THE
COOPER WINTER/ SPRING 2019/2020
The Worshipful Company of Coopers
The seeking of a royal charter was a condition of the will of John Baker who had first paid quarterage in 1469 and served as Junior Warden in 1472. He served as Warden on four more occasions, the last two as Upper Warden, the most senior office of the Fraternity of Coopers, in 1484 and 1485. John Baker signed his will on 13th April, 1490 and it was proved on 6th August 1490. He specified that property should be inherited by his wife Agnes and, upon her death, by two trustees and then by the Coopers’ Fraternity once it was incorporated. The property became the site of the first of three successive Coopers’ Halls until the third was destroyed by enemy action during the Second World War. The Royal Charter of 1501 is not our governing charter (of 1661), but it established the office of ‘Master’ as our most senior and incorporated the Coopers with the legal right of a Company to hold property in perpetuity. The original charter is in the safekeeping of the Guildhall Library.
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The calligraphist, Liveryman Ann Bowen of the Worshipful Company of PainterStainers was recommended by her Company in 2017 and later commissioned to undertake the work by Pastmasters George Prescott (Master 2009) and Bryan Pickering (Master 2012). The Company is much indebted to both Pastmasters who The Cooper | Summer/ Autumn 2019 donated the work on 18th June, 2019.
MASTER'S LETTER WINTER/ SPRING 2020 THIS ISSUE'S CONTRIBUTORS: Mrs Joanna Newcomb pays tribute to her late-husband and his pride at being a long standing member of the Company. Read more on pages 20
Freeman and Head Teacher Sue Hay provides members with an update Coopers' Company and Coborn School. Read more on page 18
Since my election in May, Nicole and I have enjoyed meeting different organisations who are proud of their connections with the Coopers. Indeed, many have approached me during my time as Master to say how appreciative they are of the voluntary work and time donated by our members which goes a long way and often unnoticed. Therefore, I take this moment to repeat something I said in my speech in November's Banquet and that is that 'we are only as strong as our members'. I hope that our work within our charities, trade and especially our membership, continues to blossom as we find new ways to progress.
Perry Bousfield Master 2019-20
The Cooper Issue 37
December 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
The Worshipful Company of Coopers is one of the oldest Livery Companies in London.
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.
The front cover is an image of an art installation made from cask staves. The art of coopering is about knowing what wood to use for each cask and how to construct (and char where appropriate) to get the best flavour combinations for the liquid stored. A cask must be made carefully using staves that join with each other tightly to avoid leaks to help mature the contents for many years. The Editor felt that the staves could be a metaphor for our membership who work together to contribute to the Company.
LOVE AS BRETHREN Mark Russell
Our most recent benefactor of The Coopers' Company is Liveryman Mark Russell. The Company commemorated him and his generous donation with a plaque that can be found above the doorway to the Hall's Courtroom. At our last Court Dinner, members of the Russell family joined us so that the Master and senior members of the Company could thank them personally for their generous support. This plaque bears witness to the strong feeling of gratitude that the Company owes Mark. Son of Barnabas Frank Russell (Master in 1943), Mark was granted his Freedom of the Company and Livery on August 5th 1941 by servitude at the Vintners' Hall. His half-brother, Major John Nigel Russell was admitted to the Livery in 1923 and became Master in 1961. Below is an excerpt from Liveryman Pamela Maryfield's 'Love As Brethren' which gives one example of the notable moments in Company history that the Russell family has been party to. Major Russell's skills as a silversmith resulted in a number of fine pieces of plate for the Company and a tradition of a silver cup for each Past Master.
'Food rationing prevented the revival of Court lunches and in 1946 caused the cancellation of the Livery function which followed Common Hall. The energy and generosity of Barnabas Russell, Master 1943, provided welcome good cheer. In his year as Master, he provided lunch after the Cloker Service and continued to do so for several years. During the war he had also provided the Court room with cigarettes and cigars. An outstanding memorial to his generosity is the Coopers' window in the restored church of St Magnus the Martyr which he gave in thanksgiving for the safe return of his four sons from active service.' MARYFIELD, P., Love As Brethren, London: West Park Press, 2000 Please remember the Worshipful Company of Coopers and its Charities in your Will.
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.
SOCIAL
What's going on...
The Worshipful Company of Coopers 13 Devonshire Square, London, EC2M 4TH
www.coopers-hall.co.uk clerk@coopers-hall.co.uk
@CoopersCompany
1. After 32 years of service to the Metropolitan Police, Freeman Mark Edwards MBE has retired and now works at the Coopers' Company and Coborn School as their Student Conduct Supervisor. In addition, and a first for the Met, he returned back to policing duties as a Special Sergeant outside of the school keeping an eye on the safety of the local Havering community. Seen in the picture with his wife Superintendent Joanna Edwards.
