The Mace-Bearer Magazine - Guild of Mace-Bearers

FROM THE EDITOR
Dear All, I am pleased that you have once again given me the opportunity to produce
this magazine.
The first colour edition last year was my first attempt at producing a magazine and to
say I was apprehensive about how it would be received by Guild Members is somewhat
of an understatement. However, you must have enjoyed it as I received many positive
comments and suggestions. Thank you to everyone who got in touch.
In 2012 there are many events that are hard to ignore. First and foremost is the
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The Guild have paid their own tribute to Her Majesty and
you can find out more on this in ‘A Diamond Year’.
The Annual Conference was held in February. If you did not attend the AGM in 2012,
maybe the report and pictures will encourage you to join us in Royal Wootton Bassett in
February 2013.
One suggestion I received was for a puzzle page. I have taken this idea on board and have produced a couple for your
amusement there will even be a small prize (details on the puzzle page).
I would like to thank all contributors of the previous and this edition. Without these there would be
no magazine.
Alan Spencer, Editor
FROM THE PRIME WARDEN
6
First, thank you for trusting me to this Office.
In April 1996 I was invited by our then Town Clerk, Mrs. Christine
Knapman, to become Mace Bearer to the Mayor of Hertford, and was
installed by the outgoing Mayor Councillor Henry Sergeant.
In 2002 I became a Member of the Guild, and have enjoyed the
companionship and camaraderie of Fellow Members at many
Conferences. It was both my privilege and pleasure to Host the
Conference in Hertford in February of this year. The Conference was
deemed to be successful and the Dinner enjoyed by all who attended. It
really goes without saying that we were royally entertained by Richard
Strudwick with his amusing anecdotal response.
I would like to publicly thank the Hertford Team at The Castle and my
colleagues for all their support. Special thanks must go to our Guild
Clerk, Peter Townsend, for his patience and invaluable guidance leading
up to The February Conference and ongoing.
I am finding it strange that the whole year of preparation was more active than my first four months in office, (I am
not complaining about this).
In this Our Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year, and with London presiding over the Olympic Games, many Festivities will
be taking place across our Nation. Here in our County Town we are looking forward to Celebrating the Jubilee with a
huge picnic in our Castle Grounds Hosted by our new Mayor, Councillor Jane Sartin, in the company of Lord Charles
Cecil who will light the Beacon on top of The Castle.
Also on 24th June we hope our streets will be filled with happy people taking part in our first Town Carnival for 12
years; and on 7th July the Olympic Torch will be carried through our Town. Much is happening, much more to come.
It is my great privilege to be Prime Warden in such a special year in our Countries Calendar. I trust I will serve you
well. Greetings and Best wishes to you all.
Joe Caruana, Prime Warden