The January 2016 Court Luncheon was held at Stationers' Hall. Our guest speaker was Dame Julia Cleverdon DCVO CBE, Vice President of Business in the Community and an advisor to HRH The Prince of Wales on his Corporate Social Responsibility agenda. Our other guests included representatives of two of our charity partners: Lady Tessa Brewer OBE, Chair of the Sheriffs' and Recorder's Fund, and James Cameron of Help for Heroes who are looking after our City and Guilds apprentice, Carl Clark.
This year we had an excellent turn out of 268 Liverymen and their guests attending the highlight of the Company's year in the magnificent surroundings of the Egyptian Room.
We were honoured that the Lord Mayor, accompanied by the Lady Mayoress, had given us his kind permission to hold our banquet in their 'London home' and that they were able to find time in their very busy schedule to join us. They were accompanied by their Duty Esquire Tim Rolph, Sheriff Dr Christine Rigden and her husband Stephen and His Honour Judge Nicholas Hilliard QC Recorder of London and his wife Jane.
We were also delighted to welcome the Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths Company, Timothy Schroder and his wife Ellen, and Master Chartered Surveyor, Lady Jenna Davies and her husband Sir David Davies. Equally welcome from 3PWRR were the CO, Lt Col Andy Betts and Captain Dean Goldsmith.
The Junior Warden, Colin Tiffin, proposed the Civic Toast which was responded to by The Lord Mayor. The Master then proposed a toast to the guests and presented a cheque to the Lord Mayor as a donation to the his Appeal: Innovate Here. Succeed anywhere. This was followed by The Recorder of London who replied with a very amusing speech.
We were entertained throughout by the London Banqueting Ensemble and treated to a spectacular performance of the post-horn gallup with both soloists trying to outdo each other with their virtuoso performances!
All in all a very special evening!
Photos by kind permission of Karla Gowlett http://www.karlagowlett.co.uk/
The Master, Wardens, Chair of the Charity Committee and Clerk met the winners of the Needlemakers Education Bursary for the Royal College of Surgeons on Thursday 18 February. With the President of the Royal College of Surgeons (Clare Marx) is Jonathan Beard (Professor of Surgical Education) and the winners: Jason Ali, Bhavesh Patel, James Crichton, Matthew Fell and Adam Gwozdz.
Past Master Henry Milward presented the Needlemakers' prize to Lynda Jackson who was the Visitors' Choice Winner. As can be seen from the picture, Lynda's quilt is stunning! The annual event is held at Uttoxeter Racecourse and further details are available from their website http://www.quiltandstitchvillage.com
The Master hosted 150 Needlemakers and friends at Rothschild's on Thursday 12 May. We raised £25,000 for the fund, which provides vital support to ex prisoners on release. Our special guests were TRH Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, together with the Sheriffs and the Recorder.
Lady Brewer, Chairman of the Fund, has written to the Master saying 'the text I received from the Recorder said ''a triumph!'' - and I agree. On behalf of the Fund so very many thanks indeed for your inspired idea to help us. It is an amazing sum of money to make for a small charity such as ours'.
The Master said: 'Our Company has supported the Fund for many years: it is at the heart of the City and very effective on a small budget. Re-offending by those supported by the Fund is down from the national average (50%) to only 10%. We were inspired to hear from Steven Makoko and Alex Spence the difference the Fund has made to their lives, as well as from Jonathan Aitken.
I am so grateful to all the Liverymen who so generously supported the Reception. I also want to thank our generous sponsors, Rothschilds, Gallery Capital Management and Stanhope.'
Karla Gowlett took some excellent photographs of the evening which can be viewed at https://www.flickr.com/gp/kgowlett/5DQ1x7
Treloar's at Alton, Hants is a significant beneficiary from our charitable funds and Company Liverymen made a visit on 16 May 2016 to see at first hand the work of the School. During the visit The Master presented our donation of £2,000 to pay for a new milling machine in the technical hub and £10,000 to help extend their outreach programme.
The Group visited technical classes, outdoor activity including pond dipping, the textile class and the ground-breaking technical hub. Here Manager Mike Loxley described the ways in which the unit met the individual needs of students including those with the most severe disabilities. He also demonstrated the milling machine that the Company has donated.
