Summer 2017 Issue 33

Putting the ‘fun’ in fundraising: record sums raised in 2017

Plus Success at last for De Montfort Hanging up their court shoes This year pigs will fly Meet Ruby Footwear Friends Award for Innovation 2015 Our News

The News Cordwainer marchers raise record sums

On 19th March, 70 brave souls – of Freeman Guy West who definitely wins Cordwainers, family members, friends the prize for the best dressed person at the and a few dogs – took on the Marsden March - in fact, the best dressed person at March challenge to raise funds for the any sponsored event ever! Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Our sensational strollers did the Company The starting line for those attempting the proud: this event alone raising almost 14-mile trek was at the Royal Marsden site in £35,500 for the Master’s campaign. At the Chelsea where the upbeat music, hundreds Ladies Dinner in May, the Master presented of brightly coloured balloons and boisterous the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity with a Freeman Guy West marches in his winklepickers starting countdown certainly woke up donation cheque for £55,000. This combined everyone at 9.30am on a Sunday morning! with sponsorship sent directly to the Royal Marsden and a previous donation from the This amazing amount will be used to Marching through Chelsea and Putney, Cordwainer Charities, means that we have purchase a Hamilton Starlet Robot, which they wombled across Wimbledon Common given an overall total of £63,000 to the Royal processes tumour samples from breast before joining up with the five-milers in Marsden Cancer Charity. cancer patients more quickly and accurately Raynes Park. With groups of Cordwainers than is humanly possible. The hospital will travelling at various speeds (dependent on also be able to purchase 15 CADD Solis VIP leg length or how much time was spent in pumps, which allow blood cancer patients the many pubs ‘using the toilets’) everyone to continue their rigorous chemotherapy eventually arrived at the final destination, treatment from their homes. the Royal Marsden site in Sutton. Cordwainers should be very proud of our With the age of Cordwainer participants connection with the Royal Marsden and the ranging from three years old to 75 years part we are playing in supporting the life- young, it was a truly inclusive family event. changing work of the hospital. Everyone finished with a smile on their face – until they realised that there was no bar at the finish line (apologies from the organisers for not passing on this vital piece The five-milers leave Raynes Park of information). And mention must be made Nancy Treves, Charity and Events Officer

New scholarship fund for nurses at the Royal Free Hospital The Royal Free Hospital Nurses’ Home of Rest Trust is a charity jointly managed by the Company and the Royal Free Hospital that provides scholarships and awards to nurses.

At the Trust’s May meeting, the Board agreed to launch a new scholarship fund named in honour of the late Past Master Richard Stillwell, in recognition of his contribution to the Trust and the family connection to the Royal Free, where Richard’s wife, Jennifer, trained as a doctor.

Since 2010, the Nursing and Midwifery Council has required pre-registration nurses to hold a degree, and as a result many employers expect nurses to hold a degree qualification. There are still a substantial number of highly experienced registered nurses working at the Royal Free who hold a Diploma in Nursing rather than a BSc (Hons). Many would like the opportunity to undertake a top-up degree in nursing to maximise their development and career progression.

The new scholarship fund will provide five scholarships for registered nurses at the Royal Free to undertake their BSc (Hons) Professional Practice in Nursing at Middlesex University. It is hoped that the first recipients of these new scholarships will start their top-up courses in October 2017.

2 The Cordwainer Master’s Column

When I reflect on the last year, I am veryWhen pleased I reflect to report on the that last one year, of my I am very pleased to report that one mainof my ambitions, main ambitions, to encourage to moreencourage more participation in Company events,participation has innot Company only been events, successful, has not but also the source of many happyonly been memories successful, and but also great the achievement source for us all. of many happy memories and great achievement for us all.

