This talk, presented by Stuart McLeod, will look at the life of Sir Samuel Mico (1608 – 1666) a rich London merchant who was born in Melcombe Regis.
Mico lived and traded through the Civil War and the Plague which were some of most perilous times in our national history. He owned the original George Inn on the quayside and bequeathed it to the borough to help ‘poore apprentices and decayed seamen’. Today, the charity uses the rent from the George Inn to continue this good work as well as continuing to honour his last request in his will, that each Friday before Palm Sunday there should be a service held in the parish church, led by a goodly divine, at which the apprentices and seamen give an account of their gifts. Afterwards, the Lord Lieutenant and the town’s mace bearers lead a procession through the town to the George Inn where all enjoy hot cross buns and wine in celebration of Sir Samuel.
Stuart moved to Weymouth in 1995 to become headteacher of Southwell Primary School on Portland. He later became one of the joint interim Principals of the Academy. After retiring he has since returned to teaching as a Teaching Assistant at a Weymouth primary school. He is a trustee of Weymouth Town Charities and spends as much available time as possible researching the Charities’ two principal benefactors, Sir Samuel Mico and Sir Henry Edwards.
The talk will be held in Hope United Reformed Church at 8 Trinity Street. Tea & biscuits will be served from 2pm and the talk will begin at 2.30pm.
Tickets will be available on the door and are £2.00 for members of the Friends and £3.00 for visitors. (Exact change would be appreciated, if possible).