The Chairman Writes

Author: Howard Crapper

Welcome to the very special 10th Anniversary of the Freemen of the City of Oxford Apprentice Awards evening. The Awards were held on Thursday 9th March in the Town Hall. For those of you who attended, we hope you made our young finalists feel the flush of success that they deserved.

It is absolutely heart-warming to see the knowledge and know-how of the apprentices. They are the future and every bit of help we can give them will be returned in spades as they progress up the career ladder.

St George’s Day looms and we have organised a colourful civic service to complement our Patron’s big day on Sunday 23rd April. Please wear a red rose if you can. Those of you with gowns can join the procession from the Town Hall at 10.05am or otherwise at St Michael at the North Gate from 10.20am. The City Rector is looking forward to a full church and great voice to assist the wonderful organist and choir. This is a great Freemen tradition which needs you to enhance the heady reputation. Don’t forget to book the lunch after with Bryan using the enclosed form.

Our superb Journal Editor, John, has been in post for over twenty years and is in need of a break with his busy job and young family. If you can help or want learn the trade then please let me know. Full training will be given and all you need is a laptop. Our Journal is the mouthpiece of the Freemen and is produced twice a year. We are looking for a budding journalist and please note that you don’t necessarily have to write articles; it is all about setting out, placement and presentation.

Can you believe that June will be here before you can blink an eye? The Annual Inspection of the Meadow is always on the nearest Friday to the longest day – this year it is Friday 23rd June. Please meet in the Bathing Place car Park at 6.00pm sharp. This miraculous walk never fails to inspire, satisfy and generally make you feel good - stout footwear is essential!