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

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

Number 86 August 2016

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

imposing gateway into a commemorativegarden is placed where the original building’sfront door stood. The Fruiterers, led by theMaster, planted the gifted trees, one either sideof the gateway. Holy Water blessed in the GuildChapel was used to irrigate the saplings. PeterKyle and Diane Owen, Director of SBT, werethere to provide a welcome.

The Great Garden of New Place, the largestgreen space in central Stratford will provide visitors with an indicationof the scale of the original house, with its outer wall laid out in bronze

William Shakespeare does live, with continuing and expandingimpact worldwide. He died physically 400 years ago but his

influence on societies across the globe, the arts, theatre, sciences,entertainment and linguistics lives on vigorously. The Englishlanguage which we use and which is used by morethan 25 percent of the world’s population is stillmoulded by him in ways second only to the KingJames’ Bible. Stratford-upon-Avon is rightly veryproud of its most famous son. ‘Shakespeare 400’celebrated his continuing achievements in grandmanner over the weekend of 23rd April. TheWorshipful Company of Fruiterers joined joyfullyand enthusiastically into these celebrations led byour Master Fruiterer Stephen Bellamy-James andRita, his wife.

The Fruiterers first gathered for an afternoonservice of dedication and thanksgiving in Stratford’sGuild Chapel of the Holy Cross on Friday 22nd.Reverend Dr Paul Edmonson, Head of Research forThe Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT), composedan excellent order of service. Its focus was adedication and blessing for two Nottingham medlar (Mespilus

germanica) trees. Shakespeare mentions the variety in four plays atheme that ran through the service.

New Place, (site of the planting), was bought in 1597 byShakespeare as a family home where he and his wife Anne, raisedtheir children. Here he wrote some of his greatest and mostinfluential works. On April 23rd 1616 he died in the house, aged 52.Regrettably, the house was demolished in the 18th Century. Incelebration of the 400th anniversary the SBT is transforming the siteof New Place with financial support from the Lottery. A new and

Restoration at New Place

Planted sapling irrigated

with Holy Water

Thu 29 Sep Election of Lord Mayor Guildhall

Mon 10 Oct Informal Carvery Lunch Ironmongers Hall

Wed 19 & Thu 20 Oct National Fruit Show Detling

Wed 26 Oct 11.45 Presentation of Mansion House Fruit to Lord Mayor Luncheon City of London Club

Wed 2 Nov Master & Wardens Dinner Barber-Surgeons’Hall

Sat 12 Nov Lord Mayor’s Show City (Company not Participating)

Wed 9 – Tue 15 Nov Citrus and Fruit Orchards of Andalucia Seville and Granada

Wed 25 Jan 12 pm St Paul’s Day St Mary Abchurch2017 Service

Shakespeare Odes Concert Holy Trinity Church

Shakespeare Lives! – Pageantry,planting and plays

strips proceeding from the gateway. Later, the SBT entertained the Fruiterers

to a champagne reception at ‘Hall’s Croft’.Fruiterers wandered through this housewhich was owned by Susanna Hall,Shakespeare’s daughter and Dr John Hallafter their marriage in 1607. On her father’sdeath, Susanna and her family moved toNew Place.

Fine music and singing then beckonedas the Fruiterers moved to the ShakespeareOdes Concert in Holy Trinity Churchpresented by Ex Cathedra in collaborationwith SBT, the Shakespeare Institute andRSC. It was broadcast live by BBC Radio 3.

Stratford’s centrepiece event is theannual Birthday Parade, which seren dip -itously this year took place on Saturday23rd. The Fruiterers parade party mustered,(suitably gowned and capped), with othergroups at the top of Henley Street close bythe Bard’s Birthplace. Led by our bannerthe Master, Wardens, Honorary Assistants,members of the Livery, their guests and theClerk and his wife, Wendy, joined diplomats,civic dignitaries and visitors from round theworld perambulating through the streets ofthis medieval town. The procession wasfronted by the Wendell Brunious Jazz Bandfrom New Orleans. Smartly at 11 o’clockthe Parade reached the Town Centre whereby tradition a quill pen similar to those usedby Shakespeare is raised by a student from

his school, King Edward VI. This drew asalute from Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenantof Warwickshire, Timothy Cox. Well to thefore the Fruiterers party continued with theirbanner which by this time had passed to theHonorary Assistants and processed past theGuild Hall watched by thousands of “Shake -speares”. Masks of the Bard had beendistributed to all of the day’s celebrantsalong with sprigs of flowering Rosemary.

Continuing through the old town theParade reached Holy Trinity Church whereclose by the High Altar lies Shakespeare’sgrave. The quill pen was replaced inShakespeare’s hand for another year.Participants placed bunches of springflowers on the grave and Altar.

Parading moved to feasting. The Masterhad secured invitations to the annualBirthday Luncheon held in the gardens ofthe Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Here,Liverymen and their guests joined stars ofstage and screen, Shakespearean scholars,academics and residents from the Stratfordlocality. Michael Wood, life trustee of theSBT and governor of the Royal Shake -speare Company (RSC) historian andtelevision broadcaster presided over theceremonies. Dame Carol Ann Duffy PoetLaureate read her celebratory Ode “Pleaseone, please all” followed by grace said byThe Reverend Patrick Taylor, Vicar ofStratford-upon-Avon.

After a delicious lunch, the Bard’simmortality was remembered. Architect,historian, film maker and televisionpresenter Francesco da Mosto raised thistoast. The Pragnell Award is presentedannually at this event. The significance ofthis award is signalled by the role of honourof previous alumni. Sir Trevor Nunn wasthis year’s recipient. He was artistic directorof the Royal Shakespeare Company for 18years from 1968 to 1986 following on fromSir Peter Hall. Michael Wood toasted the“visitors” in eloquent manner, with an

equally charming response from HisExcellency Mr Navtej Sarno, Indian HighCommissioner. He reminded everyone ofShakespeare’s continuing reach andrelevance to all Continents and Peoples.Several “Bollywood” productions have theirroots in theatre originally created on thebanks of the Avon.

Following an invitation from Peter Kyle,Fruiterers enjoyed a further evening ofcelebrations organised by the Master at theShakespeare Centre which contains thehouse owned by Shakespeare’s father,John. Here, Fruiterers strolled in thegardens fortified by refreshments whilebeing entertained by actors deliveringexcerpts from a variety of plays. Touring thehouse was much encouraged. TheFruiterers then joined a Birthday Celeb -ration delivered by live video streamingfrom the RSC’s masterful “ShakespeareLive” performed in the Royal ShakespeareTheatre before an invited audience. It wasbroadcast nationally and internationally byBBC 2 as part of their yearlong ‘Festival2016’. A firework display sited on theAvon’s banks greeted the audience as theyemerged from the theatre.

