NE W S L E T T E RThe Fruiterers’ Company

National Memorial Arboretum Visit

w w w . f r u i t e r e r s . o r g . u k

Number 80 August 2014

DATES FOR YOUR DIARYWed 10 Sep Tree Planting Garden Bowood House

of the Year

Sat 27 Sep Tree Planting & Lunch The Goring Hotel

Mon 29 Sep Election of Lord Mayor Guildhall

Wed 8 Oct 12.30pm Carvery Luncheon Butchers’ Hall

Wed 15-16 Oct National Fruit Show Detling

Wed 29 Oct Presentation of Fruit to Mansion Housethe Lord MayorLuncheon

Thur 6 Nov Master & Wardens Dinner Barber-Surgeons’Hall

Sat 8 Nov Lord Mayor’s Show City (Company Participating)

Mon 26 Jan 12 p.m. St Paul’s Day St Mary AbchurchService

of the start of the Great War.The programme was puttogether by the Master, theHonorary Chaplain and theClerk. We were transportedround the Arboretum inguided tour on a LandTrain. It might have lookedlike the Thomas the TankEngine that you see at avillage fete, giving rides forthe children; but it was agood way to cover thedistance and to keep all usindependently mindedLiverymen together. At theplanting, the Chaplain led us in prayers of thanks andremembrance for the fallen and the Clerk read the roll of thefallen Fruiterers of the Great War. Many will remember that theMaster, in his role as Honorary Archivist, carried out thepainstaking research to find the Liverymen and their sons andnephews who had died in the Great War, for our visit to theWestern Front four years ago. The Roll of Honour is at the end ofthis article.

The scale and beauty of the Arboretum impress greatly. The

A sculpture that

needs no words

What a splendid position our trees are planted in! A primespot in the National Memorial Arboretum, just on the

corner near the Polish Forces War Memorial, at the start of TheBeat and in front of the Irish Infantry Grove, you will find the twoImperial Gage Trees (Prunus Domestica, “Denniston’s Superb”),planted by the Master on the 12th of June 2014.

The day was an inspired way in which to mark the centenary

The Master plants a tree

The Clerk reads the Roll of Honour

Armed Forces memorial is a majesticand stunning piece of architecture. Itprojects both pride and calm. It isdedicated to those of the Armed forceswho have died as a result of action inconflicts since the end of the SecondWorld War. The number of conflicts andthe many names engraved reduce all tosilent contemplation. Even more movingis the space left for the fallen of

future military action. Around the Memorial in

the 150 acres of the site areset gardens and memorialsfor specific “groups”. Manyare for particular units orparts of the Forces, such asthe Royal Navy, the Cavalry,the Royal Corps of Signals,and the Royal Air Force.There are memorials, too,for our allies, such as theIndian Army and the RoyalAustralian Air Force. Butmany are for particularcampaigns; examples areGallipoli, the Malay andBorneo Veterans and theBritish Korean Veterans.To these are addedmemorials to civilianorganisations such asCivil Defence, the RoyalBritish Legion and thePolice. All the gardensand memorials arebeautifully planted andimmaculately kept.

A visit to theNational MemorialArboretum is a “must” for all. I am sure,too, that many of us who went on thevisit will go again.

Piece provided by Past Master Steve Bodger

National Memorial Arboretum Visit

At the Audit Court meeting held atVintners’ Hall on 15th May 2014, Air

Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton GCB,LLD (Hon), DSc (Hon), FRAeS, CCMIwas elected as an Honorary Freeman(Honoris Causa) and subsequently as anHonorary Liveryman (Honoris Causa) ofthe Company. He was warmly welcomed,both at the Court and at the dinner whichfollowed.

Sir Stephen follows in a list ofdistinguished airmen as the represent -ative of The Royal Air Force.

Distinguished guests at the dinnerincluded Nigel Pullman, lately Sheriff ofthe City of London and Chairman of theLivery Committee, Colonel Mike VacherOBE, FCMI (Director of the NuffieldFarming Scholarships Trust), Comm -ander A J C Morrow CVO Royal Navy(Clerk of the Worshipful Company ofButchers) and Dennis Woods (Master ofthe Worshipful Company of Fuellers).

In a procedural change, ‘The Toast ofThe Guests’ was given by the RenterWarden (Stephen Bellamy-James QC)who made a most eloquent speech asbefits a member of the Bar.

Many familiar faces were inattendance including amongst others,Brian Porter, Cheryl Roux, Jack Henley,Ian Mitchell, David Ridley and RoddyNeame to mention just a few. AndyMacdonald again generously giftedspecially prepared gift boxes of Pink Ladyapples to each diner present.

Disturbingly, a guest was taken ill just

as dinner was to be served and theemergency services were called. We arepleased to report that he was releasedfrom hospital the following morning andhas made a full recovery.

Nigel Pullman replied to the toast ofthe Guests with an amusing speech,recalling his long connections with theLivery and with the City.

Piece provided by Past Master David Hohnen

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A Warm Fruiterers’ Welcome For Sir Stephen

A sensitive altarpiece

Fruiterers and guests at Vintners Hall

Master and Wardens with Sir Stephen Dalton

Livery WW1 fallen relatives of The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers Second Lieutenant MURRAY STUART POUND (23) 7th November 1914Captain LIONEL FAIRFAX STUDD (24) 15th February1915 Captain JOHN RUSSELL POUND (??) 27th April 1915 Corporal Sinclair Munro (24) 15th June 1915 Lieutenant Oscar Percy Pulverman (23) 1st September 1915 Second Lieutenant Francis John Miller (19) 1st July 1916 Captain Frank Oswald Eiloart (24) 3rd May 1917Private Arthur Lewis Tate (??) 9th October 1917Lieutenant EDWARD CHARLSE SUTTON MONSON(20) MC 15th June 1918

Lieutenant JOHN RONALDSON EAGLETON (22) Mentioned in Despatches 3rd September 1918Second Lieutenant C. H. EILOART (33) 26th September 1918Lieutenant GEORGE WILLIAM EDENDALEWHITEHEAD (23) 17th October 1918Captain Sydney Hill Stroud (35) 20th October 1918Second Lieutenant JAMES HUGH EDENDALEWHITEHEAD (28) 13th March 1919

HONORARY ARCHIVIST

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Rainy Day Blues? Not at all. The Fruiterers and their ladies are always cheerful (or at leaststoic) and ready for those occasions when the sun isn’t shining – as these pictures testify.

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What should be the UK approach to the European Union?Earlier this year Mayor Boris Johnson commissioned me

to write a report for him on the economic and financial issues inthe UK-EU debate, with a particular focus on London. In earlyAugust this Europe Report was released. Let me share a few ofthe key issues with you.

The world economy is changing dramatically and looks set togrow strongly in coming decades, as I outline in my new book‘The Consolations of Economics’. We are seeing rapidpopulation growth, new innovations, changing trade flows, theemergence of China and India and the likelihood of aneconomic rebound in the US. In this changing global economy,London, the UK and Europe need to ensure they positionthemselves to play to their strengths.

