The Fruiterers’ Company NEWSLETTER Number 96 December 2019 www.fruiterers.org.uk
Fruiterers' Party at Government House
and traditions Mrs Hart held up a volume con taining some of Jersey’s laws and asserted “this is what Freedom looks like”! The Governor, Honorary Liveryman Sir Stephen Dalton GCB, warmly welcomed the Fruiterers and while standing on the lawns of Government House further explained the history, traditions, culture and economy of Jersey. Although much smaller, Jersey’s economy has broad similarities to the City of London. Both have immensely successful financial industries. Over 10 percent of Jersey’s population is employed in these companies contributing very substantially to the Island’s £4.7 billion GVA (2018). However, recognizing the need for economic diversity, other sectors are encouraged. Tourism in Autumnal Jersey has the advantages of an equitable climate and low taxes collected in pounds sterling. Specialist intensive horti- pleasures cultural cropping includes the famous ‘Jersey Royal’ potatoes, The Fruiterers visit Jersey DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Fri 24 Jan 12 Noon St Paul’s St Mary 2020 Day Service Abchurch ersey is constitutionally British, with the status of a Crown Luncheon Innholders’ Hall JDependency. It was brought into British sovereignty as land Thu 20 Feb 6.30pm City Food Lecture Guildhall owned by King William I at the Norman Conquest. As a result, (Doors Open 5.30pm) under the direct aegis of Her Majesty the Queen, Jersey is self- Thu 12 Mar Fresh Produce Islington governing with its own jurisprudence, parliament known as the Careers Fair States Assembly and ministerial Government. The Queen Fri 13 - Marmalade Festival Dalemain, appoints Jersey’s Lieutenant Governor with titular powers and Sun 15 Mar Cumbria responsibilities. Authority is vested in the Bailiff as Chief Thu 19 Mar Banquet Mansion House Justice of the Royal Court, Speaker of the States Assembly Fri 27 Mar United Guilds Service St Paul’s Cathedral and Civic head and guardian of the constitution of Jersey. The Luncheon Stationers’ Hall emblem of the Bailiff’s position and respect to the Crown is the Thu 2 Apr Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Guildhall golden mace which was presented in 1663 by King Charles II. Lunch Within the awe-inspiring Royal Court and States Chamber a Wed 15 Apr Honorary Assistants Guildhall party of 36 Fruiterers and their guests were instructed in the Dinner Alder men’s intricacies of these traditions by Mr Stephen Cartwright, Chief Dining Room Officer to the Bailiff and Mrs Lisa Hart, Deputy Greffier (Clerk) to the Mon 27 Apr Garden of the Year Newby Hall, Assembly. Democratic membership of North Yorks the States Assembly is ensured by the Wed 29 Apr Carvery Lunch Butchers’ Hall Senators, Constables and Deputies Thu 7 May Golf Day Kingswood, each category elected either from the Surrey entire population, parish or con stit - Wed 13 May Audit Court Dinner Mercers’ Hall uency of voters. Concluding her Fri 29 May Royal Bath and West Show Shepton Mallet, explanations of State’s processes Visit and Livery Lunch Somerset Thu 11 Jun 11am Awards Council Guildhall Honorary Meeting Aldermen’s Liveryman Court Room Sir Stephen Dalton, Wed 24 June Election of Sheriffs Guildhall Governor of Jersey Autumnal pleasures – the Fruiterers visit Jersey – continued
Sales and Events, the Fruiterers enjoyed owner, Philip Dumaresq corresponded a tour of the vineyard where picking was with John Eveyln. He was the famous about to commence. Wine and cider Surrey author, diarist, gardener and land maker Dan de Cartret revealed the inner owner whose book Sylva guided the secrets of their operations. Cider making British Navy in the properties of timber has a very long history on Jersey using for its ships. Vincent Obbard, guided the local and French varieties. Up to the Fruiterers around the collections with 1800s cider was the predominant drink particular focus on ‘heritage’ apple and because the local water quality was so pear varieties, notably those used in poor. La Mare’s cropping yields suffi - cider making. cient wine for sales on the Island and the Jersey suffered grievous, dark days Company augments this income with a during World War II when it was subju - range of food stuffs such as Black gat ed by Hitler’s Nazi forces. Butter, Salted Caramel and chocolates Frighteningly emblematic of that period plus cider brandies and Royal Gin. are the War Tunnels, an enormous and Tourist visits bring additional earnings extensive fortification dug into solid from entry fees, their purchases and use granite by thousands of slave labourers. La Mare Vineyard of the restaurant. Fruiterers toured these in sombre Jersey Zoo is also located at the reflection of the deprivation imposed on which have Protected Desig nation of northern end of the island. Famously the Islanders. Their joyful liberation in Origin status, a marketing accolade. created by Gerald Durrell this is now the 1945 was highlighted by a visit from Other crops include asparagus and headquarters for worldwide network King George VI and his Queen Elizabeth. hemp, the latter can be legally grown on conserving endangered animals. Since the Island. Jersey cattle have their own 1959 the Durrell Conservation Trust has Report submitted by Liveryman exclusive Herd Book restricting the Professor Geoffrey R Dixon. importation of new beasts which strenuously protects the purity of the Island’s pedigree lines. Election of Lord Mayor Wine production on Jersey dates back into the 18th century but became lderman William Russell was elected a lost art until the 1960s. Then the A as the next Lord Mayor to be of the Blaney family who were wine importers City of London at Common Hall on the established the La Mare Vineyard on the 2nd October. He succeeded Peter Estlin northern coast. Here the soil is a rich at the Silent Ceremony which was held at sandy loam which over many seasons Guildhall on Friday 8th November. The has been augmented with seaweed kelp new incumbent has thirty years of and farmyard manure. Windbreaks of experience in national and international poplar, ash and willow protect the vines banking in the financial sector of the City. from on shore winds and give an estim - An Alderman of the Ward of Bread Street ated 3ºC lift in temperature. Welcomed since 2013 he has served on many City of by Tim Cowley, Managing Director and London Corporation Committees. William guided by Steve Griffin, Tourist was born in London in 1965 and studied Supervisor and Karen Jones, Head of at Durham University, as did his wife Hilary. They have four children. Samares Manor
had the Princess Royal, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne as its Patron. The Trust funds conservation work across the globe particularly focussing on hot-spots of biodiversity such as Mada gas car. The Zoo entertains over 170,000 visitors annually. Fruiterers spent a fascinating morning touring the Zoo and even preparing “food parcels” for the bears. We were expertly guided by Fi Marchant, Leila Boyd (Head of Bears) and Dionne Davey. Botanically, Jersey has a long established and famous Botanic Garden, Fruiterers instructed in making Samarès Manor just outside St Helier. food parcels for bears at Jersey Zoo Originating in the 17th century the first Alderman William Russell the 692nd Lord Mayor of London
2 City Perspective
