THE
COOPER SUMMER/ Autumn 2019
The Worshipful Company of Coopers
CHARITY IN ACTION Our Charities Committee receive a number of requests from organisations and individuals and each one is read before being put up for discussion.
Rachel is a loving, caring, hard working Mum, who has brought up her three children on her own - after her husband left her when Reece was young. She arranged fund raising from crowd funding, football matches, coffee At our September meeting last year, we received mornings and boot sales and managed to raise a request from Rachel Kempley with regard to £5,000. This enabled Reece to go to Poland for her son Reece. Rachel was asking for a week of rehab and most importantly use a assistance to purchase an electronic conversion special machine called a Lokomat. installation for his wheelchair. Liveryman Tim Hayes has an extensive Liveryman Tim Hayes and I went to visit Reece knowledge of the medical field and fully and Rachel a few weeks later, on the 20th understood Reece’s mobility problems. Tim also September. found out that there were only 5 Lokomats in the Rachel told us that she was watching television UK and only one in the NHS which was fully booked on a warm sunny evening in June 2017, when the phone rang. The call was from Reece’s friend Reece is living away from his family at the Luke saying that Reece had had an accident in moment - on the Isle of Dogs - in a wheelchair Kavos – a resort on the Greek island of Corfu. friendly ground floor flat, with his full-time carer. Rachel could only remember Luke saying that he His family home is in Stepney where all his wasn’t sure if Reece was alive or dead. friends also live. Rachel recalled through tears, that it was hours Rachel is fiercely protective of her children and before she finally managed to speak to a Doctor although exhausted with the ‘fight’ to get Reece at the hospital, who told Rachel to come as soon what he needs, her continual banging on doors as she could. Rachel also remembers the Doctor and ripping down barriers is beginning to pay saying Paraplegic but she was in deep shock. dividends. As she got onto the plane she didn’t know if Liveryman Tony Miller from the Whitechapel Reece would still be alive when she got to Mission and his wife Sue have been a Greece. tremendous help to Rachel and with their extensive network of contacts, Rachel is now Earlier that day Reece had gone on a boat trip, as he suffered from epilepsy and couldn’t go out moving into a larger property in Stepney, which on quad bikes with his friends. On disembarking, will see Reece living with his family once again. a girl asked Reece if he could swim, then And that letter Rachel pushed him off the Jetty. The jetty was five foot sent in for help with high, but the water was only knee deep and converting Reece's Reece cracked the back of his neck on the chair? This has led to rocky sea bed. Reece getting a brand new state of ‘I remember hitting the bottom and trying to the art wheelchair, for swim, then trying to stand up but my body which the Charity wouldn’t respond’. Committee were Reece had surgery in Greece, which itself was more than happy to problematic. He was transferred to The Royal approve the funding. London Hospital for 13 weeks and then spent a By Liveryman Colin Steel further 3 months in the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore.
MASTER'S LETTER SUMMER/ Autumn 2019 THIS ISSUE'S CONTRIBUTORS: Former Clerk, Pastmaster John Newton shares his thoughts and perspective on our retiring Clerk Adrian Carroll after 18 years of dedicated service.
Freeman Sue Hay provides members with an update on CCCS' recent successes as she takes on the role as Head Teacher. Read more on page 15.
Read more on pages 12-13
The Worshipful Company of Coopers is one of the oldest Livery Companies in London.
T
he moment your time as Master starts you are thrust into what is arguably one of the busiest calendars most people will ever have to undertake. Whilst only a year in the position, the role of Master follows many years on Court helping those who have gone before me provide direction and momentum for the Company at a strategic level.
PHOTOGRAPHS: GERALD SHARP IMAGES: SJO | LUCENTIUS
With what I have learned so far, and knowing the team I have around me, I have no doubt that my year ahead will be made easier with their support. What's more, with the position of Clerk left in the capable hands of Stephen White, I know that this year's decisions and achievements will be made with the needs of the Company in heart and mind.
Perry Bousfield Master 2019-20 The Cooper Issue 36
June 2019
The Worshipful Company of Coopers, Coopers' Hall, 13 Devonshire Square, LONDON, EC2M 4TH clerk@coopers-hall.co.uk EDITOR: Susanne Haynes Š The Worshipful Company of Coopers. 2019 E&OE
In modern times it has evolved into the trustee of six principal charities and a social and charitable enterprise that retains an identity focused on the ancient craft of cask making. We welcome members to enjoy a fellowship around our shared values and an interest in the history, culture and charitable endeavours that our Company has pursued for the last 500 or so years.
Front Cover: A visual gesture for our outgoing Clerk: The sun sets on a mighty oak in a field of heather - plant thought to bring luck.
