TheWorshipfulCompany ofBlacksmiths

Newsletter32nd Issue

August 2008Editor:

Nigel Whitehead

Published by: The Publicity and Public Relations Committee,Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, 48 Upwood Road, Lee, London SE12 8AN

www.blacksmithscompany.org.uk

On Other PagesThe Prime Warden’s Year 2Events attended by the Prime Warden 3Sheriff of the City of London 4 & 5Cheapside Day 5St Paul’s Cathedral 5Annual Banquet 2008 6Presentation to the Lord Mayor 6Prime Warden’s Weekend 7Guns and Knives into Roses 8 & 9Royal Norfolk Show 10South of England Show 10Great Yorkshire Show 11National Blacksmiths Competition Committee 11

Godfrey South FWCB 12Flying Liverymen 12Erratum – David James FWCB 12Colin the Cockerel 13Steel turns to Gold 14Court Assistant’s place in London marathon 14Bishop’s new Crosier 14New Liverymen 15Dennis Black AWCB 15Obituaries 15Diary of Events 2008 - 2009 16Show Dates 16Company Memorabilia 16Worshipful Company’s Shop 16

Colin the Cockerel

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The Prime Warden’s Year – John McCuin – Prime Warden

I’m writing this on 1 July 2008 andI cannot believe eleven monthsof my time as Prime Warden is

over already. It has been a fantasticyear for both Judy and meand I want to give ourheartfelt thanks to you all forallowing me to act as yourPrime Warden. It has been agreat privilege for me to hostall our Livery functions thisyear and to attend all themeetings of our Committees –Wardens, Court, Charity,Craft, Finance, Publicity – andI want to say a huge thankyou to all those who give oftheir time so freely to keep theWCB running so smoothly.We have attended very

many functions both withinand without the City – secularand sacred ceremonies,receptions, lectures, lunches,dinners and visits to manydifferent places. Let me sharesome of the most memorablewith you:–For our Election Court last

July, I chose Butchers’ Hall.This was especially poignantfor me as my father was apractising butcher and aliveryman of the Butchers’Company. In our JanuaryCourt meeting I wasdelighted to introduce bothmy son, Christopher, andmy nephew, Andrew, asLiverymen. – A very specialmoment for me.The annual Banquet at Mansion

House in April was a delightfuloccasion as was the Prime Warden’sWeekend in Oxford in May. Boththese events are reported more fullyelsewhere in this issue but I justwanted to say thanks to all those whocame and made them so special.There is so much history in the City

and it was wonderful to be part of themaking of history in May when Iattended the Granting of the LettersPatent at Mansion House for the

youngest Livery Company (the 108th)– the Security Professionals. We’vebeen around for almost 700 years sothey have got some way to go!We treasure our close relationships

with the services and I was verywarmly entertained by REME attheir Mess Night at West Court inArborfield last October. I can tell youit was a very good evening as the first

time I looked at my watch it was1.15am! – REME certainly know howto entertain! This year we have alsostarted a good relationship with

the cadet movement and Iwas pleased that we wereable to support a weekendcompetition last October forcadets from all three serviceswho were competing for theElworthy Trophy. It was theonly time I’m ever likely tomake a speech on a paradeground! We are going tocontinue our support for thistrophy but part of thatsupport will, in the future, beto show the cadets how theforge works.Last September, I visited

the tall ship ‘Tenacious’ whichis owned and operated byJubilee Sailing Trust to enabledisabled people to enjoysailing holidays. I was takenover the ship by a blindperson who had much lessdifficulty going up and downthe gangways than I did! InJanuary both Judy and Ivisited Treloar’s School forthe disabled as part of theLord Mayor’s official visitthere. Again we were takenaround by the students whowere so inspiring. I was somoved by both these visitsand I am pleased that ourCharitable Trust was able tohelp both these charities.

All that said, the most rewardingtimes for both Judy and me havebeen when we have had connectionswith the Craft. We have reallyenjoyed out trips to many of theCounty Shows to meet ourblacksmiths who were competing,exhibiting or demonstrating. Ourvery first appointment was to attenda huge Conference organised by