The whole exhilarating weekend wasrounded off with a visit to Anne Hathaway’sCottage, a twelve room building at Shottery,about 1 mile from Stratford. Anne was bornthere in 1555-56 and here WilliamShakespeare came courting. They marriedin 1582 when Anne was 26 and Shake -speare 18. She bore William three childrenand eventually as plays brought fame andfortune he purchased the New Place.

The Fruiterers party wandered at willthrough both the house and garden untilmidday when a group returned to theWhite Swan hotel for a farewell luncheon atwhich the Master was roundly congrat ul -ated on having organised such an exciting,stimulating and thoroughly enjoyableweekend.

Piece provided by Liveryman,Professor Geoff Dixon. Regrettably theoriginal text has been abridged owing

to space in the Newsletter. AnyFruiterer wishing to read the originalshould contact the Editor by e-mail.

2

Shakespeare's resting place bedecked with

floral tributes

Fruiterers' Banner unfurled in the parade

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

HONORARY ARCHIVIST

3

Whilst the Fruiterers Company has forcenturies maintained strong links with

the fruit industry our archives record thatduring this time the professions and trades ofPast Masters and Liverymen have beenextremely diverse.

The years 1871 to 1881 produced no lessthan four Masters with strong connections tothe building trade;

Past Master George Farmiloe (1871) andhis son Past Master George Farmiloe Jnr(1874) were lead and glass merchants whosemagnificent warehouse remains to this day at34 St John Street, Smithfield Market, London

The Master in 1876 was James May Stroud

a brick manufacturer from Mildmay Park,North London. In a picture acquired fromLondon Metropolitan Archives, Past MasterMay can be seen wearing an early example ofthe Master’s Badge

William Nathaniel Froy was Master in 1881.His Company, W. N. Froy and Sons was, in itsheyday, one of the largest and most respectedbuilders merchants in England, with their mainpremises in Hammersmith

Although there is no known connection tothe fruit industry, in each case the dedication

of these Past Masters to the Company playedan important part in building its future success

and achievements.

James May

Stroud, Master

1876, wearing

an early

Master's Badge

Kingswood Golf Course was bathed inspring sunshine on 5th May when

Fruiterers’ and guests met for the Company’sannual Golf Day. It was so warm that for someit was shirt sleeve order on the terrace of theClub House.

Tom Hilliard's beautiful Kingswood layoutwas indeed a picture with cherry trees in fullblossom of pink and white. The course provedas good a test as usual. The greens firmed upafter an early cut, as the sun shone brightlyand the wind picked up. Past Master PeterCooper deputised for the Master who had aprior arrangement and General Sir RobertPascoe gave us a highly entertaining LoyalToast.

There were a total of 48 persons whoplayed golf while another 5 joined us for a

fantastic lunch. The prize winners were:-Winner Division A & Barton Cup: Andrew Poulton, 32pts2nd Div. A –Terry Ogborn, 29ptsWinner Division B: Nigel Bardsley, 29pts2nd Div. B: Bill Haynes, 27pts Winner Ladies Competition: PhilomenaBurke, 33pts; 2nd Ladies Competition –Cinty Ogborn, 26ptsLongest Drive: Ben BardsleyNearest the pin: Colin TenwickGuest 1st Prize: Clive Dewing, 39ptsGuest 2nd Prize: Clive Lawson 34pts

Andrew Poulton, (Secretary, The Worshipful Company

of Fruiterers Golf Society)

The building that housed George Farmiloe

and Sons in West Smithfield

George Farmiloe

Andrew Poulton receives the Barton Cup from

Past Master Cooper

Annual Golf Day

4

So what lies ahead for the economy now that the people havevoted to leave the European Union? The referendum result

showed that despite a four month campaign that carried with itprophesies of financial Armageddon and economic collapse if wevoted to Leave, the people were brave enough to ignore thepredictions of doom.

Instead the Vote to Leave creates the ability to return power toset laws, have a sensible migration policy, choose how we wouldspend the money we currently send to Brussels, better position theUK to succeed in the changing growing global economy and alsodistances us from the EU's inevitable procession towards a politicalunion.

The trouble is, it is not easy to leave something that you havebeen in for over four decades, and it takes time to establish newrelationships. This can create uncertainty. Even though I arguedthat the UK should leave the EU, I also described the likely impactas being like an economic shock. An economic shock can dentconfidence and spending and deter investment temporarily, and insome respects that is what we may be seeing since theReferendum.

My view was that the impact of a ‘Vote to Leave’ on the economywould be like a tick or a 'Nike swoosh' in that after some initialperiod of weakness the economy would rebound well.

The outlook for the economy depends upon the interactionbetween the economic fundamentals, policy and confidence. Allare important, but the most difficult to predict is confidence. Thebiggest danger is if we talk ourselves into a self-feeding downturn.It was the former US President Roosevelt who said we have nothingto fear but fear itself. And that is in some respects is where we arenow.

Because of uncertainty about policy and what lies ahead,confidence has suffered. In the past uncertainty has not causedrecessions. It is usually recessions that trigger uncertainty. Yetuncertainty can have an impact if it is prolonged and if it dentsconfidence enough to hit spending and investment.

Policy too is vitally important. The Bank of England has acteddecisively. I agreed with their decision to cut interest rates to 0.25%and to take measures to try and ensure that advantages are passedonto borrowers and small firms. The Bank also announced a hostof other measures too, including printing more money, throughQuantitative Easing. These additional measures may not benecessary but can be viewed as being like an insurance policy. Thetrouble is, not everyone benefits from lower rates, including savers.But if the economy starts to grow more strongly as a result theneveryone, including savers, should benefit then.

The Bank of England felt that a recession will be avoided. In factgrowth should be given a boost by the Chancellor's Autumn

Statement in a few months.Alongside the boost toexporters from a weakerpound and lower interest ratesthis would help the economy.

Austerity is dead, but the Chancellor will still need to reassureglobal investors about longer term borrowing as he creates thespace to spend more now. There were many lessons from theReferendum. One was that when it comes to economic policy: onesize does not fit all. Among other things, the rising population hasadded to pressure on public services and housing.

For the economy to really seize future opportunities it needs tosee more of the three I's: innovation, investment and infrastructurespending. And on the latter it is noticeable that since thereferendum the UK Government can borrow at its cheapest rateever. Across the globe, government borrowing rates have fallen inmany countries. The important aspect is that the UK has not beendiscriminated against; indeed it is still seen by investors as a safehaven.

It may seem strange to talk about borrowing when the budgetdeficit is so high. It's like the difference between borrowing to payoff a credit card – which is not ideal – versus borrowing for amortgage – which is usually good. Likewise the Government needsto control its spending but if it can borrow at low interest rates toinvest in infrastructure – such as roads or in housing – then itshould. There is also a need to embark upon a major housebuilding programme, ideally led by the private sector

Then there are the future renegotiations with the EU. Here thechoice is simple. To regain sovereignty and have a sensiblemigration policy it is not possible to remain in the EU's SingleMarket. But when you realise that you don't have to be in the SingleMarket to sell into it and that being outside it frees you from itsregulatory intrusion, then you can see that we don't really need tobe in it at all. But clearly all these issues will need to be determinedby the politicians involved.