FREEDOM & LIVERY We are very proud to announce those individuals who have gained their Freedom and/or Livery this year. Each member brings with them a wealth of experience and skills that we hope as a Company we will be able to put to good use. MARCH Coopers' Hall
LIVERY Julie-Ann Welham CBE George Miller Liam Randall Karen Pack Kevin Chapman John Herriman DL Sarah Wells May Storrie CBE Helena Cooke Michael Polledri MBE
FREEDOM Neil West
JUNE Common Hall
The Worshipful Company of Coopers is an ancient City of London Livery Company, governed by Royal Charter since 1501. It is not a club or a society. Membership brings great pleasure to those interested in or employed within the coopering trade, but also a number of responsibilities and obligations, some of which include supporting the Company financially. Application forms and details of membership can be obtained from The Clerk’s office. Each applicant for the freedom must be proposed and seconded by members of the Company, both of whom must be Coopers' Liverymen.
Christian Kitley Robert Findlay Jens Vexø Lynda-May Vexø Caroline Day Joanne Fisher
AJAX GAINS HIS LIVERY As many of you will know Ajax was fasttracked to his Livery which he gained in June 2019 in the presence of many of our members.
Education Evening 2020 dates: 27th January 24th February 30th March Contact the Clerk for more information on how to attend. events@coopers-hall.co.uk
Please remember the Worshipful Company of Coopers and its Charities in your Will
SOCIAL
What's going on...
The Worshipful Company of Coopers 13 Devonshire Square, London, EC2M 4TH
1
3
Our membership contains a wealth of individuals from a variety of backgrounds that we follow with keen interest. Here we share with you some of the more notable activities that you may find of interest. www.coopers-hall.co.uk clerk@coopers-hall.co.uk
4
@CoopersCompany
6
2
5
Being my final posting on this page it pleases me to share with you the good news of so many of our members.
7
1. Freeman Marcus Hodgson helped host a fourth successful York-based beer festival in June featuring breweries that used wooden casks. Contact the Clerk for more information.
2. Freeman Sue Hay has been appointed as the Head Teacher of the Coopers' Company and Coborn School. I have Sharing their successes with no doubt that her selection will be well received by staff and pupils you is one of the many alike, as she has made such impression in the past year.
aspects I enjoy as Clerk as it is the strength of our membership that lends itself so importantly to the future of the Company.
3. Anybody on the Company twitter account will have seen the inclusion of Pastmaster Ian Frood on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List as he was awarded the OBE for his work in support of the Cattle Industry. Of course, awards are never exclusive to one area of excellence and we know Ian has shouldered many responsibilities, of which the Company is one. If I may on your behalf, I salute Ian, and his As I hand over the reins to Stephen I know he will enjoy wife Mo who deserves an equal share.
meeting so many of you over the course of the year and I will enjoy reading your good news in future editions of the magazine. Don't forget that our Twitter account is the best way to keep up to date with Company and craft news and we encourage you to follow us on @CoopersCompany. 'Love As Brethren'
4. Freeman Christan Kitley ran the Edinburgh Marathon and the Brentwood Half Marathon to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK, after the disease has affected his family several times. @christiankitley 5. Cooper and Liveryman Alastair Simms promoted the craft on the BBC's 'The Repair Shop' which you can find on the iPlayer. 6. Freeman Matthew Leopold and his fellow volunteers were ready at the finish line of this year's London Marathon as part of the St. John's Ambulance London and South Medical Response Team. 7. Liveryman Group Captain David 'Manners' Manning has been promoted to the rank of Air Commodore with effect 7 June 2019 as Assistant Commandant (Air and Space) and Deputy Commandant of the Joint Services Command and Staff College Shrivenham.
ANTHONY BEHRENS MASTER 2018-19 Fellow Coopers, It has been a real privilege to have been Master since 2018, although illness has significantly reduced my abilities during 2019. It is perhaps fortunate that the most important actions took place early in my Mastership. At the beginning there were the Pan Livery Surveys which produced some very interesting statistics. For example, annual donations by the Livery movement amount to £67m plus 75,000 hours of importance the Hall is to the Company, a home pro-bono hours' worth at least another £3.75m. and focal point of what we do and it plays an important part in how we project ourselves to the At the same time as producing these Livery Livery as a whole. Your help, through quarterage, figures, we were having to make our systems is vital to the Hall and to its upkeep. comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It has been an education on The start of September provided some lightthe legal ramifications as well as a huge hearted entertainment as we celebrated the administrative burden to collect members' conferring of Freehorse to Ajax at Coopers’ Hall. choices and data required to be compliant. At Owned by Liveryman Alan Roberts, Ajax has present, we are still waiting for permission from become the Company's mascot and was just over 100 members, and they may perhaps escorted by the Metropolitan police, and be disappointed on missing out on news in the admitted into the Company in Devonshire future. Square. It was a great occasion and many members were present to see Ajax in the In the summer period, the kitchen was Company colours. Ajax seemed remarkably calm refurbished; it had not been done for very many during the ceremony. years. This turned out to be a much larger project then originally foreseen. The water pipes had to Now to the more serious matter of the Lease on be replaced as the existing ones were made of the top two floors of our Hall which provide vital lead, much of the wiring had to be replaced due income for the Company. CH&Co in August gave to the requirements of the new kitchen us notice that they were proposing to leave by equipment as well as having to improve the December even though the lease continued till ventilation. The kitchen itself was not that April 2020. They wanted the charity Springboard, expensive, but the building works around it with which they have close connections, to take resulted in a cost of about £125,000. their place. We managed to agree terms and extend the lease to 2025 and Springboard The Company was exceptionally fortunate to moved in just before Christmas. receive a huge legacy from past Liveryman Mark Russell, who donated £280,000 to the upkeep of Additionally, we have agreed a catering contract the Hall and we are extremely grateful for his with CH&Co running alongside the lease. generosity. It is also a timely reminder of the 6 | The Cooper | Summer/ Autumn 2019
Running in parallel with the Lease discussions was the search for a replacement for our Clerk, Adrian who retires in June. Past Master Ian Frood led the committee, which demanded a great deal of time. Our job advertisements resulted in 48 applications. After many interviews, and psychometric tests I am delighted to report that, in February, the Court appointed Stephen White as the new Clerk. He will be officially made Clerk at the Installation Court on June 18th.