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2. Liveryman Liam Randall (@freemanoflondon) and is fellow Young Freemen took part in this year's Lord Mayor's Show in which he had the task of escorting Gog (nĂŠe Corineus) around the streets of the City of London. This year's event marked the 693nd Lord Mayor who is this year Alderman William Russell who you can follow on Twitter: @citylordmayor. 3. The Society's family lunch that followed the Lord Mayor's Show was a enthusiastic affair as the children battled it out in two teams to see who could raise a cask the fastest. President Syd Coombes proudly reports that whilst it was closely contested, the girls' team won by under two seconds.
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The Coopers Old Boys' Lodge has close links within the Worshipful Company of Coopers' membership. The guiding principles of the Lodge and freemasonry in general, are Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity. Their aim is to help individuals define their path through life: empower them to be their best, and support fellow members whilst making a positive contribution to society. As the name implies, the Lodge was founded by former pupils of the Coopers' Company School, (now Coopers' Company and Coborn School), but whilst a link to the School is required, membership is not exclusive to Old Boys'. This link could be a family connection, a staff member, a Governor or a member of an organisation that has a connection to the School (e.g. The Coopers' Company). We meet four times a year at the Freemasons Hall in Covent Garden. Unlike the Livery, Freemasonry is sadly still a men-only organisation. Please contact the 5 | The Cooper | Winter/ Spring 2020
HONORARY CURATOR Liveryman Don Lyons
Liveryman Don Lyons has been with the Company for nearly 50 years and before that, was a student at the Coopers' School. All this and his role as Honorary Curator warranted asking him a couple of questions to understand why he is a member and what he does down in the Hall cellar.
How long have you been with the Company? I was raised and educated within a mile of The Coopers’ Boys School in what was termed a ‘working class’ area at a time when ‘going to a good school’ was locally considered the key to a good future. In a sense, I have been with the Company since September 1959 when I first donned my school blazer with its Coopers’ badge. However, the Company records will show that I was fortunate in winning the ‘Old Boy’ Essay Prize’ and that led to my being apprenticed for four years to, the then Master, Edward Cyril Curtis in 1966. I was accepted into the Livery on 7th March, 1972.
Why did you join? I joined in ignorance – I have always had an interest in history and was vaguely aware of both the Company’s active participation in Charitable works and its part in City traditions, but my school experience of the Company was limited to seeing the members of the Court on Prize Day. As an apprentice I sent letters about my career progress to the Master, who responded with kind benevolence, but I do not recall
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correspondence from him relating to follow talented predecessors, but our the Company’s business and website quotes: procedures. ‘With the closure of the Museum in December 2016, the Honorary In the first few years of being a Curator is now responsible for the Freeman and a Liveryman, I quickly presentation and upkeep of learnt that the Company offered the treasured artefacts and books opportunity to attend banquets, and I housed here at Coopers' Hall’. began to experience the good fellowship that we can offer – it took What do you do in a day? longer to fully appreciate the charity My routine reporting line is to the work and participation in the City Clerk and his Assistant, traditions and its promotion of the supplemented by a written report to economy. the Hall and Heritage Committee which meets three times a year. What are the strengths of the Their support, and that of the Court, Company? has been most encouraging The Company has many strengths, nothing could have been achieved but I suspect that its greatest is the without it. good fellowship of its members they may have disparate views, but My appointment was for a period we are at our strongest when we can due to end in June 2020, but it is fair communicate them clearly and reach that say that circumstances and any necessary compromise through magnitude of this most enjoyable mutual understanding. task has challenged the first 5 year action plan that I presented to the What exactly is an Honorary Hall and Heritage Committee. I Curator? inherited a fine Museum that was a tribute to my predecessors and The role of the Coopers’ Honorary some good records of our insurable Curator is that of a volunteer from our artefacts, but I had completely membership who is appointed with underestimated the sheer volume, the approval of the Court when a and less than adequate storage vacancy occurs. The role has conditions, of all the unrecorded existed since 1975 when the items stacked in our basements. Company created a small museum. I
The terms of the Hall and Heritage Committee also require me to respond to queries about their ancestors from members of the public and, since that can be done from home in Suffolk, I spend the greater part of a ‘Curator Month’ on the computer, responding to questions from the public and fellow Coopers. I also enter my notes taken during my visits to the Hall, which occur twice monthly and sometimes more often. Most of our records are lodged at Guildhall which usually results in my responding in an advice to the inquirer to go there, but I endeavour to respond promptly with whatever information I have to hand or can research from home. It offers a great opportunity to promote the
feature our artefacts go some way to ‘bringing the Hall to the Company’. The contributions rely on a little personal research and heavily on our printed histories especially on my ’bible’, Love as Brethren, by Liveryman Pamela Maryfield.
A selection of artefacts available for visitors to view.
I set myself the main task of addressing both issues by examining each item or document and by starting a uniform record of the provenance and location of all our artefacts, irrespective of financial value. It will eventually be combined with the records that already existed.
'The company has many strengths, but I suspect that its greatest is the good fellowship of its members.'