The origins of the EU were in an era few may think is anythinglike now. In the wake of the Second World War Europe was intatters. The desire to avoid another war, a dependency upon USMarshall Aid and the early stages of the Cold War were theenvironment in which in 1951 The European Coal and SteelCommunity was founded at The Treaty of Paris. At that timeClement Attlee was the British Prime Minister. The Treaty of Pariswas signed by six countries, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg,Netherlands and West Germany and they agreed to a commonmarket in iron and steel. The forerunner of the European Unionwas formed. Six years later the same six countries signed the1957 Treaty of Rome and the European Economic Communitywas founded. There has been no turning back since.

That is the economic model that has driven Europe since.Ask yourself is that the economic model for the changing worldof the 21st century? Europe’s economic model is suffering, withhigh rates of unemployment. It is also seen as suffering from ademocratic deficit, with voters apparently powerless to halt therelentless move to ever closer union, which is enshrined in allEuropean Treaties.

The trouble with much of the debate on Europe is that itgives the impression that the UK will succeed either only if it isin the EU – that is the yes campaign – or will prosper only if itleaves - that is the no campaign. The reality is likely to be farmore complex. Although staying or leaving is a vital decision, itis not the only thing that matters. My analysis shows the outlookalso depends upon the policies adopted. If we stay in the EU, thekey question is whether it will reform? For that to happen the UKwill need to play a more engaged role to help push the case forchange. There is a need for the EU to be more outward lookingand to compete globally. If the UK leaves, the outlook willdepend upon the policies we adopt outside and also on therelationship we have with both Europe and the rest of the world.

The Europe Report concluded that the best economicscenario for the UK would be to be in a reformed EU. The

question is whether it will reform

sufficiently? There is need tosafeguard the City fromunsympathetic regulation.We need to ensure that theSingle Market works and indoing so addresses issuesrelating to services, to people and to preventing regulatoryintrusion. Above all, there is a need to change the mind-set tomake Europe more innovative, productive, outward looking andcompetitive. It is about ensuring that Europe thinks less aboutprocess and more about progress. This has many differentfacets to it, such as trying to halt unnecessary future regulationand devolving more powers to national governments where itmakes sense to do so.

If the UK were to vote in a Referendum to leave, theimmediate impact of such a decision cannot be over-estimated.It would be very disruptive. As the EU is based on Treaties,leaving would be legally complex, as CityUK and the lawyersClifford Chance showed in an excellent analysis. Despite this, weneed to look at how the UK and EU economies would performover a longer time period.

The Report also concluded that a close second in economicterms to staying in a reformed EU would be to leave, providedthe UK did so in good terms with our EU partners and adoptedsensible, outward looking economic policies. What I findperplexing is that some people say we should stay in the EU atany cost. Often these are the same people who said we shouldjoin the euro at any cost.

It is not a case of choosing between Europe and the rest ofthe world. Our geography, history and culture mean Europe willbe a big part of our future, whether we are in the EU or not.Meanwhile, the rest of the world will undoubtedly become abigger part of our future anyway, as the global economy growsand changes.

The title of the Europe Report was a ‘win-win situation’ toreflect the positive options ahead if the UK can help reform theEU into a competitive economy, or if the UK leaves and pursuesa reform-led, outward-looking open economy policy outside theEU. The status quo is not a winning option.

Piece contributed by Dr Gerard Lyons who is aLiveryman and the author of a new book, ‘The Consolations of Economics’ (Faber & Faber)

City Perspective

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View from OverseasAFRICA – Producer, Exporter and NowPotential Market

Think of the produce sector in Africaand a few countries immediatelyspring to mind – South Africa,

Kenya, the Ivory Coast and Cameroons.They have all developed well recognisedproduction and exporting operations andhave chalked successes in internationalmarkets. The range of produce extendsfrom bananas to exotics and includes topfruit, grapes and vegetables.

Many other countries have tried toemulate the success of these exporters, buthave often struggled to find the combin -ation of macro market and industry factorsrequired over a sustained period of time tomake it happen. This is beginning tochange and change rapidly. Countries suchas Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda,Nigeria, Ghana and others (who havesometimes flattered to deceive in terms ofthe development of their fresh producesectors) may now well be in a much betterposition to fulfil their clear potential.

Africa has also been primarily seen as asource of supply, whereas now it is beingseen as a market in its own right and so willcome under the spotlight from otherinternational suppliers, such as Chile andthe US. What is driving these develop -ments? We see what we call “four pillars ofgrowth” fundamentally providing the underpinning.

Political StabilityAlthough Africa may not yet be the bywordfor political stability, the region has seensignificant improvements over the lastdecade, resulting in fewer wars and greaterpolitical certainty in many countries. Thisstability has often been accompanied byeconomic reform, which has allowed theemergence of a wealthy elite (variousreports suggest there are about 100,000very wealthy Africans) as well as a‘consumer class’ – people with incomes ofaround US$14 – 20 a day that, for example,have regular jobs, own mobile phones,fridges etc. and buy packaged foodproducts. In 2013, the World Bank issueda report suggesting that there were about150 million ‘firm middle class’ consumersacross Africa, a further 180 million formedan ‘emerging’ or ‘floating middle’ class.

Population GrowthMany people still associate high levels ofpopulation growth with China, when in factit is Africa that will have the highest growthrate of any region to 2040 and beyond. UNdata projections suggest that Africa alreadyhas more than 500 million people ofworking age (16 – 64) and that by 2030, thenumber will have grown to 1,100 million(1.1 billion) – more than India or China. Interms of urbanisation, it is estimated thataround 40% of Africans live in cities. By2030, that figure is likely to be closer to50%. Africa already has more than 50cities with more than one million people.This is more than North America (48) andEurope (52).

CommoditiesFor many years African countries have beenfamous for commodities such as Nigerianoil and Angolan diamonds, but the rise incommodity prices over the last decade hasboosted company and governmentrevenues considerably. Strong internationalprices have increased the volume and valueof exports for a wide range of Africancommodities from cocoa to palm oil.Although there are debates about howmuch of these higher prices have actually‘trickled down’ to the average citizen, thereis certainly more wealth in Africa as a result.

Agricultural PotentialWith projected demand for food to increaseas the world’s population becomes richerand more focussed on Western diets,access to farm land and increasingproductivity of existing farm land is verymuch on the agenda. Africa is estimated tocontain around 60% of the world’s unusedarable land and production yields aretypically well below global averages. ManyAfrican countries are ripe for the type ofagricultural productivity revolution thatoccurred in Asia during the 1970s andBrazil during the 1990s.

One of the other most commonindicators we use to assess the level of foodmarket development is the number andtype of food retailers present. Across Africamodern food retailing is just emerging – asan example, the top six retailers in Nigeriaaccount for barely 2% of sales. In the 2013

review of international retail marketopportunities, produced by the consultancyAT Kearney, only two African countriesmade it into the top 30 list – Botswana andNamibia. However this is changing rapidly.

South African retailers, Shoprite, Pickand Pay and Choppies already have storesin multiple countries across the region.Shoprite has probably been the mostexpansion focussed with stores in 13countries. Other regional retailers are alsoactively looking for growth opportunities -as an example Brazilian retailer Odebrechthas taken over a number of supermarketsin Angola.