Photography by M. O’Sullivan

The Prime Warden and his wife at Mansion House

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2007-2008Events attended by thePrime Warden during hisyear in officeFounders' Company DinnerCity visit to TreloarsSt Nicholas Cole AbbeyAppeal Launch dinnerEngineers’ Company LecturePewterers' Company DinnerCity University Awards CeremonyIronmongers' Company DinnerCoram Foundation Concert at Mansion HouseWorld Traders' Company Tacitus LectureVintners' Company with Searcy LuncheonMasters, PrimeWardens and Upper Bailiff Dinner at Mansion HouseUnited Guilds ServiceSheriffs' and Recorder's Fund Lecture and musical eveningTurners' Company LuncheonBart's & The London NHS Trust Reception at Mansion HouseWar Memorials Trust ReceptionWheelwrights' Company DinnerIronbridge Development Trust ReceptionMercers' Company Concert and buffet supperFurniture Makers DinnerCharteredAccountants Company DinnerWater Conservators LuncheonCity of London Reserve Forces & Cadets ReceptionLoriners' Company LuncheonEngineers' Company DinnerSecurity Professionals Grant of Letters PatentChrist's Hospital Reception at Mansion HouseGuild of Freemen Evensong at St Paul'sCutlers of Hallamshire Feast in SheffieldSons of the Clergy Service at St Paul'sSt Bartholemew's & The London Hospital Service and View DayOld Haberdashers' Association DinnerCulham Institute Dinner in OxfordLiveryWeekend IronbridgeCastle BaynardWard Club LuncheonDrapers' Company LuncheonLord Mayor's Appeal Concert and buffet supperElection of SheriffsCity Climate Pledge PresentationAttendance at numerous County Shows

BABA in Ironbridge. We met an oldfamily friend there, Fran Macereth,who we had lost contact withalmost 30 years ago and who ismarried to a blacksmith. Thatblacksmith, Tim Macareth, had beenhelped by the WCB with hisblacksmith studies after coming outof REME, but I didn’t know whohe was until that day! He has sincemade the shepherd’s crook that wepresented to the Lord Mayor at theBanquet.Our Awards Lunch last October

was stunning with a huge array ofprizes being awarded to many verytalented blacksmiths. Our Companyawards are now highly recognisedand the standards required are veryhigh.During my year, I have tried to

support the Craft whenever I could.I have listened when our blacksmithshave talked to me and I have tried tobring their concerns back to theCompany. We are very lucky as anancient Livery Company to havesuch a strong traditional Craft tosupport. I have been delighted tosupport it and I know that mysuccessors will continue to do so. Ihave also tried to increase thestanding of the WCB within theCity and I know that is happeningas each year the Prime Warden hasan increasing number of events toattend.I want to thank our Clerk,

Christopher, for all the help andencouragement he has given meduring the year. He is quietlyefficient and I have been at theright place, at the right time and inthe right attire every time thanksto him.Finally, thank you all for your

constant support and encouragementduring the year. – It has been awonderful year for us and we hope ithas been for you, too!

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Sheriff of the City of London

I duly completed my college daysand when it came to finding ajob, where else but the City ofLondon, hopefully following in myGrandfather’s footsteps. I duly startedat the Prudential and was put onInvestment Department: a significantappointment as I grew to like theenvironment of the City more andmore. The qualities of honesty andintegrity that had been so firmlyimpressed upon me by my Jesuiteducation fitted well with the maximthat my word is my bond, whichwas at that time such a predominantforce in the City. I was fortunate as mycareer in the Securities Markets ledme to a number of senior positionsand enabled me to gain a verycomprehensive understanding of allaspects of finance and the City.My interest in the City Civic also

grew as I appreciated the role of TheLord Mayor and that of the LiveryCompanies in the election of the LordMayor and Sheriffs: equally their rolein the fabric of the City providing theopportunity for like minded people tocome together socially, in additionto the traditional role of “regulating”a trade or profession. I had noconnections with the Livery at thattime, but I was most fortunate toenjoy the friendship of a member ofthe Worshipful Company of Cutlers. Iwas in due course asked if I wouldlike to joint that livery and I jumpedat the chance, Cutlers becoming myMother Livery Company.My responsibilities in the City

included the development of soundpractice to enable major investors todeal across international borders andmy involvement in areas such asCorporate Governance, accountingpractice, company law reform etc,

brought all those thing togetherrather nicely. Even then it was clearthat London was, and indeed still is, agood place to do business because ofthe imbedded qualities practised inthose early days by our ancient LiveryCompanies.And so the seed planted at that

first Lord Mayor’s show grew. Mymembership of a Livery Companyand my involvement in thedevelopment of good corporategovernance coupled with my goodfortune in attaining and holding anumber of major high profileappointments led to my desire to putsomething back by becoming amember of Common Council andthen subsequently to submittingmyself to the Livery in CommonHall for election to the high Officeof Sheriff of the City of London.I had some idea of the duties and

role of a Sheriff but until you are inoffice you cannot appreciate what ahugeprivilege it is to serve in this office,which dates from around the year 600.The Election is itself a very moving

