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On Other PagesEvents attended by The Prime Warden 2Events attended by Mrs Barbara Barker 2The Diamond Jubilee Pageant 3Liveryman Robert A Fryars OBE 3The Annual Banquet 4Clifford Champion Commemoration Dinner 5St Paul’s Cathedral Tercentenary Gates, Richmond 5New Appointment for John Barber DL 6My Year by Barbara Barker 6Cheapside Fayre 2012 7Masters Weekend – Ironbridge 8The Lord Mayor’s Easter Banquet 8Prime Warden’s Weekend – York 9Festival of Living Crafts – Hatfield House 10The Warwick Square Lunches 10

My Father Hector Cole 11The Royal Bath & West Show 11Young Craftsman of the Year Competition 12 Ruskin Mill College 12 Careers Day at Uplands Community College 12 South of England Show – Ardingly 13 Fairclough Forge, Wadhurst 14 A Tale of a Village Sign 14 Obituaries 15 New Liverymen 15 Geofffrey Fairfax MBE – The Beadle 15 Diary of Events 16Show Dates 2012 16Office/Meeting Room – EC4 16 A Reminder 16The Company Shop 16

TheWorshipfulCompany ofBlacksmiths

Newsletter40th Issue

July 2012

Editor:Nigel Whitehead

Published by: The Publicity and Public Relations Committee,Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, 9 Little Trinity Lane, London EC4V 2AD

www.blacksmithscompany.org.uk

Alice Brooks and herrain-sodden passengerspass the Globe duringthe Thames DiamondJubilee Pageant

– see page 3

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The Worshipful Company of Turners – Masters' and Clerks' LunchThe Worshipful Company of Mercers – Concert in aid of the Royal Ballet SchoolThe Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers – Dinner at the invitation of the Master Patten MakerDinner for Livery Companies at Mansion HouseBreakfast at Carpenter's Hall prior to the Election of the Lord MayorLunch at Stationer's Hall after Election of the Lord MayorThe Worshipful Company of Painter Stainers – Watercolour Exhibition at The Mall GalleriesThe Worshipful Company of Painter Stainers – Painting Workshop at The Mall GalleriesThe Derek Melluish Memorial Lecture and Reception at the Dutch ChurchThe Worshipful Company of Actuaries – Lunch at Staple InnDinner at Vintners Hall in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat InstitutionParish Clerks' Service at St James', GarlickhytheThe Worshipful Company of Engineers – Installation Dinner at Vintners HallThe Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators – Reception and Lecture at The Royal Aeronautical SocietyThe Worshipful Company of Distillers – Reception and Lecture on China at JP MorganThe Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths – 'Trial of the Pyx' and lunchGarden Party at Morden College, BlackheathSt Bartholemew the Great – Procession and viewing of the hospital and its facilitiesFestival of the Sons of the Clergy at St Paul's CathedralThe Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers – Annual Dinner at Glaziers HallThe Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights – Annual Dinner at Mansion HouseThe Cutlers of Hallamshire, Sheffield – Annual FeastThe Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers – City Tour and Dinner at Haberdashers' HallThe Worshipful Company of Loriners – Annual Dinner at Mansion HouseInstallation of the new Dean at St Paul's CathedralGarden Party at Buckingham PalaceUnveiling of the St Paul's Tercentenary Gates in Richmond ParkWhitehall – Trooping the Colour – Major General's ReviewMasters', Prime Wardens' and Upper Bailiff Weekend at Ironbridge, ShropshireReception and Exhibition 'Pewter Live 2012' at Pewterers' HallThe Worshipful Company of Firefighters – Lecture and Supper at Winchester HouseThe Worshipful Company of Actuaries – Annual Dinner at Leeds Castle, KentMasters and Clerks Dinner at Painters HallExhibition – 'Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker' at GuildhallReception at Saddlers Hall – part of the Cheapside FayreExhibition at Plaisterers Hall – part of Cheapside FayreBreakfast at Goldsmith's Hall – prior to the Election of Sherriffs given by Searces The Election of Sheriffs at GuildhallDinner at Merchant Taylors Hall – as a guest of the Master Merchant TaylorThe Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers – visits to City Institutions, and ReceptionDyers Hall – 'Not a Master in sight' Lunch just for Prime Wardens and the Upper Bailiff hence the titleButchers Hall – Lunch as a guest of the Patten Makers

Events attended by The Prime Warden

Luncheon aboard HQS Wellington as a guest of the Master Mariner's Lady, raising funds for the Red Cross

Luncheon at the invitation of the Lady Mayoress at Mansion House

Merchant Taylors of York – Ladies Dinner at Bedern Hall, York

The Worshipful Company of Lightmongers – Luncheon at Tallow Chandlers- hat obligatory

Luncheon at Cutlers Hall – Guest of Mistress Cutler

Events attended by Mrs Barbara Barker

The Prime Wardenmakes the first cut intothe Epiphany Cake to

be served after theluncheon following

the Epiphany CourtMeeting

3

The Thames Diamond Jubilee PageantBarbara Barker

Taking part in the Diamond Jubilee Thames Pageantwas a once in a lifetime opportunity so when PastPrime Warden Tim Herring invited us to join him on

his historic launch we didn’t have to be asked twice. Theboat is a twenty five foot, half deck, gentleman’s launchdating from the 1920s and was probably designed as atender to a large yacht on the Solent. It boasts a new 5cylVolkswagen marine diesel engine capable of giving twentyfive knots. The launch is named Alice Brooks after Tim’sgrandmother and is lovingly maintained in wonderful,polished brass and varnished teak condition by Tim andhis son Stephen.

There were six of us on board,the Prime Warden Don Barker,myself, Tim, Cathy and StephenHerring, and the Captain, James.We flew the Blacksmiths’ Flag andTim and Don wore their Courtrobes with a tri-corn hat for Donand Company bonnet for Tim.

The River Pageant was anamazing feat of organisationwhich was years in the makingand involved police checks of all participants, long anddetailed scrutineering of every boat, numerous briefings,passage plans, and a prodigious quantity of informationand down loadable pdf files on the official web site.

James and Stephen brought the boat down from Burnhamon Crouch well in advance and had to spend several nightssleeping on board in the open in the rain at West India

Dock. The night before the Pageant they cruisedup stream to moor onbuoys at Barn Elms. Nextmorning, the rest of uswere delivered to BarnElms by rib (dinghy) from Putney Pier and hadto embark by climbingthrough another boatwhich had apparentlybelonged in a previous lifeto Diana Dors.

As we waited patientlyfor several hours,bolstered by the bacon

butties Cathy had thoughtfully prepared, we watched shiny,bunting-laden narrowboats going upstream to musterbehind us, and jolly, sporty looking rowing boats goingdownstream to head the flotilla.