The UK has one of the most flexible economies in the world.That means we are better suited than most to cope with bigeconomic changes, but we do have issues, including the need toinvest more and our low productivity with too many low paid jobs.

With the right policy actions, uncertainty will decline, confidencewill stabilise, demand will recover and investment opportunities willemerge. The further ahead one looks, the better our economicprospects.

Piece provided by Liveryman Dr Gerard Lyons. His e-book, ‘The UK Referendum: An Easy Guide to

Leaving the EU’, is available via Amazon.

City Perspective

View from OverseasIS PERU THE NEW CHILE?In this first instalment of twoLiveryman John Giles evaluates thecommercial evolution of these twoimportant South American countries offresh produce supply. Part 2 will appearin the next Newsletter

Chile and Peru have emerged as two ofthe real power houses of the Latin

American fruit and vegetable sector andhave seen exports develop significantly to awide range of international markets. Sincethe mid-1990s, Chilean exports haveboomed in terms of value from aroundUS$1.3 billion to over US$5.5 billion perannum and Peru has seen its exports growsignificantly, rising from under US$200million to over US$2.4 billion on an annualbasis.

The two industries share a number offeatures in common, but the backgroundto the development of their export sectorshas been very different. The evolution ofexports from Chile began as far back as the1940s, but really kicked in to life with theadoption of the free market economictheories as put forward by the so called“Chicago Boys”. This was a group of UStrained economists from the University ofChicago. They went on to hold a variety ofsenior government positions in the Ministriesof Finance and Economy and in theCentral Bank.

As a result, in the 1970s and ’80s,significant investment was injected into theChilean economy and not least to the fruitsector. Investment from the US and tosome extent, the Middle East poured intothe industry, along with indigenous finance.This helped to produce what is oftenreferred to as the “Chilean Miracle”.

However, at the time, the influence ofUS trained economists in Latin Americawas not confined to Chile. Over a period oftime, there was plenty of similar activity tobe found in countries, such as Peru. Thereality was that Chile probably had a 30year head start in terms of developing amodern, forward thinking fruit exportsector, compared to other countries inLatin America.

Looking back, Chile had the benefit ofthe so called prime mover advantageposition. While putting them in a strongposition to spearhead the development ofLatin American off season exports, it alsomeant that other countries can look andsee what has been achieved, how it hasbeen done and learn from any mistakesthat have been made. To be fair to Chile,these have been few and far between.

In some ways, from the work we carryout at Promar International, this remindsme of the situation that has also developedin East Africa. Here, Kenya took the lead inthe development of exports of ‘off’ seasonvegetables and flowers in the region.

The situation in Latin America is notquite the same though. Brazil,Argentina, Uruguay andMexico have all looked to addto the overall competitionfrom the Continent. While the“best of the best” from thesecountries are very good, Chilehas largely remained top ofthe pile.

What Chile has done islook to keep the distancebetween themselves andother Latino countries, notjust by the develop ment in

some cases of new markets, but also by adeep involve ment in influential tradeassociations, such as FRESHFEL, SCHAFE,PMA, EUROGAP etc. They have often takena key role in leading on initiatives relatingto wide ranging industry issues, such asmarket and promotional develop ment,water usage and the environment.

The product and export mix of the twocountries is somewhat different too, withChile building its success mainly on topfruit, grapes, kiwifruit, avocado and somestone fruit. Peru, in contrast, has largelyconstructed its reputation on productssuch as avocado, mango, grapes, citrus,and of course, originally asparagus. At onestage, the Peruvians were the official worldchampions of processed asparagus. Theentry, however, of the Chinese into thissector over the last 10 years or so, has seenthe Peruvians forced to look for highervalue products and markets. Opportunitiesand interest in products such as blueberriesis one area that both Chile and Peru havein common, although to date, Chile leadsthe way here. Yet, Peru could catch up fastin the next 5 years.

Piece provided by Liveryman John Giles

5

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

�����

�����

����

����

�����

�����

�����

�����

�����

�����

�����

�����

����

����

�����

�����

�����

�����

�����

�����

�����

�����

����� �����

Chilean & Peruvian Fruit Exports, 1994 – 2015 (US$ billion)

Horticultural production in Peru

has expanded rapidlyPeru's Table Grape Production

FROM ORCHARD TO MARKETENGLISH TOP FRUIT NEWS

At the conclusion of July, when Adrian Barlow was interviewed for the

Newsletter, he revealed that the 2015/2016season had just been “closed”. Over theperiod the UK multiples have purchasednearly 113,000 tonnes of the crop, anincrease of 11.1% over the precedingmarketing year. The supermarkets accountfor around 85% of total apple sales in thecountry, but the figure for the domesticcrop is lower due to direct sales toconsumers by growers.

Like most UK industries, English Applesand Pears is currently evaluating the affectthat ‘BREXIT’ will have on its fortunes.There are mixed views but certain issues arekey. It is vital that growers have access toseasonal workers for specific periods of theyear. Despite considerable efforts to securesuitable labour from the national workforce, the endeavour has not succ eeded.Attracting individuals for seasonal work inhorticulture has proved extremely difficultdespite the fact that considerableexpenditure has been invested in recruit -ment drives. Industry opinion suggests thatthe scheme to secure the necessary labourshould not focus exclusively on a graduatebase or from countries within the EuropeanUnion. A distinction needs to be drawnbetween migrant labour and a seasonalworkforce. English Apples and Pears iscurrently arguing that the way forward isthrough a permit scheme.

Producer Organisation (PO) funding hasbeen highly beneficial and has dis -proportionately assisted smaller growersthrough cooperative actions. Standardshave been raised by decreasing in eff ic -iencies through collaboration and exchangeof information. Without the funding fromBrussels it will become incumbent onWestminster to make provision for thecontinued support. Like wise, money hasemanated from the EU to support industryresearch through the establishedinstitutions. Govern mentmust understand thatthese centres ofexcellence have tocontinue to be under -

written. In the absence of thissupport, the UK industry will bedisadvantaged compared withtheir counterparts in the EU.

A review has to be conductedinto the status quo of plantprotection products. Of course,pesticides should not bepermitted if there is a proventhreat to human well being.However, a more balancedapproach must be instituted thatallows the application of certaintreatments where there are no obviousthreats. Deferments of withdrawal ofregistration should be an option, to allowestablishment of the facts, particularlywhere an effective alternative has not beenidentified. Additionally, the costs of gainingapproval for new products must be reducedas the present levels deter companies fromdeveloping new treatments.

It has to be understood by all stake -holders that growers require satisfactoryreturns from sales to allow reinvestmentand expansion in production. This will bevital if the UK industry is to be able tocontinue replacing imports and to meet theconsumer demand for local supplies.Depreciation in the value of Sterling couldeasily be negated by higher costs ofproduction.

