queen described the<br />

mace as “a modern embodiment <strong>of</strong> an ancient symbol <strong>of</strong> power,<br />

legitimacy and the relationship between Parliament and Crown”.<br />

That ceremony took place in the Parliament’s interim<br />

accommodation in the home <strong>of</strong> the Assembly Hall on the Mound,<br />

the annual meeting place for the Church <strong>of</strong> Scotland’s General<br />

Assembly. Since the completion <strong>of</strong> the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood, the mace has taken its place in our<br />

Debating Chamber, in front <strong>of</strong> the Presiding Officer’s dais; an appropriate place given it’s designer’s remit that the<br />

mace would represent the authority <strong>of</strong> the Presiding Officer.<br />

<strong>The</strong> mace was designed and crafted by renowned Silversmith, Michael Lloyd, from Galloway in the south-west <strong>of</strong><br />

Scotland. <strong>The</strong> gold and silver from which it was crafted was donated by the gold panners <strong>of</strong> Scottish rivers.<br />

<strong>The</strong> mace is always present when Parliament is in session. At other times, it remains in the Debating Chamber, in a<br />

secure glass cabinet on view for the passing tour groups.<br />

<strong>The</strong> mace takes on a ceremonial role during Royal occasions at the Parliament. Following the opening ceremonies <strong>of</strong><br />

1999, <strong>The</strong> Queen has returned to the Scottish Parliament a number <strong>of</strong> times and the mace always plays an important<br />

role in these proceedings. <strong>The</strong> Parliament’s own mace bearer, Phil Horwood, also a Security Operations Manager,<br />

carries the mace at the head <strong>of</strong> a procession into the Debating Chamber, which includes <strong>The</strong> Queen and <strong>The</strong> Duke <strong>of</strong><br />

Edinburgh, the Crown <strong>of</strong> Scotland and the Presiding Officers.<br />

Thirteen years have now passed since the Scottish Parliament came into being. One thing is for sure: we politicians<br />

will come and go, but the mace will continue to be a constant presence, representing the authority vested in the<br />

Parliament for many years to come.<br />

Tricia Marwick MSP, Presiding Officer, <strong>The</strong> Scottish Parliament


AN OLYMPIC YEAR<br />

2012, as well as being the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, is also a year for a small sporting event taking place in London!<br />

Prior to the main event, the Olympic Torch made its way round the country visiting many <strong>of</strong> the areas covered by<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s.<br />

As this magazine goes to press Team GB have already gained 16 Gold, 10 Silver and 10 Bronze medals. We wish the<br />

team the best <strong>of</strong> luck with the remainder <strong>of</strong> the Games and hope they add more medals to their tally.<br />

Go Team GB!!<br />

39


PRESTON GUILD<br />

Preston <strong>Guild</strong> is unique in the U.K. It is celebrated only once every 20 years and has a history stretching back 800<br />

years.<br />

Originally it was held to keep the <strong>Guild</strong> roll (the list <strong>of</strong> people allowed to trade in the town) up to date but by the<br />

18th Century it had become a huge celebration <strong>of</strong> civic pride.<br />

What is a Burgess?<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are 2 categories <strong>of</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> Burgess:<br />

<strong>The</strong> ‘in-burgesses’, technically known as the<br />

‘inhabitants’ were originally at the very beginning<br />

<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong>’s life those who lived within Preston.<br />

<strong>The</strong> ‘out-burgesses’ or ‘foreigners’ were those<br />

who lived beyond the borough boundaries, as far<br />

away as Ashton, Fishwick and Ribbleton?<br />

Burgess status is hereditary, formerly only from father<br />

to son:<br />

Daughters <strong>of</strong> living burgesses were admitted in<br />

1992<br />

2012 all <strong>of</strong>fspring <strong>of</strong> burgesses on the 92 roll will<br />

be eligible<br />

Prominent <strong>Guild</strong> Burgesses such as Lord Derby and<br />

Lord Clitheroe play particular roles at the <strong>Guild</strong> court.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> Mayor <strong>of</strong> the previous <strong>Guild</strong> or his closest<br />

relative is a Prominent <strong>Guild</strong> Burgess.<br />

40<br />

History <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong> – Key Dates<br />