years, an engaging and blossoming membership, a vibrant academy and college, and a clear mandate to take the Company forward.
Another highlight of the year, at which I was unable to represent the Company, was the opportunity to join the Incorporation of Coopers of Glasgow, when they celebrated their 450th Annversary. The Company presented a Silver Bell to commemorate the occasion and our relationship with Glasgow could not be stronger.
Liveryman Patrick Beet for his dedicated work with the Company records; many of which have been safely stored in the Metropolitan Archives.
In summary, may I thank the membership for their support at every level; it is both essential and invaluable. The Court's support during a very busy year has been most helpful, especially for those committees involved in finding Stephen, the Development Plan and negotiating the new lease. This year has been exceptionally busy The Lord Mayor’s show was a great success, with the Rum Ceremony being reinstated in front compared with the norm and committee of the Mansion House. We shared the Ceremony members have given a very considerable amount with HMS President and surprisingly achieved live of their time and effort which is appreciated. coverage on the BBC who had said it would not The Clerk’s Office has kept the Hall working be shown as they disapproved of alcohol being drunk before mid-day! The Annual Banquet was throughout this period of the great change made by the lease handover; let alone managing the also a huge success and the Company financial details needed for the lease and daily maintained its reputation as one of the best attended and fun events in the Mayoralty year at accounts. This includes Liveryman Susanne Haynes, who has transformed the way in which Mansion House. the Company operates through its online After Christmas the committees' searching for a platforms. new Clerk and the Company’s Development Plan continued to take up a lot of time. There was a My thanks also go to Honorary Curator and brief respite in France where the Company Ski Liveryman Don Lyons for his vision and industry Team won the Inter-Livery skiing cup for the to project the Company artefacts throughout the Company for the third time. Hall; as well as to Honorary Archivist and
Last but definitely not least, I must mention Adrian. who always attended the events I was supposed to in my absence. He has had to provide all the back-up for our extra committee meetings as well as trying to influence them in the direction of travel. His experience throughout has been invaluable. From my perspective Adrian has been brilliant and the Company should really appreciate the exceptional hours that he has always worked and be really grateful that Jann has been willing to share him with us.
We are one of the few Companies within the Livery where the trade in England has almost disappeared, but which recently has seen a revival, with a growing number of microbreweries coupled with an increasing interest in beer from the wood. It is clear that we must take this opportunity to get funding for apprentices before the few remaining coopers in England disappear. I can only hope that he will have a long, happy and interesting retirement. As we enter Perry’s year with a new Clerk, we have a sound financial platform for the next six
7 | The Cooper | Summer/ Autumn 2019
MASTER 2019-2020
Perry Bousfield A former director for a property investment company, our Master is an individual who puts family, fun and the future of the Company first.
I thought I would briefly explain how I came to join the Livery, and I can place the blame fairly and squarely at the feet of Pastmaster Bairstow and Liveryman Cross during my membership of the Egham Dining Club (founded by Pastmaster Bairstow some 40 years ago, I believe originally for alumini of Strodes College) to enjoy copious quantities of beer and curry. These days, the membership is not limited to those who attend Strodes. Liveryman Cross is also a member and he and Pastmaster Bairstow invited, Nicole and me, to the 500th Anniversary Ball at Merchant Taylors Hall which was a splendid evening. Following that there were invitations to other events, and eventually the inevitable happened and they suggested I might like to become a Liveryman. That, Ladies and Gentleman, is how I got myself into this fine mess. You will all know that Adrian Carroll our Gallant Clerk will be retiring after some 18 years, and you will read more on him and his achievements in the following pages. After a comprehensive interview process, a committee, chaired by Pastmaster Frood, has appointed a new Clerk, Commander Stephen White, who formally took over from 8 | The Cooper | Summer/ Autumn 2019
Adrian on the 18th June at the Installation Court. I am sure that he will fit in well with the Coopers’, and, although Adrian will be a hard act to follow, I believe Stephen is very capable and will bring his own skills to the Company. Undoubtedly there will be significant change in the coming months and years, which is not something to resist provided it is constructive and the implementation helps the Company to move forward, retain its vibrancy, and equip itself for the continuing challenges of modern life. The Master referred in his speech last year to the Development Plan, outlining a strategy for the next 5-10 years. This is an ongoing review of the Company's activities and will hopefully be published in the next few months. I would very much like over the next year to try and give to all Liverymen and Freemen the opportunity to participate more in the Company. We are an inclusive organisation, and this will give a greater sense of purpose and belonging to those who wish to play a greater part, both in the social activities and also the work of the Company.