Bramley culinary apples are widelyregarded as the best in their category, areonly grown in the British Isles but are beingprocured and retailed at values that areinsufficient to enable the viable contin -uation of the variety’s cultivation by manygrowers. This has resulted in the grubbingof orchards and the consequential declinein production which has meant thatcustomers have not had the continuity ofsupply. Despite being unique, retailers andprocessors will source alternatives and oncethe switch is made, it is an uphill struggle

to get Bramley ‘back on the shelves’.Over the last twelve months sales ofthe variety to multiples has declinedby 17.8% as production has been in -sufficient to meet demand. This,despite a campaign that achieved anadvertising equivalent values of

£3million, 30 times more thanthe cost.

‘Love English’ thedessert apple campaign

has continued throughout the summer tomaintain profile continuity. Greater volumeshave been sold later in the seasonfacilitated by advances in cultivardevelopment and storage techniques. Thelast supplies were retailed in week 30 whichcloses the gap even further in the ambitionfor twelve month availability. Red Prince,Jazz and a whole raft of new, late varietiesare leading the charge in this respecttogether with continual improvements inthe storage of Gala.

Forecasts for the forthcoming seasonare becoming more dependable. Mostorchards escaped the effects of frost butthe mild wet season created a worry withregard to fungal attacks. Remedial actionwas taken. June drop was average with theexception of Cox which was more severelyinfluenced. On a positive note this willreduce the need for hand thinning. Industryexperts are predicting a relatively late start,possibly three or four days later than lastyear. What is needed now are protractedperiods of sun and warmth to increasesugar levels in the new crop. It is anticipatedthat there will be record crops of Gala andBraeburn but disappointingly the newvarieties will be down in volume, principallydue to the effects of Canker especially onKanzi and Rubens.

On the pear front it looks as ifConference will show an increase inproduction of 10% over 2015 but Comiceand Concord will be down. There are someindications that there is a slight revival inEnglish pear production.

Piece prepared following aninterview with Adrian Barlow,

Chairman English Apples and Pears.

Jazz originates in the southern

hemisphere

but grows well

in the UK

Red Prince Apples, relatively new and late

6

7

We have learned from our retailgreengrocer that Brexit has so far not

had a major effect on wholesale prices offruit and veg being imported from Europeanlocations. Spanish stone fruit, Dutchtomatoes and flowers, Polish mushroomsand melons from a variety of mainlandlocations are in line with the pre-Referendumlevels. Items that are more expensive are sobecause of the simple supply and demandequation. These include Avocados, Cuc um -bers, Lemons and Cauliflowers. Interest ingly,foreign cherries have not been selling formore than English, despite the additionaldistribution costs. With any produce thereare three roads to success – good looks,good value and a memorable taste. Thevegetable trade was reported as “steady”.

The first Discovery apples of the Englishseason were available during the secondweek of August. Judged to be of goodquality they sold well.

Wm Morrison have renegotiated withOcado and will now offer an online orderingservice that can be delivered nationwidecovering all areas where the retailer hasstores. In return the supermarket has agreedto contribute 30% of the construct ion costsof Ocado’s new distribution centre at Erith.

During July supermarket prices rose 1%which was only the second successivemonthly rise since November 2015. Theresearch covers a basket of 35 popular items.

A Mintel spokesman has revealed thatrecyclability of packaging material is animportant consideration amongst con -sumers in a US survey. Other factors thatplay important roles are pres erv ation andprotection of the contents and transparencyso that quality can be viewed beforepurchase. It is probable that if a similarresearch was conducted in the UK the samefindings would result.

Our regular correspondent for this article,David Bryant of Bourne End, won the prest -igious FPC Freshaward for ‘Indep en dentRetail Greengrocer of the Year’ repeating hissuccess of 2015. The event was held on 9thJune at London’s Intercontinental Hotel and

the award was sponsored by CHEP. Research by the Local Data Company

(LDC) has found that discount super marketsare booming in the UK growing faster thanthe ‘Big Four’. Between 2010 and 2015discounters added 1,487 units, a growth rateof 52%, while established supermarketsadded 570. During the last year of the surveyeach discounter grew on average by 34 unitscompared to the big 4 who averaged

10 each.

The Awards Council and the UpperWarden are pleased to confirm details of

the Livery Conference ‘Navigating turbulencein the produce supply chain and beyond’which will be held on the 16th March 2017 atOne Great George Street, London.

We are delighted to offer a strong line-upof speakers and session chairs whichinclude – the RT Hon Michael Jack CBE,David Smith CBE (Director of Markets andStandards for the Corporation of London),Minette Batters CBE (Deputy President ofthe NFU), Professor Bill Davies CBE(University of Lancaster), John Pelham(Anderson Midlands), Dr Maneesh Kumar(University of Cardiff Business School), DrClive Black (Shore Capital), Professor DavidHughes and Alison Capper (Chair of theNFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board)

supported by Liverymen John Shropshireand John Giles, Richard Harnden (BerryGardens), Andrew Burgess (Produce World)and Dr Tina Barsby (Director, NIAB / EMR).

The programme will cover all elementsof the global produce chain; the impacts ofclimate, technology, politics, trade andinvestment. We have a blend of speakers,debate panels and presentations byinnovation, sector leading individuals andbusinesses. This is an essential event for thediary of anyone involved in food production,logistics and retail. The organisingcommittee led by Liveryman Graham Collierhave called upon their extensive network toensure that all aspects of the sector arecovered.

The Conference presents an excellentopportunity for businesses to promote

themselves to Livery related companies.There are a range of sponsorship packagesavailable which are attracting some bignames who are eager to support this keyevent. For more information on sponsor shipof the conference please contactSarah@partnersinproduce.co.uk

Tickets will be on sale via the new Liverywebsite from September onwards, priced at£120 plus VAT for Liverymen, £150 plusVAT for non-livery.

VIEW FROM THEHIGH STREET

One Great George Street, London

A measure of popularity –

a shelf an hour after opening

Dessert Apples – still the most popular

fruit in the UK

Fruiterers’ Conference 2017

David Bryant receives his Award from the Sponsors

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of

times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the

age of foolishness, it was the epoch of

belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was

the season of Light, it was the season of

Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was

the winter of despair –

Tale of Two Cities. Charles Dickens

Since my last reflections back in April thepolitical and economic landscape of our

Islands have changed. After one of one of themost divisive times in

our country’s recenthistory, we have exper -

ienced also one of themost bizarre political

periods. It will beseveral years be -fore the impact ofthese changeswill be felt. It is

therefore not surp -rising that our twovery emin ent speakersat the Audit and

Summer Court dinnersboth made reference tothe referendum. The EUreferendum will no doubthave engendered strongviews in the Livery as ithas in the country at

large. We all have to now get on with the newsituation whether we like it or not and nodoubt, in time we will experience theconsequences for better or worse of thereferendum result.