Company: it was purchased at the direction of the will of William Chisworth who died in 1661 and he features as one of the named first Court Assistants in our Governing Charter of the same year. What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
I find it impossible to select any one project, but all that have involved Company and Hall facilities to the Do you have a favourite item in research into people and their activities have aroused a certain World at large. the Hall? fascination. Without doubt that must be the My visits to the Hall usually involve working on the ‘Provenance Project’ Commonwealth Tankard (pictured in I make no claim for it being a the image of the cabinet shown ‘project’ of mine, but any and making best efforts to project involvement in the Company’s above). It is one of our oldest the Company with a display of current activities and its preparation artefacts that make it attractive to all artefacts and, although it lacks the visitors and prospective hirers of the beauty of many other items, I find it for the future is of especial interest when it influences what I and future facilities we offer. I am very much has a pleasing simple solidity in aware that there are few appearance. It has great relevance Curators will do. opportunities for most of the Livery to a turning point in English history to visit the Hall and I hope that my (the Restoration) and to our contributions to ‘The Cooper’ that 7 | The Cooper | Winter/ Spring 2020
What are you working on at the moment? The ‘Provenance Project’ and improvement of storage conditions continue to progress and are at the centre of my objectives. They are far from being completed and I am indebted to Freeman Samantha Conlon who has recently helped to restore the momentum.
What are the overwhelming trends you have perceived throughout the ages? I leave it to ‘Love as Brethren’ to cover all the ages and confine my response to the age of my fifty years of association with the Company.
At the beginning I was a young man of the 1960’s meeting with men who, for the most part, had been brought I was delighted to have discovered up by Victorians in relatively that a Liveryman, Nicola Fyfe is comfortable circumstances and with professionally qualified and the principles of their era. The experienced in the work of a curator. Company office was almost Nicola has now been appointed Dickensian in appearance, gloomy Assistant Curator and has willingly and staffed by one man who was shared her knowledge and both Beadle and Assistant Clerk undertaken two of the projects in my dealing with day to day first 5 Year Plan: the computer record administration. If I recall correctly, the of our paintings and illustrations is Company was managing its charities, complete and her attention is now but had largely reverted to being a turned a project to make and check a gentleman’s dining club with few and computer record that I started in dwindling connections with the craft 2016 with Ethan Gorsuch-Browne. of coopering, that was clearly nearing extinction. There was little I shall mention two other projects that communication from the Court or I am enthusiastic about: the first is to Society and there seemed a general make a ‘mini C.V.’ of each of our attitude of laissez faire. Pastmasters so that they can be stored for posterity in a uniform format The overall trend has been to and be more than a ‘one liner’ in the advance, in some instances all too records. The second is to resume slowly, with the times: the Clerk’s arranging what was meant to be a office is now full of IT equipment and series of talks at the Hall by fellow communication devices that are members on subjects related to the essential to modern effective Company or historic events. (I hope administration, the Office Team now that it will provide a motive and consists of two very busy full time opportunity for members to meet in members who no longer have the relaxed surroundings and experience luxury of needing only to respond to the Hall at one of our less expensive letters and the occasional phone call. events). They experience constant interruptions from all directions whilst There are a number of other projects coping with administration of in the pipeline, but I would like to increasing complexity. publicise them once I have had an opportunity to review them with Nicola Two welcome trends have been the and plan for the future. overdue involvement and acceptance of women into the Livery and a greater outreaching to the trade. The first has made a wealth of experience and expertise available and the second has rekindled a link to our origins that we actively help to revive. 8 | The Cooper | Winter/ Spring 2020
In step with improved methods of communication there has been a welcome trend to give a better feeling of belonging and a general willingness to communicate within the Company – ‘The Cooper’, our website, Twitter and the Clerk’s and the Society President’s newsletters all afford a means that I hope will be exploited to the full as we move into the future. I am not well versed in the Company’s finances, but I hope that the generous bequest of the late Liveryman Mark Russell is a continuing ‘trend’ as it, together with the donations of individuals and the tradition of the Pastmasters making a gift to the Company, are essential factors in securing our future. My generation was not encouraged to question or challenge, but I perceive a trend to do so that benefits the Company. When heard and not just dismissed on the grounds of tradition it must surely be to the good. Good traditions are worth preserving so long as they remain practical. Although responsibility remains with potential Freemen’s sponsors, there has been a significant trend in improving knowledge of what the Company is all about, as evidenced by the Education Evenings. The unquestioning naivety of my generation is long gone, but I hope that apprentices are also better versed. The same hope applies to Wardens. In conclusion, I would like to say that Nicola and I will continue with the work of our predecessors, with the aim of preserving our artefacts for the pleasure of the present and future members.
Once again the Society, in its role of representing the members of the Livery on the Court, voted and subsequently appointed the President, Syd Coombes, and Immediate Past President, Felipe Gorsuch-Browne, as Under and Upper Warden respectively. Exercising the right to attend the Court and represent the Livery brings with it numerous responsibilities with both attending Court meetings and various Committees. In addition, they represent both the Society and Company on more than 30 occasions and meetings over the course of the year, and both Syd and Felipe are relishing their roles. A more recent role of the Society is that of supplementing the Company’s social calendar with a broad range of events. This year they have so far included 33 Society members attending Beating the Retreat; members representing the Company in the Inter Livery Croquet; winning the Inter-Livery competition arranged by 3rd Battalion Princess of Wales Regiment’s; and the organisation of a City Walk which was well attended also. In September, the Society hosted their Guests’ Meal in the beautifully refurbished Butchers' Hall with over 100 people in attendance and in November they hosted a Family Lunch at Coopers' Hall following another successful Lord Mayor's Show.