Large international food retailers arestarting to take an interest in Africa. Sparalready has over 100 stores across 6countries. In 2013, the French retailerCarrefour announced that it planned toopen stores in eight African countries,starting with the Ivory Coast in 2015. Aswell as international chains a number oflocal or sub-regional chains are emerging.The Kenyan owned Nakumatt chain has 40stores across 4 countries in East Africa.Uchumi has 33 stores across 3 countries(mainly Kenya), while Tuskys has stores inKenya and Uganda.

Such is the pace of development on theContinent of Africa, we believe that allorganisations will begin to feel the impactof what is happening in Africa – as a sourceof supply, as a market, as an investmentopportunity, or as a place to export from.And even if you do not directly operate inAfrica, the knock-on impacts of what ishappening there will begin to be felt aroundthe world and right across the global supplychain.

John Giles is a Liveryman with theWorshipful Company of Fruiterers.

Kenya has become well known

for its green beans

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FROM ORCHARD TO MARKETTOP FRUIT NEWS

During the first week ofAugust, represent at ives

from delegate nations ofthe ‘World Apple Prod uc -ers Association’ (WAPA)met in Istanbul to reviewand discuss the forth -coming northern hemi -sphere apple and pear crops.This annual event known as‘Prognosfruit’ allows for theexchange of information andviews. Summation of theconstituent European figures revealedthat the apple crop will be the greatest intonnage terms for ten years. The averagesize of the fruit will be larger and thereforeconceivably there will be less apples topick, pack, market, distribute and sell.Normally this would have got the industryscratching its corporate head but withRussia closing its borders to EU producethere was a lot of brow furrowing. Therewere three main concerns; 1. Nationssuch as Poland that have a significantapple crop and rely heavily on Russia willhave to look elsewhere to dispose of theircrop, 2. Those countries that havedelivered fruit before the ban and havegoods in transit are unsure of whetherthey will be remunerated, and 3.Alternative markets will have to be foundfor supplies that would have beendespatched to Russia from the EU.Delegates reported that there was a unitedfront amongst attendees at theconference and several factors providedsubdued illumination for the road ahead.Apple crops in the Balkans and Turkey arelower than last year and China’s nationalcrop has also declined. There is adetermination to develop the Middle andFar-East markets from Europeand, interestingly, the US hasalso been selling apples tothe Russian market.Corporative executivesthere will be asking thesame questions as theirEuropean counterparts.

On the domesticfront the last dessertapples and pears from the2013 production cycle were

sold in July, a conclusion towhat has been described as a

‘satisfactory’ season. Salesof all UK top fruit showedan increase of 19% overthe previous season.There were excellent crops

of Gala and Braeburn whilethe Cox tonnage continued

to decline as a percentage ofthe national crop. Sales of‘new varieties’ were upby 46% on the

previous season.Marketing of Bramley

has been more problem -atical. The currentdifficulties arose with thedisappointing harvest of2011 and two subsequentyears of shortages. Retailers andprocessors were requested toreduce shelf space and otheractivities to slow the rate ofstock drawdown. The braking mechanismhas been too effective and now thatsupplies are more fluent the rate of usageneeds to increase. As reported in the lastNewsletter there have beenconsiderable advertising andpromotional activitiesundertaken on behalf ofEnglish Bramley andthe results are heart -ening. Since the endof April sales haverisen by 18%. Theseactions continuedthrough July with the‘Bramley Awards’ whereevery category winner wasdelighted to receive the

accolade. October2nd will witness

the comm en -ce ment of ‘BramleyApple Pie Week’. Thecampaign has receivedcon sid erable supportfrom journalists andfood writers, which

has assisted sales.With the forth com ing

forecast for Bramleyproduction looking to be

higher than last year there will be no

relaxation on the marketing activities.Most of the UK multiples have firmly

supported the English Top Fruit campaignrecording sales statistics that have beenimpressive and the growers, marketingagencies and sales groups will be workingvery closely with their client retailersduring the season that has justcommenced.

And that season is at least three weeksearlier than last year and at least

one week earlier than a fiveyear average. Discovery, the

first variety to be harv est -ed, made its appearanceon the markets duringthe last week of July andcould be bought from

supermarket shelves fromthe second week of August.

The overall texture and juicelevels are expected to be verygood on all English dessertapples. Skin finish will be more

than acceptable with the exception of Galawhere ‘scab’ may possibly affect 10% of arecord crop, up 25% on the 2013 tonn -

age. Cox will be down by one fifth on theprevious season due to the red -

uct ion in hectares underplanting and ad verse

conditions during flow -ering. Industry sooth -sayers are portendinga 20% increase forBraeburn but, un fort -unately, pear estim at -

es show a 3% decline.Close commun ic at ion

with the retailers and themedia over the summer

months will be an ongoingfeature of the sustained mark -eting campaign to heightenrecognition and awareness of

English top fruit in the buying offices ofthe UK supermarkets and the minds of theUK consuming public.

Information supplied by Adrian Barlow, CEO,

English Apples and PearsThe Chinese apple crop is said to be lower

Promotional activity

will continue on

Bramley

Prognosfruit 2014

Where now for

Polish apples?

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With recent Kantar Market Sharefigures indicating that ALDI has

edged ahead of Waitrose there is nodisputing that the so called ‘discounters’have made an impact. Many of themainstream UK multiple grocers and theirsuppliers are acknowledging privately thatthe trading ‘landscape’ has never beenquite so difficult. Tesco’s CEO hasstepped down and other boards arereviewing their strategies. On line orderingof provisions by the public has apparentlyput pressure on profits in the sector and isonly being countenanced to keep up withthe competition. The expansion plans ofALDI, Lidl and others are obviously goingto impact on the fortunes of the otherplayers. Although denied, many will befocusing on the supply chain to see if thereare any opportunities to make savings.

When interviewed recently our corresp -ondent remained bullish about the fortunesof the independent fruit and retail sector. Ifthe outlet is sited in a favourable location,with a fairly affluent audience then it is upto the proprietor to make it work. Over thepast four months that job has been madeeasier by the quality and quantity of fruitand vegetables available in the wholesalemarket. He was particularly complimentaryabout the eating quality of stonefruit,notably Spanish, which he regarded as the

best he has ever experienced. “It has beenheartening to be able to resource Englishberries throughout their season” hereflected, “all of good quality”. “Buying inthe market and selling the same produceon a daily basis enables the retailer to offerthe freshest fruit and vegetables at themost advantageous prices” he said. Toproduce a new price ticket for the shop isnot a major issue but to repeat thatprocess across several hundred storesmust be quite a task. “We also notice thatmany customers will come and buyprecisely what they require and are notforced to purchase weights in excess oftheir needs”. By keeping an eye on theactivities of the supermarkets theindependent can generally match and inmost instances offer better value.