Great excitement and anticipation filled the air andeventually we were given the order to cast off and away wewent, making sure we were in our allotted position at theprescribed four knots. Once underway, the only other boatswe could see were the other historic ones ahead of us andthe “Jubilant Choir” following at a distance behind. There

were people on thebanks waving, otherson bridges and piers orleaning from windowsuntil there were moreand more and moreand more. Eventuallythere were literallythousands of peoplewaving flags and armsand small children;they spilled over theedges of balconies,stood on roofs andcheered and wavedtheir union flags untiltheir arms must havebeen falling off. How special it all was and how privilegedwe felt to be part of it.

By the time we passed beneath Tower Bridge towardsthe Queen, the rain was thrashing relentlessly and wecould all attest to the fact that a label in clothing statingwaterproof is more a statement of ambition than anabsolute promise. However, as Cathy said, “We are Britishand we will survive”, and we did.

Thanks must go to Tim and Cathy Herring for theirkindness and generosity and to their son Stephen andCaptain James, without whom the venture would not havebeen possible, and who suffered without complaint toprovide us with a day we will remember with great prideand affection for the rest of our lives.

The Company Pennant keeps flyingdespite the rain

Alice Brooks about to pass beneathSouthwark Bridge

The Prime Warden wore atricorn hat for the occasion

Robert Fryars was admitted to the Livery in 1942 after completing his apprenticeship. Tocommemorate

his seventy years as a Liveryman he waspresented with anilluminated addressby the Prime Wardenat the Ladyday Court.Helping make the daya particularly specialoccasion for Robertwas the presence ofhis two sons the elderhaving come fromAmsterdam and theyounger from Ottawajust for the occasion.We wish Robert wellfor the future.

Liveryman Robert A Fryars OBE

Robert Fryars OBE

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Soon, the level of conversationwould even drown the sound of a blacksmith working at his anvil, as Liverymen and their guests use the time before being called to the magnificent Egyptian Hall for dinner to renew acquaintances, makeintroductions and admire the won -derful display of paintings (part of theSamuel Collection) adorning the wallsof the adjoining Drawing Rooms.

A fanfare announced the arrival ofthe Civic Party which this yearcomprised The Right Honourable TheLord Mayor Alderman Mr D Woottonand the Lady Mayoress, Sheriff Mr Alderman A Yarrow and his wifeand Sheriff Mrs W Mead. Otherprincipal guests were the Masters of the Worshipful Companies ofIronmongers, Farriers, Gunmakersand Plumbers.

Following Grace, music was playedthroughout the dinner to the cleardelight of those present. After theLoyal Toasts Liverymen sang withgusto The Blacksmiths’ Song beforethe Prime Warden arose to deliver his address.

In his speech the Prime Wardenexplained how, when he had begun his career as a blacksmith, the feelingof isolation experienced by most

working smiths had alreadybeen identified by the lateLiveryman and Gold Medalholder, Tommy Tucker. Tommy hadbeen the inspiration behind theformation of the British ArtistsBlacksmith Association (BABA),which was to give individual smithsthe opportunity to meet and shareexperiences. The Prime Warden hadjoined BABA, which is now aninternationally respected organisa -tion, in the late seventies when heattended his first forge-in with othermembers. Most of the forging done onthat occasion had been the forging ofnew friendships which have enduredthroughout the last thirty-five years.

By recognising and rewardingexcellence in the Craft through itsprestigious medals, the WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmiths has playedits part in the renaissance seen inblacksmithing. The Company alsoprovides financial support to youngsmiths in training and the Collegesthey attend as well as promoting thecraft to other City Livery Companies,Guilds and trade organisationsthroughout Great Britain.

In bringing his address to a closeand proposing a toast to the LordMayor, the City of London Corpora -tion and the Sheriffs, the PrimeWarden addressed the Lord Mayor as

a fellow Yorkshireman, saying “I knowyou are a Yorkshire man and so it iswith extra pride I am here with you inMansion House this evening and as asouvenir of your evening with theWorshipful Company of Blacksmiths Iwould like you, Lord Mayor, to acceptthis letter opener forged by me frompure iron in the form of a fletchedarrow, and for you, Lady Mayoress, aminiature version of the Blacksmith’smost iconic tool, the anvil, cast from apattern I carved in wood”.

The Craft Warden proposed thetoast to the Guests to which the Lord Mayor replied, thanking theCompany for a wonderful eveningand making a special presentation ofa specially commissioned china mugto the Clerk, Mr Christopher Jeal.

And so a delightful evening cameto a close and some two hundred and forty diners including sixty threeLiverymen of the WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmiths, departedfrom Mansion House to begin theirhomeward journeys.

The Annual Banquet An Interested Observer

The Prime Warden with his family

The Prime Warden welcomes The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress

Liveryman Blacksmith Hector Cole and his wife, Maris

The Father of the Company with the Wardens

Arriving at Mansion House for the Annual Livery Dinneris an exciting moment and this year was no exception.There is an air of expectation as Liverymen gather to

greet relatives and friends before ascending the grand staircasefor the Reception, given in the Salon beneath the splendid rowof crystal chandeliers, to be formally announced to the Wardensled by Prime Warden Don Barker and his wife, Barbara.

Photography by M. O’Sullivan

5

Clifford Champion Commemoration Dinner

On Thursday the eighth of March Liverymen of theCompany gathered at Fishmongers’ Hall for thefirst Clifford Champion Commemoration Dinner to

dine in the magnificent splendour of the Banqueting Hall.Part of Clifford’s bequest (he died on 15th January 2011)was to fund an annual dinner on the anniversary of hisbirthday for 100 liverymen of the Worshipful Company ofBlacksmiths. The bequest stipulated the dinner should be“first class” and so it was, much to the delight of all thoseattending! The occasion gives liverymen of the Companyan opportunity to meet each other and exchange views in arelaxed environment. A toast to the memory of Cliffordwas proposed by Past Prime Warden John McCuin.

Clifford’s generous bequest will also provide donationsto the Company’s Charitable Trust thus enabling theCompany to expand its educational bursaries for thefurtherance of the Blacksmiths’ craft.

Anew pair of gates, designedand made by blacksmithJoshua de Lisle and previewed

by Her Majesty the Queen duringRichmond Park’s “Wild London”Diamond Jubilee event, has beenunveiled before a specially invitedgroup including Prime Warden DonBarker, Barbara Barker and Past PrimeWarden Sir David Brewer and his wife, Tessa.