Participation, which is a key tenet of the 2020 Jane and I have travelled to Glasgow, York, Vision, can be demonstrated in a number Basle, Tidworth and Buckingham Palace of ways, from attendance at events and to support our charitable partners and dinners, to sponsored fundraising, to making other members of the Cordwainer ‘family’. the suggested annual donation or sharing As a keen sports fan, I very much enjoyed your experience and expertise to support watching the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers the Company’s work. The Cordwainers are boxing match in Tidworth. The reigning an overwhelmingly friendly livery company champions, they were sadly defeated in the and we welcome ideas and suggestions from quarter finals this year, but their enthusiasm everyone. I am pleased to say, that after a bit and camaraderie were immense. What an of gentle persuasion, more people than ever exhibition of toe-to-toe boxing! have joined in this year and discovered how The Master in Cordwainer Ward we put the ‘fun’ in ‘fundraising’! As we have seen this year, the Cordwainers are about so much more than just dinners, In a year of wonderful memories, the Always keen to practise what I preach, I have but dinners have been a subject of heated highlight was undoubtedly the spring been delighted to participate in many events debate (if not pugilistic activity). For the first Sunday when 70 intrepid walkers, ranging in on behalf of the Company. We have watched time, the entire Livery was invited to our age from 3 to 75, joined the Marsden March footwear students at work in the wonderful Civic Dinner in March, and record numbers in my second large fundraising event new facilities at De Montfort University, seen attended to meet the Lord Mayor and of the year. We raised over £35,000 from this top quality brogues roll off the production Sheriffs. Part of the 2020 Vision is about the one event, which enabled me to present line at Cheaneys in Northamptonshire, and Company’s profile within the City and it is a cheque for a whopping £55,000 to the had the pleasure of meeting many footwear important that all members have a chance Chairman of the Royal Marsden Hospital at designers, bespoke shoemakers and to share in this and to learn about the role of our Ladies’ Dinner in May. representatives of the trade and education. the City livery companies within the Square Mile. It has been a great pleasure and privilege to Footwear career advice preside over a Company of such dedicated individuals: thank you to everyone who has The Company has worked hard to cement supported the charitable campaign of the the links between footwear education year, whether it was by rowing, singing, and the shoe trade. Four years on, the walking or donating. I would particularly Cordwainers Footwear Student of the Year like to thank my wife Jane and my two competition is now well established as a daughters, Sarah and Catherine for their recognised means for leading companies stalwart support. As ever, the Office team in the footwear industry to meet some of have worked tirelessly to ensure that our the brightest and best footwear designers events ran smoothly. Finally, I would like to emerging from the three universities that we wish my successor, Patrick Peal, the best of support. This year, with the help of the British luck and if he has half as much fun as I have Footwear Association, we introduced a new had, he will have a good year! workshop, entitled, ‘My Career in Footwear’, which enabled the student competition entrants to meet young professionals in the footwear trade and to ask them about their An incredible £55,000 for the Royal Marsden careers.

The Cordwainer 3 Nicholas Kirkwood (4th left) with the winners and judges

The Cordwainers National Footwear Student Awards are many months in the planning: the students work on their design projects for several months, the Cordwainer office liaises with the universities, the judges, the British Footwear Association (BFA) and organises a fantastic show. None of it happens overnight. In fact, it is clear that it takes less time to arrange a general election.

The date clash on 8th June was a minor annoyance and certainly did not detract from the animated atmosphere at the 2017 awards ceremony. Leading 2017 Winners footwear designer and this year’s keynote speaker 1st PRIZE Nicholas Kirkwood presented the prizes, advising Rachel Hamill , students to ‘Create your own niche, be true to yourself De Montfort University and get a wingman to watch your back’, advice that could usefully be shared with our political masters. 2nd PRIZE Xiao Xiao Wang, London Industry professionals and representatives from College of Fashion, UAL the education sector came together to view the Children’s shoes from Vevian amazing talent that is emerging from De Montfort, the 3rd PRIZE University of Northampton and the London College Eva Hau, London College of Fashion. Freeman Katie Greenyer, Creative Director of Fashion, UAL of Pentland Brands and chair of the judging panel, paid tribute to the students and their teachers, saying ‘I know how hard you all work to drive the students COMMENDATIONS through and on to great things’. Yoon-Yi Lee De Montfort University Guests were able to view the work of five showcase companies, all members of the British Footwear Joanna Eden Association and keen to promote their work. De Montfort University

First prize was won by Rachel Hamill of De Montfort University, whose portfolio was in the form of a pop- Katie Greenyer up dolls’ house and reflected her background as an architecture student. It focused on architectural details which she adapted and incorporated into intricate shoe designs. Rachel said, ‘I’m so grateful to the Cordwainers for the opportunity. To get that recognition of me as a designer, from other designers who I admire, was really amazing.’

4 The Cordwainer Footwear Conference

First steps in the footwear trade - workshop for footwear design students

Organised jointly by Cordwainers and the British Footwear Association (BFA), a new workshop for the Cordwainer footwear competition entrants is intended to support footwear design students along the next stage of their career path.