With bumper crops of stone and berryfruits trade in top fruit was described as“steady”. French Royal Gala are availableon the market which is considerablyearlier than the norm. The marketing ofEnglish Discovery has commenced andthis has put tremendous pressure on thestocks of southern hemisphere applesbeing held in Europe. Our correspondentmade several observations with regard tohis personal experiences. He wasparticularly fulsome in his praise forChilean Fuji and revealed that he couldbuy Pink Lady in the market that enabledhim to retail the variety for the same price

as other varieties. He thought that “withthe volumes available, at certain times ofthe year, it was moving to a commoditypriced apple.” New Zealand Cox did nothold up this season and what he accessedbore no resemblance to the improvedquality of English displayed in recentyears. “Customers are thinking more” heobserves, “which is a good thing”. “Theywant what they want and at the right priceand we try to supply their needs” heaffirms. Evidently some varieties of applesthat were popular a decade or two ago arefalling out of favour in this market; GoldenDelicious and Granny Smith were cited asexamples. During week 32 European andglobal authorities held their annual reviewmeeting ‘Prognosfruit’ in Turkey. Theinitial forecasts of each country’s(northern hemisphere) apple and pear

crops are presented and consolidated intocomparative formats. These tables provideplanners with valuable managementinform ation on which they can base theirsales campaigns. These decisions willimpact eventually on the prices charged tothe consumers in the high street.Globalisation has brought choice, varietyand supply but has increased complexityfor the trader.

Information supplied by David Bryant of the

Fruit Market

VIEW FROM THEHIGH STREET

English strawberries have been available over

a long season

A very early start for French Royal Gala

Excellent stone fruit from Spain

earlier this year

Aldi has carved out a market

share in fresh produce

Whether at the High Court, Livery Hall,Orchards, Golf Club and significant

places of grandeur, the past few months havegiven me the opportunity to meet peopleconnected with the City of London, the fruitindustry and other walks of life.

How fortunate I was to receive an invitationfrom Alderman and Sheriff Sir Paul Judge tomeet Her Majesty’s Judges at the Old Bailey.This was indeed a great privilege andprovided a rare opportunity to sit in on a casethat was being heard. The fact that it hadreached an “interesting” stage made the dayall the more enjoyable and one to remember.

The month of April sees the Master’sCommittee meet for the first time and dealwith matters concerning the Company. Oneparticular item on the agenda was theinterviewing of prospective candidates for theLivery. The aspirants came from varied walksof life and professions thus continuing thepolicy of enrichment that the Fruiterers havepursued. We also received reports from thechairmen of the various sub-committees.That same evening the Honorary Assistants’Dinner was held at Innholders’ Hall.Immediate Past Master, Professor John Pricewas my principle guest. Other past-mastersand the Clerk were also present. Followingdinner there was a lively exchange ofquestions, views and comments. The eventprovides an opportunity for the HonoraryAssistants to bring to the table issues thatthey believe will enhance the Company goingforward. It was a most enjoyable occasionand was declared very fit for purpose.

It was a great pleasure to travel with theChairman of the Awards Council, LiverymanDr Graham Collier, to attend The NuffieldFarming Sponsors, Invitation Dinner. On thefollowing morning we sat in on the 2014Nuffield Farming Conference held at HarperAdams University. As sponsors we were theguests of Col Mike Vacher, Director of NuffieldFarming Scholarships Trust. We were mostgrateful to him for his most generoushospitality and for providing us with anopportunity to learn first-hand of the latesttechnological advances that are being madewithin the farming industry.

The importance of the Fruiterers’ continuedsupport of Nuffield Scholarships was high -lighted when amongst the many delegatesattending the conference it was noted there

were four who had been sponsored by theCompany. It was also encouraging to see thatthere were no fewer than five Liverymen in theaudience.

On 13 May I attended by invitation the360th Festival of the Sons and Friends of theClergy at St Paul’s Cathedral, a mostenjoyable experience. First held in 1655, it isbelieved to be the oldest service of its kind inthe Anglican Communion.

The next morning, following a meetingwith the Clerk, we were both guests of theBakers’ Company for lunch at their Hall inHarp Lane. The site has been owned andoccupied by them for over 500 years.

That evening The Worshipful Company ofTobacco Pipe Makers and Tobacco Blenderswere celebrating their Diamond Jubilee onthe roof terrace of Globe House. A wonderfulvantage point for magnificent views over theRiver Thames, the City of London andbeyond. There was a Cuban theme where thearoma of cigar smoke reminded me ofchildhood days and happy Christmastimesspent at my grandparent’s home.

Still in May, this year’s venue for the AuditCourt Dinner was the splendid Vintners’ Hall.The livery continues to grow, and the Courtmeeting saw five Liverymen clothed and sixnew Freemen being welcomed to theCompany, (see pages 2 & 14)

Liveryman Jack Henley is a man known tomany people in the fruit industry. As MasterFruiterer I am most grateful to Jack for hisgenerosity, hospitality and for allowing onehundred and fifty plus liverymen and gueststo visit his home and garden. What they sawmust be one of the finest collections, if notthe finest, of Cars, Clocks and MechanicalMusical instruments to be found! (See page11).

At the Royal Bath and West Show, theFruiterers Company was again a lead sponsor.On Thursday 29 May one of my duties was toparticipate as one of the cider judges. Thisuniquely, enjoyable role enabled me tosample many entries! (See page 12).

With the Clerk and his wife Ann, I attended“The Governor’s Review” at the RoyalHospital Chelsea on the morning of June 3rd.It was a very musical and colourful occasionbut this year extremely wet! ‘Founder’s Day’ isan annual celebration to commemorate thefounding of the hospital by King Charles II.

Honorary Assistants’ Dinner

Founders’ Day at Chelsea Hospital

Aperitif at Summer Court Dinner (New)

Thanks to Jack Henley for his generosity

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The event is held as close as possible to hisbirthday and the date of his restoration asMonarch in May 1660. Also referred to as“Oak Apple Day”, the pensioners wear oakleaf clusters, remembering how the futureking avoided capture by hiding in an oak treeafter the battle of Worcester.

After lunch the weather seemed toimprove so with my good friend Janine, andas guests of Her Majesty the Queen, it wasoff to Buckingham Palace for a RoyalGarden Party. No sooner had the bandstruck up and played the National Anthemthan it poured again! Fortunately only ashower and we very lucky to see manymembers of the Royal Family on what wasanother memorable day.

On June 5th a kind invitation fromLiveryman Tommy Leighton saw me at theLondon Produce Show and Conference.This event brought almost all the UKproduce industry together under one roof.Held at the Grosvenor House Hotel. It gaveme the opportunity to meet many friendsfrom my working days.

Early June sees the Masters, PrimeWardens and Upper Bailiff of many LiveryCompanies, accompanied by their wives andpartners making their way to visit thestunning UNESCO World Heritage Site ofIronbridge Gorge in Shropshire. Thiseducational and interesting weekend ischaracterised by friendship and hospitality inabundance. The close and long standingrelationship between the Ironbridge GorgeMuseum Trust and the City of London LiveryCompanies has grown over the past thirtyyears.

An important date in the Master’s diary isthe Lord Mayor’s Visit to New SpitalfieldsMarket. Thanks to Liveryman ChrisHutchinson for the invitation, (see page 12).

On June 12th many Liverymen travelledto the National Memorial Arboretum toremember the sons and nephews ofmembers of the Livery who sadly lost theirlives during the Great War (see pages 1 & 2).

This year the 21st June was a beautifulsummer’s day, perfect for attending theWorshipful Company of Gardeners GardenParty at Capel Manor. During the afternoonMaster Gardener HRH Prince Edward, Earlof Wessex, spoke enthusiastically to theMasters, Prime Wardens and Upper Bailiff of

the many Livery Companies present of theproposed Master’s Garden for the City ofLondon.

