“I fear that Weymouth… – a self-governing Borough since the charter of Queen Elizabeth I in 1571– will lose its unique identity and end up being submerged in a new super Council,” said Weymouth-born Chief Ranger [President] Michel Hooper-Immins at the annual dinner of Honorary Court Highclere No. 1 Weymouth of the Ancient Order of Foresters, founded in the town 129 years ago. He was addressing Mayor Richard Kosior, who was guest-of-honour at the event, together with Mayoress Caroline Churchill. “My much loved home town of Weymouth has a long and rich history, which does not deserve to be subsumed into a large anonymous local government area,” concluded the Chief Ranger.
Councillor Kosior spoke warmly of the importance of the voluntary sector in the borough. Since becoming Mayor, he had seen for himself the huge amount of voluntary work carried out by various organisations in Weymouth and Portland. He said the first Foresters took it as a duty to support their fellow men. The Mayor thanked Honorary Court Highclere for their generous support of his Christmas Fund, which gives seasonal help to local people who most need it.
“Weymouth and Portland must not lose our identity in any merger of local authorities- we will need a strong Town Council,” declared Alderman Andy Hutchings, the Immediate Past Chief Ranger, who proposed the traditional toast to the civic authority. “We live in a great borough, I have lived and worked here all my life, becoming a borough councillor for 24 years,” continued Alderman Hutchings, “and have lived in the same house for 65 years.” He and Michel Hooper-Immins, the new Chief Ranger, had been friends for over 50 years, he revealed. “In the swinging sixties, we used to run the famous dances at the Rock Hotel, called the Rising Sun Club- after the Animals hit song. The admission charge started at two shillings and sixpence- half a crown- which went up to three shillings and sixpence in time!”
The Chief Ranger paid special tribute to Munro Ross, who has loyally served in the office of Secretary for 20 years and who superbly organises the annual dinner at Weymouth Golf Club. Proposing the toast to the Chief Ranger, George Pering made a point of thanking the members’ ladies, who did so much to help and support the organisation. A total of £220 was raised in the raffle, towards the Chief Ranger’s charity, the British Heart Foundation. The Chief Ranger addressed a particular welcome to Bill White, “one of the best councillors that Weymouth has ever had.”
The Honorary Court has met in Weymouth four times a year since 10 October 1887, when it was founded by Pelly Hooper, Town Clerk of Weymouth & Melcombe Regis for over 20 years. [He and the new Chief Ranger are not thought to be related.] Councillor John Dean from Chickerell is the new Sub Chief Ranger [Vice President] and will take over the presidency next year.
Honorary Court Highclere No. 1 Weymouth of the Ancient Order of Foresters met at the Guildhall from 1887 and from 1974 at the Council offices. In 2012, the Court moved to the Grade II listed Pilgrim House in Hope Square, owned by Weymouth Rotary Club. The Honorary Court is today an altruistic organisation that raises funds for local charities. New members are welcome and enquiries about joining the Honorary Court should be made to Secretary Munro Ross at 01305 784320.
