A YEAR OF I N VO LV E M E N T
W O R S H I P F U L C O M PA N Y O F I N N H O L D E R S 2 0 2 0
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MASTERS REPORT
WELCOME FROM THE MASTER
To be elected Master of the Innholders is a great honour and I know a busy year lies ahead. It’s a long route from a northeast England upbringing, to becoming Master of the Innholders. My first ever trip abroad was aged 12 in 1962, followed by an overnight steam train journey to London, then a flight to Tehran, Iran. It was a 13hour flight via Paris, Lisbon and Tel Aviv before finally arriving in Iran. My father worked for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and was to be head of an engineering department in a new technical college in Tehran.
we were both at Bradford University, which we subsequently left to relocate south and continue our studies. I have to thank Linda for surviving years of my experiments at home, but I have managed two patents with a third now pending. I run my own business recycling waste paint and teaching other companies the process, as well as advising on recycling other types of waste materials.
We spent a total of three years there attending the British Embassy School, then an American Community School. A highlight of our time in Iran was the young Queen Elizabeth visiting to open our new embassy school hall, after which my father dined at the Golestan Palace as one of the guests of the British Embassy with the Queen and the Shah of Iran. We returned to the UK on holiday, while my father spent time in the Foreign Office. We visited much of London and that started my interest in the city and its history.
My introduction to the Worshipful Company of Innholders was through my father-in-law George Russell, a stockbroker who was Master in 1981. I first came to the Innholders around 1977, which was quite a new experience, including the tradition, the lovely hall, the food and wine, and in particular the friendliness of the members of the company.
I have been a lifelong industrial chemist and led a precarious life from the age of around four when I caused my first fire, burning the sofa and nearly the house. Still only 12, I burnt myself with molten lead which caused my first visit to a hospital – the rest I’ll not enlarge on. I acquired supplies of chemicals at home in our attic, and, looking back, made some ‘interesting’ gases, liquids and unstable explosive materials. As I moved to O Level and A Level chemistry, our chemistry master eventually decided I was ahead of the class, and gave me private lessons in further chemistry and pointed me to a career in the subject. I studied chemical engineering at university, but as this was not quite what I wanted transferred to pure chemistry. I met my wife Linda when
After my father-in law died in 1986, I was proposed to join the company by Past Masters, Antony Mathews and Christian Whitby, and joined the livery in 1995. I have two daughters, Nicola and Amy, both Freemen of the Company. Linda is also a Freeman, and her brother Bill Russell is a Liveryman. Linda also has a cousin in the company, Past Master Commander Hugh Evans. In my year as Master, I’d like to continue to involve our charities so that we can all learn more about them. We were sad to lose our Assistant Clerk Gillian, and we all wish her well in her new job at the Drapers. I hope, with the help of the Court, our new Assistant Clerk Rebecca, our Clerk Charles and John the Beadle, to keep the company safely moving forward, and not to forget Herbert and all his staff who work hard to make our dinners so enjoyable. Master Keith Harrison
Gerald Sharp Photography
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IMMEDIATE PAST MASTER YEAR BY BILL CHRISTIANSON Prior to my installation in October 2018, a number of people had asked me: “What are you going to do in your year and what do you hope to achieve?”
“It is one which gives the chance to do things, to steer things perhaps very slightly, almost certainly very gradually, towards what a person believes right.” With 505 years of history and all that has been given in service by so many to this great Livery Company, there is a chance to do things – albeit gradually. But above all, it is to be a responsible custodian of all that has gone before. I thought it should be an exhilarating, fulfilling and fun-filled year for all. It certainly was for me and hope that it was for others too. That does not mean that one does not hope to achieve something of “I thought it should be the wishes and desires that one has for the Company. of those was to maintain and encourage charitable thinking in all an exhilarating, fulfilling One its meaning and facets. I, like most Masters, have been asked what the highlight of the year and fun-filled year for was. The answer to that is the entire year has been the highlight, but of there have been outstanding moments. all. It certainly was for me course Top of the list was undoubtedly being graced by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal who joined us for The Court Dinner in July. and hope that it was for Another was an invitation to join and enjoy the remarkable ‘Back to the Floor’ Master Innholders fundraising dinner at The Dorchester Hotel, others too.” where MDs, CEOs and other Master Innholders waited on tables and generally had a lot of fun whilst raising a large amount of money for Hospitality Action. A wonderful night including an impromptu conga, and dancing in the aisles – much and such fun. Outside our own Livery, there has been the joy and privilege of meeting so many likeminded, gracious and hospitable Masters of other companies and visiting their Halls. I have also greatly enjoyed the visits to the charities we supported this past year; from a pantomime performed by The Peckham Theatre Group to a visit to Jamie‘s Farm in Lewes and a celebration of 10 years of success of The Clink – and much more. Being ‘out and about’ and ‘at home’, has been made so enjoyable and enhanced by my two Consorts. Yes, I know I have been greedy, but blessed. Gillian Croxford, our Assistant Clerk, and Janet Bailey, my one-time PA at The Mission to Seafarers, agreed to accompany me through my year. This meant that Gillian was able to fulfil her role as Assistant Clerk while at The Hall but also enjoy functions outside, including the Buckingham Palace Garden Party when we were blessed by wonderful spring weather in May, while Janet wonderfully fulfilled the role of accompanying me at the various dinners and functions here at our Hall. What a joy the year was and I would hope that my enthusiasm and that of others might inspire the young Livery to get involved as much as they can in the Company and to progress and make their own contribution to this great Company – The Innholders. My thanks to all who have supported me and made it such a special year.
MASTERS REPORT
Gerald Sharp Photography
While I was thinking about that question, the words of Lord Carrington speaking of his office struck a chord.
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The Clerk and his wife, Penny
REPORT FROM THE CLERK The past year has been a very significant one for the company. Completing the deal on Moorgate has been a huge achievement and one which exemplifies the quality of foresight of some past members, particularly in this case, Sir Robert Finch. He was certainly not a typical Innholder - if there is such a thing - and a first class lawyer and I had great fun working with him when he was Lord Mayor. That deal will mean that our future charitable giving will be well positioned to carry on its main purpose for many years to come which is after all what we’re about. The last year has also been tremendous fun with Bill as Master. Not only does he make an excellent cup of coffee, he was an excellent navigator. He was a very good member of the Clerk’s office as he was hardly ever out of it!