June 24th was a very busy day, Electionof the Sheriffs at Guildhall in the morning,Master Committee in the afternoon and avery kind invitation from Liveryman PaulineHalliday OBE, Past Master of the WorshipfulCompany of Farriers to join her for a Farriers’Court Dinner at Skinners’ Hall.

The glorious weather for the Fruiterers’two day visit to Ely, Cambridgeshire, couldnot have been better. I am most grateful tothe Honorary Chaplain, Nigel Abbott foropening the doors of some of Ely’s mostexclusive residences. Tea with the Bishop inhis fruit garden, the best seats in ElyCathedral for evensong followed by dinner atthe beautiful home of Diana Barcham-Stevens was the perfect way to begin ourvisit. On the day following the hospitalityextended by Liveryman John Shropshire andhis wife Trish at Gs was outstanding (seepage 13).

To be amongst the guests invited by theChairman of the Livery Committee NigelPullman to attend their dinner “On theoccasion of the 150th anniversary of the firstrecorded meeting of the Livery Committeeon 4th July 1864” was indeed a greathonour and where excellent fare and goodconversation were in abundance!

The month of July took me back to theOld Bailey, by way of an invitation to TheSheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund AGM andReception. This was held in the unique,auspicious and historic surroundings ofCourt No 1 at the famous Central CriminalCourt in the City of London.

The very next day the Clerk and I were onboard HQS Wellington as Guests of theCooks’ Company for their Summer Courtluncheon. On such a beautiful day it was theperfect place to be to enjoy the deliciouslunch served al fresco on deck.

For hundreds of years the fruit industrywas very much dependent on the use ofbaskets. In mid-July, whilst attending theBasketmakers’ Livery Dinner held atSkinners’ Hall, I was delighted to receive agift from the Prime Warden of a Kentish“Kipsey Basket”. These have been usedsince 1500 for fruit picking at harvest time.

Beneath St Paul’s Cathedral is The

Chapel of St Faith where on July 17th Iattended the Annual Service of Dedication tothe Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor.Knighthood is the oldest non-Royal title ofhonour; the first knights probably receivedtheir accolade late in the tenth century.

Throughout the month of July, (as aguest of the Master Gardener), I was invitedto attend his Company’s visits to the Corp -oration Markets of Smithfield, Billingsgateand Spitalfields. While each market deals inspecific products it was interesting andencouraging to see how each authority wasdealing with the problems of waste andrecycling.

This year’s Summer Court Dinner atDrapers’ Hall was attended by over onehundred and sixty fruiterers and guests. Ona lovely summer’s evening we were able toenjoy an aperitif in the peaceful courtyardaway from the hustle and bustle of the City. Iam most grateful to Past Master SandysDawes for providing the magnificent Kentishcherries that adorned the dining tables.Following dinner a light hearted andamusing view of life at City Hall was given byour guest speaker Liveryman Dr GerardLyons, who is the Chief Economic Advisor tothe Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

At the end of the month LiverymanGraham Collier arranged an orchard visit forthe three student prize winners to visitStocks Farm, Worcestershire where we weremade most welcome by Fruiterers NuffieldScholar Alison Capper. She gave us anextremely interesting and informative talk aswe walked through her beautifully tendedapple orchards and hop gardens.

The day was completed at Haygrove Ltdwhere Angus Davison showed us Kiwi Berriesthat were being trialled. He explained thebenefits of growing fruit in plastic tunnels.During a really heavy downpour we could allsee first-hand how well the fruit is protectedby this method. Before departing, Angusinvited us to join him and his productionmanager in their boardroom for afternoontea where we enjoyed some very tasty,freshly picked strawberries.

Fruiterers’

Nuffield Scholar

Alison Capper

at Stocks Farm

10

Soft and Stone Fruit

UK growing conditions during 2014 have resulted in an earlyand protracted season for most berries and stone fruit, which

is in contrast to the previous year.Strawberries came with a few minor problems because of the

mild winter but these were soon overcome. Demand for the fruithas been good so far and it is quite feasible that domestic supplieswill be on the market for almost nine months. The start andconclusion are fed by berries from glass but strawberry availabilitywill have been represented from local production throughout. EarlyJune witnessed the first peak and by Wimbledon supplies were stillsubstantial but declining. Prices have been satisfactory so far thisseason but not as good as other years for some suppliers. Fruitfrom everbearers came early and prices started to rise.

Supply of Spanish Blueberries carried on longer than in recentyears providing the Iberian growers with a ‘good’ season. Suppliesfrom UK production were up and the season has been the longeston record. Consumers still view blueberries as a superfood. Mixedpacks of berries were on offer at retail this year which gavecustomers a novel alternative. Kantar stats to June 22nd indicatedthat blueberry retail value growth over 52 weeks had risen by9.96% with ALDI & Lidl showing the greatest increases.

Raspberry penetration in the UK has been recorded at a lowly34.2% which compares unfavourably with strawberries at 78%.However, a good demand has been recorded during the seasonparticularly for the preferred varieties. A mild Spring coupled withcooler, drier weather in early summer, provided ideal growingconditions. This resulted in a peak for some growers during thefirst week of Wimbledon a time when most consumer attentiontends to be focused on another berry. This resulted in a weakeningof prices until the market rallied towards the end of July when itrose above last year’s level. It has been calculated that the UKraspberry market is worth £158m with sales growing by 12.8% andvalues by 13.5%.

The Blackberry campaign has been “a bit of a struggle” thisyear according to our correspondent. At the commencement ofthe season the market was in a reasonable state but the situationhas become more difficult. Retailer and consumer preferenceshave changed – moving away from the traditional acidic varietiesto the sweeter eating more tangy cultivars. For those growers whohave invested in the latter there are more opportunities althoughthe decline in yields may not necessarily be offset by improvedreturns. It would appear that the jury is still out on the futurecommercial provenance of blackberries. Some pundits believe thatthe UK hedgerow crop will be very high this year that may impingeon sales.

Newer varieties of red, dessert Gooseberries such as Xeniahave given a fillip to sales. Interest has been created in the largeberries amongst retailers such as Tesco, Waitrose and M&S. Theseason is fairly abbreviated but the crop was sold successfully.

Currant supplies and sales were “normal” without any reportedidiosyncrasies.

English Cherries experienced the earliest season on recordgiving even more impetus to the revival of fortunes in this category.Brix levels were very high created it is felt by the protracted, highlevels of sunlight. Total production was estimated at between3,000 to 3,500 tonnes and was marketed over a 6-7 week season.

UK consumption of cherries during that period is calculated at1,000 tonnes per week meaning that domestic production canonly cater for half. Throughout the entire year it is believed that95% of UK consumer demand is satisfied by imports. The acreageunder cherry cultivation in the country is put at only 10% of what itonce was. Successes resulted in a 15% year on year increase inplanting between 2003 and 2008 giving an overall 17% uplift in theproduction area. English fruit has an advantage in that it can bepicked, packed, cooled, distributed and on the supermarketshelves in twelve to eighteen hours. This allows fruit to beharvested at slightly more advanced maturities with more sugarsdeveloped than those found in imported examples.