and humbling event as those whohave attended Common Hall willknow. You must be well known to theLivery who are voting! On Election,one of the first requirements is toproduce the names of 450 or moreguests you consider to be suitable andwhowould enjoy being guest to lunchat the Central Criminal Court or OldBailey, In the three months betweenone’s election and Admission onebecomes aware of the enormity of therole one is about to take up. You mustorganise your wardrobe of Old Baileyclothes, buckled shoes, ceremonialdress etc; you will attend a numberof meetings at Mansion House andthe Old Bailey; you are informed of

your duties, responsibilities, overseasvisits etc as you prepare yourself for ayear of unprecedented commitmentand generous hospitality. You reallydo begin to understand the mutualinterdependence of the Civic Team , topromoting our great city and helpingit as the Premier Financial Market inthe world.On your Admission you become

part of the Civic Team of three, ledby the Lord Mayor, who for his yearof office, enjoys the status of andAuthority of an Ambassador with thefull backing of the Government of theUK, as he and the Civic Team promotethe City of London and UK Plc.You are appointed by Royal

Warrant, you have responsibility forthe Central Criminal Court, you livethere for the year and you have theservices of a footman, chauffeur andofficial car to assist you in theperformance your duties. These dutiesreally are a full time commitment foryour year of office; I was fortunate as Iwas on Common Council and I had afair idea of what I was taking on.In my year I attended over 1200

functions, made over 100 speeches,visited India, Pakistan, Abu Dhabi,Dubai, Qatar and Switzerland andattended over 500 lunches anddinners. Itwas a year of huge privilegeand great fun. It was also veryhumbling, for example when onevisited orphanages and homes for

Richard Regan – Honorary

Isuppose my introduction to the City of London was when I was 12 years oldand my Grandfather, who spent his whole working life in the City, took meto my first Lord Mayor’s show. I was hugely impressed and remember, in

particular, the Lord Mayor and the two very old white haired gentlemen in thetwo coaches just ahead of the Lord Mayor’s Gold Coach. I asked how old youhad to be to become a Lord Mayor or Sheriff and he answered – pretty old asyou had to have had a successful business career and to be able to afford the notinconsiderable commitment. But, he said, if I remembered my manners, saidmy prayers and did my homework, perhaps one day I might aspire to thoseHigh Offices. What wise and excellent advice, but then Grandparents generallydo pass on sound advice!

Richard Regan – Sheriff of the City of London

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those dying of Aids. This is incontrast with attendance at StateBanquets and entertainment fromoverseas Governments, not forgettingour own great livery Companies thatare so generous both in their supportand hospitality.It is not something to undertake

lightly; it is a team effort and lookingback I can say that if you have thetime and commitment, and mostimportantly the support of our greatLivery movement, it is certainlyone of the most rewarding years

imaginable. You make a lot of friends,you enjoy a year in the life of ourexcellent judges at the CentralCriminal Court and you can feel thatyou have contributed something toensuring that our great City of Londonis and will continue to be a great placeto live and work in and will remainthe world’s predominant FinancialServices Centre.It is vitally important that holders of

these high offices are of a suitablecalibre, that they are apolitical and thatour young liverymen take an interest

in the City Civic and consider takingon that responsibilitywhen their familyand career commitments permit. It ispart of our heritage and it is this welltrodden and effective process of peerappraisal that produces people whocan fill these roles successfully andthat ensures that ourCitywill continueto prosper in the highly competitiveworld in which we live.To serve as Sheriff of our great City

is a huge privilege and an opportunityto make a small contribution to theCity that serves us all so well.

Member of the Court and Chairman of the Craft Committee

Organised as part of TheLondon Festival of Archi-tecture “Cheapside Day” saw

Cheapside closed to traffic onSaturday 19th July 2008 between OneNew Change and Bank Junction forthe re-enactment of an historicmarket.