FORTHCOMING DATES for 2020 A private tour of the Royal Albert Hall 25th February President's Dinner - 19th March Society AGM - 31st March
The President is traditionally nominated as Under Warden and with his committee runs a social programme supporting the Court activities and ensuring that new Freemen and Liverymen can become involved quickly. He also plays a valuable role in keeping the Court aware of what new and rank and file liverymen feel about the Company.
Liverymen and Freemen are invited to join the Society of the Livery of the Coopers' Company once they are admitted to the Livery; if they wish to qualify for service as Under and Upper Wardens they must in practice be members. There is an annual subscription. A The annual events programme revolves around two dinners at other Livery Halls. Over the last 10 proposer and seconder are years there have also been musical evenings, City required by the Committee. walks and treasure hunts, traditional rowing, a Please contact the Clerk for College of Arms visit, and going behind the further information. scenes at Windsor Castle. Right: This year's Society President Mr Syd Coombes.
LookING Ahead The Clerk's office regularly shares with the Company the vast array of events that take place throughout the year. The Coopers' key events include Common Hall, our Installation Service & Reception, the Henry Cloker Thanksgiving Service, the Annual Livery Banquet and our Education Evenings, but our relationships within the pan-Livery network and our affiliations means that there is so much more for members to be a part of. There is much that our Liverymen and Freemen can participate in that will provide a most rewarding experience that helps everyone involved. Whilst some will be subject to changes, this comprehensive list should hopefully have a handful of events that you, your family and friends can get involved with. Pictured: The then Lord Mayor Peter Estlin toasts the then Master Anthony Behrens with a tot of rum to start his Lord Mayor's Show in 2018. Cask featured (bottom left of picture) by Liveryman Graham Law 6 | The Cooper | Summer/ Autumn 2019
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
New Year's Day Parade
Candlemas
London’s New Year’s Day Livery Showcase Event Parade 2020, themed London Inter Livery Pancake Races Loves Life, features 8,000 performers with entries from numerous London boroughs from across the Capital – historic vehicles, 20 US marching bands and more than 1,000 cheerleaders. lnydp.com
Lord Mayor's Children's Party (below)
The highlight of the Society's year. Society members only.
APRIL Lord Mayor's Big Curry Lunch
MARCH
2020 marks the 13th annual Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch held at the historic Guildhall in the heart of the City of London. The Lunch demonstrates the City’s support for members of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces and veterans through the three National Service Charities; ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. soldierscharity.org/events/the-lordmayors-big-curry-lunch
Inter Livery Bridge Competition
London Marathon
City New Year Service For over half a century, this service has been the prime fixture for senior figures in civic and business spheres to meet with one another, to renew institutional links and to welcome the challenges and events of the coming year.
Society President Dinner
Education Evening Bishopsgate Ward Club Civic Lunch bishopsgatewardclub.org.uk
Spital Sermon Modern Companies' Dinner
Livery Guest Dinner
This event provides Liverymen and The master and senior warden of Freemen the opportunity to attend a dinner at the Hall and to invite a each of the Modern Companies dine together twice a year, usually guest (partners are sadly not Inter Livery Ski on the second Monday in March permitted), as well. Competition and September. Clerks do not The opportunity has been widened attend, other than that of the host Founded in 2010, the Inter Livery to allow new freemen to apply for organising company. Ski Championships provide the dinner along with their proposers perfect opportunity for liverymen Lord Mayor's Banquet for and it is hoped we will have a full and women, not always able to Masters and Prime Wardens table for this black tie occasion. be involved in their company's For those who have never dined at affairs, to represent their own United Guilds' Service Coopers’ Hall it is an opportunity company in a unique event held Liverymen and Freemen are that is unique and highly not only outside the Square Mile welcome to attend the United recommended. but even outside their own Guilds Service starting at 11:15 country liveryskiing.com am on a Friday in March. We Court Education Evenings always have an allocation of Lunch with tickets so please apply to the Our Educational Evenings are a the Lady Clerk – tickets are free. series of three events aimed at Mayoress those coming into the Company Education Evening (right) as freemen, or those who might The Incorporation of be interested in joining in the Coopers of Glasgow future. Each evening covers a different aspect of the Company. Dinner Dance Weekend. 11 | The Cooper | Winter/ Spring 2020
MAY Court Consorts' Dinner
Visit to Cutlers' of Hallamshire Sheffield Common Hall (image below)
Festival of the Sons of the Clergy This Festival Service dates back to 1655 when a group of sons of clergymen gathered for a service in St Paul’s Cathedral and a collection was taken for destitute clergy and their families. It is an opportunity to give thanks to God for the work of the charity, which is to provide assistance to Anglican clergy and their families in times of need. The Festival Service provides an occasion for bringing together representatives from the Church, City, commerce, public life and our supporters.