1179 Henry II granted a charter which empowered the<br />

Burgesses <strong>of</strong> Preston to hold a <strong>Guild</strong> Merchant. Burgesses had<br />

exclusive rights <strong>of</strong> trading in the town, together with the<br />

responsibility <strong>of</strong> town administration<br />

1328 First <strong>Guild</strong> <strong>of</strong> which there is any reliable record but<br />

likely to have been some before<br />

<strong>Guild</strong>s were held on an irregular basis until 1542 when the 20<br />

years interval was agreed. Why – Once in a generation and<br />

expensive if more held more frequently<br />

1562 Rule established that the <strong>Guild</strong> Merchant should start<br />

on the Monday following the Feast <strong>of</strong> the Decollation <strong>of</strong> St.<br />

John the Baptist (29th August)<br />

1942 Sequence broken by the Second World War and<br />

postponed until 1952<br />

2012 30 th <strong>of</strong> the known <strong>Guild</strong>s to be held.<br />

Rights and Privileges <strong>of</strong> Burgesses:<br />

None today but most Burgess families want to<br />

renew and add names to the <strong>Guild</strong> Roll from<br />

attachment to the custom and to renew a<br />

traditional connection with the City<br />

Honorary Burgesses – the custom for <strong>Guild</strong> Mayor to<br />

exercise his privilege <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice in admitting new inburgesses.<br />

Traditionally these have been people who<br />

have been <strong>of</strong> service to the <strong>Guild</strong> and the City Council<br />

such as the <strong>Guild</strong> Stewards, former Mayors, Honorary<br />

Recorder, Alderman, Freemen, Town Clerk/Chief<br />

Executive, prominent people (Tom Finney and<br />

Florence Cook in 1992). Up to 3 nominations can be<br />

made by the <strong>Guild</strong> Mayor. Also the <strong>Guild</strong> Clerk admits<br />

the <strong>Guild</strong> Mayor.


Further Information about Key Events<br />

On each <strong>of</strong> the three Saturdays before the<br />

celebrations <strong>of</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> week and in accordance with the<br />

ancient custom, a proclamation will be made<br />

announcing that a <strong>Guild</strong> is to be held and summoning<br />

those people who wish to attend. <strong>The</strong> regalia party<br />

will lead the <strong>Guild</strong> Mayor and the civic party onto the<br />

steps <strong>of</strong> the Harris Museum and gallery. After a<br />

fanfare <strong>of</strong> trumpets there will be a call for silence with<br />

‘Oyez, Oyez, Oyez’ so that the Clerk <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong> can<br />

read the proclamation. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> Mayor then<br />

addresses the crowd bringing the focus back to the<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> <strong>of</strong> 2012.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> Mayors’ Civic Procession and Divine<br />

Service at the Minster<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> Mayor, his regalia party, guild <strong>of</strong>ficials,<br />

councillors will lead representatives <strong>of</strong> all groups <strong>of</strong><br />

the City from the <strong>Guild</strong> Hall to the Minster. Following<br />

the service the procession will return to the <strong>Guild</strong> Hall<br />

for a Mayoral reception, another tradition <strong>of</strong> all<br />

recorded <strong>Guild</strong>s.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> Court<br />

This traditional ceremony is at the heart <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Preston <strong>Guild</strong>. <strong>The</strong> order <strong>of</strong> proceedings is carefully<br />

followed <strong>Guild</strong> after <strong>Guild</strong> forming an unbroken link<br />

with medieval Preston.<br />

<strong>The</strong> day will start when the <strong>Guild</strong> Mayor is welcomed<br />

to the Town Hall by distinguished guests. At 10am a<br />

civic procession will walk from the Town Hall to the<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Hall, taking the long way round so that the<br />

assembled crowds can line the route and witness the<br />

start <strong>of</strong> this historic event. Meanwhile the burgesses<br />

and their guests will be taking their seats in the <strong>Guild</strong><br />

Hall awaiting the arrival <strong>of</strong> the civic party.<br />

During the ceremony, amid much pomp and<br />

ceremony, the Clerk <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong> will recite the<br />

charters associated with the ancient <strong>Guild</strong> and the<br />

names <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong> role will be called out so that the<br />