Amongst the City’s rich history andexciting future plans, Cheapside has astory to tell that spans nearly twothousand years and is still beingwritten.Starting life as London’s first high

street, with evidence of trade as earlyas 60AD, Cheapside has played hostto Royal tournaments and pageants,was London’s principal Medievalproduce market and is now proposedas the centre of the City’s new retailinitiative.Many Livery Companies were

represented at the market with

excellent displays. The Poulters whohad placed their stand whereCheapside becomes Poultry, had aflock of geese and recently hatchedgoslings. The Blacksmiths standunder the supervision of Kevin Boyswas close by, complete with forgeand some splendid examples of thecraft which are to go on display atthe Tower of London. Opposite theCompany stand was “the musicalsmallcoal man” from whomblacksmiths originally bought theircharcoal. The Paviors, Masons,Painter Stainers, Musicians andothers were all represented. TheFarriers stand not only attractedmany visitors but at one stage therewas a real risk of the Blacksmithslosing one of its Past Prime Wardens,Hugh Adams, who demonstrated a

deftness at turning out a pair ofhorseshoes.The day was graced by a visit from

the LordMayor and a Pearly King andQueen. Apart from the general funthere was a Punch and Judy showwhich entertained children (easilyout-numbered by cheering adults)to an original and very goodperformance. TheMercers hadopenedtheir Hall which was a popular venuefor visitors.

Cheapside Day St Paul’sCathedralFollowing restoration of the SouthChurchyard gates, towards thecost of which the WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmiths made asignificant contribution, the SouthChurchyard was re-opened in June.A plaque recording the Company’scontribution is affixed to the gates.

The restored South Churchyard gates

The Prime warden with Common CouncillorAnn Pembroke

Children fascinated watching Don Mallett at work

Annual Banquet 2008 Freeman Hugh Gabriel

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As a young Freeman, who onlycompletedmyApprenticeshiplast year, the more formal

events of the Blacksmiths’ calendarhave previously been somewhat ofa mystery to me; simply tales ofgood company, fine food and specialvenues. I was unsure, therefore, quitewhat to expect when I attended the

2008 Blacksmiths’ LiveryDinner at theMansion House, the residence of theLord Mayor. I was not disappointed!Set in the splendid Egyptian

Hall, the whole evening had anoverwhelming atmosphere of good-will and light-hearted rapport betweenfriends and family (of which 3generations of my own were present).

Immediately on arrival I knew that itwas going to be a special evening,witha string quartet playing, high qualitymenu booklets and every guest’sname announced by the Master ofCeremonies to the welcoming line-upof Wardens.The initial reception in the

beautifully decorated Georgian Salonand other ante-rooms yieldedconversation with a variety ofinteresting individuals, includingworking ’smiths, Liverymen andtheir guests, and members of theCivic Party. Once we had foundour places in the Egyptian Hallthe formal entrance of the LordMayor, Sheriffs, Wardens andCompany guests completed theformalities prior to the meal.The camaraderie of the Loving

Cup and the tradition of singingthe Blacksmiths’ song are nicetouches that enhance the specialfeel of the evening. The ‘duelling’of natural trumpets (they have

no valves) from the balconies atopposite ends of the Egyptian Hallwas hugely impressive and raisedtremendous cheers and applausefrom all present; they added a real‘wow’ factor to the evening (and Ispeak as a former trumpet player). Thetrumpeters lightened the atmosphereprior to the formality ofpredominantly

brief speeches, including a very enter-taining address by the Lord Mayorwho blended information about therole of the City with tasteful jokes.The eveningwas wrapped up by an

opportunity to mingle and enjoyfurther relaxed conversation with allthe guests in the reception rooms. Sowhat makes the Blacksmiths’ LiveryDinner so special? For me, it was theopportunity to meet and talk with somany interesting people, all of whomseemed to be relaxed and genuinelyenjoying the occasion, together withthe stunning setting which made itsuch a special evening; certainly oneworth attending to be chalked up onthe board of life experiences.

The Annual Banquet at Mansion House was attended by the Lord Mayor, Alderman David Lewis, to whom apresentation was made by the Prime Warden John McCuin.

Presentation to the Lord Mayor

Tim forging the Shepherd’s crook

What do you give a man who isproud of his Welsh ancestry and stillmaintains a flock of sheep on his farmin Wales? Of course, a shepherd’scrook! Now the Lord Mayor will beable to rescue his lost sheep.This handsome piece was specially

crafted by Tim Mackereth of AnwickForge in Lincolnshire and includesthe Arms of the City of Londonand the Company’s Trade Mark. Timwas a beneficiary of the Company’sBursary Scheme when studying atWarwickshire College after leavingthe army.