‘My Career in Footwear’ is the latest Jonathan Chow, of Oliver Sweeney talks to students innovation by the Cordwainers and the BFA to strengthen the links between the footwear trade and the three universities which offer footwear design courses. Among those who attended were the students whose work had been submitted for the Cordwainers National Footwear Student of the Year Award and they came to listen to the experiences of young professionals who have been working in the footwear trade for up to ten years.

For the students, the prestige of the Cordwainers National Footwear Student event and the recognition of their peers and tutors is no small thing, but this year they also had a chance to hear how recent entrants into the footwear industry have managed their careers. The John Saunders of the BFA with exhibitors BFA had lined up five young professionals from different areas of the industry and from companies as diverse as Hotter, Dr Martens, Lacoste, Pentland Group and Dune.

Each one had approached the trade from a different route: from the The buzz in the room was palpable as factory production line, from an apprenticeship, and another via a sports science degree. The message was clear: if at first you don’t students launched questions at the young succeed in your chosen career path, think creatively and try again. professionals during the breakout session.

Perhaps the most impressive speaker was Abbie Morris, who started work on the Hotter production line at the age of 18. Five years on, she works in a management position as a factory team leader, having worked her way up by sheer force of her motivation and talent. Abbie won a ‘Young Manager’s Award’ from the Pattenmakers and it was interesting to hear how this livery company award had created further opportunities for her.

Adam Wharton from Dune has worked as a merchandiser for five years and reminded the students that although good design is critical, the underlying role of everyone in the trade is to make profit.

John Saunders, Chief Executive of the BFA, advised the students to LCF students showcase their entries open their minds to the prospects within the industry and reminded them there are many ways to launch a career, footwear design being Everyone enjoyed it and in the words of one participant, ‘I think the just one path. event was a huge success and I really loved being part of it all’.

The Cordwainer 5 Education De MonTfort University LASTING SUCCESS IN FOOTWEAR DESIGN

Students thinking about moving to Leicester to study Fast-forward to the present and that tradition continues with are understandably wowed when they step onto Next, and its sizeable footwear business, located 20 minutes out the campus of De Montfort University in Leicester. of the city centre at Enderby. Freeman Elisa Anniss went to visit the new facilities. Though footwear at De Montfort University cherishes its links The Cordwainers’ relationship with De Montfort (DMU) stretches to the past and its locality, the footwear landscape these days is back nearly a decade and the Company endows a number of global. Many 21st century footwear graduates are just as likely footwear design scholarships and bursaries worth £23,000 per to spend some of their working life engaging with factories year. These awards recognise outstanding achievement, help in China, Cambodia, Vietnam or South America well as those students fund materials for their course, and include travel closer to home in Europe or the UK. bursaries.

The Footwear Design department moved in 2016 into the stunning new Vijay Patel Building with its workshops, studios and 250-seat lecture theatre that is the star act. The building’s state-of-the-art-facilities have become the new creative nexus for the university’s art and design courses, from contour fashion, textile design, and, of course, footwear.

Although it may not be as famous for shoes as the neighbouring county of Northamptonshire, Leicester has long been associated with footwear. Indeed, by 1870 shoemaking had become the city’s largest source of employment.

Biometrics and bespoke training There are approximately 35 students in each year group. Head of Footwear, Steve Weston, explains that at first students learn the basics such as making, lasting, patterns, seams and closing. Shoe design and technical making skills are developed throughout the course, as students perfect design, research, 3D CAD drawing and illustration skills. They also learn modern shoemaking skills and make prototype shoes of their own.

A wall of yellow lasts at the entrance to a large studio is the main teaching space where all three year groups work together. Smaller spaces housed sewing machines, lasting equipment, laser cutters and rolls of leather. Students embark on a wide range of shoe design projects with companies such as TOMS, Next, New Balance, All Saints, Dune, Steve Weston himself has impressive credentials having Boxfresh and Clarks among other notable brands. The annual worked in a series of high profile positions in the USA. He Cordwainers project, which is set in the third year of study, brings with him extensive industry experience and connections leads to the Cordwainers National Footwear Student Award that he passes on to students. and the students also work on a design project, set and exhibited at MODA (the UK’s largest fashion trade exhibition). Bespoke is taught by Tony Slinger, who once made shoes for the Coldstream Guards, and Bill Bird, who served an eight- This is not the only role or contribution that the Cordwainers year apprenticeship with John Lobb. Their specialist skills are make. For example, a recent second year trip to Lineapelle passed on in many projects. The students studied biometrics in Italy (the leading industry leather goods trade fair) was in preparation for a project with the sportswear brand also part-funded by Cordwainers’ bursaries. In addition, the New Balance, for example, while they focused on bespoke Company also contributes to hardship funds and special shoemaking in conjunction with a project for Cheaney Shoes. awards for achievement.

