Admission Cermonies

First Class Admission Ceremony , A Master Class in Oxford Medieval History & all washed down with Cheese and Wine . Last October 12th saw us meet in the Old Library of the Town Hall for a memorable evening . The President of the Freemen of England and Wales travelled down from his home in York to be with us for this Admission Ceremony . The Sheriff of our City , Susana Pressel presided in her full scarlet Sheriff attire and the six applicants stood ready with Bible in hand. Three brothers from a farming family near Chesterton , an Apprentice lawyer from Abingdon , A young man from the historic Cox family and his cousin all stood to take the Oath .The wonderful oath , unchanged over many centuries is perhaps a tongue twister of Old English but when the wording is examined, it is all there for a reason . A sworn oath to maintain the Franchises , Liberties and Customs of the City . It is worth remembering that Freemen rely to this day on the often forgotten Law of Custom . The Sheriff and our Chairman warmly greeted the new Freemen and the entire audience gave the new recipients a strong round of applause. Our Chairman gave a short speech of welcome and also urged the new Freemen to join in all our social events. To celebrate , The Freemen’s Committee had arranged for a Cheese and Wine buffet. And jolly good it was too. The price had been held at last years level even though the Town Hall charges through its new franchise caterer had doubled. The various range of wine and other drinks was of exceptional high quality. Whilst we quaffed our drinks and socialised , our next speaker was quietly setting up his presentation . The one and only John Ashdown , formerly the Conservation Officer for Oxford City Council . When the time came , his personal colour slides , authoritative commentary and obvious delight in the subject , led us through a master class of history and the changes in our City over the last eight hundred years. Oxford Castle in its new role of deluxe Hotel drew a great deal of attention . The Freemen hope to resume an annual service in the Castle Crypt when all the current building has been completed . The Admission Ceremony due to be held in October this year will include the prestigious Freeman Awards . I very much hope to see you there. Photo: Inspection 2003 - Treasurer lets fly. For results see next page.