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THESE are the latest former city apprentices to be given the title of Freemen of the City.
Each served an apprenticeship in the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s at companies which formed part of the city's traditional industrial base such as Alfred Herbert Ltd, Morris Engines, the Standard Motor Company, the Humber, Armstrong Siddeley and the GEC.
The Freeman title dates back to 1449 when they had the right to graze their animals on the common grounds or common meadows known as Lammas Lands. There were also arable fields known as Michaelmas Lands which formed part of the common grounds.
However, during the 19th Century these areas were enclosed and converted into freehold but the Freemen of Coventry received the main share.
To this day valuable estates are owned by them and income from these estates is used to award pensions to senior Freemen or provide relief for those in need. Money was also made available to early recipients free of interest in order to help them to set up their own business.
Lord Mayor Coun Keiran Mulhall said of the latest recipients: "It is a privilege to bestow this honour on people who have learned their craft through the apprenticeship scheme.
"It is a mark of recognition for their dedication and skill, and I wish them all the best in the future."
Freeman of the City:
Geoffrey Bellingham - Machine tool fitter
Roy Bolton - Gentlemen’s hairdresser
David Mark Butcher - Sheet metal worker
Graham Fardon - Metallurgist
Peter William Goult - Motor mechanic
William Griffin - Tool maker and production engineer
Frederick William Ernest Hunt - Sheet metal worker
Arthur David Ives - Electrical engineer
Bruce Phillip Mitchell - Plumber
Malcolm Prestwich - Maintenance engineer
Michael George Priest - Colliery welder
Graham George Shaw - Gentlemen’s hairdresser
Kenneth Stokes - Carpenter
Gary Leslie Sumner - Machine tool fitter
Roger Frank Tinsley - Aeronautical and automobile engineer
David Titman - Plumber
Brian Robert William Wathen - Radio tester and fault finder
David Winkless - Electrician
Paul Gueron Wright - Solicitor
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