The Cordwainer 6 6 The Cordwainer Education

The Court trip to DMU, January 2017

‘The investment that has gone into the facilities at Leicester is amazing,’ says Freeman Guy West, and one of the judges of the Cordwainers National Footwear Student Award. West has also forged close links with DMU, including setting men’s shoe projects in conjunction with his own footwear business, Jeffery-West. ‘The response has always been amazing with the ‘The one thing that always sticks with me from students submerging themselves into the Jeffery-West culture, DMU was how incredible the technicians were in understanding the customer and what influences their impulse the various departments – without a doubt some to buy,’ he says. Indeed, Jeffery-West’s own designer of shoes, of the best and most specialised in the world.’ David Evans, is a graduate of DMU and has been with the brand for almost a decade. Today, the university stays in touch with some of its alumni many of whom play a leading role in the international footwear industry. These include Los Angeles-based Rose Jones, Senior Designer at TOMS, Fiona Adams who created the Diesel and XOXO footwear brands in the US; Nick O’Rorke founder of Tsubo; Chris Kittle, VP of Design at Sperry; Nick Drury, Director of Design for Boxfresh and Kickers as well as Liam Fahy, who in the early days of his eponymous brand won international recognition including the British Fashion Council’s NewGen award.

‘The one thing that always sticks with me from DMU,’ concludes Liam Fahy, ‘was how incredible the technicians were in the various departments – without a doubt some of the best and most specialised in the world. Also, because it doesn’t just offer footwear courses, I had access to the metal labs, the plastic labs, wood, glass, even the sport groups. The computer science department helped make a microchip for a LED shoe that I created that had about 100 LED lights on each foot, so much fun. The second thing is probably the network of designers. Ten years later we’re all spread out all over the world in different design fields and shoe brands, but still in touch.’

‘The response has always been amazing, with the students submerging themselves into the Jeffery-West culture, understanding the customer and what influences their impulse to buy.’

Guy West

The Cordwainer 7 The Cordwainer Court The Cordwainer Court

The court in action

For those members who only observe the Company at So how does one progress to serve on the Court? In her 1980 history its hospitable best, it is easy to overlook the fact that of the Company, Jennifer Lang noted that service on the Court was the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers is actually a down to ‘Time rather than machination’. Today, promotion has much charitable business. The Company embodies fellowship, more to do with ability and a commitment to the Company values history, longstanding connections with the footwear trade of giving to charity both in principle and practice. The Ordinances state that every year at Common Hall members of the livery should and education, and our role as a City livery company. elect ‘sixteen discreet and honest persons aged seventy-four years or

less to assist the Master and Wardens’. Running a successful livery company is complex, and the

Cordwainers draw on a mix of tradition, business acumen and the We are all Cordwainers for life, but once a Court Assistant reaches support of the Company’s most experienced members, the Court the age of 75, they are translated to the position of Honorary of Assistants. Assistant. Rather like a constitutional monarch, Honorary Assistants

can advise, but not vote on the workings of the Company. Their The Cordwainers are governed by a Master, two senior wardens, influence, however, rarely fades. two junior wardens and a Court of Assistants, who are responsible

for oversight and governance of the company business. They must The Court currently meets six times a year. Proceedings are formal ensure that ‘the mystery of Cordwainers’ can continue to function and as traditional as the robes and badges worn by the Master and effectively long into the future. Wardens. Everyone – Clerk, Assistants and Wardens – defers to the

Master and no one is supposed to speak without permission. Votes Day-to-day control is delegated to the Clerk, who is effectively the are proposed and seconded by the two most senior court assistants chief executive responsible to the Master and Wardens. present (most recently the Skinner cousins, Paddy and David) and

voted on by a show of hands and a resounding shout of ‘All’. It’s a In short, the role of the Court is to drive the Company forward, little unnerving the first time you hear it. devising and agreeing strategy, and providing leadership and guidance. Court Assistants make up the Company committees which govern the Company finances, advise on membership, charitable giving and involvement with the footwear trade and education.

