Summer 2021 Issue 41

Life in their Shoes: Podcasts

Cordwainers Footwear Awards 750th Anniversary Merchandise Life in their Shoes As part of a wider communications project as we head into our 750th Anniversary year, we are excited to be recording our first ever podcast series. As this slightly bizarre Livery year comes to a close, there are tentative signs of a return to normality. Angelique Katie Greenyer interviews and I have been able Dominic Casey to attend a number of functions over the last couple of weeks, even Liveryman and Chair of the Cordwainers though the moving Footwear Awards judging panel, Katie target of reopening Greenyer, is hosting a number of has led to any number interviews with our footwear Cordwainers of cancellations and discussing life ‘In their Shoes’ - what drew reschedulings. We were them to footwear, what inspires them, able to stage very limited ‘in person’ Election and Oath Day Master and new wardens on Election Day. and what role the Cordwainer community suppers recently. It felt terrific to be able to meet in person, plays in their lives. We are currently in the although they had the feel more of family dinner parties middle of the recording and editing stage. Since I last wrote, there have been a number of terrific than Cordwainer events. We are The series is due to be released early in fundraising activities on behalf of the Royal Society for Blind the autumn so get ready to listen and really hoping that we will be able Children, including wine tasting led by Freeman Lona Jones, follow. Guests include Michael Atmore, to stage a dinner and church an online auction brilliantly organised by the Junior Wardens Charlotte Olympia Dellal and company service in September as a delayed Sarah Cochrane and Sally Childs, and of course Liveryman John members Dominic Casey, Caroline start to the 2021-22 year. Miller’s epic steps challenge. So far we (you) have raised more Groves, Helen Kirkum, Beatrix Ong MBE, I am deeply honoured to have been than £25,000 including Gift Aid, which under the lockdown Joachim Sedelmeier and Guy West. With elected to serve a second year as ‘I am deeply circumstances is an incredible achievement – thank you huge thanks to everyone who has taken Master, despite the circumstances honoured to to everyone who has contributed in whatever way. We still part and helped get this project off the leading to it being very sad. have been sworn have four noble runners in the London Marathon in October, ground. We look forward to hearing about Sir Roger Gifford’s funeral was held in for a second raising funds for the cause, so please do give them all the life in your shoes. on 1st July, and as a measure of the year as Master, encouragement you can. wide and deep affection in which despite the tragic I wish you all a happy and healthy he was held, tributes were read circumstances summer – hopefully the sun will by the Lord Mayor, the Swedish that led to the come out some day – and look Corresponding Cordwainers Staff News Ambassador to the United Kingdom situation. ’ forward to being able to meet and Simon Callow amongst others. Cordwainers have been writing letters to those members of C Company, Alison Byne took over from Katie Penney many of you again in the autumn. as the Events Co-ordinator in March 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers on deployment since their time in 2020, just in time for lockdown, so has Afghanistan in 2012. been working from home ever since! The idea, originally concocted by Company Sergeant Major WO2 Neil Scott VR and Karen Rose has recently joined us as the Liveryman Hester Williams, quickly became a tradition and has helped form ever temporary Assistant Clerk until Sue is fit tighter connections with the regiment we support. Last summer it included writing enough to return in the autumn. Please and sending morale-boosting packages during their deployment as part of the United do introduce yourselves to them both Nations peacekeeping mission in Cyprus, Operation TOSCA. next time we are all able to be together in Clothworkers’ Hall. Sergeant Major Scott wrote: ‘With the COVID pandemic taking effect as the tour started, things were a little harder than normal. Although not a war-fighting tour, the strain on many of the young Fusiliers, some on their first operational tour, would have been made that much harder without receiving Wardens 2021-2022 correspondence from home. The support from the Cordwainers to C Company throughout the 19 years I have been with Left to Right: Steward Warden Ana Williams, the regiment has been second to none, from the Fusilier Supper where we are wined and Senior Warden John Peal, the Master Peter Lamble, Second dined, to receiving a big box of Haribo or fresh coffee on a deployment: you will always Warden Judith Millidge, Renter Warden Catherine Blanford. have our thanks.’ Alison Byne Karen Rose