Burgesses can renew their franchise and new<br />

hereditary burgesses can be admitted. Two students<br />

will deliver Latin orations and the <strong>Guild</strong> Recorder will<br />

reply in Latin. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> Mayor will then deliver a<br />

short speech. After a short break for refreshments a<br />

religious service will be held.<br />

Mayoral Reception for Overseas Visitors<br />

Many ex-Prestonians and people whose ancestors<br />

called Preston home return to Preston during the<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> week. A large number <strong>of</strong> visitors are from<br />

overseas and since the 1952 <strong>Guild</strong> the Mayor has held<br />

a reception to welcome them and their hosts. In 1992<br />

around 1,700 people enjoyed refreshments,<br />

entertainment, speeches and nostalgia at this event in<br />

the <strong>Guild</strong> Hall. A similar event is planned for 2012.<br />

Formal Adjournment <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong> Court<br />

In comparison with the <strong>Guild</strong> Court, this is a shorter,<br />

but no less magnificent civic ceremony with no<br />

procession before it. It is at this court that new<br />

burgesses are admitted at the gift <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong> Mayor.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se are traditionally people who have been <strong>of</strong><br />

service to the <strong>Guild</strong> and to Preston. In 2012 this<br />

tradition will be widened to allow more people,<br />

nominated by the community, to become Burgesses.<br />

After the new Burgesses are admitted the court is<br />

adjourned for another 20 years.<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Mayors’ Civic Procession to Service <strong>of</strong><br />

Thanksgiving at the Minster<br />

Following a similar pattern as on the first Sunday <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Guild</strong> week, Preston will witness a last procession <strong>of</strong><br />

the <strong>Guild</strong> as the civic party make their way once more<br />

from the <strong>Guild</strong> Hall to the Minster. <strong>The</strong> service this<br />

time is one <strong>of</strong> thanksgiving for the week past and<br />

looking ahead to the continuing prosperity <strong>of</strong> the City<br />

in the next 20 years.<br />

Farwell Ceremony<br />

Since the <strong>Guild</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1922 it has been traditional for the<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Mayor to address the crowds. As this event<br />

joins with the Firework display, spirits are high as the<br />

crowd reflects on an amazing week <strong>of</strong> magnificent<br />

ceremony and exciting celebrations.<br />

Processions – A Traditional Part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Guild</strong><br />

Trades Procession – will reach the city as the 3rd<br />

Proclamation comes to a close<br />

Churches procession<br />

Community procession<br />

Torchlight Procession<br />

41


Scrolls <strong>of</strong> Friendship – Key Facts<br />

In 1952 it was decided to establish a link with ex-<br />

Prestonians overseas by sending scrolls <strong>of</strong><br />

friendship around the world for signature<br />

Scrolls contained 2 emblems made in the form <strong>of</strong><br />

the Old Town Hall Clock Tower<br />

Circulated throughout Australia, New Zealand,<br />

United States <strong>of</strong> America, Canada, South Africa<br />

and Preston’s’ Twin Towns<br />

In 2012 there will be 3 scrolls doing physical<br />

journeys to key cities in the traditional countries<br />

and in addition they will go to India, Pakistan and<br />

China.<br />

A ROYAL VISIT<br />

As part <strong>of</strong> her Jubilee Year, Her Majesty<br />

the Queen undertook a tour <strong>of</strong> Great<br />

Britain. <strong>The</strong> last day <strong>of</strong> this tour ended in<br />

the South at the New Forest and<br />

Hampshire County Show. However, the<br />

Queen started the day with a visit to the<br />

Isle <strong>of</strong> Wight <strong>Guild</strong> Member Steve<br />

Hammond sent us this picture <strong>of</strong> him on<br />

the day.<br />

Note the size <strong>of</strong> the crowd waiting to<br />

cheer the Queen.<br />

By the look <strong>of</strong> it, the weather was<br />

certainly a lot better than that<br />

experienced during the Jubilee Pageant<br />

on the Thames.<br />

A LITTLE LIGHT READING<br />

42<br />

A ‘virtual scroll’ will bring the tradition up to date.<br />

People will be able to send messages <strong>of</strong> goodwill<br />

through text, pictures, audio and video.<br />

Both physical and virtual scrolls will set <strong>of</strong>f in<br />

September<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> Wheel – a physical legacy from <strong>Guild</strong><br />

2012-07-04<br />

A 21 mile route around Preston for cycling,<br />

running and walking<br />

Aim is to encourage activity and access to the<br />

countryside<br />

Fully accessible with ‘spokes’ going out from the<br />

City centre<br />

Craig Banner, Mayoral Attendant, Preston<br />

Browsing on-line, the editor came across this book – ‘<strong>The</strong> Diary <strong>of</strong> John Jackson.<br />

Sometime <strong>Mace</strong>bearer in Seventeenth Century Beverley’<br />

I have not had the chance to read this yet but plan to do so soon.<br />

Maybe a book review could be a new section in the magazine for 2013?


