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Worshipful Company of BasketmakersEvents from 2002 |
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Worshipful Company of BasketmakersEvents from 2002 |
HRH
The Duchess of Gloucester GCVO DStJ, an Honorary Liveryman of the Basketmakers
Company, recently received the Freedom of the City of London in recognition
of her close ties with the City.
Received by the Lord Mayor, Alderman Gavyn Arthur, she was accompanied by her husband, the Duke of Gloucester and their children, Lady Davina Windsor, Lady Rose Windsor and Alexander, Earl of Ulster. Joining the Guildhall Dinner was Princess Benedikte of Denmark.
The Company sends sincere congratulations to our fellow Liveryman on gaining the Freedom of the City.
Photo of PPW Peter Costain pictured with HRH the Duchess of Gloucester at the 1999 Mansion House annual banquet
On
the 20th November 2002, four Liverymen, including PPW Norman Woolley
and Banner Bearer Ken Rockall, joined HMS RICHMOND,
the Livery's Affiliated Frigate, on its overnight sailing from Portsmouth
to the Pool of London. Sleeping on board and sharing the Officers' Mess
was all part of this action packed adventure.
The ship sailed along the English Channel towards the Thames Estuary and the following day at Gravesend it picked up six more Basketmaker Liverymen from a motor launch. Amongst those also welcomed on board were the respective Mayors for Richmond in Surrey and Richmond in Yorkshire.
HMS RICHMOND proceeded up the Thames, through the Thames barrier, past Canary Wharf and through Tower Bridge before mooring alongside HMS Belfast.
Those
on board were privileged to see the ship's Lynx helicopter land on the
aft deck whilst the Frigate was in motion, and shortly afterwards take
off to photograph RICHMOND transiting the Woolwich Barrier before rejoining
the ship once more. The armaments on today's RICHMOND are truly awesome.
The Frigate is the mainstay of the modern Royal Navy. HMS RICHMOND is the eighth warship to bear that name. The first was a 26 gun warship built in 1656 - some 87 years after the incorporation of the Basketmakers Livery.
The Basketmakers are honoured to have have this affiliation with HMS RICHMOND and we thank all the officers and crew for having us on board and making us feel so very welcome. God Speed HMS RICHMOND.
The basket pictured is the bell basket, made by the talented Colin Manthorpe, to hold the Ship's Bell in an inverted position to be used as a font when there is a Christening ceremony on board.
The
Basketmakers Livery Committee organised a visit to Armoury House, the
historic headquarters of the Honourable Artillery Company, on the 5th
November 2002. This event was attended by the new Prime Warden Jeremy
Sorrell. Our previous Clerk, Major Gerald Flint-Shipman, Past Prime
Warden (1993) is Major Commandant, the Light Cavalry with the HAC.
The
oldest regiment in the British Army, the HAC was raised in 1537 some
32 years before the Basketmakers Company was established. Their web
site address is www.hac.uk.com
The Museum, Court Room and Long Room were amongst the highlights. Each visitor received a handsome illustrated HAC Calendar with the proceeds going towards sending the HAC band to Boston in 2003 to visit the Honourable Artillery Company of Massachusetts headquartered in Boston's Faneuil Hall.
Pictured with Prime Warden Jeremy Sorrell, Major Gerald Flint-Shipman, who donated to the HAC the painting in the background, which depicts the HAC Infantry Detachment at their Annual Camp at Seaford in August 1859. (click here to show larger images)
The Livery held its Installation Day Service at the Guild Church of St. Margaret Pattens in Eastcheap on Thursday 17th October 2002. The Bidding Prayer remembered all the departed members, especially those who died during the past year. The lesson was read by the Prime Warden, George Alford, and the address given by the Chaplain, The Reverend Canon Andrew Pearson.
Luncheon followed at Skinners Hall where many members and their guests enjoyed an informal and somewhat jolly atmosphere.
Common Hall then saw the installation of the new Prime Warden, Jeremy
Sorrell, whose late father Alec Sorrell was Prime Warden of the Company
in 1986. Jeremy, a practising Solicitor, has been a Liveryman of the
Basketmakers since 1974.
Restructuring of the armed forces has resulted in the disbandment of No 5 (AC) Squadron, which took place at 1415 Hrs Friday 27th September 2002 at a Parade in the presence of OC Coningsby. The Squadron's Standard was marched off to be laid up the following day in the Airman's Chapel at an evening Service in Lincoln Cathedral.
The
Parade was attended by Upper Warden Jeremy Sorrell, Under Warden Raymond
Graham and Court Assistant Richard Bundock.
The affiliation between the Basketmakers' Livery and 5 Squadron was consolidated in 1997 at a dinner held at Saddlers' Hall in the presence of Air Marshall Sir William Wratten.
The Squadron was founded in 1913 at Farnborough and it is hoped that
5 Squadron will once again be revived in the not too distant future.
The Squadron motto is:- Frangas non flectas - thou mayst break but shall
not bend me.
