President of UK Freemen to speak to Shrewsbury business community
On 17th November Alan Fallows, President of the Association of Freemen of England and Wales; a Freeman of Shrewsbury (and previously Master and President of the Gild of Freemen of Shrewsbury) will be speaking at the Greenhous Meadow Stadium about the history of the ancient, yet business-orientated Gild and how it began, developed, and what it means today.
David Farmer, Chairman of Shrewsbury Business Chamber, a Freeman of London, and an Associate Freeman of Shrewsbury said: “Shrewsbury’s past was inextricably linked through its’ association with the merchants and traders until 1835, so this presentation will be most informative.
"Alan Fallows was instrumental in 2009 in drafting sections of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act which enables the Freemen to amend the legal restrictions of admission and now allow the admission of ladies and re-introduce entitlement through apprenticeship.
"The history of the towns of England is the history of the Freedom and the Freemen. Without one there would not be the other! This evening promises to be most informative and entertaining, so I would welcome the business community to join Shrewsbury Business Chamber members and their guests at 6pm on 17th November.”
Alan Fallows is currently the Steward of the Gild of Freeman, which was formed in 1901for the preservation of the Freedom in the town but their hereditary links go back over 1000 years and with the latest seal dating from 1425 they are the oldest organisation of the town. The Freedom is not limited to Shrewsbury and there are 5500 freemen from 40 towns and cities across the UK.
The meeting is for members of the business community only, and although it is admission-free booking is essential (for catering purposes for the free buffet) by contacting Val Povall, SBC Secretary on (01939) 236001 or by Email to: valpovall@trebles.free-online.co.uk