Joshua was just nineteenwhen his design wasselected by the Goldsmithfamily, which helped fundthe gates in tribute to therenowned environmen talistthe late Edward Goldsmith.The family was supported in the selection process by a team of blacksmiths, astructural engineer, RoyalParks staff and RichmondPark supporters.

The gates replace anearlier set at the entrance toSidmouth Woods and framethe Park’s famous vistaacross the capital from KingHenry’s Mound to St Paul’sCathedral. Their installationmarks the Cathedral’s ter -

centenary. The gates depict oakbranches forming a concave topsuggesting a reflection of theCathedral’s dome, finished in colourwhich produces a spectacular effect of algae and lichen growth on the bark texture softening the metalworkand blending with the naturalenvironment.

An epigraph The Way, incor -porated into the gates, is evocative

of the protected vista connecting the Park to St Paul’s and defined by the cleared woodland which is awildlife sanctuary. The Way is alsoan epigraph to Edward Goldsmithauthor of the book by the samename.

With the help of bursaries awardedby The Worshipful Company ofBlacksmiths Joshua attended theNational School of Blacksmithing

at Holme Lacy College of Rural Crafts. Duringhis first year he won anoutstanding achieve -ment award, the HarrySkinner Best Smithtrophy and the liveforging competition atthe Three CountiesShow. He completed hiscourse in 2009 and in2010 became NationalReserve Black smithingChampion. The St Paul’sTercentenary Gates arehis first public workscommission the awardof which he says hasdramatically changedhis life after twochallenging years.

St Paul’s Cathedral Tercentenary Gates, RichmondDon Barker FWCB

St Paulʼs Cathedral Tercentenary Gates

Nigel Whitehead

Fishmongers Hall

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The Worshipful Company ofBlacksmiths congratulates PastPrime Warden John Barber on

his appointment as RepresentativeDeputy Lieutenant for the LondonBorough of Newhamwith effect from 10thSeptember. John wasappointed as a DeputyLieutenant of GreaterLondon in 2008 by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of GreaterLondon, Sir DavidBrewer CMG JP.

Deputy Lieutenantsmust live withinGreater London orwithin seven miles ofthe boundary. They tend to be distin guished residents who haveeither served the local community orhave a history of service in other fields.Because of the size and constitutional

structure of London, the office ofRepresentative Deputy Lieutenantwas created in 1951 by ViscountAlanbrooke. Their main functions areto represent the Lieutenancy, and

occa sion ally the Lieutenant,at civic and other officialfunctions and to promotevoluntary, charitable andyouth activities.

Representative DeputyLieutenants wear a uniformbased on the dress uniformof Army officers thoughthose with former militaryservice, in the rank ofcolonel or above (and its RN and RAF equivalents),may opt to wear the

uniform of their service. AllRepresentative Deputy Lieutenantscarrying out civic duties in civiliandress may choose to wear the DeputyLieutenants badge shown here.

New Appointment for John Barber DL

John Barber DL resplendent in his official uniform

Having been told by wives ofPast Prime Wardens thatthey had not attended many

functions during their husband’syear I had expected to spend manyan evening in front of the TV withthe dog and a Tesco’s meal for-one.However, I have been pleasantlysurprised to note the changes slowly emerging in “The City”.There is certainly a move in many of the Livery Companies and otherCity organizations to include theconsorts of Masters in theirinvitations. This initiative seems tobe gathering momentum and hasdone so noticeably even within thelast twelve months.

I attended forty-five functionswith Don including black tie dinners,receptions, lectures, exhibitionlaunches, four white tie dinners,three of which were held at MansionHouse, and a Garden Party atBuckingham Palace. On my own Iattended six functions, the first being

a delightful lunch hosted by theMistress Tallow Chandler in October,the second, in March, was anintimate luncheon for eighteen atMansion House hosted by the LadyMayoress, Liz Wootton, who treatedus to a guided tour and the third, in April, was a lunch on board HQSWellington which raised money forthe Red Cross. Later in April Donattended a dinner hosted by theMerchant Taylors of York in theirHall whilst I joined the consorts(including two men whose wives areMasters) at Bedern Hall for a dinnerhosted by the Master’s Lady.

Next came a lunch atLightmongers’ Hall in May whichraised money to help fund threemusic students who kept usentertained by demonstrating theiroutstanding talent, and lastly therewas a luncheon at the Cutlers’ Hallin June preceded by a guided tour.

This makes a grand total of fifty-one functions attended on

behalf of the WCB. I was alsodelighted to become a Freeman ofthe Worshipful Company ofPattenmakers (Grandfather’s foot -steps) in March, proposed by JohnTimpson and Sheriff Wendy Meadand a Freeman of the City in Juneattended by Don, Mari Kavanaghand Wendy Mead, resplendent in her full regalia. I have not of courseincluded above the many Patten -makers’ functions I have attendedduring the year and so it has been avery full and fulfilling year; a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which hasallowed me take part in the pompand ceremony of the City and learnabout the incredible and importantwork carried out by, and funded by, the Livery Companies every day.I have made many new friends,visited incredible places andcollected experiences that willremain with me for the rest of mylife. Thank you WCB for makingthis possible!

My Year by Barbara Barker

Deputy Lieutenants badge

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In what must have been one ofgreatest displays of blacksmithingseen in the City of London for

many years, over twenty smithsgathered for the Cheapside Fayre todemonstrate their skills anddisplay their wares. A hugevote of thanks is due to allthose Smiths who attended,many of whom had started outat the crack of dawn to travelfrom as far afield as theMidlands and the West Country.

The team of Smiths includednine Liveryman blacksmiths,all senior Award holders,one non-member seniorAward holder and sixCertificate of Merit holders.

Few items if any will beactually forged in the SquareMile these days so the flowershown here, forged on the dayof the Cheapside Fayre is ratherspecial. The square on which theflower sits represents the Square

Mile and is stamped with theCompany mark as well as the date, and made into a pen holder.

Organised by that stalwart ofShows and Events, Past Prime

Warden Hugh Adams CWCB, theWorshipful Company of Blacksmiths’stand stood in the shadow of BowBells Church at which, during theafternoon, a Quarter Peal was rung

drowning the sounds of hot ironbeing beaten on anvils. Later, to thedelight of onlookers, the assembledblacksmiths and Liverymen joined in singing with gusto The Black -smiths Song, ably accompanied onguitar by Kate, wife of blacksmithBen Wood.

The Company stand occupied thelargest area of any stand on Cheap- side and quickly became a centre of attraction for tourists and day-trippers. With its array of workingforges the stand provided theblacksmiths with a wonderfulshowcase, of which they took

full advantage. Both adults andchildren were fascinated to see

shapeless pieces of iron beingfashioned into useful objectsand beautiful decora tions.

