The Chairman Writes

Author: Peter Smith

I was honoured to be elected as Chairman at the January meeting of the General Committee. Well deserved thanks were recorded to Howard Crapper for over 20 years sterling service in the role - a hard act to follow!

I was admitted to the Freedom in March 2019 as then Lord Mayor Colin Cooke’s Childe. I joined the Committee shortly afterwards, “without portfolio”, and got involved in some of the activities, discussions and decisions. I have lived in Oxford since 2001, and I am a Chartered Surveyor by profession.

My interests include walking and history. I particularly find the history of the City of Oxford absorbing, and that of the wonderful Port Meadow fascinating. I have spent time since 2013 researching the aviation history of the Meadow and the Bailey Bridge near Medley, writing several articles on both topics in this Journal, and giving talks whenever I can to raise awareness.

Aside from chairing regular committee meetings, the Chair is also required to attend various events to represent the Freemen. I attended my first Admission ceremony as Chair, the first since the Coronation of King Charles III, on 21st March, saying some words of congratulation to those 9 who were admitted to the Freedom. Two were admitted remotely via video link from Canada – the wonder of modern technology! The ceremony as ever went smoothly and everyone enjoyed the event. Thanks to the Lord Mayors Civic Office for the great organisation.

My next event will be involvement in the St Georges Day procession on Sunday 21st April, and doing a Reading at the following church service at St Michael at the North Gate, Cornmarket, Oxford. All Freemen are welcome to attend the event, meeting at the Town Hall at 10.00. I’m advised that supplies of gowns are limited!  We then have the annual Sheriff’s Inspection of Port Meadow on 21st June. A report on those and an insight into other events in the Autumn and Winter will be covered in the next journal!

My tenure in the Chair is interim, pending a Freemen’s Common Hall in October. The first since 2008. The historic purpose of and process for Common Hall is explained in an article in this edition of the Journal.  The main outcome is to formally elect a new General Committee. We are always keen to encourage Freemen to come forward who are prepared to join the committee to actively support and promote the activities of the Freemen. New members may wish to take on one of the formal Officer roles, or be “without portfolio”, supporting the Committee in specific tasks.

I do hope this seemingly incessant rain will end soon, and that you all enjoy the Spring and Summer. This Journal will be back in the Autumn. Please feedback on any of the articles in here, we’d welcome that. Best wishes.