‘Discreet and honest persons’ The Court of Assistants consists of past masters or senior members who have been awarded the title of Court Assistant. Until recently, by the time someone attained membership of the Court, they had been a Cordwainer for some 35-40 years with invaluable experience and knowledge of Company traditions, connections and business. In addition, Court members bring with them experience gained in their professional lives.

The Beadle and Hon. Assistant Andrew Ferrier

8 The Cordwainer The Cordwainer Court Hanging up their court shoes This year, five Court Assistants (three of them first cousins) will be stepping down, and it seems fitting to pay tribute to their service. They have known each other all their adult lives and have worked together as senior members of the Company like cogs in a well-oiled machine for the last quarter of a century. We asked them for a few memories and thoughts about the changes they have seen.

Paddy Skinner, Master in 1997–98, probably speaks for all of them when he says that ‘The Cordwainers’ Company has been part of my life for as long as I can remember’. ‘It is the friendships made, and the privilege

‘At the age of 10, I attended the Lord of being a member of an organisation whose Mayor’s Children’s Party, dressed as a history goes back 750 years without a break, Cordwainer, as the guest of the Master, and all the wonderful experiences one has as a Paddy Skinner my Great Uncle Bish (Douglas) Peal; I Master 1997–98 result, that makes the Cordwainers so special’. became a Freeman by Patrimony at the age of 21 years and 12 days, and a Liveryman a year later. I was a member of the Finance & Resources Committee for about eight years. Probably my greatest contribution has been as Honorary Archivist, creating a spreadsheet of all the Company’s silver and other possessions, and bringing back most of our silver to the Sebastian Chamberlain, Master in 2004–05, Clothworkers’ Hall from Hoare’s Bank. was appointed to the Finance and Resources Maybe the most significant change over these years, apart from the admission of Committee in 2000. ‘In those days we [the women, has been the transformation of the Company from a strictly disciplined Cordwainers] ran our own investment and faintly secretive organisation into a more open, and fun-loving Company. portfolio. Back in 2000 we were continually From being seen and not heard, the Junior Livery now play an important role in worried about our finances, as we still owed the Company’s affairs, inspired by the Events Committee’. money for Cordwainers Court and had just started the redevelopment of Eldon Chambers. I think it fair to say that over the past 17 years Sebastian Chamberlain our finances have improved dramatically. We Master 2004–05 David Skinner, Master in 2001–02 clothed can now look forward to the future with a level the first lady with the Livery. He has been a of confidence that we certainly did not have in 2000.’ member of the Court for 20 years, having served on the Charity and Freedom Committees, but characteristically, he regards his most practical contribution as his most Richard Brown, Master in 2005–06, and important. ‘I have served on the Wine cousin of David and Paddy, also remembers Committee since the year dot. I would pat attending a Lord Mayor’s Party. Richard looks myself on the back having built up a significant David Skinner back with some satisfaction on the stronger stock of vintage port which will be enjoyed by Master 2001–02 links that have been forged between the Cordwainers for many years to come’. footwear industry and the universities. A longstanding member of the Cordwainers Educational Trust, Richard says ‘I have been John Barrett, Master in 2003–04 emphasises Richard Brown proud to be a CET trustee for many years’. Paddy’s point: ‘When I first joined the Company, Master 2005–06 one was put off from asking questions as the All of the retiring members look to the Clerk was in almost complete control of the future, while remembering their years of service with great fondness. Sebastian running of the Company. Now, committees Chamberlain recalls, ‘Seventeen years of great change, of which by far the most bring forward their future plans to the Court important is the fact that the Livery is now full of young who give rather than just for ratification. Business is more open for take’. discussion. On the social side, there is more informality and the Junior Livery are much more We’ll leave the last words to the Hon. Archivist Paddy Skinner: ‘It is the friendships John Barrett active. It is also great to see many active female made, and the privilege of being a member of an organisation whose history Master 2003–04 members and it will not be too long before we goes back 750 years without a break, and all the wonderful experiences one has see a female Master’. as a result, that makes the Cordwainers so special’.