Inter Livery Sports (Clay Shoot, Golf, Regatta) City Briefing These are aimed particularly at new Liverymen and Freemen; partners are also welcome, as are Court Assistants and Liverymen of longer standing, who have not previously been to a Briefing, who are also encouraged to attend. They give a short introduction to the work of the Corporation, especially the relationship with the livery companies. The presentation is given by an Assistant Town Clerk and a member of the Livery Committee. There is opportunity to ask questions of the speakers and the Briefing is followed by a light finger buffet, which provides the chance to mix with other Liverymen and Freemen..liverycommitteecourses. org/city-briefings.php
During the ceremony a single red rose is snipped from the garden in Seething Lane, placed on an altar cushion from All Hallows-by-theTower and carried in procession to the Mansion House where it is presented to the Lord Mayor of London.
Election of Sheriffs
JUNE
All Liverymen are eligible to attend Common Hall at Guildhall on Midsummer Day. It is helpful (though not essential - an electoral register is held at the door) to the admission process if you have an entry pass, and these are available on request from the Clerk (no charge). This is always a very popular event, and you should arrive early to secure a seat.
Coopers' Golf Match in Scotland
JULY
Royal Bath & West Show
Ironbridge Livery Weekend Installation Service and Reception This is one of the highlights of the Company calendar and the Service at this historic church is a privilege that is not available to all. The Reception is primarily for the Master to say farewell to their year of office and for the Livery to say farewell to them.
Installation Court & Lunch Founders' Day Service Inter Livery Rifle Shooting, Croquet Great XII Sailing Challenge
City Beerfest This has become an established City tradition championed by the Lord Mayor’s Appeal addressing social issues and delivering ground breaking programmes that change, and save, people’s lives.
Jailed & Bailed Masters and Aldermen are charged by the Old Bailey and incarcerated in the Tower of London and released after raising money for the Red Cross. (image below)
Knollys Rose Ceremony The Knollys Rose Ceremony is an annual event performed by the Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames. Swan Upping The ceremony of dates back to 1381 and is held each year in June.
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AUGUST
Admission of Sheriffs
Quit Rents Ceremony
Summer Music Festival
The two sheriffs elect are admitted to office on Michaelmas Eve in a short ceremony at Guildhall. There follows a lunch for invited guests, known as the Sheriffs’ Breakfast.
The Ceremony of Quit Rents is the oldest legal ceremony in England dating back to 1211. The City of London pays rent to the Crown for two pieces of land, even though it no longer knows the exact locations.
Coopers' vs. Distillers' Golf Match SEPTEMBER Strode's College Speech Day Southend Visit
Election of Lord Mayor
Eligibility for election requires Company Golf Day candidates to be an Alderman, and Court Consorts' Lunch (below) to have served the office of the sheriff. Typically there will be just three or four qualified, and all Liverymen (who have been so since May the previous year) are eligible to vote for two of them, at Common Hall in Guildhall on Michaelmas Day.
Mithras Lecture Inter Livery Real Tennis Tournament n
NOVEMBER Garden of Remembrance Silent Ceremony
The Lord Mayor is elected at Common Hall each year on Michaelmas, and takes office on The Court of Aldermen then decide the Friday before the second Saturday in November, at The which of the two will be the next Silent Ceremony. Lord Mayor, to take office the following November. Lord Mayor's Show
City Giving Day
The Lord Mayor's Show is held on Launched in 2014, City Giving Day the day after taking office; the Lord Mayor, preceded by a procession, Doggetts Coat & Badge Race is a unique annual event that unites businesses in the City and beyond travels to the Royal Courts of Inter Livery Tennis through their charity and community Justice at the Strand to swear allegiance to the sovereign before partnerships. Walk of All Livery Halls for the Justices of the High Court
Masters
Modern Companies Dinner
OCTOBER
Open House London Weekend
Henry Cloker Thanksgiving Service & Reception
Lord Mayor's Charity Golf Day Sheriffs' Ball Sheep Drive (below)
This Service of Commemoration of Henry Cloker has expanded to include Thanksgiving for the lives of the other Benefactors of the Company. It is held each year at the Church of St. Boltoph Without Bishopsgate near Coopers' Hall.
Enham - El Alamein Service Children's Magical Taxi Tour
Musicians' Company Evensong
Lord Mayor's Annual Banquet Annual Livery Banquet The Annual Banquet is a highlight of the Company’s calendar and It is a special privilege to be one of the few Livery Companies to continue to hold their Annual Banquet at Mansion House. The Coopers are honoured and proud to be the first company to dine at Mansion House following the Lord Mayor's accession.
