The Pembroke Gild of Freemen held their annual Dinner at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel. This event was preceded by the annual Freeman's service at St. Michael's Church.

The lessons were read by Mr. Roy Folland (Master of the Gild) and by his son Mr. Robin Folland (Deputy Master).

The sermon was very ably conducted by the guest speaker, Rev. David Reed, and the Rev. Roger Jones, who is himself a Burgess, and chaplain to the gild.

For those who are not familiar with the Gild of Freemen, it is an ancient society that dates back to medieval times. Freemen are the descendants of the merchants, traders and bankers of medieval England and Wales. At one time it was only the Freemen who were allowed to trade within towns' walls.

The hereditary title goes from father to son and is passed down through the ages. Freemen were the only citizens who were allowed to take mayoral office, become an alderman, or a sheriff. How fitting then that Mr. Sandy Buttle, a Burgess of the town should lay the wreath at the cenotaph alongside the Mayor of Pembroke and the Mayor of Pembroke Dock.

The Freemen of England and Wales have entitlements and ancient rights.

For example, a Freeman of Pembroke could drive his flock of sheep down the Main Street of Pembroke, or graze his swine, or geese in Narberth woods if he so desired.

They were also entitled to ride free of charge on any ferryboat. However, the best of all privileges to my mind was that a gentleman Freeman was allowed to relieve himself behind a coach, provided he screamed as he did so to show that he was desperate, and it was therefore an emergency.

Not all good news though for Freemen. It was the duty of the Freeman to take up pikes and cudgels if the town was besieged, and to clear the byways of snow.

The Gild (old spelling) of Pembroke is unique in that we have lady Freemen (just referred to as Freemen).

In 1979, when I was made a Freeman, South Pembrokeshire District Council as it was then known, was under the misapprehension that women were entitled to be honoured as Freemen.

However, we were soon in trouble with the Freemen of England who pointed out that there is no such title for women and that the title is passed from father to son. It is not passed through the female line.

However, it proved to be too late, and approximately 13 ladies had already sworn the oath of allegiance. The situation was irreversible, thus making the lady Freemen of Pembroke a unique and special band.

At our annual general meeting a few weeks ago, Mr. Roy Folland was duly returned as Master (chair) of the Gild, his son Robin was appointed Deputy Master, while Mr. John Rowlands was re -elected as treasurer and Mr. Paul Randall as the clerk of the court (secretary). I was newly appointed as press officer.

Melanie Phillips