2 The Cordwainer Boosting the fortunes of the next generation 1272-2022 The Bucklersbury Slipper - £160.00 Trading under a shorter and snappier name, the Cordwainers Footwear Awards continue to foster inspirational, inventive and imaginative designs from Britain’s footwear design students. Our 750th A digital event once again, the awards featured a new category for sustainability this year. Anniversary ‘The world has changed so dramatically over the past year and it’s Jihee Ahn’s collection, ‘an outstanding The excitement is building as we start crucial to help boost the fortunes of the next generation who will body of work’, according to the to prepare for our 750th Anniversary design our future,’ said judge and editorial director of Footwear judging panel, was a six-piece in 2022. The Watling Street Oxford - £199.00 News, Michael Atmore. collection inspired by postmodernist The two key objectives for the year designs and furniture, particularly We were delighted to welcome back our international roll-call are to leave a lasting legacy of which the silhouette of light fixtures. She of judges – Michael Atmore and Charlotte Olympia Dellal, with Cordwainers of the future can be proud, ‘It is an honour said, ‘It is an honour to be a winner of Cordwainer freemen Joachim Sedelmeier and Beatrix Ong MBE and to promote the amazing British to be a winner of this award and I will never forget the – led by Liveryman Katie Greenyer. ‘The ambition of the footwear industry which has experienced this award and I moment my name was called. Due to Cordwainers Footwear Awards is to ensure that we give footwear such difficult days over the last 15 months. will never forget the pandemic, it has been an unusual designers the platform to showcase their work to industry experts. the moment my environment to design in. However, As a consequence, a major element of the The students have had to be even more resourceful than ever with name was called. ’ winning this award has made me year will be the launch of the charitable university workshops closed and virtual learning in place for much very proud of my designs.’ 750th Anniversary Fund which is designed of the year. I’m always totally blown away with the enthusiasm, to bolster our long-term ability to support The Women’s Cordoba Boot - £189.00 talent, professionalism and most importantly originality of the those studying or working in footwear or work. I’m so excited that we are able to continue to nurture, nourish leather. The new fund will be financed and support footwear design.’ partly through fundraising and we will also be encouraging members to commit to leaving a legacy in their wills to help the Cordwainers of the future. The British The winners footwear industry will also be celebrated through a series of podcasts currently in 1st Prize: Jihee Ahn, De Montfort University The Bow Lane Derby - £199.00 production (see page 2 for more details), 2nd Prize: Kamile Peleckyte, London College of Fashion, UAL webinars or lectures and, of course,

3rd Prize: Reuben Crabbe, London College of Fashion, UAL the highlight of our footwear year, the Cordwainers Footwear Awards in June. Sustainability Award: Louise Pietrzyk, London College of Fashion, UAL As a Company we will, of course, also be Commendation: Maartje den Boer, De Montfort University celebrating in style with a church service and an event at the Guildhall on 17 March 1st Prize - Jihee Ahne 2022, as well as a Families Day on 26 June. Champagne Flutes - £47.00 Oval Vase - £75.00 Whisky Tumbler - £25.00 Precise details of the 17 March event are See the full Cordwainer Dartington Crystal Collection here- The Sustainability Award asked students to consider the impact currently being reviewed, but please save www.dartington.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=cordwainers of their designs on the environment, taking into account the date in your diaries now. materials, the potential for recycling, packaging, energy use and freight. Inaugural winner Louise Pietrzyk produced a beautiful 750th Anniversary Merchandise portfolio of children’s designs inspired by the ocean and As part of our 750th celebrations, the Company is delighted to offer its members 7-5-0 Challenge accompanied by an educational storybook. the opportunity to purchase an exclusive selection of commemorative items. We are asking Cordwainers, their friends and family to take part in our 7-5-0 On offer is a range of beautifully handcrafted and specially commissioned leather shoes and boots by Joseph Cheaney and Sons, or velvet slippers from Bowhill & Elliott, Challenge throughout 2021-2022. and a collection of fine quality crystal glassware hand-crafted in the UK by Dartington It can be one or many mini events, either Crystal. All of the footwear items have been skilfully handcrafted in England. The physical or non-physical challenges Cheaney shoes and boots are made from the finest calf leather and are Goodyear relating to the numbers 7, 5 and 0 to welted. Each product bears the Cordwainer crest or goat’s head, and the leather raise money for the 750th Anniversary shoes also feature a special commemorative 750 logo. Fund - whether that is cycling 750 km in a The cost of the footwear, which is greatly discounted, includes a donation which will month, walking 75 steps every 5 minutes go to the 750 Anniversary Fund. Similarly we will also receive 20% of all glassware sales. Sustainability Award - Louise Pietrzyk for 24 hours, or making 75 cupcakes and selling them to your neighbours, there is The Company is indebted to Liveryman Guy West, Past Warden William Church and 2nd Prize - Kamile Peleckyte The highlights of the winners’ portfolios are on the website: a challenge out there for everyone. More Court Assistant Jonathan Church for making this commemorative merchandise possible. http://cordwainers.org/award-winners/. information will be shared in September. Please contact Alison Byne for any further information: [email protected].