REPORTS
I have continued to work with all of the committees which beaver away most impressively and am now getting more involved with the Patronage which of course was most ably handled by Gillian. Gillian of course had headed off to pastures new, and not a dry eye in the house was seen when she left. We all wish her every success with the Drapers. As with every goodbye comes a warm welcome which we all extend to Rebecca Tomlin who joined us in August and has her hands very full learning the intricacies of the company. I am sure you will all help her settle into the role quickly. Having managed to attend a few company events and being on the winning boat at Cowes as we raced across the line, (well our line anyway and the oars we perfectly acceptable), I have tried to get more involved in the other activities of the company. I intend to continue in that vein especially with Patronage matters. It is vital that we get out and see the impact we’re having with our charities and that they feel we are taking a real interest in what they do. The Patronage committee positively encourages people to go to visit charities we are involved with and I have already started going to visits - recently to Teach First in Greenwich and more will follow. Over the coming year we will also have a fresh look at the state of the Hall by way of a full M&E survey which will form the basis of a forward looking works plan for the next 5-10 years. With Herbert being so successful, inevitably with such high footfall the wear and tear increases, but it’s better to be busy than not. Meanwhile John keeps a beady eye on everything from preventing intruders, choreographing important occasions, to fixing lavatory seats - the list goes on and on. Most importantly of all keeping the Clerk in line for which I am most grateful. With my thanks and best wishes to you all. Charles Henty Clerk 15/10/19
Gerald Sharp Photography
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PATRONAGE REPORT 2018-19 BY LORD THURSO Charitable giving is a central part of the Company’s activities and the work of the Patronage Committee is to ensure that this charitable giving is as effective as possible within the objectives set by the Court. Our core activities are divided broadly equally into three main categories: the young, the elderly and the industry. During the year, the committee completed its review of our long term giving, agreed new terms of reference with the Court, and successfully spent all the funds allocated for charitable activities. The decision by the Company in 2014 to create its own charity – The Innholders Charitable Foundation – gives us an ability to plan our charitable activities over several years at a time, enabling us to develop relationships which help maximise our charitable giving. To ensure proper governance, the terms of reference now agreed with the Court reflect the Foundation’s Deed. In addition, it now provides for more members of the Livery to help on the committee. The committee also adopted, with the Court’s approval, a system for making one-off grants to use any surplus arising at the year end. This year, a grant of £50,000 was made to the Samaritans for the development of their new City Hub (please see article on page 10). To illustrate our work, below are some examples within the three sectors that benefit from the ICF funds – namely the elderly, the young and the hospitality industry.
REPORTS
“The Innholders Charitable Foundation gives us an ability to plan our charitable activities over several years at a time, enabling us to develop relationships which help maximise our charitable giving.”
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Hospitality Action is the UK hospitality industry’s benevolent charity. Since 1837, it has been offering lifelines to people who work or have worked in hospitality and find themselves in difficulty or crisis. During the year, the Company continued to support HA so they could keep delivering their Winter Fuel Grants scheme for industry retirees. Since HA first launched this scheme in the winter of 2010-11, it has steadily grown in popularity. They are proud that it answers an acute need for many beneficiaries of working age who are on low incomes. Comments from grant recipients illustrate the broader impact of fuel poverty on physical and mental health:
“Without your help I would be so cold, which makes my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome worse...”
“Without your help I would be so cold, which makes my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome worse. This ends up making my depression worse with worry. Thank you so much. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to use more gas to keep warm instead of being cold with extra clothes and blankets. To know that I can have the heating on for longer each day is one less thing to worry about.” In 2018/19, HA increased the grant’s value from £100 to £150 per household, to reflect the steady rise in fuel costs. In this period, they awarded grants to a record 395 recipients. The Patronage Committee also agreed a request from HA for additional support in the forthcoming year for a new initiative – School Uniform Grant – to help parents on low incomes meet the increasing cost of kitting out children for the new school year.
REPORTS
REPORTS
THE ELDERLY:
Sophie Mitchell Photography
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THE YOUNG:
REPORTS
Jamie’s Farm aims to transform the lives of vulnerable inner-city children, often at risk of exclusion, through a unique combination of residential ‘family, farming and therapy’ and a follow-up programme. Through this approach, Jamie’s Farm aims to provide a preventative solution to a national problem, namely the number of children permanently excluded from education and the long-term cost of this to society and themselves. Jamie’s Farm hosts week-long residential visits throughout the year for groups of 10 to 12 11-16-year-olds, accompanied by three members of staff. The ICF awarded funding for two years towards the salary costs of the Education Manager at Oasis Farm Waterloo, in partnership with Jamie’s Farm. Here they undertake follow-up work and longer-term interventions, primarily with London schools and organisations, enabling Jamie’s Farm to deepen their impact once groups return home.
“After school I always used to go on my phone, but on the farm, it shows you that not everything is boring without it”
Some feedback from the impact report: “After school I always used to go on my phone, but on the farm, it shows you that not everything is boring without it.” “I have learnt that children often behave differently when confronting new experiences outside of a classroom setting – this has encouraged me not to see children as one-dimensional i.e. naughty or smart, but as rounded and complex individuals. Defiant and disruptive behaviour may be largely influenced by a child’s peers and classroom environment – giving them time and space to think for and be themselves allows them to display their qualities and display their interests.” “Thank you for accommodating our pupils this term. They have all completely adored taking part and have grown in confidence throughout. This is an experience they will carry with them forever.”
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Following the review undertaken last year of the Innholders Scholarships, we have continued our support for this highly successful programme. This scheme is jointly funded by the Company and The Savoy Educational Trust, with additional support from the Master Innholder Charitable Trust and the Lord Forte Foundation. These scholarships enable rising stars in the hotel business to attend management development courses at either Cranfield or Cornell University. This scheme is aimed at those making, or about to make, the change from Assistant Management into a General Management role. The scholars have formed an alumnus society, called the St Julian Scholars, and they are a very powerful network of some 250 young, talented hoteliers who meet twice a year for further professional development and networking. Some feedback from one recent scholar: “My experience at Cranfield University can only be described as life changing. It has taught me a great deal about myself; the way I interact and communicate, the way I am perceived and perceive others, the thought behind building and influencing relationships and others, which plays a crucial part in our industry and vital to get right if you want to be successful. “Since successfully completing the course I have now returned to Revenue Management and made a great impact on the company I work for stepping up to a Senior Management team role, supporting and overseeing 23 hotels in the region. I am confident that this step would not have come so naturally had I not taken part in this course. “My focus now is on creating a pipeline of new talent coming into Revenue Management to support the industry, attracting and sustaining new talent. Recruitment remains one of the biggest challenges the industry is faced with. Many thanks to everyone who made it happen!” One other large grant that was awarded during the year was to industry charity Springboard for their Kickstart programme. This programme supports young people leaving full-time education who, with no clear career projection or employment prospects, are at risk of becoming NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training). The annual grant from the Worshipful Company of Innholders directly helped to fund elements such as programme materials and training, certification costs, organisation of work placement and employment opportunities, and provided essential mentoring support to ensure the young people had the best possible chance of securing long term, worthwhile employment. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to Chair the Patronage Committee for the last four years and I thank all my fellow committee members for their wisdom and help in making our giving so effective.
REPORTS
“My experience at Cranfield University can only be described as life changing...”
THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY:
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During the year the Patronage and Charity Committees awarded the following grants:
WELFARE GRANTS/ELDERLY
THE YOUNG
Hospitality Action – Elderly Welfare Grants
Bursaries
£17,500
£74,615
Hospitality Action – Family Newsletter
Jamie’s Farm
£17,000
£25,000
£30,500
London Academy of Excellence
£10,000 Licensed Trade Charity – Mental Health Support
£12,500 LSO Music in the Classroom
£15,000 London Music Fund
£21,900
£1,000
Licensed Trade Charity – Welfare
Livery School Link
£7,500 Silverline Connects Coordinator
£21,251 PATRONAGE GRANTS
Teach First
Hospitality Action – Winter Fuel Grants
Hospitality Action – Marketing Support
PA T R O N A G E
£20,000
£125,651
£125
£148,240
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HOTEL INDUSTRY
GENERAL PROJECTS
Scholarships – Cranfield and Cornell
The Samaritans
£21,615
£50,000
Springboard Kickstart Programme
The Clink
£25,000
£30,000
Springboard Graduate Education & Mentoring Support
Combat Stress
£5,000 Springboard Careers Showcase
£6,000 Royal Academy of Culinary Arts – Adopt a School
£5,000 LVS – BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Hospitality
£10,000 Craft Guild of Chefs – Cook & Serve Wessex Salon Culinaire
£10,000 RAF Cook & Serve Competition
£2,150 Lord Mayor’s Appeal
£1,500 Hospitality Action Back to the Floor
£1,500 Master’s List
£1,000 Defence Food Services School
£2,400
£750
£75,015
Annual Gift – UGS Trust
£150
CHARITY COMMITTEE LIST
£100
£35,000
£97,150 TOTAL PATRONAGE GRANTS
£481,056
PAT T R O N AG E
RN Best Steward on Course
PA T R O N A G E & CHARITY FOCUS
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SAMARITANS AND THE CITY HUB BY PAST MASTER JULIA SIBLEY MBE, PATRONAGE COMMITTEE The Patronage Committee were very pleased to receive an application from Samaritans for a new venture, entitled the City Hub. This will have many benefits as, besides helping an incredibly worthy cause, it will also encourage members of the Livery to engage as volunteers and thereby get very involved with the charity. A win/win situation, we believe. In 2018, Samaritans responded to 5.4 million calls for help across phone, email, SMS and individuals visiting any one of the 201 branches for immediate emotional support. The pressures on their service are increasing, specifically: Call lengths are increasing due to the service being free, individuals not requiring credit on a mobile phone and calls to Samaritans not showing on phone bills The stigma of mental illness is reducing; therefore, more people are reaching out for support Increasingly, external factors (political, social and economic) are uncertain, which creates strain on our communities NHS resources are being overrun with the referral time for support with mental health issues often over 6 months Samaritans is synonymous with supporting individuals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. However, evidence shows its services are also used by those experiencing different types of emotional distress. These include:
Mental illness Breakdown of relationships, including family issues and/or bereavement Physical illness and/or disability Debt and employment issues Feelings of isolation and loneliness
Currently, Samaritans has more than 13,000 listening volunteers across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. However, recruitment of volunteers is a significant challenge and the current model is seen by ‘the next generation’ as inflexible. Increasingly, communities are time-poor, people are retiring later, and free time may be spent caring for dependants.
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“No other mental health service delivers a high-quality webchat service at scale, which Samaritans intends to do�
Aligned to this work is their new channel, webchat. Currently running as a pilot, this will provide a new method of communication to Samaritans for vulnerable people. This channel is based on evidence that: Younger people prefer this method of emotional support Men aged 30-45 prefer this method (target group due to increased risk of suicide) No other mental health service delivers a high-quality webchat service at scale, which Samaritans intends to do, and they want City Hub to lead the way in supporting the first caller commitment via this channel. This City Hub, established at a new centre in the City of London, will meet 4 key aims:
2. To create a platform from which to launch the new webchat service.
3. To further engage 4. To have a flagship employees from the Samaritans centre City in volunteering that enables them to activities that enhance create, test and define a 3. To further engage their employees from the activities that own wellbeing, as City in volunteering refreshed, more flexible as the callers theyas the callers they model of volunteering. enhance their ownwell wellbeing, as well provide support to. support to. that enables them to create, test and define 4. To have a flagship provide Samaritans centre
a refreshed, more flexible model of volunteering. Innholders have become a founding partner with Samaritans to support this innovative programme. They believe that together we can deliver: An innovative and impactful volunteering offer for City employees Increased capacity within Samaritans services which meets the growing demands for emotional support A contribution to City mental health and wellbeing strategies for employees, stakeholders and supply chains A focal point and permanent legacy in the City of London, which reflects the City’s commitment to wellbeing in society Samaritans have recently released a signup page for interested potential volunteers. Please feel free to access the link and read more about this project: https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/volunteer/samaritans-city-hub/registeryour-interest-city-hub/ PAT T R O N AG E
1. To meet the pressing need from callers, both now and in the future.
To meet the need from callers both now and in the future, Samaritans has established a programme of change to greatly increase the number of listening volunteers, and City Hub is strategically central to that programme.
The Silver Line
Blackpool Gazette
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SILVER CONNECTS BY AMY BULGER
PA T R O N A G E & CHARITY FOCUS
The WCI is proud to be supporting The Silver Line. They play a unique role for older people who are completely isolated or in unsafe situations. They are the single contact point in the UK for lonely or isolated older people seeking information, friendship or advice available 24 hours a day. Their objective is to play a unique ‘bridging role’ for the fragmented support options for older people, with the ultimate aim being to reconnect people with their communities where possible. The Silver Line’s priority remains a simple response to the intense pain of loneliness and isolation; human connection any time, day or night, through a free and confidential helpline specifically for older people, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering information, advice or just a simple chat whenever needed. Callers may also be offered a ‘befriending’ service by one of more than 4,500 specially trained volunteer Silver Line Friends. These are specifically trained volunteers who call an older person they have been carefully matched with every week.
Each month, 85% of helpline calls received are from new referrals.
They also offer Silver Circles, facilitated group calls for 6 to 8 people, who have been brought together initially by a shared interest, which is an extension of the one to one befriending. The impact of the Circles is immense, with one man sharing that it was the first time he had socialised in a group setting for years. Last autumn, Silver Line started Circles specifically for veteran service personnel, initially with RAF and Seafarers groups.
They have established Silver Connects, a low-level advocacy service, which provides support for the most vulnerable isolated older people who need additional help to navigate and access local services beyond straightforward signposting and information as provided by the helpline. It has been extremely successful not only in providing tangible outcomes for users but also enabling the charity to begin further integration of volunteers into other parts of the organisation beyond friendship – a critical part of the charity’s future sustainability. Since conception, The Silver Line has received more than 1,400 referrals, and has managed to close over 1,500 of those cases. Each month, 85% of helpline calls received are from new referrals. The WCI has been able to provide resources to help continue fund to volunteers needed to provide such an invaluable service with increasing demand.
HOSPITALITY CAREERS SHOWCASE
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BY PHILIPPE ROSSITER FIH MI, LIVERYMAN, FREEMAN OF THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF COOKS In January 2019, the Worshipful Company of Cooks and the Worshipful Company of Innholders combined forces to launch a new initiative to promote career opportunities within the hospitality industry.
With the assistance of Springboard UK, the pilot event was held at The Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard. The venue was chosen for a number of reasons; it is an iconic building seen from miles around, especially by the schools which were targeted; the entire building houses a range of hospitality related businesses which were willing to be engaged; and, finally, the then General Manager of the hotel was Paul Brackley who, as a Liveryman of the Cooks as well as being a Master Innholder, provided a visible representation of this combined Livery company initiative. The programme for the day commenced with a general briefing session, following which the pupils were formed into groups of about 12. They then moved around (and up and down!) The Shard participating in a variety of 40-minute interactive sessions designed to provide them with a ‘taste’ of various aspects of the industry including creating mocktails, caffe latte decorating, cookery skills (creating sandwiches and petits-fours), bed making and housekeeping skills. In addition, there were two other activities; a ‘careers fair’ where a number of companies, training organisations and colleges had stands visited by the pupils; and a careers information session where various people from the industry (at different levels and from varied disciplines) were questioned in a ‘speed dating’ style arrangement whereby the pupils spent five minutes with each person before passing on to the next. At the close of the day a final de-brief session was held, and ‘prizes’ presented for the most engaged pupil in each group. The event was a great success, with over 60 pupils attending. As a result of the day, a large number of them confirmed they would be seeking work experience and/or ‘taster days’ in hospitality. Such was the enthusiasm shown by all those involved that the two Livery companies decided this initiative should become a regular feature of their charitable support to the industry, with the ambition to mount at least two showcase events each year. Following the success of the January event, another showcase was held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in September. The format adopted was similar to the pilot event with the presence of a number of companies from other sectors such as restaurants and food service to reinforce the message about the breadth of the industry. This time, some 80 pupils attended, and the result was another outstanding success, with many commenting how useful the experience had been in opening their eyes to all the opportunities available. A further event was held in early 2020, and the Company is pleased to continue its support for this initiative which is assisting the industry in the increasing battle for talent.