The Master commented: 'it is humbling to see the challenges faced by young people at Treloars and the amazing work the school does for them with learning, creating aids and a supportive environment. Our milling machine dramatically increases the school's scope to create devices to help the disabled and the outreach programme takes these skills out into communities. We are delighted to be able to provide some support'.
He was accompanied on the visit by Junior Warden Colin Tiffin, Assistants John Mill and Vic Flintham (who is the Company's link to Treloar's), John C Head III, Clerk Philip Grant and Hon Assistant Clerk Gill Loftus.
Accepting the cheques on behalf of the Trust, Principal John Stone said "We very much enjoy the opportunity to show our kind donors around to be able to demonstrate the impact that your support has here. It really is our students who are the best advocates and examples of achievement at Treloar's."
A team of four Needlemakers competed in the 2016 competition held at the Holland and Holland Shooting Grounds in Northwood, Middlesex. The teams battled it out over a ten stand, 80 bird sporting layout including a four man, 80 bird, flush from the high tower.
Lack of practice meant that we didn't win a prize, but we didn't disgrace ourselves either! Despite the rainy weather it was a thoroughly enjoyable day, ending with a splendid lunch in the marquee. Special points for perseverance must go to Nick ter Averst who had to travel there by scooter as both his cars had been stolen the night before!
Over 70 Livery Companies competed with 50% of the monies raised being awarded as prizes to the winning teams' nominated charities. The remainder goes to charities chosen by members of the organising volunteers, including a contribution of a £1000 to the Lord Mayor’s charity.If you are interested in competing next year (17 May 2017), do please contact Nick ter Averst.
Forty Needlemakers joined the Master for a City Walk with a difference. The focus was on new buildings in City, which is the Master's business interest. Over the weekend we visited seven new buildings which total 4 million square feet and 40,000 jobs. We 'climbed' 140 floors!
Our tour leader was Peter Rees, former City Chief Planning Officer, who greatly added to the interest with his commentary and interesting walks between each visit.
Highlights were going up to the top of the Cheesegrater in 40 seconds, the new Bloomberg HQ and Sky Garden at the Walkie Talkie. We also enjoyed the Lloyds Building, the shops and restaurants at One New Change and a visit to the new UBS HQ at Broadgate. Dinner at Tom's Kitchen and lunch at Coq d'Argent rounded the weekend off nicely!
The Master has much appreciated the generous letters he has received afterwards and wishes to record his thanks to Assistant Andrew Whitton for his support in organising the weekend.
Adam's citation said: 'Adam undertook a four-year apprenticeship and throughout his training his ability was noted as being exceptional. Not only did he gain distinction grades, but he also won bronze and gold medals at skills shows and led a team to victory in the ‘Great British Weld Off’ competition where they designed and created a replica of the London Eye. He has become extremely skilled in both sheet metalwork and design and is therefore invaluable to his employer. He is considering embarking on an engineering degree to further his knowledge and employment opportunities.'
Also pictured is the Master and the Director General of City and Guilds, Chris Jones. The Needlemakers Company are one of the founding Livery Companies for City and Guilds and we support the annual Prize and an apprentice.
Adam's citation said: 'Adam undertook a four-year apprenticeship and throughout his training his ability was noted as being exceptional. Not only did he gain distinction grades, but he also won bronze and gold medals at skills shows and led a team to victory in the ‘Great British Weld Off’ competition where they designed and created a replica of the London Eye. He has become extremely skilled in both sheet metalwork and design and is therefore invaluable to his employer. He is considering embarking on an engineering degree to further his knowledge and employment opportunities.'
Also pictured is the Master and the Director General of City and Guilds, Chris Jones. The Needlemakers Company are one of the founding Livery Companies for City and Guilds and we support the annual Prize and an apprentice.
Adam's citation said: 'Adam undertook a four-year apprenticeship and throughout his training his ability was noted as being exceptional. Not only did he gain distinction grades, but he also won bronze and gold medals at skills shows and led a team to victory in the ‘Great British Weld Off’ competition where they designed and created a replica of the London Eye. He has become extremely skilled in both sheet metalwork and design and is therefore invaluable to his employer. He is considering embarking on an engineering degree to further his knowledge and employment opportunities.'