limate change is one of the major global issues. Also, it is transport 27%, energy Can area where the UK has already played an important supply 24%, busin ess 17%, role, with its commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions residential 15%, agriculture by 2050. And in late 2020 the UK will host in Glasgow the 10% and waste manage - most important summit on addressing climate change for five ment 4%. Emissions con - years. tinue to fall, in all areas, by varying degrees. The debate has evolved in recent decades from a focus on It is important to get the balance right in actions taken. global warming to climate change, of which global warming is Improving the energy efficiency of homes for instance is one important component. It also now encompasses, among necessary. But steps taken should not cause unnecessary others, acidification of the oceans, ocean warming, sea level hardship. Incentives matter and the U.K. has the ability to use rise, shrinking ice sheets and glacial retreat, extreme events this to its advantage. and a rising trend in global temperatures. This is attributed to Stronger sustainable growth would likely require more human-made emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon investment in areas such as technical innovation, mech anis - dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. The main causes have ation and energy. Already there has been increased use of been the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. renewables; although oil and gas will still remain important. Since 1995 the United Nations (UN) has held annual Also the UK is playing an important role in greening the climate change conferences, known as COP. The most financial sector. One consequence will be that banks and important was COP 21 held in Paris in December 2015. At insurance companies better manage their risks in the area of that, countries committed to the Paris Agreement to unveil climate change and there will be greater incentives for lending national plans to achieve climate change reduction measures to clean growth areas. by 2020, continuing thereafter. At that time the aim was to During 2019 the U.K. Government committed to achieving limit the rise in global temperatures to 2 degrees compared “net zero” carbon emissions by 2050. Although that may seem with pre-industrial levels. Since then the scientific evidence has a long way off, it is an ambitious and welcome plan. sought to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. Achieving net zero would end the UK’s contribution to This is challenging, and would necessitate global action. global warming! It means a focus on emissions reduction and Already, because of past behaviour, the global temperature has that we would remove as much carbon as we put into the risen and it is set to increase further. To compound the chall - atmosphere. Reforestation as well as increased carbon capture enge, since Paris, President Trump has given notice that the and storage would be part of this, as well as the likely develop- US plans to leave this global agreement. That exit would come ment of new technologies. into effect the day after the 2020 US Presidential election. If It will also have major implications for farming and land use. another candidate became President one would expect the US Farmers, and businesses more generally, will respond to to remain. regulations and changing human behaviour. In addition to Naturally what the world’s largest economy chooses to do being asked to fly and travel less, people may eat less meat, is key. So too with China, the second largest economy, and consume less milk and dairy products and also eat from local who as part of their Five Year plans that determine the sources and more seasonal foods. There is already underway direction of their economy, are keen on pollution control. Much a UK led Dasgupta Review into the economics of biodiversity, attention though is on whether other countries who are located including aligning the needs of investors’ environ mental along China’s global Belt Road Initiative choose to opt for coal objectives with what can be achieved on the ground. production to meet their energy needs. If so, that would be a So at Glasgow, and what is known as COP 26, expect more major setback. countries to update their national plans and a focus on raising Some question whether there is climate change, although finance on an ongoing basis to help green the planet. Climate the scientific evidence seems overwhelming. Another potential action is one of the most important Sustainable Development hurdle is the economic cost to take action. However as Lord Goals that the UN/countries across the globe can commit to. Nick Stern made clear in his famous 2006 Report on this topic, There needs to be a greater role for the private sector in the costs of action are less than the costs of inaction. climate action, including mobilising private finance to invest The UK has made an admirable start. Between 1990 and in green schemes. Achieving success should not 2017, the UK has red - be at the expense of economic growth – far from uced its emissions of it. It points to more sustainable future growth. total greenhouse gases Gerard Lyons is a by 42%, an impressive Liveryman and chief perform an ce. Currently economic strategist at emissions of such gases Netwealth in the UK come from:
3 WCFs’ Student Prize Ryan Williams Recipient of the 2019 – Javier Vidaurreta Fruiterers’ Under 30 Award s part of the Company’s revised A strategy to encourage young talent into the industry at all levels, the Fruiterers he Worshipful Company of Fruiter - Ryan Williams was presented with the introduced annual Student Prizes a few Ters has a long tradition of presenting Fruiterers’ Under 30 Award by our years ago. awards to deserving candidates within Master. Two prizes were presented earlier this the fruit industry. Recent years’ focus After completing a work experience year at Fruit Focus and our Master was had been on encouraging young people season, maturity testing apples with delighted to make a further presentation to enter and remain working in the UK Nigel Jenner of Norman Collett Ltd, to Javier Vidaurreta. fruit industry. As part of this initiative the Ryan studied commercial horti culture at He is currently studying for a BSc in Fruiterers renamed their Junior Artisan Hadlow College in Kent where he was International Agricultural Science at the Award as the Under 30 Award in 2017. sponsored by Collett. University of Nottingham, with some time On successful completion of the also spent at the University of Sydney. course Ryan was offered a full time job His focus is on sustainable hort i cultural by Avalon Produce Ltd, the successor to production and upon completion of his Norman Collett Ltd. degree he plans to continue his studies in In 2017, at the tender age of 22, he the areas of agribusiness and sustain - completed his BASIS qualification and ability to fully equip him for his future in the now advises on crop protection, industry. We wish him well in the future. maturity testing and store monitoring for many farms, including a significant proportion of those owned by the largest fruit growing business in the UK. Proof of the high regard in which this young man is held. Within the Avalon group, Ryan is responsible for trials on Pear Sucker control (in conjunction with NIAB EMR), the bio-control of Codling Moth (with BASF) and the evaluation of new varieties of apples and pears. It was noted at the presentation that he more Ryan Williams with his under 30s Award than fulfilled the criteria for the Award. Javier Vidauretta recipient of the Fruiterers' Student Prize Lord Mayor’s Show The BBC provided live coverage of what is one of the most popular events held in the ‘Square Mile’. When interviewed, Dominic Reid the Pageant Master of 28 years standing, said that he felt it had been one of the best. The show originated over 800 years ago during the reign of Richard the Lionheart, with the installation of the first incumbent, Henry Lord Mayor arrives at Mansion House Fitz Ailwyn in 1189. He was a draper and unlike modern times, served for 24 years. This year’s procession was headed by the bands of the Scots and Lord Mayor acknowledges the bystanders Irish Guards and that of the London n Saturday 9th November, Alder- Regiment. William Russell was trans- Oman William Russell was inaugur- ported in the Golden Coach which ated as the 692nd Lord Mayor of the City weighs three tons and was first used in of London. The occasion was celebrated 1757. He is the fifth member of his with the traditional Lord Mayor’s Show. family to hold the position in the last 110 This annual event attracts national and years and his mayoralty will be international participation and audiences. dedicated to the theme ‘Global UK, Over 7,000 individuals were involved in Innovation and Culture’. We Fruiterers the world’s largest, unrehearsed parade. wish him well in achieving his objectives.