CONNECTING WITH INDUSTRY
Aimed at Year 10 and Year 11 pupils, the idea was to create a showcase which would demonstrate the varied strands of the industry to a section of young people who would soon be considering their employment options. Furthermore, and for maximum impact, it was felt that the showcase should be hosted at a top class industry location in order to underline the message that there is more to the hospitality sector than the average fast-food outlet, or the ‘Dog and Duck’ at the high street corner!
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Liveryman Ben Aird visits YES Outdoors
CHARITY COMMITTEE REPORT 2019 BY DAVID BRANN The Charity Committee met twice in the past year, in December and June. Once again, we are indebted to the previous Assistant Clerk, Gillian Croxford, and to Liveryman Justyn Herbert for all the work they have done behind the scenes, filtering the many applications in order to make the most of the limited time the Committee has to decide which charities we should support. The online charity application form went live at the end of last year, which has streamlined the process for applicants, but the detailed research into the charities’ accounts remains a time-consuming process. This year, the Charity Committee has distributed its budget of £35,000 in small grants of between £1,000 and £3,500. The majority of applications still come from organisations supporting the young, so we are proactively seeking charities working with the elderly to ensure a fairer balance in the distribution of the funds entrusted to us. Even so, 70% of our grants went to charities working with young people (62% by value). Gillian visited Docklands Settlements, to which we had donated £3,200 for the floristry group for the elderly. The centre runs a variety of classes and on the day that she visited there were Nordic walking and cheerleading sessions, which were well attended and very popular. The Master and Justyn Herbert visited Wandsworth Carers. This is a very worthwhile charity doing great work supporting unpaid carers in the community. Caring for someone is an intense, sacrificial role that can take its toll on carers. This charity facilitates in-depth assessment of carers’ physical and emotional health by a GP with appropriate referrals and also provides a number of practical workshops to help carers manage the stresses of their selfless voluntary commitment.
CHARITY COMMITTEE REPORT 2019
Ben Aird visited YES Outdoors, which runs mentoring schemes and outdoor skills sessions for some of the most challenging secondary school age children identified as being at risk of joining gangs or serious offending. YES Outdoors was started by Tony Quinn, a sergeant in the Met Police, and their inspirational work builds trust in the police and positive community engagement.
“Caring for someone is an intense, sacrificial role that can take its toll on carers.”
Kandy Maddock visited Alexander Rose, which supports families on low incomes by giving their children vouchers to spend on fruit and vegetables in local shops. This scheme has had a profound effect on the local community and will be rolled out to two further areas. You can read Kandy’s report on page 17.
I am extremely grateful to Gillian for all her hard work and support and to Justyn for all he does in researching our applications. Thank you also to Kandy and Ben for taking the time to visit some of the charities we support. We were sorry to say goodbye to Kezia Hanson after her term on the Charity Committee but are delighted to welcome Alex Clarke in her place. The Charity Committee is a great opportunity for younger members of the Livery to get involved in the important, life-changing work of the Company. If anyone is interested in joining us, I would be delighted to hear from you.
Small charities supported by the Innholders Charitable Foundation during the year included:
SILVERFIT
Provides exercise groups to the elderly in order to restore health and stop isolation. Grant will provide 25 attendees for 24 weeks to attend Nordic walking.
ALIVE
Provides interactive workshops in care homes and delivers training for care staff in order to improve the quality of life for older people in residential care.
ALEXANDER ROSE
The grant is to assist the Rose voucher scheme where families on low income are given vouchers for their children to buy fruit and vegetables in local shops.
VOYAGE
Promotes education and training for young people, BANE communities, the criminal justice and educational systems. The grant is to assist disadvantaged 14 & 15 year olds to get a BTEC level 2 on Saturdays.
YES OUTDOORS
Offers a mentoring scheme to young people at risk of offending or joining a gang. The charity aims to get inner city youth interested in outdoor pursuits. The grant is £1,000 for sporting equipment.
BLOOMING BLOSSOMS
Provides remedial support for academically challenged, special needs children and young people to enable them to blossom. The grant is to provide equipment for the children.
TIM HENMAN FOUNDATION
Supports young people and their families who are disadvantaged by poverty or disability or are suffering from ill health. Provides educational enrichment programmes including school scholarships, skills programme and assisting schools.
C POTENTIAL
Provides life changing therapies and education for children with movement disorders due to conditions such a cerebral palsy. Grant to support early intervention programme for 30 disabled children that are currently on a waiting list for support.
TEAM UP
Trains and co-ordinates volunteer tutors to provide tuition in English, maths and science at primary and secondary school level.
CAMPAIGN TO END LONELINESS
Provides advice and information services and befriending and support services in order to reduce social isolation in the elderly. The grant will pay for a video on addressing loneliness geared towards those that work in the hospitality industry.
C Potential
SENSORY TRUST
Grant in support of Creative Spaces outdoor activity clubs for groups of people with dementia and their carers in Cornwall. These provide vital support time outdoors to boost the mental and physical health of people with dementia.
CREATE ARTS
The project is for 30 people over 60 in the Southwark area to take part in art workshops in order to reduce isolation in the elderly. The project culminates in an exhibition of the work to friends, family and guests, further connecting the participants in a celebration of their achievements.
TOWER HAMLETS PARENTS CENTRE
The centre offers parenting skills courses, Saturday and Sunday homework clubs, educational advice and information, summer holiday programme and parents’ educational workshops.
CLOWNS IN THE SKY
Supports children with brain tumours and their families across England. The grant is to pay for two activity and sensory trolleys which contain creative art supplies for children in the oncology units within hospitals. The grants will also pay for 8 children’s entertainer sessions for children’s bedsides when they are in hospital.
PAPYRUS (PREVENTION OF YOUNG SUICIDE)
Offers a helpline (telephone, text and email) that provides information and practical advice to any young who is feeling suicidal and to anyone who is worried that any young person they know may be suicidal. The grant will provide 10 x 90-minute Suicide Prevention Overview Training sessions in local communities.
YOUNG & INSPIRED
A grant towards the breakfast club feeding 80 children in Hackney before school and towards a fitness club for disadvantaged children in the local community.
THEATRE PECKHAM
The grant is towards musical theatre training to South London youths (aged 9–16). The programme culminates in a professional production running at the theatre for three weeks where the young people get the chance to work alongside professional performers and perform to public paying audiences. This was the Master’s charity for the year.
ACTIVETEENS
Provides health, fitness and sports projects; arts and music clubs; cookery and nutrition classes to children from disadvantaged backgrounds in the boroughs of Hackney and Haringey.