In May we held the Audit Court at themagnificent Fishmongers’ Hall (P. 11) whereour guest speaker was the Deputy Governor ofthe Bank of England, and the person in chargeof UK monetary policy, Dr Ben Broadbent. Hehad accepted my invitation to speak wheninterest rates were the hot economic topic andlong before the EU referendum had been fixed.Naturally, he spoke on the Bank’s view of theeconomic effects of an in or out vote.

In July we held our Summer Court at ThePainted Hall in the Old Royal Naval College atGreenwich. Given the summer weather we hadbeen having we were lucky to enjoy drinksoutside under the colonnades before enteringwhat they claim to be Europe’s finest diningroom. That claim I am sure will be contestedby others but what cannot be contested is thatthey must have one of the worst European PAsystems. The Hall is closing shortly forrefurbishment and let us hope they replace thePA system. Our guest speaker was Lord DavidTrimble former First Minister of NorthernIreland and one of the politicians who broughtabout the Good Friday Agreement thatheralded the current peace there. As we knowhis efforts were rewarded by the Nobel PeacePrize. He spoke of the political and economiceffects of the referendum result but also toldthe rather amusing and true story of GerryAdams and Martin McGuiness attending a preGood Friday Agreement meeting in London bythe back door without media knowledge onlyto find themselves trying to force their way inthrough the back door of MI5!

A hugely enjoyable and fun Shakespeareweekend was spent in Stratford upon Avon inApril to celebrate the Bard’s birthday and the400th anniversary of his death. (Pages. 1-2)

June and July were very busy months.Liverymen and their partners saw FreemanDan Jolly sentenced on the very spot where Dr.Crippen was sentenced to be hanged duringour tour of The Old Bailey. Rita and I went onthe annual weekend jaunt to Ironbridge wherethe Masters of 2016 formed their futuregrouping to be called the Phoenix Masters. Wealso accompanied the Lord Mayor and Lady

8

Colourfully dressed visitors paying

tribute to the Bard

The Painted Hall set for Summer Court

Dinner

Mayoress on an informative tour of NewSpitalfields’ Market under the expert guidanceof Chris Hutchinson and the equallyimpressive organisation of his wife, Jan. Thiswas shortly followed by the Spitalfields 25thanniversary dinner and dance at theGrosvenor Marriott where “the marketeers”danced until the small hours! For those moreaccustomed to office and not market hourswe slipped quietly away about 2am leavingthe others still dancing away for considerablylonger. But one of the best sites of 2016 wasJack Henley with hat and yellow necklacedancing away! Priceless!

Other less formal occasions for the Liverysaw us having a grand rural time down at theRoyal Bath and West Show, (P. 11)

From Shepton Mallet a group headedtowards Cornwall for the tree planting atCaerhays Castle, winner of the Christie’sHistoric Garden of the Year 2016, (P. 15). Wewere very kindly offered great hospitality bythe owners, Charles and Lizzie Williams whoput Rita and myself up for dinner, bed andbreakfast. It was a complete fluke that thatthe night before Rita happened to beentertaining a director of Savills, called DavidWilliams. Their parting shots went somethinglike this: RBJ: I have to get home for an early night asI am off to Cornwall tomorrow first thing andthen observe the planting of a fruit tree! DW: Oh, really whereabouts? RBJ (dismissively): Somewhere you willnever have heard of called Caerhays Castle!DW (astonished): I don’t believe it! You’ll bestaying with my brother then in my childhoodhome!

Well, those who trekked to Cornwall, willknow that Charles Williams, the elder brotheris an expert horticulturalist, and a man nevershort of conversation or opinions, but whenRita managed to deftly slip this chancemeeting into the conversation over pre dinnerdrinks the astonished look on Charles’ faceand the silence which immediately followed,were quite hilarious.

The toast to the Company at its formal

dinners is “root and branch, may it flourishforever”. To ensure this sentiment has thebest chance of fulfilment some small butsignificant reforms have been taking placeand hopefully the benefit of these will be feltover the next few years. Two working groupshave been set up; one to tackle the livery’scorporate and charitable finances and theother to codify its practices and proceduresin a Guidance Manual. The idea of the formeris to find a long term structured approach toimproving these finances. The ambition ofthe second is to produce a comprehensivemanual that brings together the Company’straditions, procedures and practices so it isavailable to future generations. Much of thiswork will not start until after the summerrecess.

The effects of the initiatives will hopefullypercolate down through the Livery in duecourse but I encourage any of you with ideasto let those on the working party know aboutthem. Knowing my fellow Fruiterers, it is mybelief that they will passionately and enth -usiastically embrace the recommendationsand whenever and wherever possible lendtheir energies to ensure success.

It’s a hard life when you are having fun soit was with some relief that I have greetedAugust before it all starts up again in lateSeptember! By then the trip to Andalusia willbe almost upon us.

I wish each and every one of you and yourfamilies a very happy summer.

Fruiterers Visit the Old Bailey and Central

Criminal Courts June 21st

Jack Henley and Rita

at Spitalfields Tenants Dinner

‘Phoenix’ Masters Weekend

at Ironbridge in June

9

Master, Wardens, Wives and Principal Guests at Greenwich

10

Soft and Stone Fruit

In a recently published special feature edition, the FPJ used figuressupplied by Kantar Worldwide to list the top 50 fruit and vegetable

products purchased in the UK. The data used was based on retailsales from British supermarkets measured over the 52 weeks endingMay 22nd 2016. In fourth position are Strawberries which have faredwell and have shown an increase of 12.6% in value over the previousyear at £570.8m and at 126.4m kg an even greater increase of14.2%. According to the Newsletter’s contact, Dave Ashton,Procure ment Director of Berry World, the last four monthshave run without a hitch. During April the Spanish seasonfinished on a high dovetailing beautifully into Englishglasshouse production and then on seamlessly intooutside supplies. Prices have been generally higher thanlast year throughout with no difficult peaks of supply tocontend with. Increased penetration and repeatpurchases have been regular features. Certain largecommercial marketing organisations have registered areduction in available production due to the replace -ment of June bearing plants with ‘Everbearers’.

Raspberries, which according to Kantar have alsodemonstrated growth, came in at number 14. Duringthe 2016 season returns back to growers have beensignificantly better and with good yields and an increasingavailability of more desirable varieties such as Sapphire andDiamond Jubilee prospects for the future look good.

It has been a favourable year for Blackberries with someorganisations reporting an increase in sales volumes, prices andtherefore a rising demand. However, it is not all rejoicing as over the52 weeks under consideration volumes dropped by 3.2%. A problemof supply from Mexico and Guatemala and the tremendous increasein demand for Blueberries may have sullied the otherwise brightpicture. With the more extensive planting of Driscoll’s Victoria andBerry World’s Black Magic there is still much optimism for this fruit.

