The Chairman Writes

Author: Howard Crapper

It is often said that visitors know more about a town than the locals. When I met a couple from South Africa, I did ask if they were enjoying their visit to Oxford and I recoiled when they said they had come expressly to visit Lyra’s Bench. Visitors do come to see where our famous authors have drawn inspiration or excited the imagination. In the case of Lyra’s Bench, it is Phillip Pullman that has written the trilogy of fantasy books named the Dark Materials. In the Botanical Gardens,opposite Magdalen College, is where you will find the Lyra’s Bench and many overseas visitors, including from China and Japan, pose and camera click for pictures. Of course you knew all this but it was new to me. The best bit is that Phillip Pullmans Dark Materials books are based on a few real Oxford historical facts.

One of the best things we do as Freemen in Oxford is the Apprentice Award Scheme.This years winner was the brilliant George Kingston-Rayes from Oxfords historic company named Lucys Ltd. If like me, you find great satisfaction in seeing our young people striving and attaining great advances in their career,then we need your help as our scheme expands. Our technical colleges continue with their great support and the Awards run like clockwork but even the best sheep dogs need a master!

In February, a celebration of the life and works of the late Olive Gibbs was held in the Town Hall. A self proclaimed Firebrand and City Councillor. Olive went on to national status in her role with Women’s Rights and most notably as Chair for the Committee for Nuclear Disarmament. Born in the St Thomas area of St Ebbs, Olive was elected City Councillor for West Ward, a position she held for thirty years. Olive was rewarded with the Honourary Freedom of the City and we are delighted to have Simon, her son as Hon Treasurer and her Grandson Geoff as our Hon. Editor.

On Wednesday 23rd May we will witness the unveiling of the Memorial on Port Meadow to the seventeen airman killed in training at the Royal Flying Corps airfield at the outbreak of WW1. By the end of the war, the Royal Air Force had been formed. Yes, 100 years ago. So many technical advances in aviation in a relative short period?

The Lord Lieutenant, will perform the unveiling and many relatives of the airman will ne present. Thank you again to all Freemen and friends who have contributed to this long overdue memorial. I was not alone to have doubts at raising such a sum but here we are on the eve of the unveiling. Relatives of the airman will be present. Children from the local Primary School have been invited together with a Bugler and a static aircraft display from the period. 

  I do hope we can met at the St Georges Day Service or the Port Meadow Inspection on Friday June 22nd or indeed the FEW AGM Weekend at nearby Warwick in September.