During the course of the daymany Liverymen and their

families turned up to supportthe Company’s presentation and

to enjoy all the fun of the Fayre.

The Editor acknowledges withgratitude the kindness of his formerregiment, The Honourable Artillery,in allowing the blacksmiths to parktheir vehicles at Armoury House.

Activity all around the Blacksmithsʼ stand

Nigel Whitehead

Jim HeadDavid Harman and Paul Allen Chez ChescoeMum Zena Sanders helps one of her

identical twin daughters

Kevin Boys

Richard Jones and Michelle Parker

Cheapside Fayre 2012 – A Magnificent Effort byBlacksmiths

The flower in the form of a Pen Holder forged outside Bow Bells

8

Masters Weekend – Ironbridge

Returning home to Lincolnshirefrom our boat moored inLimehouse Basin, which has

served as our base for the past twelve months, Barbara and I left Hester, our dog, inkennels before setting off forIronbridge for The MastersWeekend. We arrived in goodweather (surpris ingly) at theHoliday Inn, Telford.

Our weekend began with a black-tie dinner in theCovered Bays at theCoalbrookdale Museum ofIron. The occasion providedan opportunity to meet otherMasters, Prime Wardens andthe Upper Bailiff and saw theweekend off to a good start.Ninety four of the hundredand eight Masters were inattendance, an indication of just how popular this event has become.

On Saturday morning we walkedacross the Iron Bridge and, returningto the Museum of Iron, spent theremainder of the morning viewingthe exhibits including AbrahamDarby’s original blast furnace andexamples of cast iron products madethere over the years. Successivegenerations of the Darby familyexpanded the output of theCoalbrookdale ironworks to includeiron wheels, rails, steam enginecylinders and, of course, bridges, themost famous being the Iron Bridgeitself, erected over the River Severn in1779. There is a small sculpture parkattached to the Museum exhibitingwork mainly produced by the British

Artist Blacksmiths Association duringthe conferences they have held there.

After lunch we visited theIronbridge Gorge Museum with its

street of period premises includingshops, a bank, a school and a pub.Here stands an entire iron works,transported brick by brick from theNorth of England. Originally owned

by Walmsleys Iron Works, theequipment is no longer in use due to a combination of cost and healthand safety. Nonetheless, it is still

interesting and the shinglinghammer is incredible.Barbara’s ancestors wereshinglers and operated furtherdown the valley at Eardingtonin the 1850’s. (Ed. – Shingling isa process in the making ofwrought iron.)

That evening the IronbridgeBall was held in the engineshed next to Enginuity, anexhibition designed to en -courage children’s interest inengineering; as it was verytactile we all had to have aplay before dinner.

The next day we met toestablish our Masters’ organi -

sation for 2012 and Master Farmertook over the post of Chairman. Laterwe made our way to the Jackfield Tileand the Coalport China Museumswhere beautiful tiles and pots are stillbeing made. On seeing the tilesBarbara and I decided to design apattern for the hall of our home withthe result we left with considerablylighter pockets.

All ten museums at Ironbridge areworth a visit. On this occasion thevisit was only intended as a taster but, having now visited Ironbridge on several previous occasions withBABA, Barbara and I still enjoy theexperience and will certainly be goingagain. I recommend a visit to anyonewho has not been there before. Thereis something of interest for everyone.

The Prime Warden

The Prime Warden at Ironbridge

The Lord Mayor’s Easter Banquet John Barber DL

By tradition the Lord Mayor and the Civic team host an Easter Banquet at Mansion House for the Diplomatic Corps in London, at which this

year more than a hundred ambassadors were present. Ihave been fortunate having now been invited on twooccasions. On the first I was placed between theAmbassadors of Columbia and Brazil, and this timebetween the Ambassadors of Turkey and Greece, all thebest of friends.

Despite the formality of the occasion with trumpetfanfares preceding speeches and toasts the generalatmosphere is cordial. This year Foreign Secretary

William Hague delivered a key-note speech stressing theUnited Kingdom’s determination to strengthen relationswith South America and re-affirming the UK’scommitment to the Falkland Islands and their right toself-determination. Traditionally the response is made bythe longest serving and most senior diplomat presentwho this year was His Excellency the Ambassador ofBrunei. His was a delightful and amusing speech givingrise to much hilarity.

The Lord Mayor was on good form and very muchenjoyed the atmosphere before and after the banquet. The City is at its best on these occasions.

Mrs Barbara Barker tries on a hat at the Ironbridge Fashion Museum

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After journeys of various lengths and complexitysome fifty itinerant Blacksmiths arrived at BurnHall in the middle of nowhere (or more correctly in

the middle of God’s Own County!) about 11 miles north ofYork. Some members had detoured to Pontefract wherethey were entertained by John and Liz Thring who showedtheir Classic and Vintage Car Collection and provided tea.The weekend party included ten Past Prime Wardens, twoWardens and two Court Assistants and all were warmlywelcomed by the Prime Warden and his wife, Don andBarbara Barker, whose gift to everyone was a beautifullycrafted golden anvil designed by Don: an apt memento ofthe weekend.

A champagne reception was followed by a veryenjoyable informal dinner involving plenty of livelyconversation. After dinner we repaired to the bar to put theworld to rights and found ourselves mingling with aWedding Party. On spying an advert for stag and hennights, clay pigeon shooting and quad bike riding wewondered whether our sleep would be disturbed but aquiet night, fortunately, ensued.

On Saturday morning after an ample breakfast and ledby our intrepid Prime Warden and his wife we had a shortpicturesque drive to a splendid stately home. CastleHoward is one of England’s finest historic houses and issituated in the beautiful Howardian Hills which is an areaof outstanding natural beauty. This magnificent 18thcentury house was designed for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle bySir John Vanbrugh. Today, the Hon. Simon (whom we sawgoing round the house winding the clocks) and MrsHoward with their children Merlinand Octavia call Castle Howard home.

There was ample time to explorethe house and the extensive grounds.The house is filled with world-renowned collections of frescoes,furniture and paintings. However, itmay be better known for being thelocation for the filming of EvelynWaugh’s famous novel BridesheadRevisited. This was first produced for television in 1981 and then as afilm in 2008.

The gardens consisted of sweepinglawns, woodland walks and magnificent fountains. Themain flowers on view were rhododendrons. There weremagnificent bridges, temples and statues including one ofthe 3rd Earl himself. Unfortunately, we were too early forthe roses in the famous Rose Gardens. There was also an18th century walled garden which was home to anOrnamental Vegetable Garden with alliums and lavender.