Piece prepared following a telephone conversation withDave Aston, Procurement Director, Berry World

Asparagus with Olive OilHollandaise and Mint3 tbsp white wine vinegar3 black peppercorns200ml mild-flavoured olive oil3 large egg yolks1-2 tbsp chopped mint, plus a few whole leaves for scattering3 x 350g bunches asparagus, trimmed and the ends peeled

1 Heat the vinegar in a pan with the peppercorns untilreduced by half. Sieve into a bowl, and discard thepeppercorns. Set aside. Bring a large pan of salted waterto a simmer.

2 Rinse out the vinegar pan and heat the oil in it on a highheat for 1 minute. Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl using aballoon whisk. Add 1 tablespoon of hot water (from thekettle) and the reduced vinegar and whisk again.

3 Add the warm olive oil to the eggs, little by little, until it’sall incorporated and the sauce has thickened. If it’s toothick, whisk in a little more hot water. Stir in the choppedmint and season.

4 Add the asparagus to the pan of simmering water, coverand cook for 4-5 minutes until just tender. Drain andarrange on a serving dish. Serve with the hollandaiseand scatter with the mint leaves.

By Sarah Whitworth

BERRIES and CURRANTS

Serves 6

English Strawberries

available for 9 months

Currants have a short

season

Only 5% of UK

consumption supplied

by English Cherries

The Livery was more than fortunate tohave been given a chance (on May

23rd) to visit the home of Liveryman JackHenley and to see his “Toy Collection”. Hehas been an avid acquisitor of a range ofitems for over 20 years, building up acollection of wonderful and uniqueautomobiles, clocks and memorabilia.Jack created his highly successful haulagebusiness over the years, partly throughconnections to the fruit industry, importsfrom Europe and with the encouragementof the late Donald Mack (Past Master). Itwas a pleasure to see Christopher Mackamong the guests, whose numbercontained many from Kent and several ofour very newest members.

We were lucky with the weather, whichprovided a warm, sunny and dry day.Certain Sat Navs were put to the test infinding their owners’ way to the venue and

some members(we are told)

in finding

their way back again! The rec ept -ion and hospitality were mostgenerous and we are all mostgrateful to Jack and his team forproviding such an enjoyable andmemorable occasion with lunchand refreshments of thehighest quality.

To mark the occasionin a suitable fashion theMaster planted a tree ablyassisted by Jack.

11

A magnificent display of limousines

Our gracious host provided some pointers

Wonderful hospitality was enjoyed

A remarkable collection of ‘Dropheads’An impressive display of porcelain and

earthenware

And the tree was planted

An AA Box

An array of post boxes

Jack in his

Messerschmitt

An Aladdin’s Cave

A very colourful

Juke Box

New Spitalfields Market hosted theLord Mayor and her Civic Party on the

annual visit to the facility that occurredthis year on 10th June.

Alderman Fiona Woolf accompaniedby Nicholas Woolf, the City Sheriffs AdrianWaddingham and Senior Aldermman SirPaul Judge, the Lord Mayor’s duty officerPhilip Jordan and Mrs Angela Waddinghamwere greeted on their arrival by Chairmanof Spitalfields Tenants, Liveryman ChrisHutchinson. Other guests invited for theoccasion included the Master Fruiterer,Peter Cooper, Hugh Morris, DeputyChairman of the City of London MarketsCommittee and Sarah Calcutt, Chair,Marden Fruit Show Society.

This was the 10th Lord Mayor’s visitthat Chris has hosted and despite thenerves not being as intense the honourremains undiminished.

During her tour of the market floor TheLord Mayor gave the traders a lift with herfulsome praise of their role in London life.

Subsequently shecommented “I’m del -ighted to hear howsuccessful Spitalfieldsis – the word ‘heaving’would probably bestdescribe it. Thevolume of trading, thescope and theinternational nature ofthe products are allvery impressive.” Sheadded that she hadenjoyed the way thatthe traders had un -failingly wiped theirhands on their trous -ers before shakinghers. “It’s pretty obvious they are all veryhard working” she quipped.

The Lord Mayor, her entourage andother guests were joined by additionalmembers of the Tenants Association forbreakfast. This was prepared and served

by students from Waltham Forest Collegewhich is in the same borough as theMarket. Following brief speeches Chrispresented Alderman Woolf with a chequefor £500 to use in her nominatedcharities.

It was on May 29th that Fruiterers andtheir guests journeyed to the

Showground at Shepton Mallet for theRoyal Bath & West Show. This annualevent has become a popular excursion formany and with one visit it becomespatently obvious why. Agricultural interestsin the West Country are drawn to thisSomerset town to display their exhibitsand to view the contributions and livestockof others. On a warm, early summer day,even townies can be seduced by the rural,rustic life. Manufacturers of every type offarm machinery display their wares andthere is an ongoing series of equestrianevents in the arena. Visitors can peruseand purchase a wide range of farmproduce in a number of marqueesspecialising in specific categories.

For some time our Company hasassisted with the sponsorship of theOrchards & Cider Pavilion and haspresented a cup to the brewer of theSupreme Champion Cider. This was theinaugural year of the British CiderChampionships, the new title under whichSociety’s competition will be held. Therewere a record 573 entries in the Cider,Perry and Apple Juice Classes of which 57

were international. It has becomecustomary for the Master to sit with otherson the adjudicating panel, an upliftingexperience we are told. This year’s winnerof the Fruiterers’ Cup was Bob Chaplin forhis own cider, a remarkable achievementas he won the trophy for Gaymers CiderCompany in 2007 and the ChampionFarmhouse Cider Award in 2013 as theCidermaker for Oliver Tant’s Landshire Cider.

The Fruiterers Stand is displayed in theCider Pavilion and is manned by Livery -men who answer visitors’ questionsexplaining what the Company’s goals areand how they are achieved.

There were some distinguished visitorson the first day of the show including HRHThe Duchess of Cornwall and DEFRA Sec - retary of State, the RH Owen Patterson MP.

Lord Mayor travels East

Fruiterers at the Royal Bath & West

A well manned Fruiterers’ stand

Bob Chaplin, left, receives the Supreme

Champion Cider Cup

RH The Lord Mayor, Fiona Woolf with the Master and Chris Hutchinson

Entries and Awards in the Cider PavilionHRH Duchess of Cornwall chats to the Cooper

12

Goodly numbers of Fruiterers arrived inEly welcomed by fine weather. Bishop

Stephen invited an inspection of his gardengarlanded with summer flowers and amagnificent aged mulberry accompaniedby a sapling recently planted by Master WillSibley. Refreshed with tea and cakes andviews of the Cathedral we joined ChoralEvensong. The Bishop ably supported byour own Canon Nigel, reminded us that itwas St ‘Doubting’ Thomas’ Day.Appropriate for Fruiterers since our harvestis always in doubt until gathered in.

Dinner at Barcham House by generousinvitation of Diana Barcham-Stevensbeckoned. Enroute passing BarchamTrees which provided a foretaste ofFenland’s sophisticated high technologyhorticulture. Serried ranks of containertrees automatically husbanded by drip-feeding. Pre-prandial champagne andcapapés set in a magnificent formal gardenon a warm English summer eveningpresaged dinner. Good food, wines andconversation flowed around the table set inDiana’s beautiful home. Reluctantly theCompany departed back to Ely’s hotels.