4 View from Overseas Jeddah – a melting-pot of a market for international produce A melting pot of ith a population of some 33 key production areas. national and million, Saudi Arabia is the largest All this makes Jeddah a W imported produce of the Gulf States and whilst Riyadh, the veritable melting pot of buying capital, is the administrative centre of and selling of produce from the country, Jeddah, with a cosmo - around the world. It creates a politan population of 4 million, is known highly competitive trading centre of the City as the commercial hub. environ ment where everything is dated with poor Its location on the Red Sea Coast sees comes down to a subtle facilities for fresh it act as the main conduit in the country combination of price and quality. With prod uce where for imported produce. This comes from the traders’ access to customers across temperatures can reach 40ºC. It is also South Africa, Chile, Central America, the a wide geographical spread a market highly congested. There are now US, European countries such as can always be found, even for the ambitious plans to relocate the facility to Holland, France and Italy in particular, poorest produce. an out of city site – as part of a huge and New Zealand. These imports Imports are dominated by the Cold regeneration programme of which the include bananas, apples, citrus, stone Store companies – the best known of wholesale market will be just a part. fruits, grapes and some exotics and high which is Sharbatly. This business was Nothing is done by halves in Saudi. quality vegetables. Chinese and Indian formed over 60 years ago and now has The retail sector is dominated by supplies dominate the market for 12 branches across the whole Kingdom Panda (owned by the Savola Group) products such as garlic and onions. The and branches in Dubai, Bahrain and which is the largest food retailer in the Philippines is a key supplier of bananas. Egypt. They have a seriously impressive Middle East with over 400 branches. Some 50% of these imports are then infrastructure in terms of facilities and France’s Carrefour is the leading redistributed to other parts of the activities. Their customer base comp - international retailer operating in Saudi. country. Produce imports from the rises leading retailers, hotels and rest au - There is a booming hotel and restaurant Southern Hemisphere and Asia are rant chains. There are 10-12 other cold sector in Jeddah, not least as a result of supplemented by arrivals from the so store operators located in Jeddah, but the government policy of making Saudi called MENA countries (Middle East & Sharbatly is clearly, the leader having Arabia a more open economy in the North Africa) – Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, strong connections inter nationally. future under its Vision 2030 Programme. Lebanon and Syria (in the past). These Much of the produce in Jeddah finds Jeddah also has a particularly cosmo - normally arrive overland by truck and its way to the central wholesale market politan consumer base made up of sometimes by sea. – the ‘Halaga’ – this literally means “the indigenous Saudis, other Arabs, Euro - Local produce such as tomatoes, auction” in Arabic. Here there is a peans, Asians and Africans. cucumbers, cabbage and other vegeta- myriad of activity from conventional With an increasing population, bles, often from the region known as wholesaling to small scale retailing as predicted to reach some 40 million by Taif, are added to the mix. Farm prod- well as daily auctions. All the leading 2030, and a young demographic - over uction in Saudi is, however, constrained supermarkets have buying operations 25% of the population is under the age by issues such as water and labour based at the Halaga to coordinate of 20 – demand for food and fresh availability and the small scale of supplies but produce often physically produce is expected to increase signifi - activity. There is a trend towards the bypasses the actual market facility. cantly over the next 10 years. consolidation of smaller farms and the Deals are done on a direct basis with There is no real track record of supply emergence of more professional prod - suppliers. The auctions take place twice from the UK to this market and it would uce collection and packing stations in per day - from 6 in the morning until 12 take a determined strategic effort to noon and then again in the evening. achieve any sort of success – but On arrival, trucks are literally parked nothing is impossible – although we up, the back doors opened and produce might have just as much success selling auctioned off – it’s quite a sight! This our technical expertise in horticultural R process helps set the base price in the & D and supply chain management, as wider Halaga market for the next trading we do actual produce in this part of the period. While relatively quiet during world. I am probably a bit biased, but it most of the day, it really comes to life in is clear that UK expertise and edu - the evening, with the warm air, plenty of cation(s) are still very much valued and noise and then the smell of fruit giving sought after. Saudi Arabia – why not? an almost heady atmosphere to the place. Piece supplied by Auctions occur everyday The market, built in the ’70s, in the Liveryman John Giles
5 FROM ORCHARD TO MARKET TOP FRUIT NEWS
here have been two key features ‘Smitten’ – crop. The principle reasons for the Tconcerning the UK top fruit English grown reduction were reported as sun scorch, industry since the appearance and reduced fruit size, ambient temperature of the last News letter. First has recommended extremes and processing fruit overhang. been the struggle to secure Old varieties, such as Elstar, stagnated enough labour to pick the Irish crop is well down on 2018, the market and depressed prices. All crop, many fruits having been the crop that has been stored is nations reported poor prices and price left on the tree and, secondly, the reduced in volume and is being negotiating challenges, following the extremely wet conditions that have closely monitored 2018 oversupply situation. prevailed. Growers were recommended Production figures in tonnes, for the The European processing industry to over-recruit this season by 20% to other main varieties, was estimated as has described their pricing situation as compensate for the rising rate of no- being very similar to 2018, a confirmed fraught, per capita consumption is show workers, this fear was proven crop report is yet to be released due to falling rapidly in all markets and Europe correct and the number of early leavers the lateness of harvest completion. is fully stocked. The Chinese industry brought the shortage to almost 20% by Volumes are reported as being slightly has a full crop this year which will further October. This resulted in delayed down on the early varieties but accurate depress this market internationally. harvesting for some orchards and as a for all others. In line with recent intensive There are 1.6 billion litres of juice consequence, in certain areas and with planting programmes in Gala and Brae - consumed annually, on the planet, but specific varieties, an estimated b urn, plus new long storage potential European consumption has dropped by 16,000,000 apples have been left varieties such as Red Prince, Magic Star 17.6% since 2016, in the UK the same behind, one a day for a year for 40,000 and Junami, dessert variety volumes figure has been 3.5%. school children to put the volume into are rising steadily in line with the BAPL Piece prepared by context. Many growers have also experi - target of a 60% market share by 2030. Liveryman Sarah Calcutt enced the worst harvesting conditions Forecasts for production in the 21 for years with the West Midlands re - European countries that appeared in the ceiving 12 months rainfall over a period WAPA forecast at PROGNOSFRUIT in of just six weeks. Sadly Bramley has August showed a 20% decline in suffered the most through the weather tonnage, year-on-year (the 7th largest variations this season – with the crop in a decade). Down from 13.28 extremes of temperature in the summer million tonnes in 2018 to 10.56 million causing scorch injury in several locat - tonnes for the current year. This volume ions, the wet weather during harvest is considered in line with the market further reduced calcium levels and requirements for Europe and will, it is posed risks of bruising. Adding to the hoped, improve pricing after some Some of the excellent English apples that worry is a knowledge that the Northern devastating low trading of the 2018 were harvested
Le Fruitier The Text
You may recall an illustrated article pears and grapes. that appeared in the Fruiterers’ On the first and second floors Newsletter which was supplied racks and shelves are used for by Past Master Cryan. It storing fruit. showed his son and grand - Different meth ods are used. daughter standing outside a For apples and pears you put a stone building, while on dab of wax on the stalk to holiday in France. Liveryman prevent the fruit from drying out. Radcliffe has thrown some light For grapes you put the stalk of the on the structure, the translation bunch in a rather odd glass flask. appearing below: The grapes are kept fresh during the Liveryman winter by a mixture of coal, water and salt petre within the flask. ith a south facing aspect Le John Radcliffe The building itself, also called ‘fuie’, dates from the 17th “WFruitier is designed for the outside another ' century. Note the stone ring, which, high up, goes right round winter storage of fruit such as apples, Le Fruitier' and prevents rodents from getting into the tower.”