There was plenty to see but the weather did not entice usto long walks in the gardens and we enjoyed the beautiesof the house explained by very helpful and knowledgeableguides. One of the highlights was the Chapel with Burne-Jones Stained Glass Windows. We were also

admirably fed and watered with morning coffee and lunchtaken in the Grecian Hall. Many of us took the opportunityto purchase souvenirs from the Gift Shop but perhaps notfruit and vegetables from the Farm Shop.

We returned to the hotel by a different route, againviewing the very green and breathtaking views of therolling countryside. After a short break, we were off againand this time the coach took us to York. After a short walkentering through the city walls at Monk Bar, we soon foundourselves at the magnificent hall of the Merchant Taylors,whose archives go back to 1387. This Hall dates from theearly fifteenth century and it is interesting to compare itwith the oldest London Livery Hall, the Apothecaries,which only dates from 1668! Champagne was served in the

adjoining Little Hall which dated from1446. There was a roaring log fire in thesplendid fireplace added in 1575 but thegrate was of more recent origin and hadbeen made by our own Prime Warden.More Liverymen joined us for dinnerincluding Don and Barbara’s two sons.Whilst sitting at our tables, we realisedhow close we were to the city walls as we could see through the windows thelegs of those walking on them! After a sumptuous repast, including of course

Yorkshire Puddings, together withdelightful wines, Peter Rayner, Father of

the Company, regaled us with a witty and entertainingspeech. Then we slowly returned again through the wallsto find our coach back to our hotel.

On the Sunday morning most of the party went to viewBeningbrough Hall, a lovely National Trust House withGardens, en route home. An excellent weekend had beenhad by all and we wish to extend our thanks to Don and Barbara for arranging and hosting it quite admirably.We also wish to thank our Clerk, Christopher Jeal, who,although not present, was much involved in the preparationand organisation. We all eagerly anticipate next year’s PrimeWarden’s weekend.

Liveryman Dr David Woodings

Prime Warden’s Weekend – York, May 2012

The Prime Warden, his wife, The Master Merchant Taylor Graeme Miller and his wife Margaret

Dining in the historic Merchant Taylors Hall

Having successfully negotiated thehazards and complexities of the M25,your reporter and family arrived in

moderately good humour at the delightfulJacobean stately home that is Hatfield House inthe historic county of Hertfordshire. Built byRobert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, the housecelebrated its 400th anniversary in 2011. As anaside, it was interesting to discover that the nameHertford is derived from the Anglo-Saxon heortford meaning deer crossing (of a watercourse).

Thankfully there were few water courses tonavigate and the incessant wet weather ofrecent weeks had relented enough to partiallydry out the field in which we parked our car.Even so there was evidence of cars having to be manhandled on the still slippery surface but fortunately this did not affect our trustyFord motor.

The Festival of Living Crafts provides ashowcase not only for established craftsmen butalso for aspiring younger ones to display theirskills and exhibit a wide range of unique wares from largesculpture to fashion jewellery.

Blacksmithing was most ably represented by TheBlacksmiths Guild from the West Country. The Guild, whichprovides training and actively promotes traditional skills,was established several years ago by the amalgamation ofThe Guild of Wrought Ironwork Craftsmen of Wessex andthe Blacksmiths and Metalworkers Association of the SouthWest. Past Master of the Wessex Guild, Roland Hall, his wifeBetty and two of their sons, both of whom are professionalsmiths, were busy manning the marquee and demonstratingtheir skills on the outside forge which attracted a steadystream of interested members of the public. The piecesdisplayed were of the highest quality as one would expectfrom such a prestigious and experienced organisation.

The public were invited to vote on a wide range of firesidefurniture made during the show with the winner to bedeclared on the last day. As Hatfield House has eighty eight

chimneys the opportunity for sales of such objects to thecurrent owner, Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 7th Marquess ofSalisbury, would appear to be immense!

Also in attendance on the day of your reporter’s visit wasPast Prime Warden Hugh Adams who welcomed visitors tothe stand with his usual charm and enthusiasm. Just beforeyour reporter’s arrival a TV crew had been filming at thestand so possible stardom beckons for those interviewedalthough I’m not sure whether that includes Hugh!

My family all agreed that spending a day in beautifulsurroundings had been a great way of enjoying themselvesdespite the vicissitudes of the London orbital motorway. Itis to be hoped that next year’s event will be blessed withbetter weather and a higher attendance.

The Blacksmiths Guild is based at the WestpointShowground, home to the Devon County Show. Furtherinformation may be found at their website:www.blacksmithsguild.com.

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Festival of Living Crafts – Hatfield HouseLiveryman Merv Allen FWCB

Part of the Blacksmiths display at Hatfield House

For many years the Sheriffs’wives have hosted a Consorts’lunch for the ladies who have

accompanied their partners whenattending State and Livery functionsin the City of London. Now with theelection of lady Sheriffs Fiona Wolfein 2010 and Wendy Mead in 2011, thehosts of the lunches are the Sheriffs’Consorts.

The Warwick Square lunches as

they are called were named after theentrance into the Old Bailey used bythe Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs. Iwas invited by Robert Tipping(consort to Sheriff Wendy Mead)and Jilly Yarrow (wife of SheriffAlan Yarrow) to one of the first ofthese lunches under the newsystem. Around fifteen guests fromvarious walks of life gathered in the Sheriff’s flat at the Old Bailey for

pre-lunch drinks before entering thelong room normally used forreceptions when the judges areentertained. During lunch I satbeside a charming lady who had“popped in on her way from work”.Jilly Yarrow then told me that thislady lived with her husband,Archbishop of Canterbury RowanWilliams at Lambeth Palace – aninteresting lunch.

The Warwick Square Lunches John Barber DL

11

Ican write about blacksmithing andmy father Hector with ease as hehas been a great inspiration to me

and many others who have followedhis passion for traditional forging.

My father started aged four makinga pig ring in the local smithy inOsbournby, Lincolnshire, under theguidance of local smith FrankGreatham. Although he needed tostand on a box to reach the bellowsand tend the fire, his enthusiasm fortraditional forging grew, nurtured byFrank until the village smithy closedin the 1950s.

Hector then went on to obtain a Teacher Training Certificate inHandicrafts at Dudley, giving himcrucial access to a forge. As promisedby the Vice Principal on his enrolment, he also found a wife there; my mother, Maris.

While he was teaching full-time, I remember theevenings, weekends and school holidays when he was busyin his forge working on commissions, the first being a firebasket. As a founder member of Local Crafts of Wessex hemade and sold traditional forged iron work at regionalshows leading to larger commissions, notably gates at ThePerfumery in Bourton on the Water. Hector was constantlypushing his traditional technical ability, especiallyconsidering he didn’t own an electric welding set. We allknew when he was fire welding because the dog would barkand shoot out of the forge door!