Blueberries recorded another amazing performance with a 27.2%increase in value and a 29% hike in volume placing this increasinglypopular berry at position 11 in the top 50. Ashton reports thatSpanish supplies lasted through to July but there was a dip inavailability during June which had marketers securing fruit fromunusual locations. The temporary blip was soon overcome and salescontinued at promotional levels. Commencement of both the Englishand Polish season of supply was early and there has been gathering

evidence of producersplanting more blue berrieswithin these shores.

Fortunes of bothPeaches and Nectarinesappear to be goingthrough somewhat of arevival as better tastingand more reliable varietiescome to the shelves.Plums are slightly behindas the preferred cultivarsare not available over theentire year and thereforehave to battle for shelf

space. There are some new, exciting productsunder development but it will be sometime before

suffic ient quantities become accessible for this fruitto assume its place as a regular purchase for more of thepopulation. Cherries at position 24 are a non-mover but

show great growth potential. With un favourable growingconditions in the UK this year and likewise in other

producing countries the fruit has stalled.The biggest risers in the category have been Kiwi

Berries and Blackcurrants but both start from a very lowbase.

Finally, a mention must be made of Grapes, which at positionnumber 2 are a non-mover but as a fruit registered marginalincreases in volume and value. This is one product where the totalsupply is imported and where reliance on a number of factors isimplicit to maintain continuity. Certainly a weakening of Sterlingagainst the US$ post Brexit may well have an impact on supply asfreight is paid mainly in the latter currency.

Piece produced following a telephone interview with Dave Ashton, Procurement Director, Berry World Ltd.

BERRIES and CURRANTS

Barbecued peaches withAmaretto butterServes 8

A quick pudding to make over the embers of the barbecue.Serve with vanilla ice cream.

8-12 ripe but firm peaches25g-40g butter, melted2 tbsp light or dark muscovado sugar4 tbsp amarettoHalve the peaches and remove the stones. Brush the cutsides with melted butter. Barbecue for 4-5 minutes or untillightly charred. Transfer the fruit to a dish and sprinkle overthe sugar and drizzle with the Amaretto. Serve warm.

Sarah Whitworth

Left: Plums, like other

UK stonefruit are very

good this year

Above: A relatively

uncomplicated and

successful season for

English growers

Grapes, second favourite amongst UK

consumers

It has been nearly nine years since we lastdined at Fishmongers’ Hall and it was good

to return there in May for the Audit Court andDinner. They certainly looked after us well, withexcellent food, good wine and cheerful service.The beauty of the Hall and its situation, righton the river near London Bridge, give it anelegant ambience.

It was a joy for the Company to welcome agood number of new members. FreemenBrendan Finucane QC, Martin Lindsay,Henrietta Naish and William Parry wereclothed with the Livery. Apprentice Dan Jollywas elected to the Freedom by servitude,having completed a very successfulapprentice ship under the guidance of PastMaster Will Sibley, who was his ApprenticeMaster in the latter period of hisapprenticeship. Anne Donoghue, Dr DanSargent and John Worth were elected to theFreedom by redemption.

The guests were welcomed with eloquenceand style by the Renter Warden. There were,however, few Company guests at the dinner.Her Majesty the Queen had trumped our

invitation to a number of Masters of otherLivery Companies by inviting them to aGarden Party. It was a pleasure to have thePrime Warden of the Basketmakers, RichardBoucher-Giles, with us. Have no fear; he andour Master will attend a Royal Garden Party onanother date!

Our principal guest and speaker was DrBen Broadbent, the Deputy Governor of theBank of England responsible for monetarypolicy. We were honoured to have him with us.Dr Broadbent is an eminent economist, whoincludes both Columbia University andGoldman Sachs on his CV. In a departure fromtradition, he was asked by the Master to speakon political matters. To do so, he had to speak“unofficially”, so asked that we keepconfidential the content of his speech. Hespoke thoughtfully and well; but about what,cannot be revealed. To respect his request, noreport can be given, even in our smallcirculation Newsletter. The Master spoke verybriefly and added a point or two to underscoreDr Broadbent’s opinions.

Dr Broadbent’s parents were guests of the

Master. It was very good for the old City handsamongst us to see Adam Broadbent, who, atJ Henry Schroder Wagg in the 1980s and1990s was a pre-eminent merchant bankerand corporate adviser.

It was pleasing that many Liverymen hadinvited guests. It is always interesting to meetsuch an interesting group of people. At thisdinner, as with the Master and Wardens, thereis more opportunity to chat than at the twobigger events of the year.

Piece provided by Past Master Steve Bodger

11

Almost a decade but we gladly return to the Fishmongers

One approaches Shepton Mallet duringthe holding of the Royal Bath & West

Show with feelings of expectancy and excite -ment. Every road leading to the Showgroundis jammed with vehicles heading for one of thegreatest agricultural extravaganzas stagedwithin these shores. The Worshipful Companyof Fruiterers has been a sponsor of the CiderPavilion for many years and a cup bearing theCompany’s name is presented to theindividual who is adjudged to have producedthe best Cider – from the incredible numberof entries. Such a presentation deserves anadmiring and appreciative audience. It hastherefore become customary for a party ofFruiterers to be present to witness the event.Thursday June 2 was the day and liverymen

led by the Master were on parade in numbers.Swapping dinner jacket and black tie forcountry suits, tweeds and blazers reflected therelaxed atmosphere of the occasion. Judgingof the ciders is undertaken by a distinguishedpanel to which the incumbent Master is invitedto join. Fifty Fruiterers and their guests satdown to lunch which included Master Cooperwith his Clerk, Master Pewterer and MasterWoolman. During the afternoon, Adam Berryfrom Blackmore Vale Cider was presented with‘The Fruiterers’ Cup’ after his entry was judged

to be the Champion British Cider. Runner-upwas Kilmegan Cider from Northern Ireland.Our Stand was well placed in the Pavilion andattracted many visitors.

Blackmore Vale Cider Supreme Champion at Royal Bath & West

Fishmongers' Hall

Fruiterers’ Stand at the Royal Bath & West

So many cider entries to judge

Master with

Lord King and

Sir Benjamin

Bathurst at the

Royal Bath & West

12

Congratulations go out to all at Mount Ephraim who were responsiblefor the basket of cherries which was adjudged to be the best in show at

the the National Cherry & Soft Fruit Show and for which the Champion BasketChallenge Cup was awarded. The event was staged at the Kent Showground,Detling between 8th and 10th July.

Earlier this year Freeman Dan Jolly alongwith Apprentices Alice Parker, Elliott

Porter and Michael Goode undertook a CityWalk accompanied by their ‘Personal CityGuide’ Past Master Peter Cooper. This was

part of a new initiative to get to know andmeet other members of the Company andwhat better way than while familiarisingthemselves with some of the City’s historyand treasures?

City Walk for Apprentices

Wednesday the 18th of May saw theFruiterers break new ground as they

entered the ‘Inter Livery Clay Shoot’ for thefirst time in its 23 year history.