6 The Master and Wardens’ Dinner
s it a record? The Honorary Archivist led to his new appointment as Director Iwill know. At the Master and Wardens’ of Cambridge Crop Research at NIAB. Dinner this year, we celebrated five new Liveryman Chris Newenham, the Chair- Liverymen and five new Freeman. We man of the Awards Council, presented welcomed them to the Company in the the Under Thirties Award to Ryan confidence that they will all be cheerful Williams, who has already achieved and enthusiastic Fruiterers. A number of these new members had joined as a result of the introductory evenings held at the Guildhall, an excellent initiative of Liveryman Peter McDermott that gives potential Liverymen an opportunity to Ms Julia Hoggett the guest speaker learn something of the Company and the City and to meet some of the Livery. the reg u lation by Livery Companies of We dined at Barber-Surgeon’s Hall, as their trades and crafts in medieval times. has been the tradition for a number of She pointed out that the FCA does not years, and dined well we did! Our lively Prof Julian Ellis OBE and The Very Revd resort to corporal punish ment of company was enhanced by the presence Canon Thomas Woodehouse offenders, as did the Beadles of Liv ery of our guest speaker, Julia Hoggett and Companies. Those of us in the financial the Company’s guests: The Master of the impressive success in crop protection world are very well aware that the FCA’s Cooks; The Master of the Gold and Silver and store manage ment, and the Fruit - powers are cert ainly strong enough, in Wire Drawers; The Upper Warden of the erers’ Management Award to Robert any case! There are indeed parallels; but Framework Knitters, all three together England, who is notable for his also notable differences; not so much a with their Clerks; the Reverend Canon progressive techniques in cultivating top comparison of apples and pears, Thomas Woodhouse, the Chaplain of the and soft fruit. perhaps, but one of oranges and bonds! Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy and Chap - In her speech, the Master gave heart - She reminded us that the prime task of lain of the Royal Victorian Order and our felt thanks to Liverymen for supporting the FCA is to guard the interests of the Honorary Fruit Porter, Jimmy Huddart. her and the Company so well during the consumer. It would not have been There were also fifteen of our own year with their effort, time and, as she appropriate to have informed her that Past Masters in attend ance. put it, their pockets. Our Guest the prime task of the Livery Companies Is that another record? speaker, Julia Hoggett, is the in medieval times was to regulate the Our own Chaplain was un - Director of Market Oversight trade for the benefit of the trade! After able to be present as he was of the Financial Conduct all, in 1319, Edward II decreed that leading a retreat in France. Authority, so sits right in all traders and craftsmen in the City Grace was said by his very the heart of our financial of London should join the ‘Mistery, able substitute, the Rever - services industry. She Fellowship or Brotherhood’ of their trade end Canon Thomas Wood - was a banker before or craft, for their common good. Mono - house. The evening then joining the FCA. She polies were seen as good in those times! started with a short and drew an interesting and The evening ended with a toast to the interesting speech by Dr amusing para llel between Master and the Ward ens given by Richard Harrison, one of our the regulation of finan cial Honorary Assistant Bren dan Finucane recent Nuffield Scholars. He services exer cised by the and then a much enjoyed stirrup cup. told how his travels and FCA in today’s world and research on sustainable growing Piece provided by had revitalised his thinking and Our Master with Ms Julia Hoggett Past Master Steve Bodger
The 2020 City Food Lecture e should be in for a really good even - what should we eat in times of climate highly variable CV having held or holding Wing on February 20th at the Guild- change, obesity and animal welfare? positions in a number of academic insti - hall, when we will have the privilege of Prof. Should our diets be local or global, tutions relating to the production of food. Louise Fresco – the President of the vegetarian or flexitarian? Can cities restore She has also been engaged in senior roles Wageningen University & Research Exec - their link to the countryside where the food within the EU and UN Agricultural sectors utive Board in Holland – presenting the City originates? And to complicate these as well as being a successful author. Her Food Lecture. Wageningen Univer sity is the essential questions, what will science bring volume, Hamburgers in Paradise, the leading academic and R & D based inst- us for the future in terms of new proteins, stories behind the food we eat, has been itution of its kind in Europe, if not the world. intensive and vertical agriculture and translated into several languages. Louise will talk about a range of personalised nutrition? Liveryman John Giles, contemporary issues in the food sector – Prof Fresco has an impressive and Chairman CFL Committee
7 and met our charitable objectives and presented cheques to the Lord Mayor in support of his appeal, “A better City for all” and for The Mansion House Scholar - ship Scheme which brings overseas scholars to the City where they learn of the workings of the financial markets. The Master and Wardens’ Dinner saw the admission to the Company of 5 new Freemen and the Clothing of 5 Liverymen (Page 13). This is all very encouraging. Fruiterers at the Mansion House Members of the Company please extend our usual hospitality and make them all n the last edition of the Newsletter I and, indeed, the whole livery movement, feel most welcome while they absorb Iturned the spotlight on the Council, and this is incumbent upon each one themselves in the traditions of this various Sub-Committees, and Panel of of us. wonderful Company. I want to thank the Livery and highlighted their important Remaining with the Awards Council, Liveryman Peter McDermott for his contribution towards the functioning of more examples of their selection process unstinting efforts in organising the new the Company. In this edition, I will describe was evident at the Master and Wardens Liverymen’s evenings when 60 attended some of the events during the past three Dinner when Ryan Williams received the at Guildhall in October (Page 12) months which have taken place as a Under 30’s Award and Robert England, I conclude these Reflection by adding result of their work. the Management Award (Pages 4 & 11) my thanks and appreciation to the I start with the awards put forward to Dr Richard Harrison, this year’s Fruiterers Immediate Past Master, John Warner, for the Court by the Awards Council. It Nuffield Scholar, spoke enthusiastically of his initiative in founding the Livery selected candidates to receive the Fruit his work and travels and how it had Service of Remembrance at St Paul’s Culture Award which went to Viv Powell, opened up new avenues of research. Cathedral, and the laying of a wreath, on behalf of all the Livery Company’s, at the Royal Exchange. You can read more about this elsewhere in this Newsletter. Here too is an example of promoting both the Company and the Livery movement (Page 14). A wonderful year full of amazing events promoting the Company and the Livery Movement. As it was too during our very successful visit to Jersey earlier Tom Oliver receives the Fruiterers’ Bowl for in the year. the most popular Perry I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year and look The ancient ceremony of the Presen - forward to seeing you in 2020. The Lord Mayor Responds to our Master tation of Fruit to the Lord Mayor took the Studentship Award to Javier place on 30th October at The Mansion Vidauretta and the Craftsman’s Award to House. I am delighted to tell you that this John Leppard. All of these awards were attracted a record number of Liverymen made in the very public forum of the and some 20 guests. The Lord Mayor National Fruit Show at Detling (Pages 4& accepted our fruit donations and thereby 11). Recipients of these awards are only I am pleased to announce that we identified because members of the concluded our traditional obligations. For Council retain a close link with the fruit this I would like to pay tribute to the industry and the Company has a worthy generosity and input of Peter Thomas (Worshipful) reputation created by its who supplied the fruit and also for the membership. There is always scope to presence of our Honorary Fruit Porter, widen the awareness of our Company Jimmy Huddart. The Company achieved At a Woolmens’ Dinner