Christopher Jeal The finished crook

The Prime Warden greeting the Lord Mayor

Three generations of Gabriels with their families,Past Prime Warden Ralph Gabriel, Renter Warden

Keith Gabriel and Freeman Hugh Gabriel

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Prime Warden’s WeekendThe Blacksmiths on tour Court Assistant: Adrian Oliver

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In May more than fifty membersof the Company gathered to enjoya most convivial Prime Warden’s

weekend. This year the venue wasOxford and we stayed at apicturesque hotel by the river onthe outskirts of the City,where we were greetedby our hosts, John andJudy McCuin. Havingarrived at the hotel onthe Friday afternoonwe started the weekendwith a champagnereception before wesettled down to anexcellent meal in theOld Barn. Afterwards wegathered in the bar forthe customary session ofputting the world torights over a glass ofport. The world mustbe in a worse state thanwe imagined as the bar ran out ofPort! Perhaps this was just as wellbecause the next morning, followingan excellent breakfast, we were off bycoach to sample the delights ofBlenheim Palace with a tour ofOxford en route.As one would expect of a World

Heritage site Blenheim is impressive.Our guide was Charles Grant, a PastMaster Pewterer, whom ourClerk had met at a Companydinner. Thanks to that happycoincidence we enjoyed CharlesGrant’s stylish delivery andobvious love and knowledge ofthe house. The itinerary includeda ‘light lunch’, something of amisnomer as by the third platterof sandwiches even the besttrenchermen among us had toadmit defeat. We then had timeto explore the extensive groundsand the four gift shops orview the new, somewhat racy,interactive display depictingscenes from the history of theSpencer Churchill family.Returning to the hotel there

was time to rest or swim in the poolbefore preparing for the highlight ofthe weekend, a tour of the Bodleian

library followed by black-tie dinnerin the Divinity School. As weboarded the coach taking us to theBodleian a comment was overheard‘everyone’s scrubbed up well’, asindeed we had!

The Divinity School is a beautifulmedieval building in the Perpen-dicular style. Its ceiling consistsof very elaborate lierne vaultingwith bosses. In recent times theBodleian library, which is physicallyattached to the Divinity Hall, hasgained prominence featuring asthe infirmary in the Harry Potterfilms.

After a champagne reception wewere taken in groups to the oldest partof the Library (Duke Humphrey’s

Library -1488) and given a fascinatingtalk on its history andbook collections.Only the most insensitive of personscould fail to be impressed in thepresence of such beauty, history andlearning. The guide spoke almost

casually of the originalShakespeare folio andhow it was possible totell, from the mostthumbed pages, not onlywhich was the mostpopular play, but whichwas the most popularscene in that play. Theromantics among uswere not surprised tolearn that the play isRomeo and Juliet andthe scene is the balconyscene. “Follow that”, Ihear you say; well, ourPrime Warden met thechallenge with a superb

dinner served in the Divinity Schooland entertainment provided byhimself and his own Barber ShopQuartet!Afterwards we returned to the

hotel which, wisely, had stockedup on Port. The following day afteranother hearty breakfast some ofthe party departed but others stayedto enjoy a stroll in the grounds

or a visit to Oxford. For thoseof us used to less historicsurroundings, sung Eucharist inChrist Church Cathedral was anelevating experience.The conclusion of the

weekend was another ‘lightlunch’ at the hotel, which turnedout to be a full three courseSunday lunch: my wife wasleft wondering what countedas a heavy lunch? Our thanksare due to our hosts Johnand Judy, not just for theirexcellent hospitality but alsofor the gift of an attractiveiron paperweight forged byTim Mackereth at AnwickForge. Our appreciation must

also be expressed to Christopher forfaultless organisation of a thoroughlyenjoyable weekend.

Yet to discover there’s no more port

The Clerk in conversation with Tessa Brewer and Derek Widmer

Christopher Jeal

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Justifiably, one of the major topicsof concern in 2008 has been theapparent acceptance by young

people of the need to carry a knifeand, indiscriminately, to use it. Therehas been a great deal of presscomment, much hand-wringing bypoliticians and plenty of platitudesbut no positive action.Blacksmith Kevin Boys (a holder

of the Company’s Diploma of Merit)works at Surrey Docks Farm, locatedin Rotherhithe, one of the lessfortunate inner city areas in theLondon Borough of Southwark. Thefarm offers children the opportunityto learn about animals and theimportance of agriculture.Kevin works closely with schools

and, supported by the Company, hasprovided many examples of ironworkfor children at their schools whichhas involved them in the designand execution of the work. He wasdetermined that the futility of usingmetal for the purposes of aggressionshould be demonstrated to youngpeople and to show them that,properly formed, metal can bebeautiful.He developed the idea of Guns

and Knives into Roses in conjunctionwith the Metropolitan Police andSouthwark Council. They wereenthusiastic and, with a grant fromThe Worshipful Company of