The beautiful Holland and Hollandgrounds in Northwood provided a wonderfulsetting on what was otherwise an overcastand damp day. In spite of conditions, spiritswere high and the team of Stephen Hyam,Dan Jolly, Charlie Hodges and ChrisNewenham ably supported by the UpperWarden Dennis Surgeon, stepped forwardwith trepidation but in the event more thanheld their own. Thanks to an outstanding

team performance on their very first outing,the team finished in =21st place out of the118 teams participating. Of particular notethough were the individual exploits of thesharp shooting Stephen Hyam who with afinal score of 57/80 finished in =18th placeout of 472 competitors.

Having now broken the Ice the team arelooking forward to bettering their position in2017 (17th May) and would welcome somehealthy competition from other interestedFruiterers next year.

Chris Newenham

A pause at ‘The Monument’

Fruiterers Clay Pigeon Team

L to R; newly elected Sheriffs Alderman William

Russel and Alderman Peter Estlin, (wearing red)

Sheriff Alderman Charles Bowman and Sheriff

Dr Christine Rigden

Congratulations

On Friday 24th June Liverymen weresummoned to Common Hall at the

Guildhall to elect two Sheriffs for the ensuingyear. This is an ancient ceremony and traditionwhich still has relevance in modern City life.Next to the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs are thehighest ranking officers in the Corporation ofLondon and fulfil important roles during theiryear in office. Fruiterers joined liverymen fromother Companies to elect Alderman WilliamRussel and Alderman Peter Estlin.

Fruiterers and Past Master Farmer

assemble at the Guildhall

Election of Sheriffs

First outing for ‘Top Gun’ Fruiterers

13

This year the Awards Council receivedapplications for the Company’s under -

graduate prizes from Harper Adams,University of Nottingham and HadlowCollege / University of Greenwich.

The applications were assessed rigorouslyby a panel of academics, applied research-ers and industry figures taken from theAwards Council and the Livery. TheChairman is grateful for the detailed reportsand assessments delivered by the panelwhich was unanimous in its decision toawards prizes to Fiona McGuffie fromNottingham and Rosalind Fisher fromHadlow / Greenwich.

The Student Presentation day was verykindly hosted by Wilkin and Sons of Tiptreeand thanks go to Liveryman Peter Wilkinand Honorary Assistant Chris Newenhamfor their kind hospitality. The Master and hiswife Rita attended.

Following the presentation of prizes bythe Master, he and Rita joined the party ona very interesting visit to the factory and thefarm.

The prize winners enjoyed the day andhere are their reflections.

Fiona: I have just graduated with adegree in Agriculture from the University ofNottingham, and have a particular interestin the fresh produce industry. For thisreason, I completed my final year researchproject in the subject of reducing waste infresh produce, focusing on strawberryproduction. I particularly enjoyed research -ing this topic as I feel very strongly about the

need of reducing waste for the futuresustainability of the industry. It was thispiece of work that helped me to achieve aFruiterers Student Prize. I was presentedwith the prize by the Master Fruiterer duringa visit to Tiptree Farms in Essex whichmanufactures and supplies jams and a widerange of other preserves all over the world.During our visit we learnt about the historyof the business and had in-depth tours ofboth the farm and factory. The factory tourwas particularly interesting and showcasedthe vast amount of different product linesproduced. Our tour around the farm wasequally as fascinating, and the use of newtechnology in production was evident. I wasparticularly interested to witness the newgrowing system from Spain for strawberryproduction designed to increase prod uc -tivity and resource use efficiency includingrainwater harvesting. We also sampled a lotof delicious fruit throughout the day - Abrilliant visit!

Rosalind: I’d like to thank the WorshipfulCompany of Fruiterers for their extremelygenerous prize (my second!) and theexcellent visit to Wilkin & Sons, Tiptree. Westarted with the prize presentations in thejam factory museum – the company hasbeen going for over 130 years and themuseum is full of fascinating objects fromits past. There was a glorious smell ofstrawberry jam in the air as we arrived andtrue to this auspicious start the jam factorytour after the presentations was a real eye-opener. The sheer range of products

including jams, marmalades, spreads,honeys and savoury sauces, plus Christmaspuddings, was fascinating to see in prod -uction, although certain members of thegroup were a little disappointed that theflavoured gins were made on a different site!We followed the factory tour with a drivearound the farm, taking in mulberries,apricots, quinces, as well super tastingcherries, strawberries, loganberries, black -berries, raspberries. Wilkin & Sons growsfor the fresh market as well as for itstrademarked jams. The New GrowingSystem for strawberries was extremelyinteresting, making very efficient use ofspace and water compared to standardSpanish tunnel production; it can be seenon YouTube. The day ended with a deliciouslunch complete with many of thecompany’s own products. We left with agoody bag of succulent strawberries, jamand marmalade. I would like to thank all atWilkin & Sons, especially Peter Wilkin andChris Newenham, for a great visit.

Each year the Master Fruiterer, with theCourt's approval, allocates funds to

various charities, from either within the City,one of the three fighting services or moregeneral causes. By a happy coincidence,one of last year's beneficiaries matched theLord Mayor's Appeal for support of the SeaCadets, formed in Whitstable, Kent, in 1854and the UK's oldest nautical youth charity.

On 10th July, at West Bay, our Immed -iate Past Master took part in the namingceremony of a ‘Trinity 500 four-oared boat’for the Bridport Sea Cadets of TS KEPPEL.The baptism was completed with fizzy winepoured by Mrs Anna Woodhouse, widow ofpast Committee Chairman.

To purchase the specially built vessel,the Company subscribed £400, to which

was added to contributions by the localbranch of the Royal Naval Association andBridport-based Palmer's Brewery. PastMaster Best, submariner and cider applegrower, bore with fortitude the revelationthat the vessel's name did not

commemorate a disting uished wartime T-Class submarine but, instead, was namedafter one of Palmer’s ales, first brewed inthe 1940s and described as strong andcomplex, with the deep, distinctive flavourof a rich fruit cake.

The Student Prizes 2016

Fruiterers support Bridport Sea Cadets

Fiona & Rosalind receive their awards

from the Master

Mrs Anna Woodhouse provides a namingOfficial naming of Tally Ho

14

Each year, the incumbent LordMayor, undertakes an early

morning visit to SpitalfieldsWholesale Fruit and VegetableMarket, one of the Corporation’smarkets which used to be situatedwithin the City. He is normallyaccompanied by the LadyMayoress, Sheriffs and Equerries.An invitation is also extended tothe Master Fruiterer, his wife andthe Mayor of Waltham Forest, theLondon Borough in which themarket lies. Chairman of the TenantsAssociation, Liveryman Chris Hutchinson and

his wife CEO JanetHutchinson organise the visit.It commences with a briefwelcome and refreshmentsfollowed by a market walkconcluding with a full cookedbreakfast for which Spitalfieldshas become legendary. OnTuesday 14th June the RightHonourable The Lord MayorLord Mount evans arrivedprecisely on time with hisretinue and enjoyed a tour of

the trading hall meeting many of the market’swell known personalities. After breakfast he

was presented with a cheque for his chosencharitable causes.