Gs Fresh welcomed us next morning totheir massive open-air and controlled env -iron ment food factory. Health declarations,risk assessments and jewellery removalpreceded entry indicating the detailed careand attention demanded when supplyingfresh produce into the nation’s food chain.Liveryman John Shropshire described theorigins, scale and scope of his business,employing 5000 people in 5 countriesturning over £400 million from 11,000 haof land. Gs is industrial production horti -culture turning science into precise andincreasingly robotic technology whichensures as near total customer satisfactionas biological processes will permit. TheCompany harvests sunshine selling it asfresh vegetables into all of Britain’ssupermarkets.

Family members and senior staffguided groups around the business. Celerytypified one of Gs field crops. A mix of 90%conventional and 10% organic crops areharvested continuously from early summer

through to late autumn from the deep richFenland soil. Once-over harvestingdemands total crop uniformity. Cutting rigscosting upwards of £1 million each staffedby 15 men cut, trim, wash, weigh, wrap,pack and despatch 50,000 sticks per shift.Celery must be available year-roundconsequently the rigs are packed off toSpain with their crews for winter-timeharvesting. Cropping is virtually pesticide-free and the current major pest, Capsid isexcluded with fine mesh nets. Hybridcultivars provide the uniformity requiredwell illustrating the decades of geneticscience which underpins this business.

Crops are raised from seed in aglasshouse complex recently built by Gs.The glasshouses are orientated north-south which helps maximise uniformseedling growth. Formulated compost isdelivered directly from bulk lorries intohoppers, conveyed into modular trayswhich are sown automatically with pelletedseed. Environmentally controlled germin -ation rooms ensure even chitting. Growing

seedlings go directly into the glasshouseswhere temperature, humidity and lightcontrols are adjusted for each crop type.Mature seedlings follow a pre-determinedschedule for field transplanting. Growthcontrol prescriptions result from decadesof scientific studies into the genotype xenvironment interaction which CharlesDarwin first recognised.

Gs is an environmentally and sociallyresponsible business, for example minim -

is ing its use of fossil fuels. Their investmentin anaerobic biodigestion, the oxygen freebreakdown of vegetable matter producesheat and methane gas. In turn theseproduce electricity which heats and lightsGs buildings. Excess power is sold into theNational Grid.

Mushroom production is big business

and Gs have invested £40 million in anexpanding enterprise. Mushrooms grow instrictly controlled environments on beds ofcompost derived from animal manure.Manipulating temperature and humidityencourage the fungus (Agaricus bisporus)into its reproductive mode. Croppingdemands exacting hygiene which preventscompetitor moulds from colonising thecompost. Studies of fungal biology overmany decades are translated into theprecise technology necessary for acontinuous flow of mushrooms into oursupermarkets.

Following a sumptuous luncheon wedeparted generously laden with bags of freshGs produce. Again Master Peter Cooperdelivered a superb event ably organisedand delivered by the honourable Clerk andhis Lady. Canon Nigel ensured full apprec -iation of Ely’s magnificent Cathedral.

Piece provided by Professor Geoffrey R Dixon

Summer in the Fens

Ready for dinner

Fruiterers at Gs dressed for the tour

Fruiterers are welcomed at Ely

Celery harvesting

Our Master thanks John Shropshire and his staff

Our Hostess chats with some of her guests

13

New Freemen, Liverymen and Apprentices

At Audit Court

NEW FREEMEN• Sarah Elizabeth Calcutt• Stephen Frank Meineck• Ian Stuart Michell• James William Parry• Adrian Francis Ridley• Ian Harvey Stephenson

NEW LIVERYMEN• Rodney Spencer Clark• Stuart Roy Gibson• Susan Jennifer Handy• Margaret Rosalind Macaulay• Daniel Christopher Page

NEW NONORARY LIVERYMAN• Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton

At Summer Court

NEW FREEMAN• William Opie

APPRENTICES• Adrian Olins –

Apprentice to Past Master Olins

• Anthony Clark –Apprentice to Liveryman AndyMacdonald

Fruiterers Golf Day May 8th at Kingswood

14

The forecast for the day was notpromising but the reality was even less

attractive! Heavy rain lashed the SouthDowns where the course lays and winds of20 mph plus caused serious playing issueson the back nine.

Despite the trying conditions the majorityof our intrepid competitors managed to

complete their rounds – but in generalscores recorded were on the low side.

The Fruiterers’ Golfing Secretary, AndrewPoulton, squeezed out 31pts, by virtue of agood short game, to win the Barton Cup.

Best score of the day came from a guestJulie Hilliard to win the Ladies prize with anexcellent 35 points and lots of smiles.

The next best score was Robert Long,guest of Clive Jory with 34 pts .

Roger Powdrill won the “B” division on acount back from Colin Tenwick .

Despite the rain full credit must be givento Kingswood’s structure and managementas none of the greens became flooded andthey putted quickly all day. The lunch was asamazing as ever and hopefully Fruiterers andguests have already put Thursday 7th May intheir diaries for 2015.

Past Master Ivor Robbins organised the

raffle and an impressive sum was raised forcharitable works.

Secretary wins Barton Cup at the Fruiterer's

Golf Day

Prize Table Fruiterer's Golf Day Kingswood 2014

A cold & wet

day for

Fruiterers' golf

Apprentices with Apprentice Masters at

Summer Court

New Liverymen at Audit Court

New Freemen at Audit Court

New Freeman William Opie at Summer Court

15

The Master, several members of theLivery and some of our Nuffield

Scholars attended the Nuffield FarmingFrank Arden Conference, held on 24 Aprilat Harper Adams University. This mostexcellent conference highlighted howcollaboration throughout the entire foodsupply chain is crucial to improving thenutritional value of food, with agricultureand horticulture playing a central role.

The Conference topic ‘How can farminglearn from science to improve thenutritional value of our food’ was chosenfor its relevance to the growing problem ofobesity and dietary related illnesses. It wasled by two Nuffield Scholars, CarolineDrummond, MBE, Chief Executive of LEAF(Linking Environment and Farming) andDavid Northcroft, Waitrose Category andVarietal Development Manager, Eachpresented the findings from their study andtravel experiences, which reviewed thelatest scientific research and thinking onthis subject.

Addressing the Conference, CarolineDrummond said that more people aredying from diseases associated with thewrong kind of food and too much of it,rather than malnutrition through under-eating. She asserted that we need tounderstand the role of primary andsecondary food production and theassociated supply chain in addressingthese issues by using available science.

“Food and nutrition is the bed-rock ofsociety,” said Caroline. “We need todevelop the building blocks that connecthealth, well-being, nutrition, farming and

education, to create sustainable diets andfood systems that are underpinned by theneed to improve health and nutrition. Theinvestment in reducing the burden of dietrelated diseases will have high returns.There is a need to ensure that health isembedded as a value when we buy foodwhich will happen if the general publicdevelops a deeper connection withagriculture and horticulture.”