Also pictured is the Master and the Director General of City and Guilds, Chris Jones. The Needlemakers Company are one of the founding Livery Companies for City and Guilds and we support the annual Prize and an apprentice.
Carl Clark is supported by the Needlemakers' Charity Fund during his City and Guilds apprentice course. He met HRH Princess Royal at a Reception hosted by City and Guilds at Fishmongers Hall on Tuesday May 26. He was introduced to HRH by Senior Warden Martyn Chase and the Chairman of City and Guilds Sir John Armitt, also shown in the photo.
The background is that our Company is a founder Member of City Guilds and we support an apprentice nominated by them: City and Guilds match fund our contribution. We look for an apprentice with an engineering interest (ideally machine tool) as that is similar to needle making skills.
Carl was recommended to City and Guilds by Help for Heroes. Carl is an ex-Royal Anglian Soldier and a veteran of the Afghanistan campaign. He was medically discharged from service in December last year having been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and is now undertaking his qualification in motorsport engineering. He is doing his apprenticeship at with FF Corse, who look after clients Ferrari cars at Silverstone (http://ffcorse.com ) . It may be a bit way off needle making but our support for Carl has tuned his life around, as he told the Princess. HRH in turn mentioned Carl in her speech at the end of saying she was not sure she wanted to drive a Ferrari herself but was pleased to hear about such a good opportunity for an apprenticeship!
Our Annual Awards Dinner was held at Stationers Hall on lovely summer evening. After drinks in the garden, 124 Liveryman and guests enjoyed an excellent Dinner and presented our 2016 Awards:
ROYAL SCHOOL OF NEEDLEWORK
Claire de Waard for best technical stitch who is having a busy summer working at Zandra Rhodes
Constance (Connie) Wynn for highest achieving second year who is spending her summer working at Jasper Conran.
3rd PRINCESS OF WALES ROYAL REGIMENT
Commanding Officer Lt Col Andy Betts read the citations for our two winners
Mrs Jackie Foster presented the Salerno Statuette, which was originally presented to the Company by Alan and Jackie.
We welcomed the Master Gold and Silver Wyre Drawer, Robert Lampitt and his wife Hannah, along with their Clerk, Commander Robin House who is retiring after 12 excellent service. We also welcomed the Master Joiner and Ceiler, Mark Snelling and Sally Douglas.
Our guest speaker was Major James Cameron. The Master said in introduction
'Needlemakers support apprentices where we can (often with matched funding from City and Guilds). The Clerk I had the privilege to see the amazing support for our injured servicemen from Help for Heroes. There we met Major James Cameron, Chief Executive of Mission Motorsport: the Forces' Motorsport Charity. They provide sport, training and vocational assistance to those affected by military operations. It is a simple but clever idea: many servicemen and women are engineers and love cars – great motivation.
So we agreed, with matched funding from City and Guilds, to support a young army engineer with severe PTSD from service in Afghanistan and James found him the perfect engineering apprenticeship at Silverstone. Carl had a great start although now he is having a tough time and the charity are doing all they can to help him.
So we are very pleased to James, now retired after distinguished service with the Royal Tank Regiment and Mention in Dispatches. He retired from the Army in 2012 to found Mission Motorsport, which in the first four years has seen over 800 soldiers, sailors and airmen through their program.'
James gave a moving address about the needs or our injured servicemen and the support they receive. This was very timely with the publication of the Chilcot Report on the day of our Dinner.
The Lord Mayor’s Appeal Golf Day 2016 took place on Monday 11July 2016 at Stoke Park Club in Buckinghamshire, a prestigious venue well known for the filming of the golf match between James Bond and Auric Goldfinger. The event was organised by the Golfing Society of the City Livery Club who are celebrating their half centenary this year.
The Needlemakers team comprised of Gill Loftus (Captain), Sue Sumners, Michael Foulkes, Geoff Lewis and Henry (Michael's dog - who behaved impeccably!). Whilst we did not win any prizes, we did not disgrace ourselves, coming 11th out of 22 teams.