The Cordwainer 9 Our Charities Introducing the new Master, 2017–18

‘But I’m not a shoemaker – I trained as a civil engineer, then worked at Group Lotus in R&D before moving over to engineering sales and marketing.

It was then a short hop to setting up my own PR agency in 1996 which I closed two years ago upon taking up the role of Chief Executive at the East Anglian Air Ambulance charity. Through that I unknowingly played a walk-on part in the Queen’s Speech last Christmas’.

In recognition of this work, Patrick has recently been honoured by the University of East Anglia with an honorary doctorate.

Patrick’s charity for his year as Master will be SSAFA (formerly The Peal family known as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association). ‘I have chosen SSAFA, the armed forces families charity, for many personal reasons – one being that I now have a member of my family in the Army so it’s close to home.’ Unanimously elected on Election Day in June, Patrick Peal is a scion of a distinguished and numerous Cordwainer family. Home for Patrick and his wife Tish is north Norfolk, where they enjoy the outdoor life. They have three children, all freemen of His third great-grandfather Samuel Peal (1754–1818) is credited the company. with inventing a form of patent leather in 1791 and with founding the family shoemaking firm, Peal & Co. Like so many Cordwainer family businesses, Peal & Co is no more, although the name lives on as a brand name owned by Brooks Brothers.

Patrick is the 13th member of the extended Peal family to serve as Master and says, ‘This is a huge honour for me and fulfils a pledge I made to my late father Christopher, when he asked to be passed over as Master. I have aspired to this since I first became aware of the Cordwainers and our family connections, more than 50 years ago. A wake-up call was reading Ian Fleming’s Goldfinger when I was about 12 – a character was described as wearing shoes “with a hint of Peal”!’

Peal & Co. Letterhead

The Cordwainers’ links with SSAFA have grown gradually, partly via our connection with the Fusiliers. In 2017–18 the Company will fundraise for SSAFA’s mentoring programme, which aims to support members of the armed forces who have been medically discharged to make a successful SSAFA is one of the UK’s oldest armed forces charities. In fact, transition to civilian life. Trained volunteer mentors are it is the only national tri-service military charity established matched with individuals who are leaving the military to before World War One that is still in existence today. help motivate, support and empower them to fulfil their potential in civilian life. SSAFA was founded in February 1885 when Major James Gildea wrote a letter to The Times appealing for money and The need for trained mentors is growing and SSAFA would volunteers to help the military families left behind at home like to train a further 60 volunteers to ensure that this when the Second Expeditionary Force set sail for Egypt. valuable service reaches everyone who needs help. The cost of training a SSAFA volunteer mentor is £500. For more than 130 years, in times of conflict as well as during peacetime, SSAFA has provided lifelong support to service The Events Committee are finalising details of the Company personnel, veterans, and their families. fundraising activities: words such as ‘Sandhurst’ and ‘assault course’ are being bandied about. More details will become available over the summer, so start polishing your boots!

10 The Cordwainer Obituaries Obituaries

Past Master Colin Peal, 1924–2016, Father of the Company He took up an engineering apprenticeship with circumstances, he wisely masterminded the Vickers-Armstrongs, which led to his appointment transfer of the College to the London College of as General Manager of Thorneycroft New Zealand Fashion. However, it was as Father of the Company in 1954. It was here that he met and married from 2009 that we all really took him to heart, Patricia in 1956. In 1957 he moved to Australia as through his wise counsel, and sympathetic ear. a Regional Manager of Thorneycroft, but resigned in 1961 following the merger with AEC, and in Colin hardly ever failed to attend Court meetings, 1962 moved back to England. He then set up his right up to the end. We greatly missed his own business, Peal & Co (Distributors), as well as Christmas and New Year greetings at the Carol becoming director of various other companies. Service in December, as well as his succinct and amusing congratulatory words at the Master’s last He was admitted to the Freedom in June 1945, Court. He leaves his wife Pat, three sons (liverymen and clothed in January 1947. He served as Junior Simon and Tim, and Andrew, a Past Warden) and Colin was born on 30th April 1924, the eldest son of Lt.Col. Edward Peal, and was educated Warden in 1962 and in 1976 he joined the Court. several grandchildren. He was a truly wonderful at Winchester College, where he excelled Colin himself was elected Master in 1982, during gentleman, with so many talents, and set the at sport despite missing two years through the last year of the Clerk Leonard Grose’s year of standard we, Cordwainers, should seek to achieve. illness. (Indeed, Colin was completely deaf office. Arguably Colin’s most notable contribution in his right ear – I wonder how many of us was when serving as Chairman of the Cordwainers’ realised this!) College from 1983 until 2000. Then, in difficult Past Master Paddy Skinner