Blacksmiths, on the evening ofWednesday 2nd April he took hismobile forge, accompanied by threeother blacksmiths, to the OdessaStreet Youth Club. The local area

police officer and support officersprovided the raw material from theknives they had confiscated in thelocality. Many were fearsome objectsand included a Samurai Sword.The forge was set up outside the

club and attracted the young people

as they arrived for their eveningactivities. Curiosity got the betterof them and, once the reason wasexplained, the young boys and girlswere pleased to heat and form themetal from the knives, literally, intoflowers under the guidance of expertcraftsmen.Most were fascinated and, though

some remained cynical, the ‘feedback’ was for the most part positive.Unfortunately, despite the invita-

tions that had been sent out, onlyone representative of the media waspresent and wrote an article. Thiswas the one disappointment and itwould be too easy to suggest thatthe adage that ‘good news is nonews’ was applied to this remarkableinnovation.I was present and know that it was

a successful evening but only onevery small step in trying to reverseknife culture. Kevin Boys and KathWhittam (the co-ordinator of theSurrey Docks Farm) are to becongratulated on their imaginativeidea and thanks go to SouthwarkCouncil and the Metropolitan Policefor their enthusiasm in helpingwith the scheme and explaining itto the young people. This Companycan be proud of its commitment tothe art and mystery of the blacksmithwhich can still show the positive useof metal.

Guns and Kniv

Kath Whittam – Farm Manager

Hammering home the message

Surrey Docks Farm

Surrey Docks Farm worksin partnership with thelocal youth club in Odessa

Street, Rotherhithe and theSurrey Docks Ward, SaferNeighbourhood Police Team. Theblacksmith who works at thefarm, Kevin Boys, had the idea ofturning knives handed in to thePolice in their recent amnesty intoflowers. The pilot event was runinApril at theOdessaYouthClub.This involved Kevin setting uphis mobile forge and spendingthree hours with local youths

making flowers from the knives.The venue is made available bythe local Youth Service and YouthWorkers take part, helping toreinforce the message.The primary objective of the

event was “to hammer home”the message “knives on thestreets of London are bad newsand you are more likely to be avictim of knife crime if you carrya knife than if you do not”. Theevent was a very visual andpractical way of giving youngpeople the message in a manner

Kevin Boys

Blacksmiths Alan Chadborn and Sean Marshall

As the Head Teacher of aSouth London Pupil ReferralUnit, I had to take knives from

pupils on three occasions. On the firstoccasion it was one of the girls. Shesaid she was carrying the knife forher own protection and knowingher circumstances I had no reason todoubt her motive. It is a commonmisconception among some youngpeople that carrying a knife makesthem safer. The desire to feel safe isalso one of the reasons why youngpeople join gangs.The second occasion was different.

We heard that on the previousevening two of our pupils had beenfighting, possibly with weapons. Weknew that when they arrived forschool we would have to investigate.We couldn’t risk the fight erupting inthe Centre. We were fortunate thatonly one of the boys turned up. Hewas swiftly ushered into my office tobe searched. He removed his coat anda knife fell out of one of the pockets.He told us he was carrying it to ‘sortout’ the other boy. We then decidedto search everyone else in the Centre.That’s when we found the secondknife of the day, tucked down a sock.The boy was embarrassed. ‘I’m sorryMiss’ he said, ‘It’s only a little knife’.It transpired that he had had his MP3player stolen on the bus and nowcarried a knife for protection.

I dealt with these three casesdifferently. I made a distinctionbetween someone carrying a knifewith intent and someone carrying aknife because it made them feel safe.There were several other occasions

when we dealt with the aftermath oftragedy. One Monday morning a boyarrived deeply distressed havingcradled his dying friend who hadbeen stabbed by a boy from a localschool. On another occasion a boytold me the name of the girl who hadstabbed another girl to death. Heknew because he was there.We started to use a hand held metal

detector for regular searches of all thepupils. Once we started doing thesearcheswe never found a knife again.There was controversy when we firstdecided todo the searches. Someof theotherHeads thoughtwemight lose thevital relationship that we had with thepupils.When youworkwith excludedpupils the relationship you have withthem is often the only weapon in yourarsenal, if you’ll pardon the crudeanalogy. Oddly enough the searchesstrengthened the relationship, no oneevermade a fuss about being searchedand actually I think they welcomed it,the parents certainly did. Itmade themfeel safe. This view was echoed byour friendly local Police Sergeant. Hewas of the opinion that we helpedthe youngsters who may have felt

pressured to carry a knife, becausethey could say that they couldn’t riskit because they got searched at school.Knife crime is terrifying, tragic and