On the hottest July day since 2006, having made train journeys disrupted by overheated tracks, taxi journeys without air conditioning and having sat for hours in oven-hot buses, the intrepid Lady Needlemakers melted thankfully through the doors of the British Library into its glorious marbled coolness!
There, we watched a video about the making of the Embroidery (Google: Cornelia Parker Magna Carta to see it) and we marvelled at the genius of the project which involved over 200 contributors. The bulk of the 13 m long Wikipedia article has been stitched in sections by prisoners under the supervision of Fine Cell Work, one of the important charities supported by our Livery, and we were able to examine at close quarters the exquisite and detailed pictures, emblems and logos that have been beautifully sewn by members of the Embroiderers Guild. The various pieces, which were finally reassembled and sewn together by the Royal School of Needlework, form a unique piece of artwork and the exhibition is open, and free, until 24th July. We would urge those of you who were unable to join us today to try and see it.
However, the Embroidery was only part of the attraction of the day – braving the heat once more, we made our way to the Hilton London Euston where we were treated to a feast of freshly made sandwiches, scones, cakes, desserts and endless cups of much-needed tea!
Having the delightfully cool Dining Room to ourselves, gave us a lovely opportunity to talk to some of the more recently admitted Liverymen, including Susan Young, Jill Cox, Margaret West and Christine Smedley and to welcome Sue Sumners who will be admitted at the Court Meeting on July 8th. The conversation never flagged and Pamela had to call us to order just to thank everyone for coming and to tell us a little about one of her interesting Charity Committee projects – a school in Tower Hamlets.
There was general agreement that events for the Lady Needlemakers are here to stay. Certainly my table companions were full of ideas about where we could go next!
- Gill Loftus
The Master was one of 20 Masters who, dressed in full livery regalia, were tried at Mansion House by Sheriffs Andrew Parmley and Fiona Adler. Each Master was read a variety of trumped up charges, found guilty and sentenced to be detailed at the Tower of London. All were then driven in a vintage bus (which got lost - another story!) and taken into custody at the Tower, escorted by a platoon of Yeoman Warders armed with pikes. The 'convicts' were then fed bread (well - a very good buffet, actually) and water (rather fizzy and donated by Pol Roget!) Fortunately, each Master had been able to produce the required bail in the form of a minimum of £1,000 of donations to the British Red Cross and was therefore released in happy mood. The exercise raised a total of £33,000 for the British Red Cross.
Andalucia was the destination for this year’s Needlemakers’ trip in May, subtitled ‘a city and rural experience’. We stayed in a family run hotel rural hotel just outside Priego de Cordoba, a prosperous olive-farming town. The owner and staff made us feel very welcome and couldn’t do enough for us during the week. We were also lucky to have Gayle, our Scottish/Spanish guide for the week, who kept us on the straight and narrow and enthusiastically entertained us with her stories and anecdotes whilst often translating and explaining our various ‘tastings’ plus all the food specialties, wine and different dancing techniques to us.
We had plenty of cultural experiences and even had history homework before we arrived. The trips included a day at Cordoba, founded by the Romans to become the capital of the Moorish kingdom of Al-Andalus. We had a guided tour of the city and the Mezquita and wondered through the shaded squares, the Alcazar, museums, the patios crammed with colourful pot plants. After dinner we watched the skill of the passion and spirit of the Andalusian Horse at the famous Equestrian Show.
We had two visits to Granada, where we had a walking tour and explored sights away from the main tourists in this amazing city, plus a guided tour of the Alhambra and the Generalife gardens and saw a remarkably energetic Flamenco Show, leaving us quite breathless!
We ventured out to the less visited frontier town of Jaen, climbing up to view the city and surrounding mountains from on high from the old fortress Castillo de Santa Catalina and its Parador. We then proceeded onwards to the unspoiled quiet town of Baeza with its Renaissance architectural legacy.
On our last day we visited the ‘pueblo blanco’ mountain village of Zuheros and the town of Baena, which is Andalucia’s foremost producer of high quality olive oil where we toured an 18th century family run mill and experienced an entertaining olive oil tasting with one of the current owners.