ALPORT
Alport Syndrome is a rare disease that impacts children’s hearing, kidneys and eyes. The grant is towards a workshop which enables individuals and families to come together with scientific experts from around the world to connect, ask questions and get support. Liveryman Rebecca Moule volunteers at this workshop each year.
Theatre Peckham
SMALL CHARITIES
WANDSWORTH CARERS
Charity support to unpaid carers. Grant to provide art sessions for carers to give them a break from day to day caring.
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www.pexels.com
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ALEXANDRA ROSE CHARITY REPORT BY KANDY MADDOCK, LIVERYMAN
SMALL CHARITIES
I had the great fortune to meet with Jonathan Pauling, the Chief Executive of the Alexandra Rose Charity, having decided to donate a small sum in our last Charity Committee meeting. The Charity was set up by Queen Alexandra in 1912, who was shocked at the poverty and social deprivation she saw. Roses were sold to raise money that provided healthcare for the neediest. Artificial roses were sold up to 1948 when the National Health Service was born and effectively made the charity redundant. It went into a steady decline until 2011 when they decided to tackle food poverty and dietrelated ill health. Childhood obesity, rickets and early onset type II diabetes is on the rise with high calorie processed food being three times cheaper to buy than wholefoods. However, food stamps in the USA have been found to be extremely popular and have had a very positive impact.
“The measured impact of the Rose vouchers are that the families they serve achieve 95% improved health and wellbeing.”
A pilot project was started in Hackney and Greenwich in 2014 that worked with existing local resources to distribute fruit and vegetable vouchers to families on low incomes. The vouchers can only be used for fruit and vegetables and can only be used in their local food markets, not the supermarkets. A new app has been developed to digitise the reimbursement of Rose vouchers for participating traders. Not only are families getting a better diet with less waste, but they are helping the local food suppliers and also interacting with their community, a biproduct that has benefited those who were previously very isolated. The charity operates in Hackney, Lambeth, Hammersmith and Fulham, Southwark and recently has spread to Barnsley and Liverpool. The measured impact of the Rose vouchers are that the families they serve achieve a 95% increase in fruit and vegetable consumption, a 75% decrease in convenience foods and 95% improved health and wellbeing. I was very impressed with what a relatively simple idea has achieved in terms of promoting community cohesion and tackling mental health and childhood diet-related ill health. I felt the Charity echoed the Innholder’s ethos of hospitality and hope we can help them again.
CHAPLAIN’S REPORT BY THE VERY REVEREND ANDREW NUNN, DEAN OF SOUTHWARK AND COMPANY CHAPLAIN.
We like to think of ourselves as hospitable, and for members of the Innholders Company it is a vital quality. But, to be honest, the quality of that hospitality can vary enormously. As the summer began, I went over to Zimbabwe to visit the diocese with which Southwark Cathedral has a link. The Diocese of Masvingo is one of the five dioceses of the Anglican Church in that country. It’s in the south and borders with South Africa. Most of the diocese comprises deeply rural areas. Where there were once very productive farms now, very often, the bush has reasserted its hold on the land and you see smaller patches of land being farmed. As you drive around on dirt tracks you come across a few traditional houses, round and thatched and every so often a church and a school. Despite a change in leadership in the nation, things are very bad. Electricity supplies are intermittent, petrol is scarce and expensive, the cost of daily living is subject to huge inflationary increases – and there has been no rain for at least 18 months. The people are caught between the twin challenges of political and economic mismanagement and climate change. I was very concerned before I went out that I would be an unnecessary burden to my friends there. This was to be my third visit and so I knew just how guests are treated. I decided to email the Bishop of the diocese, Bishop Godfrey. “I know things are tough,” I wrote, “so please don’t kill the fatted calf for me – I am fine with a little Sadza and gravy.” (Sadza is the traditional thick porridgey food made of corn meal on which people fill up). I got a swift response from the bishop. “We always kill the fatted calf for our guests.”
“Despite having so little, they shared what they had with me.”
It was true. Despite having so little, they shared what they had with me. Despite me coming from a land of plenty, they needed to make sure that I was well fed and cared for. Wherever we arrived the women were there, stirring the Sadza in a huge cauldron on top of a wood fire. The chicken was grilled in a similar way. I sat down, and they served me first. It was deeply humbling and questioned the levels of hospitality that I offer to my guests.
There’s a wonderful and powerful story in the Old Testament in which three strangers turn up at Abraham’s tent. The patriarch has them sit down and the calf is killed, the bread is baked and the visitors are fed. It turns out they are not strangers at all but angels, and in the Christian tradition the story is interpreted as the presence of God in Trinity. We never really know who is at our table. I am always grateful for the hospitality in our hall. Whatever the reason for the meal, the hospitality is genuine, the food and wines are delicious and we all rise from the table better for the experience. That is what makes us special. But whether in the hall or in our home it doesn’t make any difference, the call to true and generous hospitality, as I shared in those Zimbabwean villages, is real.
CHAPLAIN’S REPORT
Southwark Cathedral
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ASPIRING LEADERS DIPLOMA
THE MASTER INNHOLDERS ASPIRING LEADERS DIPLOMA (‘MIALD’) Born in 2012, The MIALD was designed as a vehicle for up and coming supervisors and managers in the hotel industry to gain a sought after and highly credible qualification, to endorse their career success as well as provide the foundations for the next step in their careers. Over a 12-month period, each of the seven cohorts since have completed eight modules of varying disciplines, hosted at some of the finest properties in the country. From gaining more insight into marketing to developing understanding in human resources and finance, the course is intended to give the aspiring leaders of tomorrow the platform to grow into senior positions going forward. Adam Hersey spoke to a number of previous cohort members about the course: Sarah, describe your fondest memory of your year on the programme: My fondest memory from the programme was the last module when we brought all of our learnings throughout the course together, to reflect on ourselves and our own journey. During the last module we each presented the journey of one of our peers on the course. This was an emotional experience, realising how much we had all grown together in such a short space of time both professionally and personally. I realised then that the friends I had made on the course would be friends for life and that we would all continue to support each other in the industry. Charlotte, tell us about what you are doing now? I had the opportunity to open the Moxy London Excel in 2017 with 164 bedrooms. I will open our Southampton property which consists of 208 bedrooms in 2019, again as General Manager. Robert, how did you use your experience on the MIALD programme to develop your career? The programme gave me confidence to network with likeminded individuals, who were passionate to progress and develop their careers and support the hospitality industry. I’ve tried to use my network to support and develop my career along with improving the standards in the properties which I’ve worked in. The ability to network has improved my day-to-day operational knowledge, enhanced my understanding of the luxury hotel sector and allowed me to experience some incredible hotels. Koula, how did you use your experience on the MIALD programme to develop your career? MIALD pushed me to rediscover myself as a hospitality professional and find my vision which is something that really stood out for me from the programme. I constantly look back at questions Hilary would ask me and how she would challenge me and not only do I still ask myself those questions daily but I have used those techniques to develop younger less experienced team members and in turn build on my own professional relationships. Katherine, tell us about what you are doing now? I am working within the same hotel I was when I got my place on the course. At the time of the course I was the Front of House Manager and since completing it I have been promoted to Hotel Manager. I regularly use the learning received on the programme in my daily routine and my place on the MIALD course was a factor in me being given the opportunity to progress so quickly in my career. Andras, describe your fondest memory of your year on the programme: There were several moments of the programme that were just unforgettable. Should I need to name one in particular, I think the dinner at the Grand Ballroom of the Grosvenor House was something really special. Sitting in there and hearing such an inspirational speech from David Morgan-Hewitt, the special guest of the night, was truly unique. I will remind myself of his words for the rest of my career.