New Liverymen at Audit Court

New Liverymen■ Brendan Finucane, Martin Lindsay, Henrietta Naish, William

Parry

New Freemen■ Dan Jolly (By Servitude)■ Anne Donoghue, Dr Dan Sargent, John Worth (All by Redemption)

New Freeman Dan Jolly (l) with Past Master Cooper and Apprentices

Lord Mayor's Visit to Spitalfields

The Lord Mayor

receives a few tips

New Freemen, New Liverymen at Audit Court

Lord Mayor’s visit to New Spitalfields Market

HonoraryAssistants’ Dinner

Once a year the Honorary Assistants, present and those for thefollowing year, join The Master, Wardens and members of the

Master’s Committee for an informal dinner to strengthenrelationships, express views and air ideas. This year on 14th April,the get together was held at the Old Court at Lincolns Inn.

15

In recent years there has been a shortsequence where our Garden of the Year

visits have been to the North, notablyDerbyshire and Yorkshire; It was a changewhen the Master led a party to visit thisyear’s winner, Caerhays Castle in Cornwallon June 30th.

Our gifting of fruit trees, two medlars oftheir choice, and our visit were warmlywelcomed by the owners, Charles and LizzyWilliams. They are very much “hands on”owners looking after their lovely home anEstate of more than 140 acres. Full detailsof the history of the Castle can be found ontheir most informative website.

With a forecast temperature of 15C andthe likelihood of rain, many would haveviewed the prospect of their visit with someconcern but in fact we awoke to blue skies

and warm sunshine.The Estate has been owned by the

Williams family since 1855. The gardenshave a most interesting history. During itsdevelopment there have been voyages tothe East, mostly China, to bring backRhododendrons, Magnolias and Azaleaswhich feature strongly in the grounds. Someof the original plants are still to be found inthe beds. They produce the most wonderfulrange of colours when in season. Sadly thiswas almost over by the time of our visit. Thegardens close at the end of June, which isthe reason for our visit being earlier than hasbecome the norm in our calendar.

After a tour of the house and adelicious lunch, there was a conductedtour of the grounds, led by CharlesWilliams who provided much information

about the plants and their history.One or two of our “regulars” were not

with us this year, but we were delighted tosee (among others) Michael and MarySykes, Ian Holloway, John Airey and, freshfrom the Night Sleeper, Philip West.

As far as we know, our party managed tofind their ways home through the Cornishlanes, after what was agreed by all to havebeen a most enjoyable day.

Piece provided by Past Master David Hohnen

Go West – Young Man

Our Master has become an experienced

planter

An explanation of the subjects

The complete Fruiterers' party and hosts with some admiring canines

Caerhays Castle on the Cornish Coast

Published by The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers: Clerk, Lt Col Philip Brown, 3, Parsonage Vale, Collingbourne Kingston, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 3SZ

Editor: Richard BrightenPrinted by Typecast Colour Ltd, Hop Pocket Lane, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6DQ. Tel : 01892 838382. Email : info@typecast.co.uk

16

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe Editor wishes to thank the following for their valuable contributions to this Newsletter, Adrian Barlow, Jenny Bartlett, Stephen Bellamy-James (The Master) Berry World Ltd., (Dave Ashton), Rupert Best (Immediate Past Master) Steve Bodger (Past Master), Lt Col Philip Brown

(Clerk), David Bryant, Sarah Calcutt, Dr Graham Collier, Peter Cooper (Past Master), Prof. Geoff Dixon, FPC (Angie Stuart), John Giles, DavidHohnen (Past Master), Jan Hutchinson (CEO Spitalfields Market Tenants), Dr Gerard Lyons, Chris Newenham, Andrew Poulton, Ian Rainford

(Remembrancer), Chris Sims, Christine Sims, John Warner (Renter Warden) and Sarah Whitworth. .

Editor’s thanks. The Editor extends his sincere thanks to the generous, anonymous sponsor whose giftingmade the production of this edition possible.

OObbiittuuaarriieess

Keith Sims passed away on the 4thMay 2016 after a short illness. He

became a Fruiterer in 1961 and hadserved as an Honorary Assistant.

Born in 1933 he joined the AirTraining Corps in Purley when he was16½ rising to Flight Sergeant. Keithvolunteered at 17½ before he was calledup and went into the Radar Section ofthe RAF when he was then transferredto the American Zone with the 8thArmy Air Corps he remained thereinstructing the 8th Army radar oper -ators until the end of the war in 1948.

Keith started work at J.O.Sims Ltdin 1949 with his grandfather anduncles, his Father having died when hewas seven years old. He specialized inimporting exotic fruits, the firstmember of the company to do so. In1970 the first Cranberries and in 1985the first Blueberries.

He married Christine Wilkins in 1955.They had three children their sonChristopher who now runs the Companyand their two daughters Joanne andDiana who have both becomesuccessful business women. GrandsonJames also works for J.O.Sims Ltd.

Other important roles Keith fulfilled

Patrick Barnabas Burke Mayhew wasborn on 11 September 1929 and

passed away on the 25 June 2016aged 86. His voice, stature anddemeanour were ideally suited for hiscareer as a barrister. In government hewas solicitor general and later aNorthern Ireland secretary. Under JohnMajor he was pro-European and yetenjoyed support from the Tory Right.He retired at the 1997 General Election.

Emanating from Irish Protestant

stock, hunted with the Beaufort was akeen cricketer and a passionateyachtsman. Awarded a scholarship byMiddle Temple he was called to the Barin 1955 becoming a Bencher in 1980having taken silk in 1972.

He fought Dulwich unsuccessfullyin 1970 but won Tunbridge Wells in1974 being elected to the 1922Committee two years later.

Patrick Mayhew married JeanGuerney in 1963; she and their four

sons survive him.Admitted to the Company as an

Honorary Liveryman in 2001 he was anapproachable personality who arrangedvisits to the Palace of Westminster forLiverymen.

Keith Oliver Sims

The Rt. Hon the Lord Mayhew of Twysden, PC, QC, DL

Brian Victor Burdett

Who passed away earlier in theyear having been admitted as

a Liveryman in 1969.

Lord Mayhew

Keith Sims

were as a Tax Commissioner forSouthwark District of London duringthe 1970s; Primary Agricultural Adviserto the American Embassy 1975 – 1985and British Airways AgriculturalConsultant 1975 – 1990.

He acted as Chairman of the Fruit -erers Benevolent Fund 1975 – 2009when handed this responsibility over toBernard Davies of J.O.Sims Ltd.

After a few years Keith became theChairman of J.O.Sims Ltd and by thenhis son Christopher had also joined thecompany.

A Memorial Service will be held onSaturday 24th September at St. MarksChurch, Purley, Surrey.