CONFERENCE 2013<br />

For members who are attending the conference in Royal<br />

Wootton Bassett in 2013 (or those <strong>of</strong> you undecided) here is an<br />

idea <strong>of</strong> what will be happening.<br />

Royal Wootton Bassett 6 th – 8 th February 2013<br />

Wednesday 06-February<br />

Arrival followed by an evening get together at the<br />

Memorial Hall.<br />

A buffet will be supplied and members will get a chance<br />

to see the museum at the old Town Hall.<br />

Thursday 07 February<br />

Installation ceremony <strong>of</strong> the new Prime Warden at the<br />

Memorial hall.<br />

Followed by training throughout the day<br />

Ian Denyer, <strong>The</strong> Work <strong>of</strong> the Crown Office<br />

Gregory Furr, Constable <strong>of</strong> the Town and Manor <strong>of</strong><br />

Hungerford, accompanied by Mr Julian Tubb, Bellman.<br />

Godfrey Room, “To write and speak with Power’<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Dinner at the Wiltshire Hotel Golf Country Club<br />

Friday 08 February<br />

Cream <strong>of</strong> Vegetable Soup<br />

Roast Beef & Trimmings<br />

Vanilla Cheesecake with Fruits <strong>of</strong> the Forest<br />

(Vegetarian option will be available)<br />

AGM in the morning at the Wiltshire Hotel Golf Country<br />

Club<br />

Depart early afternoon<br />

More details to follow from the <strong>Guild</strong> Clerk.<br />

We look forward to meeting members old and new<br />

43


GUILD AREAS<br />

Those <strong>of</strong> you new to the <strong>Guild</strong> (or even some <strong>of</strong> our ‘older’ members) may wonder which representative covers<br />

which areas. Our <strong>Guild</strong> Clerk kindly put together a map which is reproduced here.<br />

44<br />

SCOTLAND<br />

NORTH &<br />

NORTH WALES<br />

SOUTH &<br />

SOUTH WALES<br />

SOUTH EAST


RECIPE CORNER<br />

As well as the ceremonial mace that you are all familiar with (certainly if you have read this entire magazine)<br />

there is also a spice called mace. This is the outer shell <strong>of</strong> the nutmeg which is dried and then either sold in whole<br />

pieces, called blades, or ground.<br />

If you have never used mace in cooking here is a recipe for you to try just in time for Christmas!<br />

MINCE PIES<br />

INGREDIENTS<br />

100g/3½oz raisins<br />

100g/3½oz sultanas<br />

100g/3½oz currants<br />

50g/2oz cherries<br />

1 tsp ground ginger<br />

1 tsp ground nutmeg<br />

½ tsp ground mace<br />

FOR THE PASTRY<br />

375g/13oz gluten-free and wheat-free flour with xanthan gum<br />

150g/5oz butter<br />

1 egg (optional)<br />

2 tsp ground cinnamon<br />

50g/2oz vegetable suet (optional)<br />

½ Bramley cooking apple (unpeeled, cored and<br />

chopped)<br />

1 lemon (unpeeled, cut into small pieces)<br />

1 orange unpeeled, cut into small pieces)<br />

120ml/4fl oz brandy or whisky<br />

PREPARATION<br />

Mix all the dried fruits with the spices (and suet)<br />

Puree the apple, orange and lemon pieces and add to the dried fruit.<br />

Add the brandy (or whisky)<br />

Mix well, cover and set aside for anywhere between two hours and 24 hours.<br />

MAKE THE PASTRY<br />

Sieve four into a bowl<br />

Cut in the butter and blend until it forms crumbs<br />

Add 8 tablespoons <strong>of</strong> cold water<br />

Mix to a dough and blend until it forms a ball (you can add more water if necessary)<br />

Chill for 30 minutes.<br />

Pre-heat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.<br />

Grease and flour some mince pie tins.<br />

ASSEMBLE THE PIES<br />

Remove the pastry from the fridge, and roll out to a thickness <strong>of</strong> about 5mm.<br />

