The Chairman Writes

Author: Howard Crapper

The Freemen of the City of Oxford are making plans to return to some normality and comeback from the desperate Covid virus pandemic. So much has been closed down for months on end. Oxford has been hit hard and we are grateful for our very survival.

My thoughts are with those that suffered from the very disease. We thank those that helped develop the brilliant vaccine which is providing safe passage away from this is virus nightmare.

Millions of people have benefited from the Oxford vaccine with amazing results around the globe. The prestigious Albert Award has been mentioned in relation to the vaccine.

St Georges Day Service at St Michaels during April remain limited in gatherings. At this time of writing, the Service will be relayed by virtual streaming. The service will begin at 10.30 am but the streaming will mean you can view it at almost any time within a two week window. The City Rector will lead the service and will be attended by the Lord Mayor and our Chairman. No seated restaurant bookings are permitted for Lunch afterwards, though fast food restaurants will be open.

Can I ask you to think about our Apprentice Awards? In recent years we have presented winning Apprentices with carved wooden shields. Our stock of shields has now run dry and the manufacturers have disappeared. Can you think of a suitable Oxford gift which is readily available and within £20 - £80 range? Is there an Oxford Walking stick or similar.

Is there an opportunity for the Freemen to say thank you to the NHS for their splendid unselfish work during the unceasing onslaught of the pandemic.

I am delighted to say that the Port Meadow inspection with the Lord Mayor will take place around the Longest Day in the June mid summer. Prey for sunshine and dry weather. An Aunt Sally Match will take place soon after. Our web site will hopefully confirm the latest information nearer the time.

The republic of Myanmarr has seen considerable unrest this year and perhaps upward of sixty people killed. Their leader studied here for four years or more and is now subject to house arrest in her own country. Some of you may have seen her around the town. The army coup has really imposed draconian penalties and I really hope it can be resolved very soon.