Three new figures join Durham's historic freemen guilds

A scuba diver, a priest and a recently retired plumber were welcomed into the Durham Freemen at the Martinmas Guild Day in the Town Hall.

Underwater archaeologist and television presenter Gary Bankhead was sworn in as a Gentleman Freemen, while the Reverend Deborah Robinson and Stephen Kitson both followed in the footsteps of family members.

Mr Bankhead, the founder member of the freemen’s history group, has become known for his dives in the River Wear around the city centre, recovering more than 13,500 historic artefacts, dating back to the late mediaeval era.

Read more: Diver Gary Bankhead filming the River Wear in Durham City

Among his notable finds are rare souvenirs associated with pilgrimage to St Cuthbert’s holy shrine, at Durham Cathedral, and 28 hammered silver coins dating from the reign of Edward III.

He made his first exploratory dive in the River Wear in the spring of 2007 and his exploits since have featured on national television and radio, playing a key role in Sky History’s River Hunters as the show’s underwater archaeologist, which launched its third series earlier this year.

The 57-year-old former firefighter’s dives and subsequent scientific research, supported by Durham University’s Archaeology Department, led to the award of a Master of Philosophy in 2016.

Chairman of the wardens, John Booth, said: “Gary’s admission as a Gentleman Freemen is, we feel, a fitting recognition of his huge contribution to enriching our knowledge and understanding of the city trade guilds, particularly the dyers, weavers and drapers, between the 16th and 19th Centuries.”

Read more: Secrets of Durham's past in new exhibition

On being inducted into the freemen, The Rev Robinson, director of care at St Teresa’s Hospice, in Darlington, said, “my heart belongs to Durham.”

She follows hot on the heels of her 78-year-old father, Charlie, who was admitted into the Plumbers’ Company in February this year.

His working life involved maintaining and improving the cathedral, castle, churches and university buildings, including the replacement of a copper dome on the observatory.

Ms Robinson, 49, went to school in Durham and was awarded a degree in theology by St Andrew’s University before undertaking post graduate social work studies at Hull.

Her 25 years as a social worker started in Stockton, followed by service as a Macmillan social worker covering Teesside, before the move to St Teresa’s 15 years ago, initially as social worker and family support team manager before the appointment to her current role.

She was ordained in Durham Cathedral in 2008 and has since served as an associate priest, on a voluntary basis, alongside her hospice role.

As an Anglican Minister in Secular Employment she supports the work of clergy at St Edwin’s Church, Coniscliffe, and St Mary’s, in Piercebridge.

She is married with an eight-year-old daughter.

Sixty-year-old Mr Kitson began his working life as an apprentice plumber for a city company renowned for its casting and moulding bespoke lead work.

The job gave him the chance to work alongside his older brother and fellow freeman Geoff, tackling contracts at Durham Cathedral, numerous churches across the region and high-value homes in South Street.

There then followed a 30-year spell “behind bars”, with the works team tasked with maintaining HMP Durham, which dates from the Napoleonic era.

Following retirement last December he has devoted some spare time to working as a volunteer ranger with Durham County Council’s countryside department, helping with the maintenance and upkeep of public walkways.

But his fine metalwork skills have not been cast aside, as he regularly retreats to a unit in his back garden where he produces to order tables, plant stands and garden climbers for relatives and friends.

Read next:

               Darlington Council and St Teresa's Hospice run children's grief programme

               Firefighter turned diver turned heritage expert: Gary Bankhead's remarkable story

               Brother and sister join Durham's freemen in memory of their father

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