The Prime Warden and Mistress Basketmaker entertained members of the Court and their partners to lunch on Sunday 15th September. The weather was kind enough to allow the party to sit outside & approximately 50 people attended. It was a casual and friendly affair with a superb spread of food totally catered for by the Mistress Basketmaker and her daughter, apprentice Caroline. The Prime Warden has received tremendous support from Corinne, Caroline and the family generally over the past year.
The 433rd Annual Banquet was held on Wednesday 25th September in the splendid historic setting of Mansion House, in the presence of the Lord Mayor Alderman Michael Oliver and his wife Sally. Three hundred and ten members of the Livery and their guests enjoyed a sumptuous feast including Roasted Quail filled with Foie Gras accompanied by a good selection of fine wines. Loyal toasts were made to the Queen, to the Royal Family, to the Lord Mayor and the Corporation of London.
Principal Guest was Sir Howard Davies, who is the Chairman of the FSA, of whose august body, the Prime Warden, George Alford, is also a Senior Advisor. Sir Howard's speech proposing the health, growth and prosperity of the Basketmakers Livery was full of appropriate anecdotes and references to the City of London and its future as well as its history. The Prime Warden in response made reference to the Company's support to the Lord Mayor's charity and to the Liveries responsibility to people in deprived areas of London and to the problems of mental health.
Throughout the evening, members of the Thames Fanfare Brass led by Roy Bilham kept the assembly entertained with wonderfully stirring music. The Guard was formed by the Light Cavalry HAC.
The Clerk, Major Gerald Flint-Shipman, accepted thanks for all the hard work in organising and supervising such a splendid event. Praise well deserved by him and his team of Liz and Veronica.
On Monday 30th September our Livery joined others in the Guildhall to elect the Lord Mayor of London.
George Alford, the Prime Warden, marched in the formal procession. Alderman Gavyn Arthur emerged triumphant and unopposed. At the Silent Ceremony in Guildhall on Friday 8th November he will succeed the present Lord Mayor, Alderman Michael Oliver, and travel in the Lord Mayor's magnificent coach in the Lord Mayor's Show on Saturday 9th November.
After the election, the Basketmakers were entertained to Luncheon at the Farmers' & Fletchers' Livery Hall by the Master of the Fletchers' Company.
Twenty-two
members of the Livery and friends met in the beautiful City of Winchester
on 21st August 2002.
Arranged by the Prime Warden, George Alford, the visit to Winchester College, his alma mater, was in beautiful summer sunshine. Founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham, the College is believed to be the oldest continuously running school in England. The tour included Chamber Court, the 14th century gothic chapel and wonderful cloisters, the original scholars dining room where pupils supped ale brewed in their own brewery until 1904, and the 17th century red brick schoolroom.
Wonderful
craftsmanship abounded in Masonry, Wood & Glass. Fascinating tales
of the travels of the original stained glass and panelling, their recovery
and restoration by people such as Lord Clark (of Civilisation fame)
is a remarkable story in itself.
Many distinguished Wykehamists have been buried or had memorials put up to them in the college. Two so remembered are Field Marshall Earl Wavell and the mountaineer George Mallory whose memorial reads who was lost to human sight between heaven and earth while attempting to reach the summit of Everest June 8th 1944. A not so great and good old boy was a prime suspect in the Jack the Ripper murders in the East End of London.
The
members and the excellent guides provided by the College dined with
the Prime Warden and the Mistress Basketmaker picnic-style in the grounds
with the College forming an impressive back-drop. Rosemary Yarker was
the winner of the raffle for a beautiful hamper in willow made by Sally
Goymer. The Winchester College website address is:- www.winchestercollege.org
The Skinners' Hall was filled by Livery members and their guests for a Basketmakers Livery Dinner on Wednesday 17th July 2002. This was the Company's trade dinner where the Yeoman members (all practising craftsmen) attended and showed off some of their immense skill with their work.
The Prime Warden, George Alford and Trade Adviser Mary Butcher gave a special tribute to Colin Manthorpe who has been plying his craft for over fifty years, starting as a lad of 14 near Great Yarmouth supplying local fishermen with baskets.
In her capacity as Chairman of the Basketmakers Association, the principal speaker was Mrs. Olivia Elton Barratt, a Court Assistant, who gave a highly informative and amusing talk on the work of the Association and its members. Mention was made of her recent appearance on The Generation Game as a Judge.
The Prime Warden took wine with the Company's latest Freemen and Liverymen and welcomed the two new Court Assistants John Clarke and Terry Harle, on their appointment. Loyal toasts were taken, followed by the Loving Cup Ceremony. (More on the Loving Cup on separate web page).
The wonderful meal in magnificent surroundings was followed by a stirrup-cup in the reception area prior to departure homeward.
Forty members of the Livery and friends met for an evening buffet on the twin walkways of Tower Bridge on the 27th June 2002. The experience was shared with members of the Upholders and Pattenmakers Liveries. Entertainment was provided by The Colin Peters Quartet with post war jazz. The Victorians built the bridge over 100 years ago and it has become a symbol of London and the City to the world. The bridge still lifts over nine hundred times a year to allow through tall ships, cruise liners, war ships as well as other large craft. The walkways house a unique collection of photographs relating to the bridge including shots of people bathing nearby and a plane flying under the walkways and above the bridge's lifting spans. Both sides of the bridge walkways afford panoramic views of London's ever changing skyline including St. Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye, Tower of London and the new offices of the Civic Mayor of London
The Prime Warden, George Alford, visited the Notre Dame School to make a presentation to nine pupils acknowledging their Basketmaking prowess in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. Assistant Olivia Elton Barrett, who had taught the pupils, and Liveryman Phillip Miles accompanied the Prime Warden.