8 Red Cross Christmas Market
he British Red Cross Christmas in the memorable display which attracted TMarket takes place biennially at The numerous cust omers. Guildhall, in the City of London. It is a joint Their infectious jovial mood, enthusi - venture between New Spitalfields Market asm and camaraderie soon spread among and The Worshipful Company of Fruit - the team of willing liverymen and their erers and the ‘fresh produce stand’ for wives who under the direction of Jan The Lord Mayor in attendance which they are respon sible is totally eye Hutchin son CEO of New Spitalfields catching. Market Tenants Association en deavoured On entering the Old Library, a pres - to raise as much money ent ation of the finest as possible for the British fresh produce imm - Red Cross. ediately captures the Jan Hutchinson and attention of all those Past Master Peter attending the event. It Cooper would like to is greatly admired by thank all of those who fellow Livery Comp - participated in making anies, Ward Clubs and the stand such a huge visitors alike and draws success and where our comments of praise from joint venture could be many. Irresp ective of seen actively raising dietary preferences and funds for charity thus require ments a carefully supporting the Lord constructed colourful Mayor and the City display of fresh fruit and of London. Jimmy Huddart, Marie Heudebourck, and vegetables always appears Liveryman Tommy Leighton tantalising and has ubiquitous charm. Maybe Our joint rationale that is why so many artists have used it as a subject for ‘still life studies’’ across the centuries. It is the generosity of the tenants of Jimmy New Spitalfields Market for donating the Huddart and fruit and their time which make this Peter Thomas enterprise such a succ ess in collaboration with our Company. Full credit for build ing the display must be attributed to the talent and skills of Liveryman Peter Thom as who was ably assist- ed by The Honor ary Fruit Porter, Jimmy Huddart. Their imagination and experience resulted
9 Soft and Stone Fruit BERRIES and CURRANTS
s with other horticultural sectors in in the New Year. There are still the There is still considerable growth Athe UK one of the main discussion mismatches during the domestic season potential as people are buying and points in the berry category has between supply and demand consuming more at a lower price. Packs been the availability of skilled, resulting in waste, but the of 500gms were on sale during the peak seasonal labour to pick the industry is aware and is season, on a regular basis. Demand in crop. There have been strenuously seeking most countries where blueberries are certain organisations solu tions. The search consumed is increasing. When one and companies that for a model that will thinks about the perfect convenience commented on provide sustainable fruit, apples, bananas and grapes spring difficulties towards the profitability requires to mind. However, blueberries leave back end of the answers to some fairly consumers with no skin, core or stems season. Others that deep seated questions. to dispose of – voila, perfection. have structured their Demand peaks on the The month of December represents businesses and invested lead up to and during the short season for Cranberries and as appropriately appear to have Wimbledon and then the Newsletter is completed we hear that experienced few setbacks. There declines during August, when the first sea freight consignments have Triple focus are a host of reasons why the Brits are traditionally taking arrived without issue. on matching seasonal force is declining and their holidays. This puts supply not all are down to government pressure on price Piece written after a to demand measures. Brexit and the general and returns. Our telephone interview election have added to the uncertainty industry has to focus on with Paul Avery, and the agricultural fraternity will three principal ele - Berry World’s welcome the smoother waters that will ments. Sustainability UK Director hopefully develop in 2020. of grower returns, of Marketing Much research is being commiss - security of picking ioned into the area of robotics and and conveying correct artificial intelligence to assist growers mes sages to the con - First sea-freight and farmers alike. The latest reported sumers. Cranberries were development comes from a Norwegian Raspberries are in a without issue company that claims to have developed somewhat better position than a machine that can successfully harvest strawberries in that the fruit has less strawberries detecting, size, ripeness and penetration and therefore more room for other criteria. This and other like growth. The growers had a better Festive Fizz electronic aides can probably operate in summer season and UK supplies are 12 tbsp marmalade the clinical, regimented environ- now coming from Morocco, 200ml Cointreau, chilled ment of staged poly-tunnels Spain and Portugal. As with 1 bottle Cava, Prosecco or but according to our all berry fruits there are Champagne, chilled correspondent nothing very high labour costs 6 pared pieces of orange peel is as fast, accurate and which amount to some precise as an experi - 40% of the total • Measure the marmalade into the enced picker in the production costs. liquidiser or small bowl of a food field. “We are still a The Blackberry processor. Add the Cointreau and long way from having season was described whiz together for a minute or so, the perfect mechanical as “fine” without setting then strain through a sieve into a solution” he asserts. the world on fire. measuring jug. UK Strawberry prod - Demand is stable and the • Pour about 2 tbsp of the marmalade ucers have enjoyed a better fruit “is still holding steady as mix into each of six glasses. Half fill second half to the season than UK Blueberry the fourth berry”. them with chilled fizz, stir and top prevailed last year. There was not crop up During 2019 the UK prod - up with more. the intense heat in August and dramatically uction of Blueberries was up 75% • Squeeze a piece of pared orange therefore the two months foll ow - on last year on the previous year. With this peel over each glass to release the ing went more to plan. Currently supply source running into essential oils before dropping into supplies are arriving from the Middle September/October, the ever narrowing the glass. Serve. East and the switch to Morocco and gap between Polish and southern Recipe supplied by Southern Europe as sources will occur hemisphere arrivals, was nicely bridged. Liveryman Sarah Randell
10 Robert England Recipient of The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers’ Management Award
n recognition of his commitment to Subsequently Robert became a At the presentation of his award it Idevelop and improve the businesses mana ger for the Peake family business, was noted by our Master that Robert that he has managed, Robert England based at Boxford Farms, in Suffolk, had “clearly demonstrated progressive was presented with the Fruiterers’ growing both top and soft fruit. and innovative management skills and Management Award by the Master at Robert has been so successful there was clearly a worthy recipient of the the Master and Wardens’ Dinner on 6 that not only was he promoted to Company’s prestigious award.” November 2019. become their Farms Director, but he Robert England This prestigious award is presented steered the group to win another receives the annually to an individual who has industry award – the 2015 Grower of Fruiterers’ demonstrated progressive and innova - the Year Award. Management tive management skills working within Throughout his career at Boxford Award the UK fruit industry. Farms Robert has worked closely with As the owner of a small farm in East the owners, transforming their farm Anglia, Robert proved himself by busi ness and adopting novel and amongst other things being identified as progressive techniques for both tree the Tesco Small Grower of the Year. fruit and soft fruit production.
