THE election of the first three honorary freemen of the borough and hundred of Cricklade was witnessed by a large number of residents at a special meeting of the town’s ancient Court Leet in June 1987 as part of Cricklade’s 1100 anniversary celebrations.

The title was awarded to three men whose service to the town has been outstanding, Mr Dick Giles, Mr John Little and Mr Frederic Freeth, High Bailiff of the Court Leet, all men were in their 80s.

Other events to mark the occasion include the Saxon Fair on a weekend that was blessed with fine weather.

In all, there were 35 different stalls at Waylands including craft stalls demonstrating weaving, engraving and spinning.

During the afternoon the crowds were entertained by a group of street buskers, folk singers, the Waylands singers and the recorder group from St Sampson’s Junior School.

The evening’s entertainment started with a magic show and a traditional Punch and Judy show for children and the climactic finale to the duck races that had been taking place on the River Thames throughout the week.

Afterwards, Cricklade Town band entertained a large crowd in the High Street and there was a special traders’ evening with Morris dancing.