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Participants describe the impact that being a member of a MIALD Cohort has had on their career: • Being a member of the MIALD Cohort has had such a positive impact on my career. The course is so well respected in the industry and during interviews this has been a key element that I have focused on, as I know how fortunate I am to have been part of such a wonderful educational experience. • I am regularly in contact with my cohort and we all proactively encourage and support each other in taking on new roles with referrals and introductions. The MIALD course has given me the confidence to become a mentor, which I am really enjoying as I feel it is so important to give something back to the industry that has given so much to me. • Learning from fellow colleagues and learning about their experiences is something that you cannot put a price on. To realise and understand that others are having the same situations as you face and being able to discuss this in an independent environment, along with gaining a new perspective on the issue, was so important. The knowledge gained from likeminded people and peers was one of the best experiences I could have wished for on this course. • The programme has given me a lifelong vision of becoming the best that there is, focusing on my development and also actively give back to the new generations to come, supporting the continued improvement of the industry. • The programme offered a great platform for my development, it helped me to develop my selfawareness. It helped me to realise what type of manager I want to be and to build a strong and passionate team. • Through the leadership modules, I definitely became more confident in my role, learnt how to run the department more effectively, how to engage with the team members and how to solve issues. Messages from the participants to prospective applicants and sponsors to the course:
With thanks to Adam Hersey for gathering the participants’ feedback. The Company is proud to be continuing to sponsor the Diploma in 2020.
MIALD
• Embrace the experience, widen your horizons and take the opportunity to get to know your cohort and sponsors. Explore the privileged opportunity of learning from the industry’s finest leaders and embrace the incredible hotels you experience. • This course was a turning point in my career and I highly recommend it to any young professional or sponsor as the benefits are priceless. Bonds are formed, knowledge is gained and I personally have grown as a person. I reflect on situations that occurred during MIALD and I always remember what it taught me and the advice I was given on how to deal with situations I felt conflicted. • Apply, apply, apply! Irrespective of the position you hold within your organisation, if you feel ready to progress to the next stage of hospitality management then this is the course for you. Not only do you get to spend time in some of the most amazing hotels in the country, but you get to meet hugely talented fellow professionals and learn from them, while you learn a great deal about yourself. You have exposure to different areas of hospitality which is so valuable in order to progress in the industry. • I would just like to say what a life changing opportunity it is for young passionate professionals. It is so much more than learning different modules. It allowed us to naturally develop professionally and personally and help us to become more confident in our roles and taught us to be the leaders of the future. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to have a career in hospitality and is passionate about the industry. • Be yourself! No one is expecting you to know everything about this industry, that’s why you are thinking about applying for this course right? The opportunity to learn, to become more confident in your abilities, to grow into the new generation of incredible managers. • Don’t give up! I applied twice, went to the interviews twice and got in the second time. I was not ready the first year and although I was upset, now I know I would not have benefited from it then as much as I did. Take it as experience, persevere and trust the decisions are for your benefit and development and not about you personally.
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WILLIAM SPOUSE – 1939–2019 MASTER 2004 – 2005 Shortly after the year end the Company was saddened to learn of the death of Past Master William Spouse, Master 2004 – 2005.
OBITUARIES
When conversation at Livery dinners inevitably strayed into hobbies and pastimes, William Spouse would proudly answer, “I have had a lifelong interest in sailing, shooting and fine wine.” When subsequently asked which vintage to purchase, William would reply, “Buying Claret is child’s play compared with Burgundy, but getting this right is both satisfying and rewarding.” William was born in 1939 and attended Felstead school. He developed a passion for sailing at an early age and his father, Liveryman Alec Spouse, kept a yacht at Burnham-on-Crouch, where the family would happily mess about in boats in the muddy waters of East Anglia at any opportunity. Just after William’s 17th birthday, the Spouse family were due to sail to Holland for the summer holidays. At the last minute, Alec could not come and instructed William to “get the boat over to Rotterdam”. This was to become William’s first cross-Channel trip as a teenage skipper. After Felsted, William completed a two-year hotel and catering management course with work experience in London, including the Savoy and Innholders Hall, where he was placed under the supervision of Gordon Marsh. William rapidly progressed from pot washing to assisting as a Hall chef. A memorable task was preparing the Company’s famous cheese soufflés, which at that time were cooked in the oldest working gas oven in the City. In his late teens, William was a wine waiter at Hall functions and this forged his lifelong interest in wine. A change in career beckoned. William decided to become a Chartered Accountant and was articled to Past Lord Mayor, Sir Harold Gillett. Assignments across Spain, Gibraltar and North Africa followed. During generous periods of leave William filled his spare time as a temporary chef and worked at the Rock Hotel, Gibraltar and Chez Max, a frenetic French restaurant in Tangiers. William subsequently founded a software company that developed database applications and started an air taxi company at Southend Airport in association with his brother John, a commercial pilot. William also assisted his wife, Frances, with her banqueting and catering business in Chigwell. Apprenticed at the age of 14, William became a Freeman of the Company at 21. He subsequently joined the Livery in 1973 and was installed as Master in 2004. In 1968 William became a Master Mason member of St Julian, serving as Secretary from 2000 to 2003. He became Chaplain of the lodge in 2005 and was awarded the Grand Rank of PAGDC that same year. Through his association with the London Wine Trade Club, William attended numerous buying trips to various wine growing areas and proudly held the rank of Commandeur in the Confrérie du Chevaliers de Tastevin in Nuits St. Georges. Relishing his role as Chairman of the Company’s Wine Committee, fine wine was an important theme during his year as Master. Tasting evenings were reintroduced as Livery events and various Court and committee wine-themed visits followed. Writing in the Company’s 2004 Annual Review, William fondly recalled his early days as a Hall wine waiter. “We had run out of pre-war Port. On opening the Taylor’s ‘48 I was told that there could be trouble. The Livery is always unsettled when the Port changes.” Plus ça change! Sailing continued to be a big part of William’s life and he keenly organised the Company’s representation at the City Livery Yacht Club Regatta in Cowes for many years. After his year as Master, William and Frances moved to America where, in Chesapeake, they purchased a 54 ft yacht, Alexia. Then followed a decade of sailing the Intra-Coastal Waterway along the East Coast of America, with the summers spent cruising the Bahamas, usually with various friends aboard. Our thoughts are with Frances and the Spouse family.