WCFs’ Craftsman’s Award 2019 is given to John Leppard
John Leppard is presented he WCF’s Craftsman’s Award is him up to focus on his other passion, with the Craftsman Award Tpresented annually to a practitioner crop protection training. at Detling. who has demonstrated conspicuous John has excelled in this endeavour, craftsmanship and considerable using his knowledge, enthusiasm and practical skills in fruit growing. John commitment to help numerous farm Leppard was the chosen exponent workers to understand the practicalities for 2019. of crop protection. This has led to them After working on various farms obtaining their Pesticide Training PA throughout Kent, John set up his certificates, allowing them to become own business based on his fully qualified spray operators. specialisms of pruning, grafting There are many farms where John’s and spraying. craftsmanship and skills are in This was so successful that he evidence and orchards grafted or brought four of his sons into the pruned by John and his sons or grafting and pruning business, freeing individuals trained by John.
WCFs’ Fruit Culture Award 2019 presented to Viv Powell
he WCF Fruit Culture Award is pres - horticulture industry and their current Viv’s efforts and achievements have Tented annually to an individual who and potential crop protection issues, Viv been hugely influential on the survival has made outstanding contributions has worked closely with the agro - and success of our industry and the through communication and technology chemical companies, the Chemicals recognition shown by this award is transfer. The recipient this year is Viv Regulation Division (CRD) and its thoroughly deserved. Powell. predecessor, with major players in the Whilst working for ADAS at the industry and with those producing trials Viv Powell accepts the Fruiterers’ Stockbridge House Experimental Hortic- data. Viv has developed extensive con- Fruit Culture Award ulture Station Viv developed an interest tacts overseas and has liaised closely in crop protection. She specialized in off- with many of them over minor crop label approvals of crop protection approvals. products for the so-called minor crops. Through her knowledge, contacts and Viv was headhunted to continue this powers of persuasion Viv has been valuable work directly for the HDC and instrumental in the granting of hundreds then more recently the Agriculture and of approvals, originally Specific Off Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). Label Approval (SOLA) and more With her comprehensive knowledge recently Extension of Authorisation for of the minor crops grown in the UK Minor Use (EAMU).
11 Another Bumper Crop of Fruiterers in the Making!
ctober 17th saw us visit Guildhall for of Woolgate. Our typical Fruiterers hosp - Oanother introduction to The Wor- itality prevailed, with food and wine shipful Company of Fruiterers plus a served to all, wrapped up by a fine display galloping tour led by the evergreen of the Company’s Dessert, presented Murray Craig! Although the event gave perfectly courtesy of Elliott Porter. emphasis to the ‘legal eagles’ it was well These events in 2019 have proven to attended by all comers, including rep res - be invaluable in raising awareness of The entatives of The Guild of Young Freemen Fruiterers and introducing high calibre Instruction in the workings and history of the City of London plus a group of candidates to the Livery; watch this space of the Guildhall potential Journeymen who are currently for upcoming events which will be at taking part in the MDS scheme. ious refreshments in The Aldermen’s another distinguished location in The City The evening commenced with delic - Dining Room, where Past Master Will of London TBC! Sibley eulogised about notable Fruiterer events over the last 20 years or so. From tree plantings to foreign trips, the Mansion House to a day in prison – there was something for everybody! Murray then took the helm and led the Guildhall tour, this time covering various colourful and fascinating aspects of the Guildhall build - ings – from the outside! Whilst the evening was cool, it was thankfully dry – none - theless the 65 attendees were delighted to be warmed up after the tour with excellent Fruiterers, guests and others at Guildhall Yard hospitality afforded by the team at Davy’s The Lord Mayor's Coach
Malvern Autumn Show 2019 nce again the Company was present who was presented with the Fruiterers’ Oin the Orchard and Hopyard Pavilion Bowl by the Master. at this year’s Malvern Autumn Show, This Festival also featured around 100 which was held over two rainy days Perry Pear varieties which were displayed during the last weekend of September. by the Hartpury Heritage Trust, the holder Despite the inclement conditions the of the National Perry Pear Collection. New show welcomed 65,000 visitors, some to this year’s show was a Perry Bar which from as far away as the north west of offered 63 selections of Perry for tasting Fruiterers' Stand at Malvern Autumn Show England, East Anglia and south Wales. and for sale. Over 500 tasters and 76 The Fruiterers, through funding from bottles were sold to people ranging from The Pavilion is populated by producers the Awards Council, supports The Fest- the experienced to the novice Perry selling cider, perry and other fruit related ival of Perry – this is unique to the show drinker. drinks as well as whole fruits; it also hosts and is a celebration of the Perry Pear and Within the Pavilion is a competition in commercial apple, pear and fruit juice Perry. For centuries, both have been syn- which nurserymen create amazing disp - competitions. Each year the fruit and onymous with and peculiar to the Three lays of fruit which are judged by experts winning juices are auctioned on Sunday Counties (Worcestershire, Gloucester shire from the RHS; the winner this year was afternoon, the proceeds of which go to and Herefordshire). The Company is Frank Matthews with a mag nificent disp - local charities. resp onsible for running the ‘People’s lay assembled over eight hours by Not only is The Liveryman Choice Perry Competition’ in which the Liveryman Nick Dunn and his daughter Malvern Autumn Dr Graham public judge samples of producers’ Steph. Show a celebration Collier: man perrys. Over 200 individuals took part in A 40 seat theatre hosted a fascinating of the harvest, it is in charge the tastings; the Company is grateful to discussion on the origin of the apple. It a show case of the Master, Past Master Cooper and was discovered in Kazakhstan and a things orig inating Liverymen Ian Adams and Rosemary panel of experts, including a native from and asso ci- Collier for engaging with the public while Kazakhstani, described the making of a ated with food and handing out samples. This year’s winner film about the apple’s origins and the type farming and is well was Tom Oliver (Oliver’s Cider and Perry) of countryside where trees are found. worth a visit.
