Maureen (née Hodges) Bysouth (AOS 1953-59) has been in touch to share some rather exciting news:

'Last year my name was kindly submitted to be admitted to the Freedom of the City of London. This is not an award, but an ancient tradition and I was pleased to attend the ancient Ceremony of Admission in The City of London Guildhall with my husband, Eddie and sister Jill (now Morgan) being present. To the amusement of my friends and family, 'Freemen' of the City of London are allowed to take sheep over London Bridge at an annual charitable event, with a small number of hopefully well-behaved sheep taking a short walk between barriers, while being watched by puzzled tourists! 

Following on from this, in January,  I became a 'Liveryman' in the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers, a company whose members meet socially, and sponsor and support the trade of basket making, donating funds to a wide range of London charities. It is one of over 110 Livery Companies playing a significant and historically based role in The City of London, with Livery Companies ranging from historic Fletchers (arrow makers) to modern Information Technologists.'