Cut the pastry in circles slightly larger than the size <strong>of</strong> each pie, and line the tins with it, pushing the<br />

pastry up the edges.<br />

Spoon some <strong>of</strong> the fruit mixture into each pie.<br />

Roll out remaining pastry and cut out lids for each pie.<br />

Wet the top <strong>of</strong> the pies and press on the lids<br />

If required brush the lid <strong>of</strong> each pie with a little beaten egg.<br />

BAKE<br />

Bake for around 20 minutes until the pies are lightly browned and the pastry cooked.<br />

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sugar (optional).<br />

Cool before lifting each pie out <strong>of</strong> the tins. Cool on a rack.<br />

ENJOY<br />

Serve warm or cold.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Editor is more than willing to act as a taster!<br />

45


PUZZLE PAGE 1<br />

Many <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s also carry out Mayoral Chauffeuring duties. To help you pass the time whilst waiting for your<br />

respective Mayors, we have supplied a few puzzles for you.<br />

Prize Crossword<br />

Send your completed crossword to the editor for the chance to win a £10 gift voucher. At the <strong>Guild</strong> Meeting in Royal<br />

Wootton Basset in 2013, one entry will be selected at random from all correct entries received before 31-Dec-2012.<br />

Across<br />

1 Slang for Medal (4)<br />

6 Semper Fidelis (4-8)<br />

8 Someone in high position (9)<br />

11 Official Vestments (5)<br />

14 Association (5-2-11)<br />

17 Lock-up (4)<br />

18 Combines (6)<br />

19 First Citizen (5)<br />

22 <strong>The</strong> Bursar (4)<br />

24 Connected in series (5)<br />

25 An urban community (4)<br />

26 First in order (5)<br />

27 Queen (5)<br />

28 Someone who guards (6)<br />

Strud-oko Puzzle<br />

46<br />

1 2 3 4 5<br />

8 9<br />

6 7<br />

10 11<br />

12 13<br />

14 15 16<br />

26<br />

19 20<br />

You may be familiar with Sudoko puzzles. Well Hon.<br />

Freeman Richard Strudwick has provided us with his<br />

unique version.<br />

To complete the Strud-oko puzzle, fill in all the empty<br />

spaces <strong>of</strong> the grid so that each row, column and 3x3<br />

squares contain all the letters <strong>of</strong> the Hon. Freemans<br />

surname STRUDWICK.<br />

18<br />

21 22 23<br />

24 25<br />

17<br />

27 28<br />

Down<br />

1 Precious metal (4)<br />

2 Loose flowing over garment (4)<br />

3 What a town crier should be (5)<br />

4 Ornamental war club (4)<br />

5 Pieces <strong>of</strong> bunting (5)<br />

7 Botch or bungle (4)<br />

9 Badge <strong>of</strong> Office (8)<br />

10 Chest Armour (5)<br />

12 Veneration (6)<br />

13 N.C.O. (8)<br />

15 Formal ritual (10)<br />

16 Shire Reeve (7)<br />

19 Bishop’s hat (5)<br />

20 One serving the Royal household (6)<br />

21 Frill <strong>of</strong> Lace (5)<br />

23 Long Blade (5)<br />

K T U W<br />

C W R<br />

I S C D<br />

W R I T<br />

S W<br />

I K T W<br />

R D I U<br />

I C S<br />

W S I C


PUZZLE PAGE 2<br />

Find all the words listed below that relate to life as a <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>.<br />