The Master is elected annually by the Livery at Common Hall in May and takes office at the Installation Court Meeting in June. He presides at all formal and social occasions of the Company and is ex-officio member of all the Committees. The Court Assistants and those in officially appointed positions assist in supporting the Master and the Company in whatever capacity is required of them.
"I have mixed feelings about the year ahead. I am both humbled and delighted at being elected Master and am looking forward to my installation and the ensuing year. I am of course very grateful to the Court for nominating me and for having the confidence to trust me with the Mastership."
GERALD SHARP PHOTOGRAPHY
Master's Response to Election at Common Hall 2019.
RENTER WARDEN
UPPER WARDEN
UNDER WARDEN
BILL SCOTT
FELIPE GORSUCH-BROWNE
SYD COOMBES
It is therefore necessary to facilitate greater interaction between the Court and the Society. A committee has recently been set up, which is looking at ways in which the two can work more closely for the benefit of all, so that for instance more events could be accessible to everybody. To this end, Stephen has suggested that he could organize a trip to a Naval Base or possibly onboard a ship.
voluntary side of the company. The enthusiasm that this should generate will strengthen the Company and encourage others to join; additionally we are always open to other ideas.
"I would very much like over the next year try to give all Liverymen and Freemen the opportunity to participate more in the Company." I have also spoken to Court Assistant Liveryman Leigh Johnson, our recently appointed Wine Warden, and asked him to look into the possibility of a wine tasting trip to France, perhaps Epernay.
In conclusion, I am sure I speak for everyone when I say that we are all most grateful to the Master, for all the work he has done, despite ill health in the last few months. I am also grateful to my fellow Wardens for all you have done for the Company, and finally to the Deputy Master who has stood in when the Master has been unable to attend events.
Liverymen should, when they are able, attend some of the civic functions that are open to them. For instance the elections of the Lord Mayor and the Sheriff’s which take place in the Guildhall. Both are interesting and generate a CELEBRATING THE MEMORY OF better understanding of the City and its history. Many of you will have known Karl-Ludwig Rehse After discussions (in a new committee) as to and will be saddened to whether the Society should help more with the hear of his passing whilst running of Company. There are various skill on a cruise in Greece. sets that could be useful to the Company and Karl was an active member of the there are always opportunities to volunteer. Company and the Bishopsgate Ward What we must do is to provide an all-inclusive Club and will be fondly remembered, not programme to encourage Liveryman to attend least by the HM The Queen for whom he was her was her tailor since 1988. and fully participate both in the social and 10 | The Cooper | Summer/ Autumn 2019
Š FOTOAGENTUR-RUHR
The Livery is not all about the social events and there are also other areas where there are opportunities to help, for instance there is an annual trip to Southend with our grantees. This is a day that they thoroughly enjoy and for which prospective volunteers are encouraged to contact Mark, our Assistant Clerk, for more information.
COMPANY HISTORY THE CLERK by Honorary Curator Liveryman Don Lyons This issue contains a well deserved tribute from Pastmaster John Newton himself our Assistant Clerk from 1977 and our Clerk from 1981 to 2001, to his successor, Lt. Col. Adrian Carroll. He notes that it is upon the Clerk ‘that the whole administration and welfare of the Company depends’.
Merryfield’s book, ‘Love as Brethren’ gives an excellent insight to the tribulations suffered by Brown during his on/off periods of service as our Clerk).
The appointment of Clerk has sometimes been afforded to two members of the same family in succession, but it is notable that no less than Having sat in the Clerk’s office from four members of the Boyer family time to time over the last four years, I have served as Clerk from 20th October witnessed just how much the administration 1840 until 21st November 1927. The involves, including acting as concierge, a appointment in 1840 coincided with the helpdesk, a day-to-day (and night) representative separation of duties between ‘Clerk’ and of the Company, a public speaker, an organiser ‘Solicitor’ for a time and a fifth member of the of committee meetings, lunches, dinners, Boyer family, Richard served as Solicitor from banquets... I could go on, but ‘diplomat’, 1874 until his death in 1877. ‘leader’, ‘advisor’ and ‘eminence gris’ all figure in The role of Clerk has evolved throughout our the description of the role that the Clerk must history and at one time during the 20th Century play. was a part-time role with the daily routine Our records indicate that at least thirty one accomplished by the Assistant Clerk. However, Clerks have served since Thomas Ripton was John Newton’s appointment as a full-time Clerk, appointed in 1550 and most have served the the first in over fifty years, augured a period of Company well, although modernisation and a Henry Forster was revolution in dismissed in 1586 and communication and Peter Stepkin, who was increasing regulatory appointed on 24th July requirements that make 1677, left ‘clandestinely’ today’s Clerk’s office a in 1681. Stepkin had very busy place. served as assistant to The Clerk’s badge shown Joseph Brown since above was presented by 1677 at a time when Edward Cyril Curtis religion and politics (Master 1966) and fittingly prompted direct honours those who have Government (Crown) worn it on the ceremonial intervention in the Court occasions that now form and Company yet another part of the appointments. (Pamela Pastmaster Major Johnny Reed MBE, Reg Watson, Clerk’s role. Pastmaster John Newton, Pastmaster John Clark
ADRIAN CARROLL CLERK 2001-2019 Pastmaster and former Clerk Liveryman John Newton, is one of our most experienced members and is best positioned to tell us more about our beloved Clerk Adrian. It doesn’t seem that long ago that, after one of the last candidates left the Courtroom having been interviewed for the office of Clerk to the Company, members of the selection sub-committee turned to each other, and with smiles all around, agreed “we’ve found our man!” That man was, of course, Adrian Carroll, who retired at the end of June after 18 years of outstanding service. Masters come and Masters go but the Clerk goes on forever (at least until retirement) and it is upon the Clerk that the whole administration and welfare of the Company depends. In Adrian’s 18 years we have been very well served.