In 1980 Hector joined BABA. His first contact with theWorshipful Company of Blacksmiths came when he won aprestigious commission for gates at Highgrove House forHis Royal Highness Prince Charles and Lady Diana. Twodesigns were submitted, one more traditional than the other,and Prince Charles chose the latter, a design which Marishelped with and which beautifully complimented thecurved space.

After building his new workshop following earlyretirement and redundancy from 30 years teaching,

Hector was awarded a Bronze Medalby the Worshipful Company ofBlacksmiths in 1993. I joined himthen, taking on the spare forge andreceiving expert tuition and firewelding sparks to the backs of mylegs!

He was awarded the Company’sSilver Medal in 1996 followingcompletion of some prestigiouscommissions including the gates andoverthrow to Charlton Park, theMadresfield gates and the restorationof the buttery bracket at WaddesdonManor.

With my father’s well knownpassion for archaeology, archery andfencing, it was a natural progressionfor him to research and developancient tools and techniques to forge

arrow heads and swords. Hector’s connection witharchaeologists plays an important part in his accuratetechnical re-creation of forged findings from burialmounds; he is an acknowledged world authority on theforging of historic arrowheads used by archery culturesworldwide.

Traditional forging without a power hammer, paringmaterials down to the minimum acceptable for each job, hasgiven Hector’s forge work an ethereal quality, defined bylines and spaces and with carefully judged aesthetic weight.

Hector became a Liveryman of the Company in 2002 andregards his role, as a Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths’assessor and serving on the Crafts and Awards Committees,as an opportunity to assist the Company in directlyinfluencing the quality of traditional blacksmithing and theskills crucial to the continuation of the craft.

His teaching of the skills required for blacksmithing is athread throughout my father’s career, continuing todaythrough the work experience offered to students of all agesand the private courses he runs. I was lucky enough to haveseven years of guidance and still relish the moments whenwe can forge together.

My Father Hector Cole Melissa Cole FWCB

Hector Cole FWCB

Adrian OliverThe Royal Bath & West Show

The Bath and West Showenjoyed better weather thanmost other Shows have so far

this year. Simon Grant-Jones wonthe static prize for his circulargarden screen, while Richard Bentwon the Live Forging Competitionahead of Richard Jones. The pictureis of Richard Jones making a pair of blacksmith’s tongs against theclock within thirty minutes. Richard Jones in the Live Forging CompetitionSimon Grant-Jones Garden Screen – First Prize

12

This year marks the twenty-fifthanniversary of the Young Crafts -man of the Year Competition

held each year at the South of EnglandShow, Ardingly. Entrants agedbetween fourteen and twenty one fromschools and colleges across the regiondisplay their outstanding pieces in

categories including metal, wood,ceramics and textiles. The CompetitionChairman is Mrs Sarah Peay, who tookover the organisation of the com -petition in 2003, following in thefootsteps of her late father, Jim Green.

A prize for the highest placed entry in the metalwork section by a student blacksmith is awardedannually by the Worshipful Companyof Blacksmiths and for the last twoyears the Company is proud to havebeen asked to provide a Judge for thisprestigious event. This year EricLamprell FWCB was appointed.

Entrants from the Camelia BotnarFoundation, to which the WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmiths awards anannual trophy, always do well in theYoung Craftsman of the YearCompetition, coming away withplenty of the “honours”.

Judging normally takes place a fewdays before the opening of the Showthereby enabling Mrs Peay and herteam of ladies to devote their time toattending visitors to the exhibition.

Nearly everything imaginable is on display. Alongside the metalworkwill be found woodwork, ceramics,dressmaking and dress design,jewellery and design, and amazinginventions having useful andpractical applications.

Young Craftsman of the Year Competition

Mrs Sarah Peay, Chairman of the Young Craftsmanof the Year Competition with Eric Lamprell FWCB

Hugh Adams CWCB

Students being given a demonstration

As part of the Careers Daypresentation put on for thebenefit of students at Uplands

Community College, Wadhurst, EastSussex, David Harman FWCB gave a practical demonstration of black -smithing. Alongside his presentation,within the college building itself,information on a whole range ofcareer opportunities was available for students to consider. Black -smithing was the only craft beingdemonstrated.

Careers Day at UplandsCommunityCollege

Ruskin Mill College

On a brisk January day Prime Warden Don Barker,Third Warden Rodney Bole and Craft WardenAdrian Oliver visited Ruskin Mill College in rural

Gloucestershire. The College, one of three estab lished andrun by the Ruskin Mill Trust, offers young people withlearning difficulties including autism, an opportunity tolearn useful traditional crafts and practical skills at theirown speed, within a peaceful and natural environment.

The College ethos was inspired by the principles ofRudolf Steiner, John Ruskin and William Morris. Much ofthe teaching takes place outdoors, and food grown by thestudents forms an essential part of their wholesome diet.With one teacher or an assistant for every two students thereare major cost implica tions, thus conventional educa tionneeds to have failed the student before finance can beallocated for a placement at the College.

Subjects are not taught separately but in an holisticmanner so, in the forge, a building constructed by thestudents themselves, students start on an Iron Age charcoalforge operating primitive bellows, as an apprentice wouldhave done three thousand years ago. In the photographHayden makes it look easy as he teaches his new assistant!As they do this they also learn how an iron worker wouldhave lived in those times, what implements would have to

be made and where thematerials would be gathered.They then progress toworking at a medieval forgewith more advanced bellowsworked by the blacksmith,himself. They also learnabout the materials, the dailylife and needs of the medievalblacksmith before beingtaught what a blacksmithproduces today.

So much education todayis theoretical and deskboundthat many young people are unable to appreciate the needto learn mathematics. However, presented with a practicalsituation, the student can then understand its usefulness,for example in enabling him to divide a length so that hiscoat hooks can be equally spaced on a backing board.

From the fish ponds in the valley to the farm at the top ofthe hill, we saw the dedication and patience of the teachersengendering enthusiasm in the students as they discoveredthey were capable of doing things for themselves. It was amoving experience for all of us.

Hayden showing the Prime Wardenhow to work “Iron Age” bellows

Adrian Oliver

13

Despite the vagariesof the weather2012 was yet

another successful yearfor The WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmiths’stand at this prestigiousevent. This year theBlacksmiths’ stand was inits new position on theshowground close to theYoung Craftsman of theYear marquee. Staunchsupporter Past PrimeWarden Hugh Adams waspresent for the three daysof the Show assistingMick Demianow, MervAllen and Ben Wood withthe organisation of thestand.