For foodies - we enjoyed some amazing meals wherever we went, sampling the bountiful, authentic and delicious cuisine. From hilltop restaurants with breathtaking views of the countryside or across Granada, small rural restaurants serving their local specialties and many local tapas meals of sharing courses. Examples include Spanish meats, tiny broad beans and salads, Salmorejo Cordobes, a cold thick tomato and garlic soup, prepared with local differences and a hot local tomato soup with peeled grapes and croutons. Slow cooked oxtail, baby squid, baked cod with various sauces, pork fillet and chicken in Spanish sauce. Delicious homemade bread accompanied all meals with, of course, a glass or two of the local wines. The hotel food was also excellent with customised menu cards for Needlemakers with 5 courses to keep us overfed! For those still hungry, breakfast gave us a good selection to keep us going for the adventures each day!
The week finished with a gala dinner at our hotel when we were royally entertained by professional tango dancers and their band – not to mention the traditional performance of the ‘Song for the Needlemakers’ written and performed by Caroline Ezekiel and company relating the tales of ‘the week that was!’ You had to be there to enjoy the in-jokes!
At the RCN Foundation Awards ceremony in June, of one of our Bursary winners, Julia Cambitzi, received her award from Ian Norris, RCN Foundation Trustee and Robert Sowney, Chair of RCN Foundation.
Julia is a clinical nurse specialist in abdomino-pelvic pain management at University College Hospital and received our funding to attend the British Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting. After attending the meeting Julia was able to disseminate information to her colleagues and patients and develop professional links which will support her career and improve care.
We arrived at the hotel on Saturday lunchtime and departed by coach for Stratford-upon-Avon where we given a guided tour of the theatre, generously sponsored by Liveryman Bryan Knight. We learned a great deal about the history of the theatre and what happens behind the scenes and were regaled with some captivating tales about famous actors past and present. Afterwards we had dinner in the rooftop restaurant.
On Sunday morning we drove to the Museum and were very lucky to have the Curator Jo-Ann Gloger as our guide, as she has an amazing knowledge of the industry. The water wheel which powers the scouring mill was started and we were led through the entire manufacturing process and learned what an unhealthy and dangerous trade it was – even to relatively modern times.
We then viewed the various displays and watched a video with archive footage of the needle-making process. The Livery is currently working with the museum and sponsoring the production of a new and better DVD.
One new Needlemaker who attended sent us a comment.....
"Super 'behind the scenes' tour with an actor at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, supper at the Roof Top Restaurant and a fascinating insight into needle making in the Victorian times at the Needle Museum.
An unbelievably great first weekend away with The Livery!"
Needlemakers and their guests had an early start catching the coach from Stratford or meeting it at Ashford International and heading through Le Tunnel for our destination – Bruges! We stopped en route for lunch in the main square of the pretty town of Veurne, setting the standard for the gastronomic delights ahead!
We arrived in Bruges late afternoon and settled into our very smart 5 star accommodation, the Dukes’ Palace Hotel, which was very conveniently situated just a few minutes walk from the centre. We then re-convened to take a horse drawn tour of the city so that we could see some of the landmarks and get our bearings. We then alighted for dinner at Chagall Restaurant, sampling some of the culinary delights of the area. Very fully fortified, we retired to bed as there was a busy day ahead.
Saturday dawned and we departed after breakfast for a walking tour, led by Liveryman Dan Doherty and Neil Fullbrook who know the City very well and pointed out some of the buildings, museums and galleries for us to visit later. Our tour was punctuated by a stop for hot chocolate at one of the many tea rooms. We were presented with huge cups of milk into which we tipped real chocolate chips – delicious!
Afterwards we went our separate ways to explore, meeting up again for yet another delicious dinner in Cafedraal Restaurant.
On Sunday morning we walked to the canal where we boarded a boat for a tour of the canals. This gave us a completely different view of the city and we were fortunate to have a captain/guide who gave us a lot of information as well as a number of very amusing anecdotes. We then headed off to explore once more, meeting late afternoon for the coach trip back home, laden with and chocolate and other goodies!
