The Chairman Writes

Author: Howard Crapper

I hope you enjoyed the summer? It was a stuttering in temperature and sunshine, but this is England and we have to get used to the unusual. At least we did not have the dangerous high heat of Southern Europe.

Well done to all Freemen who made the inspection of Port Meadow in mid June. I must apologise for regrettably missing this important annual occasion. The truth is that I was marooned on an island in the South Atlantic.

An aircraft flew in on schedule to collect me and others but unbelievably broke down on the tarmac. Spare parts had to be flown out to get us airborne. This delayed my arrival at Stanstead by two days and just too late for any chance of attending both the Meadow and Aunt Sally match.

Please thank Chris Cox for expertly, once again, organising the Aunt Sally match. The Freemen emerged the winners after tough competition.

It is with much regret that I announce the retirement of our Hon. Entertainment Secretary : Brian Keen. Bryan has become very well known to many Freemen over the years since he took on the role from the late Fred Ingram. It has been a very difficult year for Bryan and I fully understand his decision to retire. Please write and thank Bryan for all he has given since taking the role. Which brings me to the immediate vacancy. If you think this exacting but friendly and rewarding position is for you, then please let me know and remember, it is a position with an honorarium and help is readily available.

The Freemen are determined to get back to a full programme as soon as possible but having said that, this years Annual Dinner and Apprentice Awards evening have been cancelled due to concerns over Covid.

he Town Hall are determined as ever to continue admitting new Freemen when required, which is reassuring.

Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.