The annual election by Liverymen of the Sheriffs for the ensuing year took place at Guildhall in the City of London on Monday 24th June. Over 30 members of our Livery were in attendance, with the Prime Warden participating in the ceremonial procession. Twenty one members then attended a fine luncheon at the Farmers and Fletchers Hall in nearby Cloth Street.
Twenty
five members of the Livery, family and friends travelled to the Isle
of Wight on Sunday 26th May. Luncheon took place in the elegant dining
room of the Royal Solent Yacht Club with panoramic views of the West
Solent backed by the New Forest.
The party were treated to a view of HMS Illustrious, one of the two remaining aircraft carriers, leaving the Solent via the Needles Channel. As the rain was fairly persistent, comfort was obtained by retreating to the bar of the nearby George Hotel - highly appropriate seeing our Prime Warden is one George Alford.
Collection for the Lord Mayors Charity raised some £150 from those present.
Twenty four members of the Livery and friends attended the Charity Luncheon for the Crown & Manor Boys Club on the 16th May 2002 at the Whitbread Brewery in Chiswell Street. A member of the Water Rats and Boys Club old boy, Charlie Smithers, gave an excellent speech followed by an auction for charity which raised in excess of £10,000.
The Basketmakers Company donated a wicker basket to be auctioned, made by Assistant Olivia Elton Barratt from willow grown on the Highgrove Estate. The Basketmakers contribution to the auction amounted to over £1,000. The funds raised were for the Boys Club in Hoxton on the fringes of the City which has been supported by Winchester College since the 1920s, the Prime Warden, George Alford's school.
A
party of 36 of the Livery and friends visited the Wetland Centre on
the 24th April 2002. About twenty-five minutes from Westminster in the
heart of London, the Wetland Centre is unique in being the first created
wetland habitat to have been developed in any capital city throughout
the world. It is an inspiring landscape which stretches over 105 acres
in Barnes, South West London.
Over 140 varieties of wild birds from around the world, more than 300 species of butterflies and moths and various dragonflies, amphibians etc. are recorded there annually. The Prince of Wales is its Patron. The Wetland Centre was created on the site of four Victorian reservoirs. These old reservoirs became redundant when the Thames Water Ring Main was constructed although they remained important for wildlife having been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The stage was set for a project described as the most exciting and complex habitat creation project in Europe and one that was the winner of the British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Award in 2001.
It was of special interest to the members of the Company to see willow growing so prolifically and to see wonderful examples of live willow work sculptures. This trip, under Prime Warden George Alford, was organised by the Livery Committee and our previous Clerk, Major Gerald Flint-Shipman. All members and friends of the Livery are encouraged to visit this amazing place. Further details of the Wetland Centre are available on their website: www.wetlandcentre.org.uk
Following the planting of the live willow basket in the Church garden
in Aldermanbury Square by Past Prime Warden Norman Woolley in February
2001, the Company gathered on the 13th March 2002 for PPW John Robinson
to unveil a plaque in memory of his late father PPW Dennis Robinson
and his step-mother Joan.
Under the supervision of the Company's trade adviser Mary Butcher the willow was woven into a wonderful basket which has now been planted with flowers. PPW Derek Kemp CC and David Jones, head of the Corporation Parks & Gardens were also present as they had been involved with the siting and maintenance of the basket. (click here for more pictures)
Prime Warden George Alford suggested all the Livery should visit this site as it represents a permanent presence in the City for the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers. Luncheon followed in the grand setting of the Guildhall Club at adjacent Guildhall.
Prior
to court business on Wednesday, 23rd January 2002 the following members
of the Court generously presented eight miniature silver baskets to
adorn the tops of the Stewards wands:
Immediate Past Prime Warden, Norman Woolley; Past Prime Wardens, Graham Redcliffe, John Robinson and Tony Meeson; Assistants, Chris Hipkins, Norman Gibbs, Ronald Bartle and Richard Walduck. This idea was suggested by Past Prime Warden Gerald Pulman, who during his term as Prime Warden, had presented two Stewards wands to mark his year in office. (click here for larger picture)
On 5th March 2002, 35 members of the Basketmakers Company and guests visited Canary Wharf. They marvelled at the somewhat gothic splendour of the tube station and the fact that 25,000 people already work in the area.
The Prime Warden, George Alford, then escorted the group to the headquarters of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) where the gathering was allowed to view the modern art collection. The artwork is all by artists from the local area as the FSA believe in supporting the local community.The evening was rounded off with supper at a nearby hostelry where Apprentice Caroline Underwood collected £260 from the attending Basketmakers for her sponsored 80 lengths swim at the City Dip for the Lord Mayors Charity. A very satisfying evening all round.