deeply depressing, but the popularperception of ‘knife wieldingmaniacs’is only part of the story. The tragedyfor all of us is that in many cases thevictims and the perpetrators of knifecrime are children. The children whogot excited when we took them tothe seaside for the day. The childrenwho loved cooking and who wouldoccasionally absent mindedly refer tome as ‘Mum’. The childrenwho raisedmoney for Cancer Research and thelocal Children’s Hospice. The childrenthat we prepared, with considerablesuccess, for examinations and inmanycases return to mainstream schools.More frightening than the knivesthemselves is the mindset of many ofthese children and young people whoaccept the possibility of violent deathas normal and to be expected.We must deal appropriately with

those who deserve to be punished,but if we only punish we will notsolve the problem. The rhetoric is allvery well, but if we are really goingto ‘get tough on crime’ we mustfirst do what successive generationsof politicians have consistently failedto do, which is to get tough on thecomplex causes of crime. John Majorwas, in my opinion, wrong when hesaid we must, ‘understand a little lessand condemn a little more’. Anyoneseeking to understand a little morecould do worse than read the workthat Iain Duncan Smith has done onSocial Exclusion. We could also reflecton the words of Franklin D Rooseveltwhen speaking of the GreatDepression, ‘So, first of all, let meassert my firm belief that the onlything we have to fear is fear itself –nameless, unreasoning, unjustifiedterror which paralyzes needed effortsto convert retreat into advance.’ TheGuns and Knives into Roses initiativeis a creative and practical way ofdoing something positive to helpfurther the advance towards a safersociety for all of us.

Jane Oliver MA, B.Ed, Dip.Ed

ves into RosesGetting the knives out

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they might remember and ina way that was fun. On thepilot day, Surrey Docks WardSNT were present talking withthe young people as theyparticipated in the event andthis in itself provided a greatinformal “in” to chatting. Atthe end of the event the flowersmade were gathered by KevinBoys to be made into a plaque orsculpture to be brought back tothe Youth Club and displayed asa lasting reminder of the day andits message. Blacksmith Alan Chadborn

Royal Norfolk Show

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The Blacksmiths’ stand at the Royal Norfolk Show won the NorwichUnion Cup for the Best Trade Stand much to the delight of theparticipants. It was a specially rewarding occasion for Bill Cordaroy

who, ably assisted by his wife Jan and colleague Jason Greenbery, hasorganised the show stand for eleven years and this was to be his last onebefore handing over the reins to Nigel Barnet. The Company would like tothank them all for their hard work and “congratulations” Bill for the Award.Awide range of forged pieces was displayed in the exhibition marquee and

the impressive copper eagle by Graham Chaplin of Stowmarket was awardedfirst prize by the WCB accredited Judge, David James FWCB.Live demonstrations caught the attention of many visitors, many of whom

sat watching as items wereforged into new and interestingshapes from six inch sections ofhalf inch square bar. Theseincluded a “wizard” paper knife and Suffolk latch not to mention Past PrimeWarden Hugh Adams’ pair of tongs, in which endeavour he was aided andabetted by Jason. The Live Blacksmithing first prize, a shield generouslydonated by Hugh, was awarded to Max, Nigel Barnet’s apprentice, for hisDragonfly.All the blacksmiths taking part enjoyed themselves and as well as securing

sales, hope to have found new clients, whilst also raising awareness of ourbeloved craft. We would like to thank the Worshipful Company ofBlacksmiths for their support and assistance in providing funding for theevent and allowing us to “show off”.

Wendy Alford

Good weather encouraged a steady stream of visitors to this year’s show and theWorshipful Company of Blacksmiths’ standwas a popular venue, where visitors couldmarvel at the skillsdisplayedby theblacksmithsproducingavarietyof itemsusing five

portable, coke-fired forges. Students from the Camilla Botnar Foundation (an organisationassisting disadvantaged young adults to re-integrate intosociety) were among those to be seen working at the forges.Among members of the Company to visit the stand were

Past Prime Warden John Smith and his wife, Louise andRenter Warden Keith Gabriel who, having been persuadedto try his hand at forging, displayed commendable aptitudeunder the expert eye of Blacksmith, Richard BradshawAWCB. Mrs Janice Begent, widow of Peter Begent whowas the prime mover in establishing the Blacksmith’s standat the South of England Show, was also there and wehope will become a regular visitor. A surprise visit bya very large, metal, talking robot (presumably seeking itsrelations) caused some merriment.Healthy sales of items on display ranging from

small novelties to large, ornate pieces including gates and garden furniture wereenjoyed and commissions placed for other work.Awards from the Company were presented to Blacksmiths for commendable

work by Renter Warden Keith Gabriel. The award “Best in Show” was presentedto James Price from Hurstpierpoint for a contemporary gate. Nineteen years oldJoe Olsen, a student with the Camilla Botnar Foundation, was highly commendedfor his entry of a glass topped table in the Young Craftsman of the Year Awards.Special thanks for organising the Company stand, despite his recent illness, are

due to Mike Demaniouw and to the band of gallant helpers. The late Peter Begentwould most certainly have approved of the result.

