FREDERICK EDWARD RANDS

1911-1912

1919-1920

MAYOR UNFORTUNATELY NOT AT HOME

On Saturday evening, 9^th November 1907, the 5^th Ipswich Company of the Boys’ Brigade, headed by their bugle band, marched to the residence of the new Mayor, Harry Raffe. They lined up in front of his house, and the officer commanding Captain P E Read sent in an illuminated address of congratulations and to express their gratitude for the great kindness Mr. Raffe and his family had shown to the 5^th Company. The address which had been signed by the honorary captain Mr. Frederick Edward Rands, bore a silver anchor, and the Boys’ Brigade crest. Unfortunately, the Mayor was not expecting the 5th Company and was not at home. The general salute was played, and the 5^th Company marched back to their headquarters. Evening Star – Tuesday, 12^th November 1907 

Evening Star – Monday, 11^th March 1912 – IPSWICH POLICE COURT – VAN DRIVER’S DOWNFALL – On Monday, 11^th March, Ellis Bergdahl, a young van driver, of Riverside Road, Ipswich, was summoned before the Mayor of Ipswich, Mr.William Frederick Hardy, Mr. Alexander Gibb, Mr. Charles Ernest Tempest, and Mr. William Alexander, charged with the theft of half a peck of corn, value 6d., from his employers, Messrs. Canham, on the 2^nd March.

Mr. Arthur S. Leighton, who prosecuted, said Messrs. Canham contracted for the supply of horses to the Tower Mill Laundry, to take round the vans. He also supplied the corn for the horses. The animals got into a bad condition, and suspicions were aroused. Complaints were made to Ellis, who was responsible for the horses, that they were not getting the full amount of corn allowed to them. The amount allowed was 5 ½ stones each horse per week. It was noticed that the horses gradually became worse, and inquiries were made, when it was discovered that Ellis kept rabbits, and according to his own admission, he had been taking a few handfuls of the corn for them every week. Whether that “few handfuls” was a greater quantity or not, he did not know.

When Ellis’ house was searched, a sack containing a considerable quantity of corn was found, and Ellis, when asked about it, admitted taking it from the premises.

Ellis had been in the employ of Messrs. Canham for 14 months, having come with excellent credentials, and up to this time had borne a good character. He had been dealing with £20 per week, and nothing had gone wrong. The stable key was easily accessible to those who knew where it was.

Ellis pleaded not guilty, and on oath said he had never disposed of any corn belonging to his employer. He took the small quantity for his two rabbits, but nothing else. Before going to this company, he had been in the Army, which he left with an excellent character. He was married six months ago, and also had a widowed mother to keep. He realised he had no right to take the small quantities of corn. The letter from his commanding officer spoke in high terms of his capabilities. The Bench intimated that they considered the case proved, and the defendant, Ellis Bergdahl, was then charged with stealing a bar of soap, value 9d., from the Tower Mill Laundry Company, on the 3^rd March. Ellis admitted to taking about 3lbs of a special soap from the stables, where the horses used by the company were kept. Mrs. Nellie Bergdahl said that the soap they found came from the Stores, and she had bought it for 8d. But Mr. William Dore, of Fonnereau Road, manager at the International Stores, said they did not stock this soap. Ellis then said he took the soap, which had been in the stables for some months, and the story his wife had told was a mistake.

The Bench, after consideration, dealt with Ellis under the First Offenders Act, binding him over to be of good behaviour for twelve months. They also ordered him to pay the costs, £1 4s. in the case of the first case, and £1 3s. 6d. in the second. The Mayor, Mr. Frederick Rands, told Ellis he had been running a serious risk, but in view of his good character, they desired to deal with him leniently.

Suffolk Chronical  & Mercury newspaper 12th December 1919.

IPSWICH WAR MEMORIAL EFFORT.

Nobly as Ipswich has risen in response to the appeal for £50,00 in
respect of its War Memorial Fund, final triumph has not yet been
achieved financially. Just over £5,000 is still earnestly sought, and,
further, it is hoped that those who have promises outstanding – which
reach a total of £10,000 – will find it convenient to make payment as
soon as possible, so that the fund may have the advantage of the
interest that will accrue.

The interesting fact was revealed at a recent meeting of the Committee,
when Mr. G.M.B. Langdon, one of the hon. secretaries, presented a
statement, showing the progress of the fund to the present, that a grand
total of £44,500 had been paid or promises outstanding, and about £500
is in the hands of the Treasurers. Of the grand total, it is also worthy
of note that £468 was the result of the Works Collection, whilst the net
proceeds from the war memorial fete in Christchurch Park amounted to
£1,100.

In opening the meeting the ex-Mayor (Mr. E.C.Ransome) was presiding, and
then formally handed over the the Mayor (Alderman F.E.Rands) the
chairmanship of the Fund.

In accepting the position the Mayor proposed a hearty vote of thanks to
Mr. E.C.Ransome for the excellent work he had accomplished in the
inauguration of that fund, and further, in bringing it to its present
successful position, pointing out that it was the largest fund ever
raised in Ipswich.

Mr. J.D.Cobbold seconded, and Mr. F.G. Baker having warmly associated
himself with the comments made, thanks were accorded with unanimity.

The plans of the memorial wing to the Hospital were submitted by the
Hospital authorities and formally approved. There was an obvious sense
of satisfaction on the part of the members of the Memorial Committee
that the plans were so comprehensive, providing, as they do, for a
larger number of beds than was originally intended, and this
satisfaction will doubtless find itself reflected in the thoughts of the
subscribers.

