Chester Memories: Historic ceremony moves with times to reward 21st century students

By Chester Chronicle on Nov 28, 09 04:11 PM in Before 1500

One of Chester's most ancient awards ceremonies, updated to suit the 21st century workplace, honoured talented students at a celebration event at the city's Guildhall.

The annual Freemen and Guilds Awards marks success within specific trades and professions.

Chester's Guilds can trace their history back to the 1400s, and celebrating success has always been an integral part of their role.

While the awards retain their ancient names, the skills for which they are awarded have changed slightly.

All the students receiving the awards are from West Cheshire College and, while it no long offers apprenticeships for Mercers, Ironmongers, Grocers and Apothecaries, it does offer courses in pharmacy.

Other historic awards include Barber Surgeons, Wax Tallow and Chandlers (hairdressing); Saddlers and Curriers (vehicle maintenance and repair); Wrights and Slaters (carpentry and joinery) and Cappers, Pinners, Wiredrawers and Linendrapers (electrical engineering).

Deputy principal Penny Horsefield said: "These unique awards demonstrate the importance of recognised skills, trades and professions throughout history.

"The technology may have changed but the underlying commitment to training for skills needed by the local economy remains the same.

"This tradition goes back hundreds of years and we are delighted Chester's Freemen and Guilds continue to mark the importance of achievement at this ceremony.

"The strength of vocational training is that it can adapt to encompass new skills needs - but keeping the historic titles for the awards gives a fascinating insight into social history and how our work skills have adapted and developed."

Freemen and Guilds president Ian Sumpter said: "This is a wonderful tradition and one we are pleased to continue. Many of our crafts have died away but we are delighted to continue our connection with students.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to mark and celebrate commitment and success."

The picture shows students from West Cheshire College receiving awards from the Chester Freemen and Guilds.

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