sheer force of his personality, brought the Company through. He introduced many initiatives while ensuring that the Company’s Development Plan was pursued and strengthened the Company's friendship with the Glasgow Coopers. Always keen to bring on new members, he created the everpopular Education Evenings to help them gain a better understanding of our Company. His 54th and final evening took place in March in the presence of some of this year's new
Above: Adrian and the First RTR on Tank Bridge in Soltau, Germany saying farewell to Wolfgang, who had provided the Army with bratties and chips (with "to die for mayonnaise") for decades. His was the last battlegroup training for Canada and it was handed over to the Germans, after they had left.
Lt.-Col. A.G.R. Carroll, ‘Aidi’ to his many friends, took over in December 2001 after a distinguished career in the Royal Tank Right: Adrian on parade at the Regiment. A ‘Tankie’ through and through, he Cenotaph, as the Royal Tank saw service in all parts of the world including Regiment marked the centenary Northern Ireland, Western Germany, Saudi of the Battle of Cambrai in 2017. Arabia, Berlin (where he led his squadron of tanks down the Unter Den Linden) and Hildesheim, also in Germany, where he was Freemen. Commanding Officer of First RTR, and lastly at Adrian also guided the Company through the establishment of its Charitable Incorporated SHAPE in Brussels. Organisation (CIO) which made the He joined the Company at a difficult time as its administration of our various ancient charities finances had been put under strain when a more efficient. His negotiation of a new proposed property development did not catering contract with CH&Co and established achieve the hoped-for results. Because of them as tenants at the Hall which I had a these difficulties, various hard decisions had to direct and positive impact on the Company’s be made and it is fair to say that the Company income. which he joined was not in as happy a state as he might have expected from the time Our links with the Forces have been much when he had been recruited. However, improved under his management, particularly Adrian took all these problems in his stride with HMS President and the creation of new and through hard work, leadership and the affiliations with No. 99 Squadron (RAF) and 12 | The Cooper | Summer/ Autumn 2019
Below top: Three consecutive Company Clerks sharing a joke John Clark (1966-1981), John Newton (1981-2001) and Adrian Carroll (2001-2019) Below bottom: Jann and Adrian at last year's Banquet.
Besides dealing with an increased level of statutory regulations during his time as Clerk, Adrian has introduced a number of initiatives which have raised the profile of the Company within the City so that it is fair to say that ‘we now punch way above our weight’ He was a popular and much respected member of the Clerks’ Association, serving as its Chairman in 2011-2012. Throughout his career he has been supported by his delightful family, particularly Jann, the Colonel’s daughter he married in 1972 and who has had to suffer more than most the demands made upon his time by the Company. A devoted grandfather to nine lively grandchildren, what spare time he has is spent with his family, enjoying his hobby of photography, watching rugby and playing, with immense enthusiasm and enjoyment, but varying degrees of success, cricket and golf. A man keen on new gadgets (the next bat, club or camera is going to make all the difference!) he has modernised the IT in the office in which, although it resembles the aftermath of a whirlwind in a confetti factory, he reckons he knows where every important piece of paper has settled! He has also dragged the Company into the social media age with numerous Facebook posts and a very active and popular Twitter feed.
On the social side Adrian expanded the participation of musicians from the School and College at Common Hall and, particularly, the Banquet which is now a sell-out every year and at which the musical entertainment has come to resemble that at the Last Night of the Proms! The Livery Reception for the newly elected Master now immediately follows the Installation Service and these functions are held in the Tower of London through the good offices of the then-Beadle and Chief Yeoman Warder, Alan Kingshott, one of a number of loyal and willing ‘little helpers’ that for some reason Adrian calls his ‘O’ team.
It is obvious the original selection committee made the right decision as he has guided the Company with distinction and wisdom throughout the past eighteen years. He is held in great affection by the Court and the Livery as a whole, all of whom thank him and wish him a long, healthy and very happy retirement. John Newton Clerk 1981-2001 Master 2004 13 | The Cooper | Summer/ Autumn 2019
A NEW CHAPTER
in personnel issues for all 3 services.