C W J M P B B F S Q R Z Z L I C N U O C B T F M G<br />

P N K A E E H D E N Q A U T H O R I T Y B C X R C<br />

S M N Y Q A A A R J P C H A U F F E U R R K O O O<br />

Q K P O J D B K G J J D T M K M P S H I R E Z F F<br />

C Q L R W L A Y E M U D A P W U R X L R V L A I Q<br />

O E R E F E E O A W L Y F F E N I Q O S R R Q N R<br />

U B O S S G L Q N W O N G U N I B L R C J M N U E<br />

N I B S R D T E T R O P J M G C L E S I A V R F I<br />

T X E L Y W Q U A I C H A I N I I O O T D V O F R<br />

Y B S Z R U T L T E L Q I Q C P P K T Y M R C A C<br />

A J R X E D T A A U U M Z N D A P N Z D I F I S N<br />

S R U S K Y R C R A U A U E S L A O J H N E R Q W<br />

M T S O V O R P M L X O B H V N C Q G C I L T T O<br />

I S Z B P R X C S A C C E M E A Y U E I S E I E T<br />

E P N R S V E Y H I V R X T N J O M D P T C Q N N<br />

N J O E K O M R V A I K U U C R T Z I R R T I Q F<br />

W C P H D G N I A F I E I T O N M U X O A I L X D<br />

O T R A F R C M F E I R V B A C B N S T T O I S I<br />

G R E I E E A I A L B Z M M P H W I G O I N M K G<br />

R Z T N W D S W D C J E R A S Z D S C C O U O J N<br />

F N R G U K W R E H E E C N N T X E W O N J U A I<br />

Z J A I T U O K C M D G W A K Z B U K L R L S B T<br />

C Z H S H L B B S L I O J J M K D A T C R N I O A<br />

D F C N O O H P A Q T R V D A O A I L N O Q N T R<br />

L V H I N I E K R B K E P D L I U G W S T C E H Y<br />

ADMINISTRATION<br />

ALDERMAN<br />

AUTHORITY<br />

BEADLE<br />

BICORN<br />

BOROUGH<br />

CHAIN<br />

CHAIRMAN<br />

CHARTER<br />

CHAUFFEUR<br />

CITY<br />

CIVIC<br />

COCKEDHAT<br />

CORPORATION<br />

COUNCIL<br />

COUNCILLOR<br />

COUNTY<br />

DIGNITARY<br />

ELECTION<br />

GOWN<br />

GUILD<br />

INSIGNIA<br />

JABOT<br />

LIMOUSINE<br />

LORDLEIUTENANT<br />

MACE<br />

MACEBEARER<br />

MAYORALTY<br />

MAYORESS<br />

MUNICIPAL<br />

PRIMEWARDEN<br />

PROTOCOL<br />

PROVOST<br />

ROBES<br />

SERGEANTATARMS<br />

SHERIFF<br />

SHIRE<br />

TOWN<br />

TOWNCRIER<br />

TRICORN<br />

UNIFORM<br />

47


MERCHANDISE<br />

<strong>The</strong> following items are available to purchase.<br />

48<br />

Lapel Badge – Enamel or Gold Finish<br />

(Size approx. 20mm)<br />

<strong>Mace</strong> Brooch – Silver or Gold Colour Finish<br />

(Size approx. 50mm)<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Plaque<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Greetings Card<br />

Various types<br />

(See order form for details)<br />

Blazer Badge<br />

See Order form for prices and postage costs<br />

Leather Organiser for <strong>The</strong><br />

Manual <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Mace</strong><br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Badge with Collarette<br />

(Badge size approx. 65mm)<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Tie with crossed<br />

maces and 'GM'<br />

Blue, Black or Maroon


<strong>The</strong> <strong>Guild</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s<br />

Member’s Merchandise Order Form<br />

Description Price Postage<br />

&<br />

Packing<br />

Plaque Shield with emblem & scroll £20.00 £3.00<br />

<strong>Mace</strong> Brooch Gold finish (brooch fastening) £8.50 £1.50<br />

Silver finish (brooch fastening) £8.50 £1.50<br />

Gold finish (butterfly fastening) £8.50 £1.50<br />

Silver finish (butterfly fastening) £8.50 £1.50<br />

Blazer Badge <strong>Guild</strong> emblem to be sewn on to blazer £7.00 £1.50<br />

Lapel Badge Emblem with gold finish (brooch fastening) £4.50 £1.50<br />

Enamel emblem (butterfly fastening) £5.00 £1.50<br />

Tie Blue with crossed maces and “GM” £9.50 £2.00<br />

Black with crossed maces and “GM” £9.50 £2.00<br />

Maroon with crossed maces and “GM” £9.50 £2.00<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> Card <strong>Guild</strong> emblem 5.75 x 4 inches .50 60p<br />

<strong>Guild</strong> emblem 5.75 x 4 inches<br />

bearing message ‘Seasons Greetings’<br />

.50 60p<br />

Leather Designed to hold “<strong>The</strong> Manual <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Mace</strong>”<br />