We were delighted to welcome the many familiar faces including Liverymen, who visited the stand over the three days and also Peter Cassidy from the Irish Artist Blacksmiths Association. Peter said how much he appre -ciated the friendli nessand hospi tality hereceived and how hehoped other membersof IABA would be able to make the tripnext year.

Many encouragingcomments were madeby members of thepublic visiting thestand on which weredisplayed some amazing exhibits and saleable items. Salesand commission enquiries also appeared to be holding upwell in spite of the harsh economic climate and it wasparticularly heartening when visitors wanted to ‘try theirhand’ at hitting hot metal.

That popular, local,traditional music band(some would say ne’er-do-wells!) ‘The Out woodForgers’ performed black -smithing re lated songsinclud ing a somewhatrisqué version of ‘TheLusty Smith’ and a rousingrendition of the WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmiths’own song, for which songsheets were provided.

Donations re ceived werefor the charity CardiacRisk in the Young (CRY)www.c-r-y.org.uk.

A huge amount ofeffort goes into makingthe Show a success andthis endeavour was againwell rewarded. Oursincere thanks go to allour sponsors and helpersand every smith whodisplayed work, demon -strated his skills andentered the competitions.

Without their support we would be unable to continue. The competitions, which for the first time included

a round of the National Blacksmithing Champion ship, were judged by MikeRoberts FWCB, holder of The Worshipful Com -pany of Blacksmiths’Gold Medal. Our thanksgo to him for his enthu -siasm and dedi cation tothe task whilst providingfriendly advice through -out the three days of theShow.

South of England Show – ArdinglyLiveryman Merv Allen FWCB

Hugh Adams and Mike Roberts looking pleased – something must be right!

Mike Roberts FWCB explains a point toBlacksmith Ben Wood

Our congratulations to the Prize-winners who were:NBCC COMPETITIONS:

Class 1 Traditional: 1st Simon Grant-Jones2nd Pete Oberon

Class 1 Contemporary: 1st Malcolm White2nd Malcolm Shepherd3rd Richard Jones

LIVE FORGING: 1st James Price2nd John Bellamy3rd Michael Hart

SHOW CHAMPION BLACKSMITH:Simon Grant-Jones

RESERVE CHAMPION BLACKSMITH:Malcolm White

SOUTH OF ENGLAND BLACKSMITHSCOMPETITIONS:PETER BAGENT AWARD: 1st David Mortimer

2nd Malcolm White3rd Tom Carter

CAMELIA BOTNAR FOUNDATION CUP:1st Charlie Whittingham 2nd Tom Brixey3rd Anthony Lee

Heraldic Lion by Kevin Boys

Simon Grant-Jones receiving the ShowChampion Blacksmith Award

Vase of flowers by Peat Oberon – yes,the flowers are iron, too!

14

Wadhurst in East Sussexwas probably the oldestof all the Wealden iron

smelting centres and oncesupported at least nine separateforges. Little evidence of theseactivities remained since theclosure of Bassets Forge, nowdeveloped for housing, until therecent opening of FaircrouchForge by David Mortimer, or Mort as he prefers to be known.

Mort’s enthusiasm for the craftarose through his interest inarchaeology. While working onarchaeological sites he was inspired by the discovery of whathe describes as fantastic oldmetalwork. He has a BA(Hons) in Archaeology and an MSc in

Osteology, Paleopathology andFunerary Archaeology. Afterspending five years in doctoralresearch at Sheffield University he turned his attention totraditional blacksmithing. Hisacademic back ground has assistedhim in understanding the con -struction and uses of traditionalmetalwork and he is often asked tocopy items in museum collectionsand to undertake commissions forthe re-enactment market.

Having found suitable prem -ises, Mort needed to obtainplanning permission to operate aforge and was assisted in thisquest by a supportive letter fromThe Clerk of the WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmiths.David Mortimer outside his Forge

Nigel WhiteheadFaircrouch Forge, Wadhurst

In the 38th issue of the Newsletter there was a wellpresented and interesting article about Village signs by Shirley M. Addy. The article reminded me of the one

and only time I had anything at all to do with a village sign.There is a beautiful, typical English village just south

of the M25. When I say typical, I mean typical. It has arange of buildings from past eras reflected in differentarchitectural styles, together with a Church, arrangedaround a large village green complete with pond. Cricketand other village sports are still played regularly on thegreen where once one of England’s greatest evercricketers played. The village still manages to supporttwo Pubs.

The village is also home to a Blacksmith; a famous manin his own environment; a man possessing great skill andknowledge but little patience! He hides behind a mask of abruptness combined with a dry sense of humour.Personally, I would describe him as crusty, very crusty.

One Thursday afternoon I received a phone call, short butto the point. “I’ve renovated the Village Sign, come downtomorrow afternoon and help me load it up, then we can goto the pub, and I’ll get us a Chinese for later. On Saturdaymorning we’ll have the full English, do the sign and shouldbe under starter’s orders by twelve o’clock.”

I duly arrived at the appointed hour, and thingshappened pretty much according to the specified scheduleuntil the final positioning of the sign. I was trying to easethe sign upright before concreting it into position but eachtime I used the vertical plumb of the spirit level on any oneof the four sides of the post I was getting a differentreading. The Blacksmith meanwhile was holding anaudience with a group of admiring villagers - how he lovesto play to an audience!

“Come along, hurry up, it’s a quarter to twelve” hequipped. Alarm bells began ringing in my head. As I eyedthe level I saw it had a discernible cock-screw shape. If heldone way the sign had a list to starboard, turned over, a list toport. “Is there something wrong with your level?” I askedpolitely while quietly fuming inside. “It was alright when Iused it on Tuesday, but I did manage to reverse the van overit”. Case solved; time to use the rule of aesthetics! “Does itlook right to you now?” “Does it look alright to me – yes, itdoes - concrete it in”.

We were tasting the first pint at 12.05 just as the cricketteam turned up to start rolling the pitch. By 2.30 pm the sign seemed even more aesthetically pleasing, soeveryone was happy.

Thank you for your patience. I hope you have derivedsome amusement from this tale.

However, I would like you to consider these threequestions:

1. What is the name of this village with its aestheticallypleasing sign?

2. What is the name of the greatest cricketer to haveplayed on the green?

3. Last but not least, what is the name of this crusty, oh ever so crusty, Blacksmith?

Answers on a Post Card please to the Editor.

A Tale of a Village Sign Anon

Erratum – The caption to the photograph at the top ofpage 10 of the last issue of the Newsletter incorrectlyattributed the pieces either side of Michelle’s winningpiece to Wendy and Melissa. These were the winningpieces of other entrants. Ed.