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MICHAEL VASS – 1933-2019 MASTER 1991 – 1992 A popular raconteur and brilliant humourist, Michael Vass’s warmth, wit and welcoming personality epitomised the WCI ethos of hospitality. Born in London in January 1933, Michael attended Merchant Taylor’s school and discovered an early passion for playing rugby, which ignited a lifetime love of competitive sport. After completing his mandatory National Service in the Intelligence Service he joined his father’s employer, Shell Petroleum. Finding the oil business not to his liking, Michael quickly moved on to the Cerebos Salt Company, where he discovered a flair for grocery sales and marketing. The pharmaceutical sector and health and beauty industry beckoned next. Michael honed his retail sales and marketing skills at Warner Lambert, before embarking on long-term executive appointments at Wella GB and Schwarzkopf. The prospect of a slow, leisurely and quiet retirement in 1988 was not Michael’s style and he considered the next professional period of this life to be the most fulfilling. Already a keen gardener, golfer and tennis player, Michael was eager to take on new roles and responsibilities. Introduced to WCI through his father and the Bishop family, early retirement gave Michael the opportunity to join the Court, where he enthusiastically supported engagement with the hotel industry. Michael was an instrumental player in setting up the Master Innholders’ Scholarship Programme and took great pride in the achievements of the St Julian Scholars. He was also a keen supporter and trustee of the Licensed Trade Charity and a governor at the Licensed Victuallers’ School. Michael is fondly remembered by former Court Committee Members for his chairmanship skills, giving all participants an opportunity to get varied and diverse points across, before expertly distilling the key issues for resolution. As a natural bon vivant Michael was popular at the numerous Livery events he was invited to attend during his Court years. When asked whether he had any dietary preferences Michael would quickly respond: “I promote the Vass diet – just buy a bigger suit.” His golfing legacy to the Company and his ‘drop rule’ is remembered in this year’s WCI annual golf report. Outside Court life, Michael’s previous experience working for Wella GB and Schwarzkopf was put to good use when he accepted the position of General Secretary at the Health & Beauty Association, a post he held for sixteen years. In 1974 he joined the board of directors of a family-owned investment company, Phoenix Property, and latterly served as Chairman for 8 years before finally retiring in 2017. Michael was certainly not shy in coming forward. A confident performer, he was completely undaunted when asked to take to the stage and perform a witty and impromptu speech, usually at very short notice. Friends describe Michael as having the wonderful ability to lift the mood in a room and make people feel good about themselves. They have no doubt this was a result of his own inner contentment with life. Michael had three children from his first marriage. His eldest son Andrew predeceased him, Melanie lives in Dorset and Robert currently lives in Australia. There are eight grandchildren.
Michael Vass died in Berkshire on the 25 February 2019. Our thoughts are with Jill and Michael’s family.
OBITUARIES
Michael met his second wife, Jill, when Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ was receiving popular airplay. Jill recalls: “It is a beautiful song and the words meant a lot to both of us. I was his bridge and he was certainly mine.”
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THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF COOKS 100-YEAR SUPPER BY ADAM HERSEY The symbiotic relationship between the cook and the innholder has long been important, especially to a country where hospitality is a major contributor to the economy and a significant employer of people. This special relationship was celebrated at the 100-Year Supper, celebrating the Worshipful Company of Cooks taking up shared residence of the Innholders Hall as a place for great food, drink and kinship. We even share our fantastic beadle, Mr C John Cash MBE! The supper was especially poignant for me as my Father in Law, Ltn Col Marcus Appleton, a cook by trade, was the current Master of the Worshipful Company of Cooks, my wife is a Freemaiden of the Worshipful Company of Cooks and I am a proud hotelier and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Innholders. We are only too aware of the importance of the relationship, not only between the two companies but the two trades. In a time where the hospitality world is facing significant challenges one way or another (don’t mention the B word!) the importance of both companies in supporting their trades and providing a real connection to the past is crucial.
Clink Charity
EVENTS
To present day, where both companies provide shared support for various hospitality projects such as the Clink Charity, Springboard and the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, this joint funding of such progressive charities symbolises the shared values and importance placed on initiatives of benefit to both companies. Here’s to the next 100 years of sharing our home with one of our closest friends, and here’s to the next 100 years of collective support, guidance and comradery which will be needed in order to delivery on our common objective and honour our rich heritage. Springboard
Royal Academy of Culinary ARts
Gerald Sharp Photography
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ALAN BENNET AND GENESIS SURPRISE MEMBERS AND GUESTS AT THE JUNE LIVERY DINNER
Master with his top table, left to right: Abi Heffer, Roz Heffer, Janet Bailey, the Master, Tina Aird, Julia Sibley, and Gillian Croxford.
The June Livery Dinner is the highlight of our summer social calendar, and the evening’s elegant celebrations started in style with a vibrant glass of Ville de la Reine Champagne. Little did we know that Alan Bennet and Genesis would make a fleeting appearance later that evening, courtesy of the Master. Herbert’s summer service commenced with delicious gazpacho topped with red mullet and Mediterranean vegetables. This was expertly paired with a superb Meursault from the private vineyard of Franck Grux. The highlight of the dinner was supreme of quail coupled with an outstanding Bordeaux from Pomerol. Dinner concluded with a beautifully plated and garnished bitter chocolate and raspberry delice, accompanied by a luscious Botrytis Semillon from Barossa. Liveryman and Master Innholder Phillipe Rossiter then rose to toast the Company. Phillipe reminded us that this year’s dinner coincided with the Battle of Waterloo, but as a former English Army officer with French ancestry his emotions regarding this anniversary were somewhat mixed! Entertainment was provided by four students from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, performing a lively selection of show songs from leading musicals, including Guys and Dolls and South Pacific.
It took a little while for the Livery and guests to appreciate that this was a tongue in cheek comic speech, but the penny finally dropped into the collection box. Our Master was paying homage to ‘Take a Pew’, an ecclesiastical sketch performed by Alan Bennet as part of the 1960’s satirical programme, Beyond the Fringe. Our souls comically enriched with the Gospel according to Bennet and tales of Esau’s less hirsute brother, we headed out of the Hall for that final stirrup cup. Amen.
EVENTS
Then came Alan Bennet and Genesis, but unfortunately not in person. The Master changed into clerical attire and commenced his speech with reference to Genesis 27:11 and Esau.
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Gerald Sharp Photography
The Princess Royal with the Master, Wardens and staff of the Innholders.
DINNER WITH THE PRINCESS ROYAL
EVENTS
THE MASTER
In July, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal joined us for The Court and Guests Dinner. I knew that as President of The Mission to Seafarers, Her Royal Highness had visited the Hall on one or two occasions after attending functions at St Michael Paternoster Royal across the way. But she reminded us, during her thought-provoking speech, that as a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Loriners, she had visited the Hall many times when they had dined at Innholders’ Hall on a regular basis. She remarked how nice it was to be back in one of her favourite Halls with all its charm and hoped it would not be the last time. We would, of course, welcome a return visit at any time after such a wonderful night which was enjoyed by one and all.
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Bill Christianson, Gillian Croxford and Keith Harrison
MARCH WITH THE MASTER MASTER BILL CHRISTIANSON
I am sure that those who walked with me, Master Elect Keith Harrison, Liveryman John Howard, Freeman Gillian Croxford and MI Stuart Johnson, who raised an amazing amount of money, would like to thank all those who sponsored us on our “March with the Master”. On 7 September 2019 Stuart tackled and succeeded in walking the 100km, while four of us “took the low road” and managed 25km. Three of us – Keith, Gillian, and I – walked together and we thoroughly enjoyed our 4 hours and 15 minutes journey. The weather, the chatter and the companionship made the walk much easier than it might otherwise have been, and most certainly shortened the distance.
MI Stuart Johnson
It was a great day together and I would thoroughly recommend communal charity and fundraising events in the future.
EVENTS
To those who might think about organising and participating fundraising events, every encouragement. To participate in, and to make a significant contribution to charities other than those we support through The Worshipful Company of Innholders, is most rewarding.