Past Master David Blanford 1925–2017 Past Master Thomas Upfill-Brown 1930–2017

David joined the Company as a Tom joined the Company as a Freeman in Freeman in January 1949, and the January 1959 and became a Liveryman in Livery sometime during the same year. 1961. He was appointed to the Court in He served as Steward Warden in 1963, 1989 and served as Master in 1993 to 1994. became a Court Member in 1979, then Those of us who were there will remember served as Master in 1983–84 during Tom’s speech at his Oath Day Dinner when Christopher Codrington’s first year as he dropped his notes and gave his speech Clerk, when they became firm friends. in the reverse order.

David knew by the age of ten that he wanted to go to sea and went to study Tom was born in April 1930, the youngest of four children. His two older at Pangbourne Nautical College, joining the Merchant Navy with the Cunard brothers, Tony and Geoffrey were both Cordwainers as was his father Alven Line in 1942 as an apprentice. He sailed in the North Atlantic Convoys with the Upfill-Brown. But they were all living a lie. They weren’t Upfills. They were really occasional side trip to South America and Australia, seeing the scuttled Graf Spee Weber-Browns. Tom’s father became engaged to a Miss Joyce Upfill, whose only in the River Plate, and returning home via the Panama Canal and Iceland. brother had been killed in the First World War. Joyce’s father gave his consent to the marriage as long as they took the name Upfill. Despite protestations from Following the war he decided that he wanted to leave the sea and become a Alven’s father, Harry Weber-Brown, a good British compromise was reached. They farmer so, after the required year on a farm, he studied at the Royal Agricultural became Upfill-Browns. College in Cirencester. Tom remembered visiting Cordwainers Hall in Cannon Street before it was In 1951 David met Mary, who was visiting friends and asked her to the Ladies’ destroyed by enemy action in 1941. He played golf for the Cordwainers and he Dinner in May 1952. They married on 4 October 1952 in Dulwich, and remained was an accomplished bridge player, being captain of the Cordwainers bridge together until her death last year, a mutually supportive unit. They had three team for several years and partnering Past Master Jeremy Blanford. children, Jeremy, our most recent Past Master, Susan, our first lady Warden, and William, a Past Warden. He was immensely proud of them all. Tom never married, despite two reluctant attempts, and he is survived by his sister Jill, who accompanied him to many Cordwainer events. He was a member of the Charity Committee for 16 years and attended Court meetings until a third hip operation made it difficult and then impossible to Past Master Tim Weber-Brown travel. David was much admired, respected and loved. The Court has had to accept David’s absence for some time, but will be pleased to know that he followed the progress of the Company closely and with great interest up to the moment of his death.