Organiser<br />

Badge with<br />

collaret<br />

Emblem 63mm x 45mm gold plated white and<br />

blue enamel with upper loop and jump ring and<br />

blue collerette<br />

Cheques should be made payable to “<strong>Guild</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mace</strong>-<strong>Bearer</strong>s”<br />

£14.00<br />

£30.00<br />

All orders & enquiries to Owen Collier, <strong>Guild</strong> Bursar,<br />

54 Briars Close, Green Park, Royal Wootton Basset, Wiltshire, SN4 7HX<br />

Tel. 01793 855737<br />

Email: bursar@macebearer.com<br />

£2.50<br />

£2.50<br />

Total Amount Due<br />

Number<br />

required<br />

Postage & packing rates are quoted for individual items. For multiple orders please contact the <strong>Guild</strong> Bursar for further<br />

information.<br />

£<br />

Total<br />

49


ANSWERS<br />

Strud-oko Puzzle<br />

K T R C D I S U W<br />

D C S T W U R K I<br />

I W U R K S C D T<br />

S U W K R C I T D<br />

T D C S I W U R K<br />

R I K U T D W C S<br />

C R D I S K T W U<br />

U K I W C T D S R<br />

W S T D U R K I C<br />

Wordsearch<br />

C W J M P B B F S Q R Z Z L I C N U O C B T F M G<br />

P N K A E E H D E N Q A U T H O R I T Y B C X R C<br />

S M N Y Q A A A R J P C H A U F F E U R R K O O O<br />

Q K P O J D B K G J J D T M K M P S H I R E Z F F<br />

C Q L R W L A Y E M U D A P W U R X L R V L A I Q<br />

O E R E F E E O A W L Y F F E N I Q O S R R Q N R<br />

U B O S S G L Q N W O N G U N I B L R C J M N U E<br />

N I B S R D T E T R O P J M G C L E S I A V R F I<br />

T X E L Y W Q U A I C H A I N I I O O T D V O F R<br />

Y B S Z R U T L T E L Q I Q C P P K T Y M R C A C<br />

A J R X E D T A A U U M Z N D A P N Z D I F I S N<br />

S R U S K Y R C R A U A U E S L A O J H N E R Q W<br />

M T S O V O R P M L X O B H V N C Q G C I L T T O<br />

I S Z B P R X C S A C C E M E A Y U E I S E I E T<br />

E P N R S V E Y H I V R X T N J O M D P T C Q N N<br />

N J O E K O M R V A I K U U C R T Z I R R T I Q F<br />

W C P H D G N I A F I E I T O N M U X O A I L X D<br />

O T R A F R C M F E I R V B A C B N S T T O I S I<br />

G R E I E E A I A L B Z M M P H W I G O I N M K G<br />

R Z T N W D S W D C J E R A S Z D S C C O U O J N<br />

F N R G U K W R E H E E C N N T X E W O N J U A I<br />

Z J A I T U O K C M D G W A K Z B U K L R L S B T<br />

C Z H S H L B B S L I O J J M K D A T C R N I O A<br />

D F C N O O H P A Q T R V D A O A I L N O Q N T R<br />

L V H I N I E K R B K E P D L I U G W S T C E H Y<br />

A PLEA FROM THE EDITOR<br />

I hope you have enjoyed this edition <strong>of</strong> the magazine. I would like to thank all the contributors for taking the time to<br />

send me pictures and articles.<br />

By the time you read this I will have started to compile the magazine for 2013. Please send me in your pictures,<br />

articles, observations etc. If you make the mince pies, how about sending us a picture?<br />

If you come across something interesting then it is likely that <strong>Guild</strong> Members will also find it interesting. Send details to<br />

editor@macebearer.com or to your <strong>Guild</strong> Rep.<br />

Remember, you do not have to be a <strong>Guild</strong> Member to submit articles.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re must be lots happening out there – let us know about it.<br />

50<br />

Ed.