DECEMBER Coopers' Company & Coborn School Prize Giving Day St. Botolph's Carol Service 13 | The Cooper | Winter/ Spring 2020
THE ANNUAL LIVERY BANQUET 2019 The Master's Speeches
I am delighted to welcome you all to dinner in this magnificent Egyptian Hall at Mansion House. In particular, I would like to welcome The Representative Lord Mayor, Sir Charles Bowman and Lady Bowman back to your old home, which no doubt holds many happy memories. Thank you so much for standing in for the new Lord Mayor, Alderman William Russell and his wife Hilary, who are attending an official dinner at the Guildhall. I suspect that they might prefer to be here, enjoying an intimate supper with a few friends in their own dining room!
his wife Elisabeth, and Sheriff Christopher Hayward and his wife Alexandra. Besides providing tremendous support to the Lord Mayor during his year, the Sheriffs are well-known for sharing the responsibility of the smooth running of the Old Bailey and for the provision of facilities there for the judges. Welcome to our Banquet!
The Coopers’ Company enjoys three Service affiliations of which we are very proud; HMS President, London Division Royal Naval Reserves, is involved in most aspects of Naval life, this stone Alderman Charles Bowman, took office in November frigate is integral to the workings of the Navy in 2017 and was the 690th Lord Mayor of the City of London. London. The Surrey Army Cadet Force, which trains the youth He was educated at Uppingham School, where he is of Surrey, is a voluntary body operating out of a member of the School’s Foundation Board, trained Guildford. as an architect and then as a chartered accountant, Last, but by no means least, 99 Squadron, based at becoming a senior partner in PWC. Brize Norton, operates C17 Globemasters. Their In 2013, he was elected Alderman of the Ward of commitment to providing heavy lift for the services Lime Street, becoming the Aldermanic Sheriff in worldwide was shown by their support to operations September 2015, serving on a number of in the Middle East and other trouble spots. committees of the City of London Corporation. All three services play their part in the fabric of our Sir Charles is a keen supporter of the Livery country’s defence and also provide much needed movement. He is on the Court of the Worshipful disaster relief and provide aid overseas wherever Company of Grocers, and is a liveryman of the required. Chartered Accountants. The Coopers amongst you We are pleased to welcome representatives from the will know that the Grocers were major benefactors of Royal Navy and RAF tonight: Commander Richmal our Company. Henry Cloker, a Grocer, whose Father Harding, CO of HMS President, joined the RNR in was a Cooper, left the Company some land in his will 1992, and HMS President in 2011; she was in the sixteenth century. To this day, we hold a appointed Executive Officer in 2014 and thanksgiving service attended by the Master Grocer, Commanding Officer in 2017. during which we hand over two guineas to the Master Grocer instead of the deeds to Henry Cloker’s property. Samantha, Sir Charles’ wife, is a vet and also a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Woolmen. During Sir Charles’ Mayoral year, both exercised their ancient right to drive sheep over London Bridge. Sir Charles and Samantha have two daughters, and a menagerie including a small flock of sheep. Samantha also swam 7 miles to raise money, in the City Dip, for the Lord Mayors Appeal 2018. Sir Charles is accompanied by the Shrieval Party. Alderman and Sheriff, Professor Michael Mainelli and
Wing Commander Kevin Latchman is the current OC of 99pan-livery Squadron; it’s his second tour with the Squadron the first as a pilot in 2007… you are both very welcome! We are also joined by Commodore David Elford. Having joined the Royal Navy in 1981, he was appointed Naval Regional Commander for Eastern England in 2016 and in November 2017 he became Aide-de-Camp to the Queen and received an OBE in the 2018 New Years’ Honours List.
clear; first, the use of metal kegs, which are cheaper to make and easier to use, has seen off the widespread use of wooden casks, and second, there are difficulties recruiting apprentices for such a long, physically demanding 4-year apprenticeship - especially when, at the end of the apprenticeship, there are limited job opportunities. We believe though that there are now new opportunities
The Coopers have strong links with our educational establishments and helped create what is now Strode’s College in Egham over 300 years ago and Coopers Company & Coborn School 480 years ago. The School and College are a vital part of the Company’s history and the students are a credit to our Company through their ambitious academic, music and sporting achievements. We are delighted that Sue Hay the Head teacher from the School is here tonight. We enjoy a strong relationship with the Glasgow Coopers and this will be further strengthened next year when our Renter Warden, Bill Scott, who has served as Deacon of the Incorporation of Coopers in Glasgow, follows me as Master of the Worshipful Company of Coopers’ …. subject of course to election! We are pleased to welcome Bruce Reidford who is currently Deacon Convener of the Trades House in Glasgow, the work of which he says: “has been going on since the seventeenth century, and its contribution to the history and well-being of it citizens is, and will continue to be, a fantastic achievement,” Also, welcome to Deacon Alasdair Ronald, who is the current Deacon of the Incorporation of Coopers of Glasgow. He is also Dean of Guild heading up the Merchants House of Glasgow which makes him, in civic terms, the second citizen of that City. All members of the Coopers’ Company here tonight will know that we have a new Clerk, Commander Stephen White, who has been in post since mid-June and has already been involved in the work behind many Company events. Currently Stephen is spending much of his time developing a vital new-look Company Strategic Plan that will focus on the future of the Company out to 25 years and beyond. Worthy of particular mention this evening, are members of the coopering trade. Whilst there are some 200 coopers in Scotland involved in making and repairing casks for the Whisky trade, there is only one independent Master Cooper in England - although there are several employed in the Brewing Industry. The reasons for the decline of this once flourishing trade are 6 | The Cooper | Summer/ Autumn 2019
to strengthen the trade in the UK, particularly because of the growth of the craft beer industry and the increasing importance of the English wine industry which is rapidly evolving across the country. We are actively looking at ways in which we may become involved and help breathe life back into the world of Coopering and raise the profile of our heritage. This will be an ongoing project and will feature in our new Company Strategy - about which I am sure we will have more to report on as time goes by.