The information was also forthcoming that tenders were being invited,
which points to an early start being effected on this worthy scheme, of
which Ipswichians will have justification in feeling a warm pride when
they see it in the fullness of its accomplishment. The prospect of
building operations being shortly commenced again points to the
necessity of emphasising the importance, not only of responding with the
promises already made, but also that those who, as yet, have not
expressed their gratitude by contributing as a thankful offering, of
sending their subscription, however large or however small, to His
Worship the Mayor, Town Hall, Ipswich, or to the Joint Hon. Secretaries,
care of London Joint City and Midland Bank, 12, Tavern Street, Ipswich.

IPSWICH HEROES HONOURED.

STIRRING SCENES AT PUBLIC HALL.

59 NEW FREEMEN.

THE EVENING STAR AND DAILY HERALD

21st April 1920

To most of us, if not all, the Great War is either a sweet memory or a sweet sorrow, and perhaps both. A sweet memory because we can look back upon duty well done and untold dangers passed-sweet sorrow because dear ones have given up their lives in noble self-sacrifice.

It was the wish of to express this double sentiment that prompted the Ipswich Town Council representing one and all in the borough, to honour those fellow townsmen who earned decorations on sea and field and also three leading citizens whose record of faithful service to the town typified the steadfastness of purpose and willing help characteristic of the nation during the war.

The honour was that of honorary freedom of the borough not much tangibly is it true-but one reserved for the few who have made a mark in history; and has it not been said that a man is known by the company he keeps?

Seeing that the recipients numbered in all sixty, the Council Chamber was deemed inadequate for the ceremony of the presentation to-day (Wednesday), and the larger Public Hall was utilised, which furnished ample accommodation not only for the hall, men and their families, but their “sisters, cousins and aunts,” to say nothing of a deeply interested public.

The hall was bedecked with flags and the platform adorned with beautiful flowering pot plants. The recipients of the freedom were seated in rows on either side of the chairman and most of them were in khaki, but here and there was a bluejacket and there were three Ipswich policemen in another uniform of blue.

The body of the hall was fairly full, among them being several wearers of medals of previous wars.

As the Mayor (Ald. F.E Rands) and Corporation accompanied by Capt. F. J. C. , M.P. arrived in state from the Town Hall, the borough organist (Mr J. Job) played the National Anthem and all stood at attention. Among the audience were the Mayoress and Lady Goddard.

FAMOUS IPSWICH FREEMEN

The Mayor remarked that so much interest had already been shown in their proceedings of that day and they had been able to read some little about it in the East Anglian Daily Times that it would hardly be necessary for him to take up their time by saying much would bear with him for a little while, he would like to make a few remarks. First, they might remind themselves that the Honorary Freedom of Borough Act was only passed as recently as 1885, for the purpose of enabling municipalities to confer the honorary freedom on persons of “distinction” and person who had rendered eminent service to the borough. ”we in Ipswich have certainly not been lavish in conferring this honour” commented the Mayor, who, continuing, remarked that the first time it was exercised after the passing of the Act he did not suggest it was the first time it was conferred on any person of distinction, because he believed the Duke of Wellington was one of their honorary freemen (applause) but the first exercising after the Act was in 1901, when the freedom was conferred on six members of the Headquarters Company of the 1st V.B. Suffolk Regiment resident in Ipswich, who volunteered for active service in the South African War. (Applause) He feared there were very few of those men who were honoured at that time alive today, but he believed two or three were present on that occasion (Applause) 

The next occasion was in 1902, when it was conferred on that great soldier, their late High Steward, Field-Marshal Earl Kitchener. (Applause.) Last year they honoured a great soldier and a great sailor, who had rendered magnificent service for the country and Empire in the recent war Admiral Sir Reginald Tyrwhitt and Viscount Allenby. (Applause)

That day they were admitting to the freedom four officers and 52 men, all Ipswich men (Applause) who had had distinguished themselves in the Great War, and rendered eminent service to the Empire (Applause), and three gentlemen who had rendered long and eminent service to the ancient borough. (Applause) He ventured to think it a happy coincidence that they were able to confer the distinction on members of the Navy and the Army and also at the same time on two civic fathers and the Town Clerk. (Applause) Few people had any conception of the immense amount of time devoted to administration of local affairs. The work of municipalities had grown considerably and was rapidly increasing. He did not wish, nor would there be the time, to give full particulars of the services rendered to the borough, but he would endeavour to mention some matters of outstanding public interest that occurred to him. 

THE WAR HEROES

THE MAYORS APPEAL FOR TERRITORIAL RECRUITS.

The Mayor then turned to the officers and men on the platform. The rewards they had gained had not been easily won, and if he was correctly informed the Territorial officers had not received all the consideration they deserved during the war. They realised the deep debt of gratitude which they owed to these patriotic men of the Territorial forces. (Applause.) He thought they could congratulate themselves upon so many Ipswich men having been recipients of decorations (Applause.) and they would never forget what they owed to them and their comrades. In conclusion his Worship appealed for support for the housing bonds and recruits for the Territorial units.

As each recipient`s names was called the Mayor recited the circumstances which led to him obtaining his decoration, and so many would easily fill a book of stirring episode. As each man stepped forward he was heartily cheered and the occasion will long be remembered. Many children were present to witness the honour paid to their fathers.