PATRONS AND PAST PRIME WARDENS<br />

JOINT PATRONS<br />

<strong>The</strong> Right Honourable <strong>The</strong> Lord Mayor <strong>of</strong> London<br />

<strong>The</strong> Speaker <strong>of</strong> the House <strong>of</strong> Commons<br />

<strong>The</strong> Presiding Officer <strong>of</strong> the Scottish Parliament<br />

<strong>The</strong> Presiding Officer <strong>of</strong> the National Assembly <strong>of</strong> Wales<br />

PAST PRIME WARDENS<br />

1947-1952 Cmdr John Poland RN (Rtd.) City <strong>of</strong> London 1983 - 1984 R. Scott Hamilton<br />

1953 - 1954 Cpt. W.F. Floyd Northampton 1984 - 1985 D. Trafford Banbury<br />

1954 - 1955 H. Gregory City <strong>of</strong> Chester 1985 - 1986 R.T. Strudwick City <strong>of</strong> Leeds<br />

1955 - 1956 R.H. Strong Middlesbrough 1986 - 1987 J. Malone Falkirk<br />

1956 - 1957 A. Johnson Paisley 1987 - 1988 G.D. White Barnstaple<br />

1957 - 1958 R.C.F. Leppard Dover 1988 - 1989 A. Milner Pendle<br />

1958 - 1959 A. Broadhurst Nuneaton 1989 - 1990 D. Megany City <strong>of</strong> Belfast<br />

1959 - 1960 W.R.H. Thompson City <strong>of</strong> Edinburgh 1990 - 1991 T.T.F. Harding Peterborough<br />

1960 - 1961 J.W. Foreman Norwich 1991 - 1992 G. Robbins Burnley<br />

1961 - 1962 W. Wood Goole 1992 - 1993 G. Milligan Roxburgh<br />

1962 - 1963 J. Currie Ayr 1993 - 1994 I.E. Warner Stevenage<br />

1963 - 1964 W.G. Webber Gravesend 1994 - 1995 K.M. Carson Charnwood<br />

1964 - 1965 H. Giliver Bolton 1995 - 1996 D. Morrison Western Isles<br />

1965 - 1966 J.P. Slater Dumfries 1996 - 1997 A.M. Hughes Northampton<br />

1966 - 1967 R. Pote Bedford 1997 - 1998 P. Nendick City <strong>of</strong> Kingston<br />

1967 - 1968 T. Lewis Bury 1998 - 1999 T. Cobban City <strong>of</strong> Aberdeen<br />

1968 - 1969 J.R. M<strong>of</strong>fat Falkirk 1999 - 2000 G. Weatherhead City <strong>of</strong> Wells<br />

1969 - 1970 G.T. Eadie City <strong>of</strong> Bath 2000 - 2001 L. Love South Ayrshire<br />

1970 - 1971 C.F. Clifton Barnsley 2001 - 2002 D. Jardine Blandford Forum<br />

1971 - 1972 C. Macrae Inverness 2002 - 2003 G. Adams MBE Caledonian University<br />

1972 - 1973 G. Busby Sandwich 2003 - 2004 P. Hyde City <strong>of</strong> Manchester<br />

1973 - 1974 W. Lambert Harrogate 2004 - 2005 R. Buckle Colchester<br />

1974 - 1975 W. Allen Hawick 2005 - 2006 W. Paterson East Dunbartonshire<br />

1975 - 1976 J. Eaton Taunton 2006 - 2007 D. Knight J.P. Poole<br />

1976 - 1977 J.W. McKiernan Tyne & Wear 2007 - 2008 P. E. Legg Charnwood<br />

1977 - 1978 D. Aitkin Kirkaldy 2008 - 2009 A. Jenkins St. Helens<br />

1978 - 1979 C. Watts Southampton 2009 - 2010 S. Dennis City & County <strong>of</strong> Swansea<br />

1979 - 1980 J.C. Robinson City <strong>of</strong> York 2010 -2011 J. Smoothy St. Ives, Cambs.<br />

1980 - 1981 G. Paul Renfrew 2011 -2012 P. Townsend London Borough <strong>of</strong><br />

Croydon<br />

1981 - 1982 V.A. West Woodspring 2012 - J Caruana Hertford<br />

1982 - 1983 F. Purcell City <strong>of</strong> Kingston<br />

With special recognition <strong>of</strong> J.B. Redcliffe (Bootle) and J.Parkinson (Gravesend) for their unstinting efforts from 15 th<br />

June 1933 until the outbreak <strong>of</strong> hostilities in 1939.<br />

51


52<br />

mace-bearer<br />

Noun:<br />

an <strong>of</strong>ficial, as <strong>of</strong> a city or legislative body, who<br />

carries a ceremonial mace before dignitaries.<br />

Origin:<br />

1545-55, mace + bearer<br />

SEMPER FIDELIS

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