An important ingredient in re-building the trade will be to develop relationships with those in related trades. We are therefore delighted to welcome Simon Robinson from Wine GB and his wife Katrina. Simon spent 24 years as a City Solicitor and now lives in Hampshire running Hattingley Valley Wines, which he founded in 2008; it has become a leading producer and exporter for English wines. Simon is Chairman of ‘Wines of Great Britain’, the trade association for UK wine producers.
once a year, the collection that day would go to whichever recipient the congregation wanted. He asked for nominations and received several suggestions such as Save the Children, NSPCC, the Village Hall, the local wives group etc. However, he saw a little girl who still had her hand up and asked her for her suggestion. She said ‘I want it to go to you Vicar’. ‘Good heavens! Why’s that?’ asked the Vicar. ‘Because my Daddy says you are a very poor preacher. SECOND SPEECH I would like to thank you Sir Charles, as Representative Lord Mayor, Lady Bowman, and the Shrieval team for attending our banquet. I hope you’ve enjoyed the evening. A huge thank you and congratulations to students from the Coopers' Company and Coborn School Orchestra and the Militaire Orchestra, who have performed tonight and I know everyone here will join me in asking the Headteacher, Sue Hay, to please convey our hearty thanks to them and Alexi Williams, the Director of Music. A splendid performance. A special thank you to the wonderful caterers, CH & Co for their service, delicious menu and unstinting support to the Coopers Company. I must also thank Stephen White, our gallant Clerk and his team, Assistant Clerk Mark Stein, and Susanne Haynes, for the detailed preparation for tonight’s banquet. Having seen, and been peripherally involved, I now begin to appreciate the logistics involved in being the centre of the hub! A real baptism by fire! The Mansion House staff have again displayed their outstanding service, so thank you to them, and of course the Toastmaster Ted Prior, our three Beadles: Pete McGowran, Steve McMenamy and Scott Kelly - all of whom have been invaluable on the night. Last, but certainly not least, I must thank the Mistress for her unwavering support in the year to date.
Simon has always been keen on barrel fermentation and ageing and, as a result, has a real interest in promoting a domestic Cooperage industry; at present, Hattingley only buys French Oak casks from Burgundy! That underlines the challenge to the trade! Before I finish, a short story:
The company is only as good as its members; their support and enthusiasm is a vital part of the spirit of the company and I thank all of you for coming this evening and for your commitment to this ancient company. Love as Brethren
A Vicar was delivering parish notices at Matins and, after welcoming visitors and publishing banns, he announced as was the usual practice in that church 17 7 | The Cooper | Summer/ Autumn 2019
THE SKY IS THE LIMIT Coopers' Company and Coborn School Update A very proud Sue Hay shares with us examples of the exceptional work and achievements made by the students under her guidance as Headteacher.
What is especially pleasing is the Progress 8 score gained by our disadvantaged students—those who are or have been in care, or who come from challenging socio-economic backgrounds. These students made superb progress. Whilst the national figures for this As we approach the end of October, and the new measure have not yet been published by the school year gets fully under way, it is an opportunity for Department of Education, we anticipate being in a very school to reflect upon the 2018-19 academic year and strong position compared to other schools. to shine a spotlight on some of the superb achievements from the past 12 months. This information is especially pleasing as it shows that the school is continuing in its mission to support and The school focuses on three key pillars: academic provide an excellent education for some of the most excellence, the values of ‘Love as Brethren’ and extravulnerable in society. As I often say to the students— curricular provision. These three pillars are constantly education is the key to the door that sets you free, and referenced with students, staff and parents, as well as we must do everything we can do to ensure all our other key stakeholders such as Governors. Their students gain an outstanding education, so they can go application makes us unique amongst other schools. on and thrive in society. They are our key selling points and function as our DNA. A Level results were also strong, with almost thirty percent of all exam entries achieving an A* or an A In terms of academic excellence, 2018-19 was a grade. Three students were successful applicants to resonant year. Our GCSE students performed Oxford (studying French/Beginners’ Italian, Biochemistry particularly well. Seventy-six percent of the year group and Mathematics) and four to Cambridge (Modern & gained strong passes in both English and maths. Medieval Languages, English, Economics & Law). This Ninety-three percent of students took examinations in has all been possible because of the hard work and EBacc subjects (a particular combination of academic dedication of the staff, the students, and their parents. GCSE subjects—history and languages for example). Academic study at both GCSE and A Level is more Our Progress 8 score (a measure of how much value challenging than ever before, and congratulations are we have added to the students’ education since they due to all students who took their exams in 2019. joined us) was achieved by only around seventeen percent of schools in the country. 18 | The Cooper | Winter/ Spring 2020