When I met my wife Daniela (pictured below with me), I decided to take early retirement from the Royal Navy in 2007 to follow a more settled With the Company's new Clerk now in place, it's time to find out career as a Bursar running the substantial why Stephen is the man for the job business operations of several top-rated independent schools. During this time, I also worked as the Director of Finance and The 20th May 2019 marked an important Administration for the Clothworkers’ Company – moment in the history of the Company's a role which served to reinforce my desire to Clerks as Adrian Carroll handed me the work as a Livery Company Clerk. reins. Having achieved success in the UK Songwriting I was selected for the role after a long and Competition in 2013, I continue to be an active thorough process and was sworn in as Clerk on songwriter in my spare time and currently 18th June. The Company has been forthcoming collaborate with, and learn from, more in welcoming me and I believe that my talents established writers. I am also active in my local and experience will serve us all very well in the arts centre (Cranleigh, Surrey), enjoy walking in future. the Surrey Hills, continue to learn new Having graduated from Reading University with a languages (currently Spanish) and love travelling BA(Hons) in Modern History and Politics, I to far-flung corners of the planet with Daniela. served for 28 years as a logistics specialist in We have four children, all of whom pursue a the Royal Navy in the rank of Commander and number of varied and exciting careers in different was involved in many operational theatres parts of the country. including The Falkland Islands Conflict in 1982, various Middle East operations in the 1990’s Daniela, is a native Roman and a keen and the liberation of Freetown, Sierra Leone in photographer who produces photos for Getty 2001. I was the Head of Logistics in HM Ships Images. A gifted linguist, she is looking forward Cumberland and Marlborough and was the to supporting me in my new role and is keen to Commander Logistics in HMS Ocean (the get involved in the life of the Company in as Navy’s largest warship at that time) where I many ways as possible. controlled the amphibious support effort for 3,500 personnel in eight vessels during an operationally intensive period. CDR. STEPHEN WHITE BA (HONS) MIL RN
During my naval career, I sub-specialised in languages and qualified as a Chinese (Mandarin) military interpreter and used this skill operationally and in support of various delegations both abroad and in the UK. Towards the end of my career, I was a military logistic representative for the UK in Brussels at both NATO HQ and the EU and also in Addis Ababa at the African Union. I ran the RN’s logistic training school at HMS Raleigh and served in the Ministry of Defence as the Military Assistant to a 3-star General where I controlled the work of a directorate staff of 220 specialising 14 | The Cooper | Summer/ Autumn 2019
We are both looking forward to making a positive contribution to the ongoing work of the Coopers’ Company and meeting as many members as possible in the near future.
LOVE AS BRETHREN
subjects ranging from biochemistry to medieval languages to maths. The excellent FREEMAN AND HEADMISTRESS SUE HAY progress made by our GCSE and A Level Sue Hay brings our readers up to students in 2018 was achieved by date with the progress the school is approximately only 17% of schools in England.
making under her guidance.
Our Duke of Edinburgh provision is superb, with three students having achieved their Gold It is an absolute pleasure to have been Award this year, bringing our total to six. asked to pen a few words for ‘The Cooper Eleven students start Gold every year, and we Magazine’ to introduce myself and to are looking to increase this number. In 2018 highlight just some of the amazing we were recognised, for the second time, as achievements of the fantastic the top state school for school I am honoured to lead. sport in the country, and in May this year a group of I have worked at The Coopers’ our students are Company and Coborn School representing England at since September 2013, first as the World Schools Deputy Headteacher, then Acting Athletics Championships Headteacher throughout 2018 in Croatia. Music provision and finally, from March in the school continues to 2019, as substantive be impressive and many Headteacher. The of you will have heard our school embodies musicians perform at everything I believe to various Livery functions, be important about including the Annual education; a focus on Livery Banquet. academic excellence, a belief in the need to The school is truly exceptional, and this is not develop well-rounded individuals via a robust achieved by chance but by the hard work and and comprehensive programme of extradetermination of the staff, students and curricular activities and perhaps most parents, which operates alongside the importantly of all, the development of strong beneficence and support of The Worshipful moral character, as encapsulated by the motto Company of Coopers. I am proud to be a both the school and the Company share – Freeman and of our historical links to both the ‘Love As Brethren’. Company and the City of London, as well as I have an unwavering ambition that the school will be formally recognised as outstanding in all we do. The students of the school are, quite simply, a joy to work with. It would be impossible for me to describe all of our successes in a short article, so I have chosen to focus on just a small selection. In our current Year 13 cohort there are ten students with offers from Oxford or Cambridge, in
the extra dimension and opportunities this affords our students. I have huge ambitions for the school ambitions which are shared by all stakeholders in the school. We are embarking on a journey towards "outstanding" and I hope to be able to share key milestones on this journey with you all. 15 | The Cooper | Summer/ Autumn 2019
BACKING THE FUTURE
the UK's coopers (38% of apprentices) are involved with the mechanical process of coopering which would indicate that they will need to be keep an open mind as to what will now be needed of them in the workplace.
Top Right: Midleton distillery has appointed Killian O’Mahony as their first cooper in 40 years after completing his apprenticeship under Master Cooper Ger Buckley. Right: Apprentice cooper Dylan Scrancher (pictured making a hogshead) is the first apprentice to graduate in 30 years at brewers Samuel Smiths. Dylan passed his four year apprenticeship in September 2018 and was "trussed in" in February this year.