WCI SAILING R E P O RT 2019
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WCI SAILING REPORT 2019 BY CHARLES ATTLEE
3X(RS) 3K(RP) 3F(LS) AND FINISH. It’s not a GCHQ test (as far as we know) but interpreting it was debated long and hard by the crew of Innholder 1 at the annual Lord Mayor’s Cup off Cowes in mid-May. The sailors reading this will immediately grasp that the code comprises sailing directions with the uppercase letters/numbers indicating a mark or buoy and the lowercase letters how to sail around it. So rs requires the skipper to go around the mark leaving it on the right-hand side of the boat, rp means around to port and, the key one, ls means leave to starboard. But there is no statement about how far one leaves the mark to starboard. The course describes a triangle starting just above Cowes, heading up towards the mainland at Lepe Spit then down towards the Isle of White again to the west of Cowes. Innholder 1, having struggled with the rest of the fleet in winds officially described as 0 to 0 knots N, took the view that sailing straight back to Cowes from 3K self-evidently left 3F to starboard … at least two miles to starboard in fact! The flaw in their thinking was that the Committee Boat, responsible for checking finishing times, never saw them and so, officially, they were recorded as Did Not Finish. Others noted that the decision got them to a bar several hours before they would otherwise have done and that this may have influenced their thinking.
Courtesy of Peter Dowling
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FOR THE RECORD THESE WERE THE CREWS:
Innholder 3 also bobbed around a bit before making an early return to Cowes due to the lack of wind. That left Innholder 2, helmed and navigated by Luke and Emma McEwen, to take the Ann Glover Cup for the winning Innholder boat and a respectable fifth overall. The Plumbers won the Lord Mayor’s Cup and sailed well to find what wind there was and, more importantly, dodge the faster bits of the tide which always seemed to be running in the wrong direction. The racing was somewhat tame but the weekend as a whole was hugely enjoyable, encompassing an excellent evening with the Dyers, lunch on the boats in Osborne Bay before the race (or a tour up-river for Innholder 3), and the formal dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron after the race which was organised, as ever, by the City Livery Yacht Club Regatta. Special thanks for those who joined the delivery runs bringing the boats up from Poole and back again – we had a good sail on the way up before the wind died away for the weekend and, had we been paying more attention on the way back, a controlled explosion of a WWII mine. Good company throughout. Do save the date for next year: 15–17 May 2020. Sailing experience, or even a sense of direction, are not pre-requisites.
Innholder 1: David Brann (helm), The Master Bill Christianson, Gillian Croxford, Charles Henty, Penny Henty, Alice Jeffs, Chris Jeffs, Julia Sibley, Tim Edom. Innholder 2: Luke McEwen (helm), Emma McEwen, Charles Attlee, Annie Attlee, Duncan Hall, Kandy Maddock, Darren Patt, Alistair Seville, Adrian Thomson, Oli Vardy. Innholder 3: Hugh Evans (helm), Dominic Bolas, Sarah Bolas, Delma Evans, Bill Russell, Gill Russell. Support boat - Wysh: Tim Mellery-Pratt, Amanda Mellery-Pratt, Peter Dowling
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The Company was delighted to welcome the following new members in 2018-19: b
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o.u g.c
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ANDREW OXLEY Andrew is a St Julian Scholar and Master Innholder. He has worked in the hotel industry for nearly 25 years. Having gained his BA (Hons.) degree from the Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies, Andrew started his career with Historic House Hotels and since then has worked for a number of privately-owned hotels. He is currently General Manager of the Burford Bridge Hotel in Dorking, Surrey.
NEW MEMBERS
DARREN PATT Daren Patt is the Owner and MD of Countrywide Hotels, owning and manging 16 UK assets. Having originally qualified as an engineer, Darren fell into hotels some 20 years ago. He has previously held senior positions in DeVere, Thistle – Guoman Hotels and historically with MacDonald and IHG.
ADAM HERSEY Adam Hersey MIH is a Hotel Operations Manager with eight years’ experience in the hotel industry. A proud member of the MI Aspiring Leaders Diploma alumni, Adam also works with Hospitality Action via their ‘Golden Friends’ scheme and is a Member of the Institute of Hospitality. He is married to Laura, a Freemaiden of the Cooks Company, and has a curly coated retriever call Reggie.
MICHAEL VOIGT Michael has over 20 years of hotel industry experience and will soon be joining The Goring Hotel as General Manager. Michael is also a St Julian Scholar, Master Innholder and Education Officer of the Institute of Hospitality.
Gerald Sharp Photography
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NEW ASSISTANT CLERK, REBECCA TOMLIN I write having now been with the Innholders for a few months and would like to start by thanking you all for the warm welcome I have received from the Company. Gillian is a hard act to follow, but she gave me a great hand-over and has been on the end of the phone/email whenever I have needed additional help. My warm thanks to her and best of luck in her new position at the Drapers’. With the support of Charles and John I am getting on top of the Assistant Clerk’s duties and everyone has been very patient while I get up to speed. Finally, thanks to the Master, Wardens, members of the Court and committees for their support, with a special mention for Treasurer Tony Lorkin, who has been so helpful as I get to grips with the accounts that he looked after so well for many years. My work experience before coming to the Innholders has been varied, but it all helps with the wide range of duties that fall to me as Assistant Clerk. As an Economics graduate, I trained as a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser at what was then Stoy Hayward, then moved to PricewaterhouseCoopers where I was a Senior Manager in the Real Estate Tax Practice for many years. While working part time and with two young children I also managed to fit in studying for a BA in English in the evenings. In 2008, as the crash worsened, I took a sabbatical to take an MA, eventually choosing to move on to a PhD in sixteenth and seventeenth century drama rather than returning to the world of tax. My research was into the ways in which the City was depicted on stage and I spent a lot of time thinking about the role of the Livery companies and commerce more generally in the drama of Shakespeare’s time – warning, I will share this with you at great length if you express an interest! After achieving my doctorate, I went on to work on a research project at the University of Cambridge for a couple of years, taught at various universities and eventually ended up at the Society of Antiquaries in Burlington Courtyard – a mere newcomer of an organisation compared to the Innholders, having been founded as recently as 1707! From there I found myself at Innholders’ Hall, my main criteria for the new job being that I didn’t want to be bored, and I certainly haven’t been yet!
NEW MEMBERS
REBECCA TOMLIN
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2019-20
THE COURT OF THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF INNHOLDERS 2019-20 MASTER
Mr Keith Harrison
UPPER WARDEN
The Rt. Hon. The Viscount Thurso PC MI
MIDDLE WARDEN
Mr David Brann
RENTER WARDEN
Mr Ian Mullins
THE IMMEDIATE PAST MASTER
The Reverend Bill Christianson FNI
THE SENIOR PAST MASTER
Mr Jeremy Pope OBE DL
PAST MASTERS
Mr Peter Denley
Mr Ian White
Mr Timothy Mellery-Pratt
Mr Tony Brighton
Mr Graeme Groom
Mrs Julia Sibley MBE
Mr Charles Attlee
Mr Nicholas Rettie MI
ASSISTANTS
Mr Tom Richardson
Sir James Wates
Mr Andrew McKenzie
Dr Richard Wylde
Mr Chris Chaplin
Mr David Morgan-Hewitt
Mr Alex Clarke
Mr Edmund Brandt
Mr Jason Essenhigh
Mr Nigel Fox
CLERK
Mr Charles Henty
ASSISTANT CLERK
Dr Rebecca Tomlin
CHAPLAIN
The Very Reverend Andrew Nunn
THE BEADLE
Mr John Cash MBE