4 The Cordwainer The Cordwainer 5 Senior Warden Liveryman Sir Roger Gifford Sue Saunders 1955–2021 1947–2021 Supporting the RSBC At the June Court Past Master Charles Fairweather Sue Saunders joined the Company as a Freeman in 2008 Proving that he is still a master of paid tribute to Senior Warden Sir Roger Gifford, whose and became a Liveryman in 2011. She was passionate fishing, Sebastian Chamberlain In 2020-2021, the Cordwainers unexpected death has saddened the Company. about footwear and education, having worked for many trains up John Peal. undertook to raise £15,000 to support our long-standing charity beneficiary, Sir Roger Gifford became a Freeman years as subject leader at London College of Fashion, and Going going going … gone the RSBC (the Royal Society for Blind and Honorary Liveryman of the more recently, as a lecturer at Capel Manor College. Children). Towards the end of 2021, Company by Redemption on 28 Sue Saunders will be remembered as an inspiring, talented, and On 13th May the Cordwainers first ever online auction came to its climax, with over the RSBC will be opening their new September 2010. He was appointed generous-hearted person who gave so much to the Cordwainers 130 bids placed for the 28 lots. The biggest battles were for a day’s fishing and lunch Life Without Limits Centre in the City to the Court on 7 July 2017 and was Company in terms of time and expertise. with Past Master Sebastian Chamberlain and a weekend break at Liveryman John due to be our Master from July. Miller’s Gunwharf Quays apartment. The auction raised £5,009.45 (including Gift Aid) of London. He was very She was quite simply a force of nature in the world of footwear for the RSBC and so I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who kindly The centre will provide a safe space for touched that He was educated at Sedbergh, and was a wonderful ambassador for the industry. She seemed donated a lot to be auctioned off and to everyone who bid and won one of the blind and partially sighted young people the new student prior to going to Trinity College, to know everyone worth knowing in footwear design, having exciting items. Steward Warden, Sarah Cochrane and their families to meet, socialise, accommodation Oxford, and graduated with an either taught them or worked with them, and was one of the first play, learn and get the support they block at MChem in Chemistry. Sir Roger had professional footwear educationalists to join the Company. Cordwainers Court a distinguished career in finance, need from the RSBC. There will be a The Cordwainers’ Company was always in Hackney was working in international banking and variety of facilities and resources at the close to her heart and, having been London Marathon named Gifford capital markets. In recent years he centre, including a training kitchen, a pivotal in footwear education for so Fab Four playroom, study spaces and a flexible House in 2013. chaired the UK government’s Green Finance Task Force. many years, she was a well-respected We have four Cordwainer participants taking training suite for skills workshops. The member of the Trade and Education part in the postponed London Marathon on funds the Cordwainers raised during He was closely involved with the world of music, as Chair of St Committee. The Cordwainers 2020–2021 will contribute to the Paul’s Cathedral Council and founding Chair of the City Music Sunday 3rd October 2021: Past Warden Nick She was quite particularly valued her guidance centre’s Hub, a unique computer room Foundation. He also worked with the English Chamber Orchestra Ferrier, Liveryman Millie Foyle, Freeman Jack simply a force of when it came to launching the intended for employability skills training, charity, and the Tenebrae Choir, among other