16 | The Cooper | Summer/ Autumn 2019
DIAGEO
MA
ZINE GA
John Gaffney retires this year from the National Cooperage Federation after 25 years as Secretary and Treasurer. The National Cooperage Federation which monitors the progress of apprentices through their four years and offers help and advice when it's required. R
E ID YS
A four-year apprenticeship is a tall order for most, but particularly as a cooper. It is a physically and mentally demanding job and one that must meld into your bones given the time it takes to train and given how many continue with It makes commercial sense their craft post-retirement. for a cooperage to take Liveryman and cooper advantage of technological Graham Law (pictured with advancements to take on Liveryman and Master much of the heavy lifting Cooper Alastair Simms and that would otherwise be Freeman Marcus Hodgson) left to the cooper still provides the Company especially if you have with casks since his targets to meet and retirement. His works have budgets to manage. When been gifted to many of our it comes to the honoured guests including refurbishment and charring the Lord Mayors at our of the 100,000 oak barrels Annual Livery Banquets. that they process each So it would come as no year, the automated surprise that many young technology used at the people could be Speyside cooperages intimidated at the prospect (Speyside and Alloa) in of a career perhaps totally Scotland assists in different to most of the improving production and other choices on offer health and safety levels. when considering their lives beyond their education; This year the National being a cooper is not a 9-5 Cooperage Federation (NCF) reported that 27% of trade.
T
Industries such as digital technology, science, and engineering have advanced dramatically within a comparatively short timeframe whilst the techniques and skills of coopering have remained much the same.
CO UN
With over 2,000 years of history and tradition the art of coopering is redefining its identity in a modern world and we have the means to help support it.
CATHAL NOONAN
LIVERYMAN SUSANNE HAYNES
John has always ensured a close connection with the Company and the NCF and we thank him for his support.
experienced craftsperson can offer a cooperage that in turn influences the customer's spending power. In this year's January's Education Evening, Liveryman and English Master Cooper Alastair Simms from Yorkshire Cooperage Services captured our guests' imaginations when he spoke of walking through an oak forest judging the suitability of the wood to create a desired flavour for a client. For example, American oak tends to be more intensely flavoured than those from France, given it has two to four times as much lactones and delivers sweeter vanilla overtones. Oak is ideal for coopering since it has a much tighter cell structure allowing a cask to hold up over time without leakage. It also provides the perfect environment for the liquid to meld with the wood and is especially useful for spirits that need time to mature. Equally as important are the small amounts of oxygen that permeates the structure of the cask which aids in the maturation process.
Top Left: Angela Cochrane & Kirsty Olychick join 13 other apprentices at Diageo's Cambus Cooperage Above: Coopers Graham Law and Alastair Simms pose with Freeman Marcus Hodgson. Right: Young Freeman and apprentice cooper Euan Findlay who has served under Liveryman and cooper Jonathan Manby receives his indentures from HRH The Earl of Wessex at Trades House Glasgow.
In the near future, efficiencies in the workplace offered by technology should allow the cooper to concentrate on developing the skills and experience that sets the human apart from the machine. The ability to read the wood and use their knowledge to impart unique flavours and colour is something learned through the senses. It would be short-sighted to dismiss the commercial value that the skills and abilities an
The ideal oak tree for producing barrels are often 100-200 years old which is harder for the English oak to achieve since it is increasingly ravaged by pests such as the oak processionary moth, sudden oak death and bleeding canker. Over time a cooper will learn not just how to use their tools effectively but also understand how important this natural resource is long before, and after, they have finished working with it. This year, four apprentices passed their trade tests including cooper Euan Findlay of the Theakston Brewing Company and cooper Dylan Scrancher of Samuel Smith's Brewery who were given their trade tools by then-Master Vivian Bairstow in 2015. Euan's graduation also means that we look forward to congratulating Liveryman Jonathan Manby when he becomes a Master Cooper this year. Whilst it is a far cry from the 1990s when just over 600 coopers were in work, things are looking up with 221 employed coopers and apprentices recorded for 2018 by the NCF. 17 | The Cooper | Summer/ Autumn 2019
The Company is in the process of re-energising our Development Plan which covers much of how we can remain a relevant and effective resource to our members and the trade. There is no doubt that our focus on education has us thinking strategically about how we can generate better awareness of the trade within schools, colleges and other places of education & training. The challenges that an apprentice cooper experiences means that many will fall by the wayside and instead opt for something that delivers quicker gains. However, the more we have starting, the greater the chance we have of getting more of the right people to continue where thousands have gone before them. Back in March, Diageo announced that two female employees were to embark on a four year apprenticeship at their Cambus Cooperage under the guidance of third generation cooper John Carberry (pictured above). Apprentices Angela Cochran and Kirsty Olychick sought out the roles and are already realising the enormity and opportunity a career in coopering offers. Speaking about the job Angela said "It's a lot more complex than I thought it would be and I'm knackered when I get in at night but everything from
handling the barrels to swinging the hammer is already starting to feel a lot more natural." It is hoped that this good news inspires others considering their career now and perhaps we'll see more apprentices in the next few years as a result. Having met a number of coopers since joining the Company, it is hard for me to ignore anything labelled 'cask-aged' without wanting to help and buy more in an effort to drive demand. As a consumer, if I want the trade to continue to exist in a way that employs and nurtures the talents of a cooper, I need to choose goods and services that justify their existence. It's not just because of my connections with Coopers' but because the resulting flavours imparted by wood selected and crafted by a cooper are magical. The craft might not be what it once was but with help we can help secure a better future for our most talented coopers. The next time you are shopping, consider buying something that's been cask-aged; be it whisky, wine, beer, gin, cider, whiskey, tequila, sherry, balsamic vinegar, tabasco sauce, or even coffee and now chocolate; your taste buds will thank you for it.
