Debate day was held at the University of West of England in Bristol to mark the 550th anniversary of the birth of King Richard III. It was devised and organised, at short notice, by Michael K. Jones, so unfortunately, there was little time to inform members.

The motion was “Richard III - History’s Wicked Uncle: Did Shakespeare Get It Right?” This was proposed by Keith Dockray, (he did make it very clear that he had argued for Richard previously in some three debates, but he does live nearby), with Michael K. Jones opposing.

In the chair was Peter Fleming from the university. Both Michael and Keith were former students of the late Charles Ross at Bristol University.

With only approximately half an hour for each speaker, naturally not too much ground could be covered. Then followed a quarter of an hour of questions from the floor. Peter had taken a vote before the debate commenced with another after the summing up. Am pleased to report the pro-Richard lobby increased by three votes, representing a 12% swing! If only this could be replicated throughout the country.

Identified six Richard III Society members in the assembly, plus Dr. Anne Crawford (very anti, but nice and helpful) - would love to know who the others were. The last word came from the unbiassed chair: “I think Buckingham did it!”

Also to mark this special day, I hear that the Society of Friends of King Richard III held a short service in a side chapel of York Minster. The Richard III Foundation has been selling very fine commemorative envelopes all year. For myself, I drove to Fotheringhay, prior to travelling to Bristol, to leave my spray of white roses at the castle mound.

It has to be wondered why the Society’s Main Committee, in their combined wisdom, chose not to commemorate in any way this special date.

Doug Weeks

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