Past Master Geoff Blanford

The Cordwainer 11 Notice Board

Marriage Births EventsEvents Calendar Calendar Congratulations to Liveryman Tom Freyja Mai Marshall daughter Salt who married Charlotte Mulliner of Liveryman Sian Williams and 2017-18 on 24th September 2016 at All Saints David Andrew Marshall, born Oath Day Common Hall 16:15 B Church, Brixworth, Northants (the on 22nd November 2016. Jul 7th Fri Fisher’s, Minge’s and Wild’s Anniversary 18:00 A same church where Tom’s parents Service (St Katharine Cree) Supper 19:00 A were married). Sep 4th Mon Events Committee 18.30 Junior Members’ Event Sep 21st Thur (Clothworkers’ Hall) 18:30 C Sep 29th Fri Lord Mayor’s Election 11:00 B Charity Committee 11:30 Finance and Resources Committee 14:00 Oct 5th Thu Master and Wardens Meeting 16:30 Court 17:15 Court Supper Cordwainers Educational Trust (CET) 11:00 Freedom Committee 14:00 Nov 1st Wed Master and Wardens Meeting 16:15 Court 17:15 Court Supper Nov 7th Tues Fusiliers’ Dinner (Clothworkers’ Hall) 19:00 A Sports Column Nov 16th Thu Marsden Lecture (Royal Free Hospital) 17:00 A Festival of St Cecilia Prince Arthur Cup Nov 22nd Wed (Westminster Cathedral) 11:00 The Cordwainers have maintained their reputation as one of the Nov 28th Tues Cordwainers’ Footwear Education Dinner 18:30 strongest livery golf teams, achieving ninth place (out of 52) in the Dec 4th Mon Events Committee 18:30 Finance and Resources Committee 13:00 annual Prince Arthur Cup competition. They achieved this despite a Master and Wardens Meeting 14:20 Court 14:40 last-minute team crisis, when Michael Payne stepped in to replace Dec 7th Thu Admission and Clothing Ceremony 16:10 Carol Service - (St Mary Aldermary) 18:15 A an injured Shon Williams. Congratulations to the Cordwainers team Light Supper 19:30 A (Cameron Brown, David Walker, Michael Payne and John Peal) for the Jan 4th Thu Ladies’ 12th Night Court Dinner 18:00 top ten ranking. Jan 9th Tue Wine Committee 11:15 AGM Royal Free Hospital Nurses Trust Jan 15th Mon (Venue: Royal Free Hospital) 15:30 East Tankard Freedom Committee 12:00 Finance and Resources Committee 14:30 We contested the annual competition with the Curriers for the East Feb 7th Wed Master and Wardens Meeting 16:30 Court 17:15 Tankard with a smaller team than our rivals and lost by the narrowest Court Supper of margins. It was a very enjoyable (and windy!) day and let’s hope Mar 5th Mon Events Committee 18:30 for a stronger challenge next year. David Walker won the Cordwainer Harben Armoury Trust AGM Cup, narrowly pipping Paddy Skinner. Mar 6th Tues (Cordwainers’ Office) 12:30

If you would like to join the Cordwainers golf team, please contact Mar 9th Fri Civic Dinner 18:30 B Past Warden David Walker ([email protected]) who would United Guilds’ Service Mar 16th Fri (St Paul’s Cathedral) 11:15 D love to recruit new golfers! Freedom Committee 10:30 Charity Committee 13:00 Master and Wardens Meeting 15:00 Inter-Livery Clay Shoot Apr 11th Wed Court 15:30 Came’s, Minge’s and Shawe’s Anniversary 17:15 E Under the leadership of Arthur Chamberlain, the Cordwainers team Sermon (St Olave’s) survived an incredibly wet day at the Inter-Livery Clay Shoot to Apprentices’ Supper 18:30 E Inter-Livery Golf ‘Prince Arthur Cup’ emerge 40th out of 108 teams. Having been 36th at lunchtime, the May 17th Thu (Walton Heath) Cordwainers were hopeful that they could retain this position and May 18th Fri Livery Dinner 18:30 F win a prize for their chosen charity, but sadly the Clothworkers edged Jun 4th Mon Events Committee 18:30 Jun 6th Wed Cordwainers/Curriers Golf Day (Piltdown) ahead to win it. Congratulations to Mark Shaw and Michael Payne, Cordwainers National Footwear who emerged at joint 38th positon out of 432 guns. Jun 7th Thu Student Awards F Freedom Committee 12:00 Finance and Resources Committee 14:30 A few weeks later the Cordwainer team entered the Inter-Livery Rifle Jun 20th Wed Court 16:30 Election Day Common Hall 18:00 B Shoot at Bisley, emerging 24th out of 47, despite technical problems Supper 19:00 B with Arthur’s sights. Congratulations to James Shaw, who put in a Oath Day Common Hall 16:15 A fantastic performance, winning first place overall. Jul 4th Wed Fisher’s, Minge’s and Wild’s Anniversary 18:00 A Service (St Katharine Cree) Supper 19:00 A

The Clerk is delighted to hear from all Cordwainers. A - All Liverymen, Freemen, Court and Company Widows invited. Please remember to tell the office about changes of address and your family news. B - All Liverymen invited. C - All junior Liverymen, Freemen and Freeborn children (aged 18-20) of © 2017 The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers. The Cordwainer is Liverymen invited. published twice a year. Copies are retained at the Cordwainers’ office. D - Senior Livery invited. Contact the editor via the Cordwainers’ office: [email protected] or E - All Freemen and Freeborn children (aged 14-20) of Liverymen invited. F - All Liverymen, Court and Company Widows invited. telephone +44 (0) 20 7929 1121. The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, Clothworkers’ Hall, Dunster Court, Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7AH.