David Northcroft said “Farmers andgrowers have a contract with society inproducing their food. It’s imperative thathigher quality, more nutrient dense food isproduced, as we are still not achieving ‘5 a-day’ in the population. Retailers have aresponsibility to support and drive the 5 a-day campaign. Currently 64% of adults inthe UK are overweight or obese; this iscosting the NHS £5 billion a year. We mustall work to improve diets and informconsumers to understand the importanceof a healthy diet using appropriatecommunication channels.”

Our scholars enjoyed the conferencetoo. Here are their impressions.

The conference very much reinforcedmy views on the nutritional value of foodthat I formed during my 2011 Nuffieldscholarship. Since then, we have beenworking hard to improve our fruit qualitybut the speakers clearly highlighted thatthere is an awful amount of work to bedone not only by growers but also industryleaders, legislators and retailers to convincethe general public to make nutrition in fooda number one priority, in a commerciallyviable way. Stephen Ware NSch 2012

The Frank Arden Conference providedfascinating insights into the likely futuredirection of plant/animal breeding and foodproduction generally. In the eternal questfor visually appealing/high yielding producewe have lost sight of what really matters –what nutrition our food actively provides uswith, this was a very timely wake up call.Chris Newenham NSch 2006

A very thought provoking day. Thethemes of food diversity, plant breeding fornutrition and local engaged communityhave set me thinking about what changeswe need to make to our farmingbusiness. Ali Capper NSch 2013.

Hitherto, it has been the HorticulturalColleges (Hadlow, Pershore, Writtle

and the RHS) who have nominated theirstudent for a Fruiterers Prize. This year theAwards Council have piloted a newcompetitive procedure by which ourStudent Prizes are awarded. Studentsfrom the Horticultural Colleges with aninterest in fruit were invited to submit anapplication for a Fruiterers Prize.

The student’s submission included anote about themselves, comments fromtheir college tutor and a summary of apiece of original work they had undertakenwhich contributed to their college qualif ic -ation. The Awards Council assessed the

submissions and recomm end ed prizes tothe most worthy applicants.

This year we have three winners. Theyare Helen Erdhardt and Rosalind Fisherfrom Hadlow and Katie Dew fromPershore. All three winners are fruitenthusiasts and each produced a highquality dissertation or review article.

At the end of July, the Master and

Chairman of the Awards Council took ourprize winners to look at fruit production inHereford and Worcester. We are gratefulto Alison and Richard Capper of StocksFarm, Suckley and Angus Davison and histeam at Haygrove, Ledbury for their kindhospitality and for giving freely of theirtime to show the Fruiterers Group aroundthe orchards, hop yards and tunnels.

Farmers have an important role in improvingthe nutritional value of our food

Student Prizes 2014

The Group at Harper AdamsStephen Ware with the Master and

Dr Graham Collier

2014 Nuffield Farming

Conference 20th – 21st November

This year’s conference is being held

at the Ashford International Hotel,

Ashford, Kent.

Our 2013 Scholar, Alison Capper,

who we share with the Three Counties

Agricultural Society will present her

report.On the evening of Thursday 20th

November there is the annual dinner

and in the afternoon a special

ceremony when new scholars are

presented with their award.

If members of the Livery would like

to attend, please can they let the

Chairman of the Awards Council know

as soon as possible at

graham_collier@btinternet.com.

Published by The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers: Clerk Lt Col (Retired) L. G. French, Chapelstones, 84 High Street, Codford St Mary, Warminster, Wilts BA12 0ND

Editor: Richard BrightenPrinted by DC Graphics, Drury Lane, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN38 9BJ. Tel: 01424 720072. Fax: 01424 434086

16

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe Editor wishes to thank the following for their valuable contributions to this Newsletter, Adrian Barlow, Jenny Bartlett, Berry World Ltd.,

(Dave Ashton), Rupert Best, (Upper Warden) Steve Bodger (Past Master), David Bryant, Prof Geoff Dixon, Dr Graham Collier, Peter Cooper (The Master), Col Lionel French (The Clerk), John Giles, David Hohnen, (Past Master), Jan Hutchinson, Dr. Gerard Lyons,

Ian Rainford, (Remembrancer), Dr Mike Solomon, Dennis Surgeon, John Warner and Sarah Whitworth.

Professor GeoffDixon. For being

elected as an HonoraryMember of theInternational Societyfor HorticulturalScience (ISHS) whichhas some 7,000members globally. In its 150 year historythe body hasintroduced only 40Honorary Membersand Geoff is the 5thBriton.Congratulations.

At Common Hall, held in the Guildhallon Tuesday 24th June 2014, the

assembly of the Liverymen of the City ofLondon elected the following persons asSheriffs. Fiona Josephine Adler, Citizen

and Tobacco Pipe Maker and Dr AndrewCharles Parmley, Alderman andMusician. They will assume theirpositions and responsibilities on 26thSeptember, 2014.

Congratulations

Election of Sheriffs

For any Liveryman who has not attendeda City of London Briefing and is in twominds whether to apply ask a fellowFruiterer who has attended. You willalways receive a very positive res ponsebecause the evening provides an inter -esting and valu able insight into theworkings of the City. They are aimedparticularly at new Freemen andLiverymen, but wives, husbands andpartners are also welcome. Liverymenand Freemen of longer standing who

have not previously been to a Briefing arealso encouraged to attend. The dates ofthe 2014 briefings are given here. It isnecessary to attend one of thesebriefings, held at Guildhall, before beingclothed in the Livery. They are:-Thursday 9th October, 2014Monday 17th November, 2014Wednesday 18th February, 2015Application should be made atwww.liverycommitteecourses.org.uk

The Membership & Coms Sub Committee hasbeen very active over the past four months.

The group has cared for and updated the websitewith news, photos and activities from the diary ofevents. Liverymen can find a list of members on thesite and of course a history of the Company is therefor all to view. Those wishing to read the latestedition of the Newsletter and back numbers of thesame publication only have to click on theappropriate section.Each year we arrange a dinner for the most recent

intakes to the Fruiterers. This function is attendedby the Master, Wardens and Officers so that newliverymen can get to know one another and thesenior members of the Company in a very informalatmosphere. These events are regarded as verysuccessful by all who attend.

The Fruiterers’ Stand is displayed at the RoyalBath and West Show and at the National FruitShow. It is one of the tasks of the sub-Committeeto establish a rota of volunteers from the livery to‘man the stand’ at both these events.

We are also proactive in finding sponsors for our

newsletter of which three editions appear each year.If you know of any companies or individuals alliedto the fruit industry or the Fruiterers who youbelieve may be interested in sponsoring thenewsletter, please contact me.

Each year we raise money for the Company’scharities by producing and selling ChristmasCards. For those who have supported the ventureover the past four years we thank you. Newliverymen please don't forget to place yourChristmas card orders with us.

Finally if any Fruiterer hears or learns of anylivery man within the Company who feels that comm -unications could be enhanced please let us know.

If you think you can help with anything from theabove list of activities please contact me atuktoastmaster@btinternet. com

Please take a look at the websitewww.fruiterers.org.uk (to log in to the livery areaplease contact me for access details).

Dennis Surgeon, Chairman, Livery Membership & Communications

sub-Committee

City of London Briefings

Dr Andrew ParmleyFiona Adler

Report from the Livery and Membership Sub Committee