Mr Nick Williams came and gave us a fascinating talk about the History of being a Sheriff of Norwich.
In 1404 King Henry IV granted a charter to appoint one Mayor and two Sheriffs and Aldermen to run the affairs of the City in order to keep order, hence the role of the ceremonial sword and mace - there is only one Mayor and Sheriff now and they serve for one year. Mr Williams had worked and been a Norwich City Councillor for some years and when he was invited to be a Sheriff, at a Special Meeting of Norwich City Council, he was delighted to accept for the year May 2007/8. He and his wife Gill thoroughly enjoyed their year but found it could be very tiring sometimes - 2 engagements were not unusual in a day. He brought along a photo album to show us his robes and memorable moments.
Special events for him during the year were the Mayor and Sheriff Ceremonies at the City Hall followed by the evening reception at Norwich Castle, going in the Ceremonial Coach to Norwich Cathedral for the Civic Service and the Lord Mayor's Procession.
However, the most moving event for him was in November 2007 coming down the steps of City Hall with HRH Duke of Gloucester to present to the Royal Anglian Regiment, who had returned from Afghanistan, the freedom to parade through the City. With thousands of spectators applauding, several hundred soldiers with fixed bayonets and flags flying and the Minden Band of the Queens Division, marched through the streets to the Cathedral for a Thanksgiving Service.
Our next meeting is on Wednesday 14 March at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when Brian MacFarlane will be coming again to show us a further selection of his Nature Photography - members were enthralled last time he came. Visitors are always welcome and if there are any queries, please contact Pam Cooper, President on or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on.
Shirley Shackshaft