12 Honorary Liveryman Baroness Hale of Richmond becomes a Freeman of the City of London by Invitation
t the Summer Court the President of the field of Family Law. In the words used Athe Supreme Court, The Right Hon. in our clothing ceremony Baroness Hale Baroness Hale of Richmond DBE, has “made the world a better place than became the latest Honorary Liveryman of she found it”. It is given to few of us to do the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers. At that on such a scale. the time, she was well known in legal and The admission of Baroness Hale as an academic circles, but within a couple of Honorary Liveryman of the Company months she was known around the world. came about not only as a means of In terms of numbers, she probably marking the Centenary of the Sex became the best known living British Disqualification (Removal) Act of 1919, judge in history. As she delivered the which disallowed the exclusion of women unanimous decision of the Supreme from Livery Companies, but also as a Baroness Hale receives her Freedom of the Court in the now famous prorogation means of marking Baroness Hale’s two City in the presence of The Lord Mayor and case, upholding the right of Parliament to decades of support for the Company. She the Remembrancer continue to sit. She was watched by has spoken or attended various Company millions across the world. The Supreme events, starting in 2000 and memorably Court on-line had more viewers than hosted the Company’s visit to the membership of the Fruiterers’ Company “East Enders”. Supreme Court. who were represented by Past Masters Baroness Hale retires at the end of this When Baroness Hale was admitted to Cryan and Bellamy-James, former year as only the third President of the the Company it was already known that colleagues of Baroness Hale. Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, the Lord Mayor and Corporation were For those with an interest in such and the first woman to hold that office. minded to invite her to become a matters, her brooch on that occasion was She has had a stellar career as an Freeman of the City of London, with the in the shape of a bee. academic, a Law Commissioner and Lord Mayor as her sponsor. That finally Piece provided by Past Master Cryan judge. She has more “firsts” to her credit took place at the Mansion House on 1st than this article has room for, and whilst November 2019. The ceremony was these achievements give much satis fact- presided over by the Remembrancer, in ion to those heartened to see the progress the presence of the Lord Mayor and of diversity and equality in our public life, members of the Court of Aldermen and it must be remembered that they are the Common Council. It should be essentially ancillary to the work which she recorded that at the lunch afterwards has done, primarily, but not exclusively in Baroness Hale spoke most warmly of her
Fruiterers Christmas Cards, 2019
nce again we are beholden and Odeeply grateful to Kevin Rose, Chairman of the Membership and Communications Sub-Committee, for arranging the production, packaging and New Liverymen at Master & Wardens Court dispatch of the elegant and attractive Worshipful Company of Fruiterers’ New Freemen at the November Court: New Liverymen at the November Court: Christmas cards. The ‘Still Life’ images n Mr Andrew Banks n Freeman Claire Donkin of fruit are courtesy of Mark Lance, taken n Miss Sophie Doubleday n Freeman Caroline Hulland from his book (co-authored with Livery - n Mr Thomas Holloway n Freeman Stephanie Klebba man John Radcliffe) ‘George Lance – n Mr Tim O'Malley n Freeman Guy Moreton Victorian Master of Still Life’. Any n Mr Andreas Payne n Freeman Elliott Porter surpluses will be used for the Fruiterers’ charitable activities.
13 Remembrance at The Royal Exchange
wrote about the first participation of and we then paraded to Royal Cook and Butler) laid on a traditional Ithe Livery Companies on Rem - Exchange, again led by our lunch featuring very tasty slices of roast embrance Sunday in my very own Beadle, Ted Prior, beef and Yorkshire pudding – a most Master’s Recollections this where this time our Master, appropriate choice. time last year. Cheryl Roux, accompan - The Livery Companies’ participation I was greatly encouraged ied by myself, laid the at the City’s own commemoration of the by the many kind letters I final wreath. Armistice now appears to be established received asking for this to The solemnities over, as a tradition and, subject to the Fruit- become an annual event. we crossed the road to erers heading up the organisation of the So, again this year, a goodly the front of Mansion Livery Companies, we are firmly number of gowned Masters House to applaud established as the official wreath layer! and Clerks once again ass - the parade of, among It has been a long journey to get to embled in colourful glory at others, the Band of the here but I am extremely proud that we, St Paul’s for the Remem b - London Regiment and, the Fruiterers, will forever be rem em- rance Service in the presence most importantly, the Old bered as the Company that ensured the of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen Comrades’ Association. Livery Companies’ participation in the and Common Councillors. This was followed by City’s own act of Remembrance. At the conclusion of the Service further fellow ship in Guildhall the Livery Companies gathered outside where the IPM Cook (Mark Grove of The Piece supplied by IPM John Warner
The National Fruit Show
he National Fruit show was a hive of attracted a lot of attention from visiting Tactivity again this year. Boasting its press. Outfield and Cogz featured on the largest number of competing growers for BBC’s Farming Today programme along over a decade, which included a number with Clive Baxter and the Chair of the of first time competitors entering some Show Committee, Liveryman Sarah really excellent fruit. Clive Baxter’s Egre - Calcutt. As always, the winning fruit was mont Russets were adjudged ‘supreme presented to her Majesty the Queen on champion entry’. His trays of apples the Friday following the Show. Samples President of NFS Rt Hon Michael Jack, were truly worthy winners, scoring 99.25 of top Bramley (won by Liveryman Nigel our Master and the Clerk, John Grant marks out of 100. This achievement was Bardsley) were also included and Britain’s made even more exceptional because of tastiest apple for 2019 which was Jazz. upscaling the seasonal workers scheme the inherent difficulties in showing For the second year running NFU right now’. After talking about how the Russet apples. President, Minette Batters, took time out UK has fallen from being the most desir - The theme of the 86th National Fruit of her busy schedule to open the show able destination for seasonal workers, Show was “technical innovation” and the with a thought-provoking speech. ‘I Minette moved on to criticise the Business Hive has been established to cannot stand before you today and not recently released tariffs, which have left provide small, low cost stands, to start highlight the crisis which we are facing horticulture totally open to a free up, innovative businesses who have not with the labour situation’ she said. ‘Data market. The NFU is calling on govern- exhibited at the show before. Drones, published shows that 16 million apples ment to add some tariff protection. online fruit trading, bee hives and online will this year go unpicked. The NFU has On the Wednesday evening the show secretarial were a few of the enterprises been consistent in its message – we want society hosted a well-supported dinner that took up the offer. This area also government to commit to massively where the Master of The Worshipful Com pany of Fruiterers, Ms Cheryl Roux presented Viv Powell with the Fruit Culture Award. The dinner also staged a very successful auction, raising funds for its education programme. The Apple World prog ramme will have reached just over 10,000 primary and secondary pupils in 2019; the £6,500 raised will enable further outreach and engagement for the ever growing programme. Piece supplied by Clive Baxter’s perfect Egremont Russets Pristine display of Top Fruit at Detling Liveryman Sarah Calcutt