arts involvements. Hooper and Jack’s friend Connie Blake. The nature in the world Cordwainers National Footwear Fab Four’s running training is well underway, assistive technology training and other Student of the Year Competition educational purposes. Having been appointed Alderman for the Ward of Cordwainer of footwear and as the image of Jack in a recent event in 2004, and after serving as sheriff in 2009-09, Sir Roger’s career was a wonderful in 2014, which as Sue herself said, shows! All four runners would be grateful In what could have been a problematic of civic service culminated in his appointment as the 685th Lord ambassador for the enabled ‘designers of the future to for your support, in terms of sponsorship year for fundraising, our members and Mayor of London in 2012. Over the last few years Roger embraced industry. be challenged and supported by the and cheering them on the day - further their families and friends have risen to the Cordwainers, sharing with us his energy, his love of music and original home of the British footwear details will be circulated soon. the challenge and participated in and his wise counsel. business, the Cordwainers’ Company’. www.justgiving.com/team/cordwainermarathon supported a wide range of activities. Sue was utterly supportive of her students, and always delighted These have included: Past Master Jeremy Most recently he played a key role in devising plans for the in their successes. One tribute sums up her work, calling her the Blanford’s 100-mile cycle ride; the sale Cordwainer 750th anniversary, offering inspiration and good ‘very best lecturer I have ever had the pleasure to work with: her of Cordwainer facemasks created by the humour. He has also been a key driver in the Company, re-engaging The Tale of the Tortoise passion never dulled.’ Mistress Cordwainer; an online pub quiz; with the City Corporation and promoting us in the City. Once upon a time there was a retired, overweight an online performance from Inner Magic If Sue was pleased to be a Cordwainer, the Company was doubly Clerk locked down in the wilds of rural West Sussex. If he had survived to be our Master, I am certain that he would Circle magician Alan Hudson; our first proud to call her a Liveryman and we will greatly miss her. Close to his heart was the charity Royal Society have done his utmost to serve the Cordwainers in our 750th online charity auction; and Liveryman for Blind Children, where he was a Trustee and Board Member, and which was the anniversary year. Furthermore, I know that he would have hoped A lovely video tribute, voiced by Liveryman Dominic Casey, is John Miller’s ‘Third of a Million Steps in Charity of the Year for the Cordwainers. He thought about how he could raise some that a long-term Company endowment fund, supported by on the Cordwainer YouTube Channel. April’. Members also contributed to the funds for this really worthwhile cause. legacies, would grow over the years to ensure the Company’s Cordwainer Charity of the Year whilst security and success. One morning he had an Eureka moment, and said to his wife, ‘I will do a sponsored taking part in member social events walk’, to which she said ‘How will you manage that with such short legs and little throughout the year. So far we have He will be greatly missed. steps? A sponsored talk might be easier!’ He was determined to prove her wrong! surpassed the £15,000 target with just over £25,300 raised (including Gift Aid) – Well, despite his wife’s scepticism he walked 465,793 steps during the month of April, a fantastic achievement! and raised over £5,500 (including Gift Aid) for the charity. The moral of the tale is steady and sure wins the race! The much thinner ex-Clerk lived happily ever after. Nancy Treves Charity Manager