However, we are not, and never will be, an exams factory. There is so much more to the school than academic achievements. We are extremely proud of our charitable efforts, and last year we raised over £17.560 and supported such worthy charities as Children in Need, Broomfield Hospital Bereavement Unit, Water Aid, Cancer Research, Children with Cancer, Diabetes UK, British Heart Foundation and Little Havens Hospice. We sent 127 shoeboxes of goodies with £254 for transportation costs to Link to Hope. In addition to this, our 2018-19 Year 11 students raised over £3,000 and bought an electronic Braille machine, and hosted the annual ‘Year 11 Bow Party’ by turning the Dining Room into Santa’s Grotto for visually impaired students at The Joseph Clarke School in Bow. Years 7, 8 and 9 filled 44 Christmas care hampers for the Grantees of The Coopers’ Company, writing individual letters to each recipient who may be elderly, inform, in need of financial assistance or without any family. Every student in the school knows how important it is to be mindful and supportive of other people, in the spirit of ‘Love as Brethren’. Our fundraising this school year has already begun apace with our current Year 11 who are now raising money for this year’s Bow Party. Activities such as these not only display ‘Love as Brethren’ in action, but also keep the school in touch with its roots as a charitable organisation in the East End of London. Extra-curricular provision continued to be a strength of the school throughout the 2018-19 academic year. We continued to achieve many successes in the field of sport (one highlight being when six of our students represented England in the ISF World Athletics Championships in Croatia which placed them 6th in the world) and music (a huge array of events culminating with the Lake Garda Music Tour in Summer 2019). In the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, two Year 13 students passed their Gold DofE Award which is a culmination of eighteen months of hard work and dedication and were presented with their certificates at Buckingham Palace. Eighty-one students successfully completed their assessments and twenty Year 10 students passed their Bronze Award. I hope that this gives you a flavour of the school, and I will endeavour to keep the readership of ‘The Cooper’ well informed regarding the school throughout this
year, so that you too can celebrate the achievements of the school that the Company so generously supports.
Top: Sports Students representing England in Croatia. Above:GCSE students enjoying the results of their efforts. Right: Music Tour to Lake Garda.
Above: Christmas care hampers for the Grantees of the Coopers' Company. Above right: Shoeboxes on their way to Link to Hope. Right: Santa's Grotto for the children of St. Joseph Clarke School in Bow.
Celebrating the memory of Liveryman Charles Buckle Newcomb 1926 - 2018
It is with the utmost sadness that I write belatedly to inform The Worshipful Company of Coopers of the death of one of your most long-standing members, Charles Buckle Newcomb, my husband, who died on 10th December 2018. I see from a document found in his possessions that “Charles Buckle Newcomb, citizen and Cooper” was admitted into the Freedom of the City of London on “the 9th day of December in the 6th Year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and in the Year of our Lord 1957”. Do your records say whether his membership of the Coopers Guild predates this, I wonder?
sorely missed, not least by the ale houses hereabouts as, with frequent thoughts of keeping coopers in employment, he would regularly down a pint or more of the local amber liquid! Among our most special memories, other than the absolute deluge that greeted the Lord Mayor’s Show in the year the Master was appointed to that post, are the splendid occasions of pomp and ceremony that are the Annual Livery Banquet. May I quote from a tribute given at our Thanksgiving for the Life of Charles Buckle Newcomb as we sadly bade him adieu?
Charles refused categorically to allow age to limit him. If anything he took pleasure in Charles was a man of absolute integrity and unusual defying the humility. I believe he strove to live by the ‘Rules for the ticking of the Conduct of Life’ and to ‘Love as Brethren’. I know it clock for as was both honour and pleasure for him to be a long as he Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Coopers over possibly could. One evening which stands out as an those many decades. example of this was when, in his 90th year, he took me and my mother to the Annual Livery Banquet of The With the charming help of the then Clerk, Adrian Carroll, Worshipful Company of Coopers at Mansion House. Charles hosted his 80th birthday party in your delightful premises in Devonshire Square with family and friends Charles looked incredibly dapper in his white tie and and illustrious guests from his past career as Financial tails and, although not hugely interested in the food, he Director of Glaxo Holdings and senior partner of drank enthusiastically from the ceremonial loving cup as Jackson/Clark Pixley. it was passed around the tables. He was proud of his long association with the Coopers, and was particularly Far from ageing or retiring in the expected way, Charles delighted that he was the oldest member of the Guild continued to the very end of his life to help others as there, and was still firing on all cylinders. Trustee, Executor, tax adviser, wise and valued friend, stepfather, grandpops and husband, of course. He is Kindly written by his widow Joanna Newcomb 20 | The Cooper | Winter /Spring 2020