14 Meet the Master Elect ur Upper Warden and Master Elect eggs. He is also one of the few remaining Ois David Henry Seymour Simmons specialist growers of Damsons which are who lives and farms near Faversham in sold fresh on wholesale markets and Kent. He joined the Fruiterers in 2007 frozen to processors. and is married to Rosemary, they have He is a former Mayor of Faversham two sons who work in the City of London. and is involved in many local charities David is the fourth generation of his including the Friends of Faversham family to farm at Whitehill. His father Cott age Hospital and Faversham served overseas with the British Army so Municipal Charities, who are responsible he attended boarding school in Staff- for running one of the largest Alms ordshire and Berkshire before doing a Houses in Kent. He is a past Chairman course at Hadlow College and comp - of the East Kent Fruit Society and the leting his education at Wye College, local branch of the NFU. gives to the City and Corporation of where he gained an Honours Degree in Outside of work David is involved in London and the Lord Mayor is of great Horticulture. He is acquainted with all local politics and he enjoys skiing, importance. He highlights the wonderful aspects of the Fruit Industry, as well as shooting and holidays in Madeira, where work of the Fruiterers’ Awards Council, growing a wide range of top fruit, soft he has been trying to grow raspberries which supports many projects in the fruit and vegetables, and runs a market on a friend’s Quinta. fields of research and education, stall three days a week in Faversham, David is proud of the links between including Nuffield Scholars and ‘Apples selling local produce, including apple the Fruiterers, the Fruit Industry and the in a Warmer Climate’, the fascinating juice, homemade jam and free range City of London. The support the Livery climate change work at Brogdale. FROM THE VIEW HIGH STREET
he upmarket chain M&S, has Lidl have announced plans to open under own brand labels. These include Tintroduced a number of significant another 200 stores and has declared that ‘Greengrocer’s Fruit & Veg’, ‘Stamford changes to its food trading activities in an it wants to grow to 1,000 units within the Street Ready Meals’ and ‘Mary Ann’s endeavour to take on the ‘value’ retailers next three years. This is in the pursuit of Dairy’. Britain’s second largest grocery and increase market share, and it its ambition to challenge the UK’s big retailer was also the subject of a recent appears to be working. Prices have been supermarkets for market share. Lidl and TV programme that highlighted the slashed across 100 products to attract ALDI together now have 14% of the company’s difficulties. more customers, mainly on lines that market and both have spread their ‘Celery Juice’, ‘Urban Foraging’ and families are likely to buy in their weekly geographical range. Their initial open - ‘Seaganism’ are just a few of the major shop. In the equation are bread, milk, ings were in areas where land and trends current and incoming, according bakery and fresh produce. The Company property prices were at the lower end. to this year’s Waitrose food and drink is also focusing on reducing waste and New developments have moved into report, which highlights shoppers’ buying stepping up the plans to launch online more expensive city locations and other habits. Sales of organic celery through deliveries. Recent figures showed food urban areas. They are certainly turning the retailer’s outlets are reported to have sales were up 1.2%, the fastest in the up the heat on the ‘big boys’. ALDI plans risen by 30%. Supermarkets hire urban multiple sector for the period. A new 50 store openings over the next two foragers to help customers make use of model on waste reduction and product years and continues to invest in premium their local ecosystems and to discover availability has been tested at a York brands in an attempt to attract more new types of wild vegetation. In addition branch. Results have encouraged M&S to affluent customers. more people are moving to nature’s roll out the model across 85 other J Sainsbury is undergoing a fairly medicine chest to deal with simple outlets. torrid time and announced that pre-tax medical problems. The document finds Waitrose has continued its pursuit of profits were down by more than 90% in that there is a shift to home cooking and lowering the dependence on packag ing the six months to September 21st. The home growing of fruit and vegetables. at an Oxford store. They dispensed with supermarket spent £200m in closing 15 With the rise in healthy eating, demands packaging across dozens of product lines outlets and dozens of Argos branches. for extra nutritious produce have dem on- from fresh fruit and veg to pasta and Added to that were £25m redundancy strated expanding horizons into the sea. couscous. It was reported that the results costs. During the same period sales fell A growing number of Waitrose custo - were phenomenal and the retailer plans by 0.2%. Ditching their ‘basics range’ the mers are seeking sea products. Tesco to extend the model to many more concentration has fallen on lowering have recently added Seaweed products outlets. prices on 200 fundamental items sold to their herb and spice collection.
15 Obituary Richard David Francis Edward John Machell Cox MA ichard Francis, who died on 10th Richard suffered from an increasingly RSeptember aged 66, epitomised the debilitating disease. Even then, he e are sad to report the passing very best of Liverymen. He was clothed could not easily be stopped. He came Wof Edward John Machell Cox in 2004, joined the Finance Sub-Com- to as many of our events and dinners as who died earlier this year at the age mittee in 2007, served as its Chairman he could and he and his wife, Fiona, of 84. He was a Chartered Account - from 2008 to 2009 and was an Honor - greatly enjoyed the Company’s visits to ant and for many years lived in the ary Assistant from 2009 to 2011. These Spain and France in 2016 and 2017. Notting Hill area of London serving dry facts alone tell of an active and We shall all greatly miss him; but none as a councillor for the Royal Borough contributing Liveryman; but it is the will miss him more than Fiona and their of Kensington and Chelsea. He was style behind them that tells of the man. daughters, Victoria and Rebecca, and admitted to the Company in 1956 Richard threw himself into the activities their four young grandchildren, of and served as an Honorary Assist- of the Company. There was hardly an whom he was, justifiably, very proud. It ant. Our commiser ations and con - event at which he was not present, is my own daughter who provided his dolences are extended to his wife always willing to help and full of cheer - perfect epitaph: “Everybody liked Elizabeth, daughter Vicky and son ful bonhomie with a gently iconoclastic Richard”. Charlie. sense of humour. He deployed his (Obituary written by Past Master experience as a Chartered Accountant Steve Bodger, a close friend Past Master Robins and a talented, entrepre neurial business - of Richard) man to good effect, improving our and Gary Rhodes financial affairs and, while an Honorary e were saddened to learn of Assistant, he was a perceptive member Wthe death of Celebrity Chef of the Court, mak ing many interesting Gary Rhodes. What is not generally and innovative observations. known is that Past Master Ivor For the last four years of his life, Robins was partly responsible for advancing his career. Ivor knew of Jonathan Martin the young man’s culinary skills and Cameron Choat took a customer, Brian Turner (the famous TV Chef), to the restaurant t is with regret that while finalising in Soho where Gary was working. Ithis Newsletter we received news Brian was very impressed and that Liveryman Jonathan Choat recruited the young man telling him passed away on the 24th November that he had to dispense with the after suffering a fall at home. An earring and spiky hair. The former app ropriate Obituary will appear in disappeared but the latter was kept the next Newsletter. Our sympathies suppressed under a hat. and condolences are extended to his family. Richard & Fiona at Blenheim
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Editor wishes to thank the following for their valuable contributions to this Newsletter; Paul Avery (Director Berry World), Adrian Barlow, Peter Bartlett (Past Master), Steve Bodger (Past Master), Sarah Calcutt, Drs Graham & Rosemary Collier, Peter Cooper (Past Master & Honorary Archivist), Donald Cryan (Past Diamond Anniversary celebrants in earlier days Master), Prof Geoff Dixon, John Giles, John Grant (Clerk), Dr Gerard Lyons, Peter McDermott, Chris Newenham, (Chairman Awards Council), John Radcliffe, Tony & Jill Redsell Ian Rainford (Honorary Remembrancer), Kevin Rose (Chairman Membership & Coms), Cheryl Roux (Master), Andrew Tinsley, John Warner (Past Master) and ongratulations to Tony & Jill Redsell Sarah Whitworth. Cwho celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on 15th October.
Published by The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers: Clerk, John Grant, The Old Bakery, Bull Lane, Ketton, Stamford, PE9 3TB. Editor: Richard Brighten Printed by Typecast Colour Ltd, Hop Pocket Lane, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6DQ. Tel : 01892 838382. Email : [email protected] 16