6 The Cordwainer The Cordwainer 7 Events Calendar Births Social events will be subject to confirmation from the Office Congratulations to Liveryman ‘Kit’ Mander 2021 / 2022 Oath Day and his wife Supem on the birth of 14th Jul Wed Common Hall 5.30pm Jacintha Liesel Sirini Mander on 4 August 2020. Supper 6.45pm 7th Sep Tue Events Committee 6.30pm Congratulations to Liveryman Mary Wing To 14th Sep Tue Delayed Oath Day Celebrations TBA A and her husband Marc on the birth of their 15th Sep Wed Charity Committee 11.00am son Phoenix Nova Wing To-Swadel 17th Sep Fri Management Committee 11.00am on 22nd November 2020. 21st Sep Tue CET Trustees meeting 11.00am 29th Sep Wed Lord Mayor’s Election 11.00am B 5th Oct Tue Communications Committee 6.00pm Trade and Education Committee 11.00am Master and Wardens meeting 4.00pm 14th Oct Thu Court 5.00pm Marriage Court Supper 7.00pm D Congratulations to Freeman Elizabeth 9th Nov Tue Harben Armoury Fund AGM 11.00am Millidge on her marriage to Antony 11th Nov Thu Virtual Social TBA A CET Trustees meeting 11.00am Leeder on 10 July 2021. 16th Nov Tue CET AGM 2.00pm Royal Free London Nurses and Midwives Trust 3.00pm Deaths 18th Nov Thu AGM – Royal Free Hospital Marsden Lecture – Royal Free Hospital 5.30pm C Liveryman Sue Saunders (admitted to Freedom of the Company by 24th Nov Wed Festival of St Cecilia – Westminster Cathedral 11.00am D 26th Nov Fri Audit Committee 11.00am Redemption on the 2nd April 2008) 6th Dec Mon Events Committee 6.30pm on 16th February 2021. Admission and Clothing Ceremony 3.45 pm D 7th Dec Tue Carol service and light supper – St Mary 6.15 pm A Senior Warden (and former 2012–13) Alderman Aldermary Sir Roger Gifford, (admitted to the Freedom of the company by 13th Dec Mon Management Committee 11.00am Redemption on 28 September 2010), on 25th May 2021. 14th Dec Tue Communications Committee 6.00pm 11th Jan Tue Wine Committee 11.15am Court widow Gina Chamberlain, wife of Past Master Lt Colonel Joseph Master and Wardens meeting 4.15pm Chamberlain (Master 1969), on 19 July 2021. 19th Jan Wed Court 5.15pm Court Supper 7.00pm D Congratulations 25th Jan Tue New Year Dinner D 2nd Feb Wed Trade and Education Committee 11.00am Past Master Patrick Peal on being appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Norfolk. 22nd Feb Tue Communications Committee 6.00pm Our beneficiary, The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (PRVC) on being awarded 24th Feb Thu Charity Committee 11.00am the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2021. 1st Mar Tue Events Committee 6.30pm 8th Mar Tue Management Committee 11.00am 750th Anniversary Service - Holy Sepulchre TBC E 17th Mar Thu 750th Anniversary Reception – Gulldhall TBC E 18th Mar Fri United Guilds’ Service - St Paul’s Cathedral 11.15am D 22nd Mar Tue CET Trustees meeting 11.00am Master and Wardens meeting 4.00pm 6th Apr Wed Court 5.00pm Court Supper 7.00pm D 10th May Tue Communications Committee 6.00pm 30th May Mon Management Committee 11.00am 7th Jun Tue Events Committee 6.30pm 9th Jun Thu Cordwainers Footwear Awards 6.30pm A Royal Free London Nurses and Midwives 12.30pm Trust meeting 14th Jun Tue Royal Free London Nurses and Midwives 2.30pm Trust awards Inter-Livery Clay Pigeon Shooting Election of Sheriffs - Guildhall 11.00am B Charity Committee 11.00am The annual Inter-Livery Clay pigeon competition, the largest livery charity 23rd Jun Thu Court 4.30pm Election Day Common Hall 6.00pm B event, took place on 23th and 24th June at the Holland & Holland ground. Election Day Supper 7.00pm B Around 350 people took part in 86 teams. Covid restrictions meant the 750 Family Day 26th Jun Sun TBC A format had to be altered this year. There were ten different stands and a Capel Manor College team flush of 80 clays. Oath Day Common Hall 4.15pm B Ceremony of Installation for the Master C & Wardens Once again the Cordwainer team put on a very creditable performance despite 13th Jul Wed Admissions and Clothing Ceremony C the handicap of Covid constraints. The team consisted of Past Master Mark Fisher’s, Minge’s and Wild’s Anniversary 6.00pm A service – St Olave’s Shaw, Past Warden Arthur Chamberlain, Freeman Richard Edgecliffe- Supper 7.00pm A

Johnson and Freeman Arthur Chamberlain. The team was placed 15th out NB: Times of committees may change. C - All Freemen and Liverymen invited. A - All Liverymen, Freemen, Court and D - Court and invited guests. of 86 teams, with Mark Shaw being placed 6th overall. Funds were raised for Company Widows invited. E - All members, members’ guests various Livery related charities. Well done to all those who took part. B - All Liverymen invited. and invited guests.

The Clerk is delighted to hear from all Cordwainers. Please remember to tell the office about changes of address and your family news. © 2021 The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers. The Cordwainer is published twice a year. Copies are retained at the Cordwainers’ office. Contact the editor via the Cordwainers’ office: [email protected] or telephone +44 (0) 20 7929 1121. The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, Clothworkers’ Hall, Dunster Court, Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7AH.

8 The Cordwainer