As an aside, the English Oak is not as tough as its American and Austrian cousins which could soon be introduced into Britain to replace our two natives (English 'Quercus Robar' and Cornish 'Q. Patraea) which are increasingly being ravaged by pests. One problem with replacing them with non-native oaks is that foreign varieties of oak do not support many of the 2,300 species that depend on this native and most symbolic tree. This includes 18,000 types of fungi that live in their roots and 40,000 bacteria. This symbolic oak tree is a 'key component of the woodland ecosystem in the UK and so its decline would have a much wider impact on other species, like fungi, insects and even humans' says Professor Rob Jackson, a biological scientist at the University of Reading. Launched in 2018 by Biosecurity Minister Lord Gardiner at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Woodland Heritage's Action Oak campaign seeks to raise ÂŁ15 million for research and monitoring to help safeguard the 121 million oaks in UK woodlands. You can find out more about this at: www.actionoak.org 18 | The Cooper | Summer/ Autumn 2019
EVENTS
2
1
3
4
5 6
7 1. Installation Reception & Dinner 2. Installation Service 3. United Guilds Service 4. Coopers of London vs. Coopers of Glasgow golf match 5. Royal Bath and West Show
9
8
6. Glasgow Coopers celebrate their 450th Anniversary at Trades House in the presence of HRH The Earl of Wessex 7. Coopers Liveryman Jonathan Manby and Freeman Euan Findlay at the Glasgow Trades House pose with Lord Provost Eva Bolander 8. Court Lunch for Lady Mayoress at Coopers' Hall 9. The first of the History Talks events run by Honorary Curator Don Lyons and presented by Liveryman Ruth Butler with the assistance of Liveryman Karen Pack. 19 | The Cooper | Summer/ Autumn 2019
Celebrating the memory of Alan Roger Hall – 1929-2019 Described as a “larger than life character” in an article for the Cooper in 2011, Alan was at least an eigth generation cooper and son of a Company Pastmaster (George Hall 1957). His paternal Great Grandfather, George H. Hall founded the Stratford based Cooperage after that name in the 1860s. When Alan took it over he acquired Ryans Cooperage to became known as Hall & Ryans. An example of their work can be seen on the mantelpiece in the dining room at the Hall. When the need for wooden casks lessened, Alan turned his business skills to other ventures including a transport company, wine and spirit wholesaling, bonded warehouses, a hotel, a pub or two (one in Boston USA) and at one stage he employed around 650 staff. He was also very involved in the development and production of the bag in the box type containers for wines. Alan’s links to the whisky industry continued throughout his adult life outliving many of his contemporaries. Alan was active in the Society becoming President in 1974 and Upper Warden in 1975 and organised the Coopers’ carriage in the Lord Mayor’s Show. Alan and his wife Judi enjoyed taking cruises and living life to the full. They have a great circle of friends which was apparent by the attendance at the funeral which filled the chapel. You can read more about Alan in PM Keith Brown’s article in the Winter 2011 edition of the Cooper. A copy of which is kept by our Honorary Curator at the Hall. Words by Assistant Liveryman Terry Dansey
CAMEL VALLEY LIVERYMAN DIANA PATERSON-FOX
A fellow member spotted a small error in Diana's last article on casks and vineyards so she's back to right a wrong. My apologies to all our Liverymen who live in Cornwall for placing Camel Valley vineyard in Devon in my article on English wine (Winter / Spring Edition) It is, of course, in Cornwall based at Nanstallon, near Bodmin and close to the River Camel, whose mouth opens into Padstow Bay Ex- RAF pilot Bob Lindo and his wife Annie originally planted 8000 vines on their farm in 1989 as an alternative to sheep and cattle and
the rest is history. Their son, Sam, is now the chief winemaker and they have won many national and international wine awards and more recently the Royal Warrant Production is now about 150,000 bottles a year, with fruit sourced from their own 17 acres around the winery and 35 acres under contract in Devon, East Sussex and Essex, this is partly to spread the risk of a truly bad vintage. They currently have six sparkling wines, two still white wines and a sparkling cider available. They are top quality, their sparkling rose I can recommend. As well as two overnight cottages, they run afternoon wine tours, so if you are heading towards Bodmin, Wadebridge, Padstow this summer, a visit is recommended.