Mark and Rachel Vest’s decision to honour their father’s memory, by following him into the Drapers’ Company nearly 20 years after his death, has created what is believed to be a modern-day milestone. When the duo swore their oath of allegiance at the Martinmas Guild Day (November 11th) they swelled the ranks of the Vest […]
Seventy-two-year-old John, the latest city craftsman to join the Plumbers’ Company, lives on the outskirts of Durham with his wife Ivy, and started his working life in 1963 working as an apprentice for Fred Dennison. He stayed for five years before moving on to work for other plumbing companies in Durham. PLUMBER’S JOB SWITCH HELPED […]
Family folk-lore suggests two brothers’ links with Durham City’s Freemen may stretch back to the 14thcentury Battle of Neville’s Cross. But extensive research into the lineage of James Watson-Lee and younger brother Alex, has only found firm evidence that takes them back to the 1680s. BROTHERS BATTLE TO TRACE FAMILY LINKS TO CITY’S ANCIENT CONFLICT Family […]
The Durham Pointers, recognised by their distinctive pink tabards, can be seen on the city’s streets every day, in all weathers, offering a warm welcome and directions to the tens of thousands of visitors from across the world who arrive annually between Easter and October. Freemen’s Generosity Ensures City Volunteers “Stay In The Pink” The […]
Children from St Margaret’s Primary School celebrate the Centenary of a Special Durham Lady, Helena Rosa Duncombe Shafto, OBE at the Town Hall. Durham City Freemen were invited by the DLI to celebrate the Centenary of a Special Durham Lady, Helena Rosa Duncombe Shafto, OBE 1854 – 1938. On 23rdJune 1919 Mrs Shafto was made […]
May Guild Day was held on Monday 13 May 2019 with the Mayor, Councillor John Lethbridge officiating for the last time, as his term as Mayor ends soon and the Mayor elect Counsellor Katie Corrigan will be in place for the Lammas Guild Day in August. May Guild Day13 May 2019 May Guild Day was […]
Council customer services officer Alan Metcalf made one of the shortest journeys ever to take to oath of a Freeman. The 62-year-old grandfather’s walk, of a little more than 100 yards from his current workplace in Clayport to the Town Hall, completed the circle in a long working life that started as an apprentice motor […]
Two distinguished and widely respected members of Durham’s professional community have been honoured by one of the city’s oldest institutions – after being sworn in as Gentlemen Freemen. Until they recently stepped down solicitor Norman Hart and chartered accountant Alan Ribchester served as independent trustees, overseeing the official business of the City of Durham Freemen. […]
A gift from Durham’s Freemen has answered the “dreams and wishes” of scores of disabled children and young people who are members of a county-wide organisation based in the city. A gift from Durham’s Freemen has answered the “dreams and wishes” of scores of disabled children and young people who are members of a county-wide […]
Three craftsmen, who have played a key role in the multi-million pound restoration of the top of Durham Cathedral’s 200-foot high central tower, have been sworn in as freemen of the city. The trio, stonemasons Steven Mann, Nigel Mawson and joiner Anthony Swallow, who all live on the outskirts of the city, were among seven […]