15

ObituariesAssistant Emeritus Leslie Vernon McGowan So nearlya centenarian! Born on 24th September 1912, Leslie diedon 24th January 2012. He had celebrated his 90thbirthday in style (a balloon ride and gliding) and it wouldhave been no surprise if he had achieved the magic 100.It was not to be and the attendees at his Funeral Servicein the Holy Cross Church at Bearsted (his home for manyyears) heard that, while he had no immediate family,through his nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces hehas fostered love and affection.

Tributes were given from his ‘family’ in New Zealandas well as those in Kent. It was a fitting occasion for aman of great generosity and friendship. He was admittedto the Livery in 1958 and although he was elected to theCourt in 1986 personal circumstances dictated that hecould not move to the highest offices in the Company.Nevertheless he remained a most enthusiastic supporterof the Company and was a regular attendee at Companyfunctions, quite often accompanied by his niece (MargaretMacIntyre) or her daughters.

Liveryman Geoffrey Berry Geoffreywas admitted to the Livery in 1983but it was just one of the manyorganisations (such as Epsom Rotary)to which he brought his knowledgeand enthusiasm. The majority of hisprofessional life was spent as amember of the Customs and Exciseservice: thus a Civil Servant. It wasthe aptness of those two words that

his son, Liveryman and HonoraryChaplain the Reverend AnthonyBerry, concentrated on at Geoffrey’sfuneral. His father was one of ‘the oldschool’ where manners and respectfor others mattered so much.

Born on 7th August 1921 he died on27th May 2012 but by then he hadwitnessed his daughter, JacquelineMinchinton our Honorary Archivist,

admitted to the Livery and thecompletion of the apprenticeship totheir grandfather of Edward andSimon Minchinton followed by theiradmission to the Livery. Finally, hisson-in-law Peter Minchinton became aLiveryman at the 2012 Ladyday Court.

Geoffrey’s benign influence will bewith the Company indirectly for manyyears to come.

Liveryman George Henry Reginald Ward While hisbusiness commitments meant that he could not devote asmuch time as he might have wished to the Company, weare sorry to record the death of George Henry ReginaldWard. He became a Liveryman in 1987 and died on 23rdApril 2012 aged 79. Committed to free enterprise and the

expansion of business, his career will be best rememberedfor the Grunwick Film Laboratories dispute at the plant inWillesden, North London. The two year strike (1976-1978)created many headlines and dramatic photographs andultimately led to changes in the law surrounding industrialdisputes following the Scarman Inquiry.

New Liverymen

At the Epiphany Court the ranks of workingblacksmith Liverymen were increased with theadmission of Nigel Charles BARNETT. He

holds a Company Bronze Medal and is committed tothe highest traditional standards of the craft fromFransham Forge in Dereham, Norfolk. He wasnominated by another distinguished NorfolkBlacksmith, ‘Bill’ Cordaroy.

The blacksmithing link was continued at Epiphanywhen Clive Mockford AWCB presented his nomineeDerek Alan HARRINGTON to be admitted to theLivery. Derek is a retired Local Government Officer.For him ‘retirement’ means involvement with manyorganisations where his professional management skills,developed over many years, can be put to effective use.

Donald Andrew ROWE is a holder of the Company’sSilver Medal and is widely respected as a teacher wherehis experience extends from assignments in Africa to

West Dean College, Chichester. Andrew (as he prefers tobe known) is based in Camarthen where he specialises inarchitectural and sculptural forged metal work.Proposed by Gold Medal holder, Mike Roberts, Andrewwas admitted to the Livery at the Ladyday Court.

The Ladyday Court also saw the admission of PeterEdward MINCHINTON to the Livery. A specialist intaxation, Peter completes the family involvementthrough his father-in-law the late Geoffrey Berry. (Seethe accompanying Obituary).

It is encouraging to the Court to see the growingnumber of working ‘smiths becoming Liverymen andproviding links to our historical craft base. This iscomplemented by a wide range of other professions tohelp give the Livery its broad and interestingmembership. All our new Liverymen are most welcometo the Company and we look forward to their supportof Company events.

Geoffrey Fairfax MBE – The Beadle

It was with great concern we learnt that Geoffrey, our Beadle, had been admitted to hospital following a stroke. We understand that his recovery is progressing well and that he should be allowed home soon to join his wifeChristine. We wish them both well and Geoffrey a strong recovery.

16

Published by: The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths · Design and Typesetting by: Les Allen – 07944 295613 · Printed by: LeA Printers – 0845 232 2322

Prices:

• Livery Tie £10 (Liverymen only)

• ‘Social Tie’ £22• Umbrella £15• Cuff Links £66.50• Brooches £45

All items available from the Clerk, Christopher Jeal.A limited supply might be available at Court luncheons.

Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths’ Shop

Show Dates 2012Royal Welsh Show July 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th

New Forest Show July 24th, 25th, 26th

Edenbridge and Oxted Show August 26th, 27th

Dorset County Show September 1st, 2nd

SHOWS IN ITALICS ARE SUPPORTED BY THE WBC BUT ARE NOT ON THE NBCC CIRCUIT

Diary of Events 2012

Copies ofphotographs

Copies of the excellentphotographs taken by MichaelO’Sullivan, of the Awards

Luncheon and other formal eventsand reproduced in the Newsletter canbe obtained directly from:www.michaelosullivanphotography.co.uk

ormichaelphotography@tiscali.co.uk

Telephone: 020 8363 8350

The photograph shows the furnished office/meeting room attached to theClerk’s office on the second floor of 9 Little Trinity Lane, London EC4. It is

available for use by Liverymen of the Company by arrangement with the Clerk.

(E-mail communicationwith the Livery)

In early March Liverymen shouldhave received notification from the Clerk of the intention to

use Members’ e-mail addresses forcorrespondence where possible withthe intention of reducing theCompany’s significant postage costs.Inevitably there will be occasionswhen traditional mailing will beunavoidable but e-mail is now thepreferred method of communication.If you have not already notified theCompany of your e-mail addressplease consider doing this by sending a brief message to Helen at the Company’s office: hammerandhand@btconnect.com.

Please be clear whether it is yourhome or business address.

Office/Meeting Room – EC4

A Reminder

Editor: Nigel Whiteheade-mail: nigelbw@tiscali.co.uk

Telephone: 01580 713302

Election Court Thursday 26th July

Warden’s Court Thursday 13th September

Trafalgar Night Dinner Thursday 18th October

Michaelmas Court and Awards Luncheon Thursday 25th October

Warden’s Court Thursday 6th December

Carol Service Friday 14th December