Maurice GreenbergSouth of England Show

Joe Olsen’s table

Blacksmiths’ stand at ArdinglyJohn and Louise Smith admiring exhibits

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The Great Yorkshire Show

Let me begin with a personal“thank you” to everyone whosupported The Great Yorkshire

Show this year. Among those help-ing with the organisation and themanning of the stand were JohnThring, Past Prime Warden HughAdams and Maurice Greenberg.Visitors included Past Prime WardenJohn Smith and his wife Louise andPast Prime Warden Brian Land. Theweather was reasonably kind and onthe third day Her Majesty the Queenand Prince Philip visited the Show inrecognition of its 150th anniversary.Students of Hereford College

provided us with some superb

examples of their work which showedgreat flare and originality in designcoupled with skilful execution.Richard Weaver, a Hereford student,was awarded First Prize in theStudent Class with his innovativesprung seat.First Prize in the Traditional Class

and the Worshipful Company’s cupwere presented to Silver Medalholder, Peat Oberon, for the secondyear running. His decorative sprayof lilies made a splendid centrepiecein the Blacksmiths’ marquee. I

understand the piece is now for sale.Live demonstrations were pro-

vided by a team of blacksmiths manyof whom have Company Awards.Without their dedicated contributionand the willingness of a couple ofthem to spend the night in themarquee to “guard the exhibits” theshow would not, as they say, “havegone on”.

Don Barker FWCB

National Blacksmiths Competition Committee

The National Blacksmiths Competition Committee(NBCC) has been established with the objective of

improving the standard of judging wrought ironwork atShows. Initial impetus for the formation of the NBCCcame from the Worshipful Company of Blacksmithswhich, with the support of the Guild of WroughtIronwork Craftsmen of Wessex (now the Blacksmiths’Guild), assisted the NBCC in forming a working partyresponsible for drawing up judging criteria and thepublication of a Handbook.The Members Handbook will be revised annually and

will include contacts for each Show, together with a noteof procedures required by the Judges and Stewards.There are ten major national Shows on the circuit at

present and others will be added once having establisheda worthy ironwork feature.To ensure the maintenance of high standards of judging

at Shows, all prospective Judges will need to haveattended a seminar following which they will attendShows supporting experienced Judges. At the end of theseason and subject to them being approved, their nameswill be added to the list of Approved Judges.Further information about the NBCC is to be found

on the Committee’s newly launched website:www.blacksmithscompetition.co.uk

Information about theNational Blacksmiths Competitionis available from the NBCC secretary:

Dave Waight AWCB LWCB, 35 Roberts Road,Houndsdown, Totton, Southampton SO40 9EJ.

E-mail davewaight@hotmail.com

• Launch of Website

Peat Oberon’s award winning spray of lilies

The Blacksmiths’ marquee Cooper Gate

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Godfrey South has worked as a blacksmithsince leaving Colfe’s Grammar School(LeathersellersCompany) in 1977.He spent six

months at Nantes in France with L’AssociationOuvrier Les Compagnon Du Devoir before returningto serve a four year apprenticeship with a firm ofShopfitters and Architectural Metalworkers inReading, Berkshire. Following this he worked for twolocal authority engineering departments beforebecoming self-employed in 1988.While working with Dennis Standley at Great

Dunton Forge near Sevenoaks in 1993, he was told byPaul Allen of The Rural Development Commission ofa change in the entrance criteria for the New EntrantsTraining Scheme (NETS) which would enable him tojoin the course.Godfrey attended the NETS course between July

1994 and July 1996 and whilst there was one of thestudents who worked on the Goldsmiths Arch. For hisfinal project he designed and crafted an ornamental gardenseat, which was exhibited at county and agricultural showsand led to him becoming the 1996 National ChampionBlacksmith. The seat is now to be found in the garden ofMerchant Taylors Hall, Threadneedle Street.It was at this time that Godfrey was able to spend a lot of

time with the late Tommy Tucker, who had been his

proposer for the Freedom and Livery ofthe Company, whose advice and tuitionwere invaluable.In 1997 Godfrey set up his own

business, Darenth Valley Forge, atEynsford in Kent. He was awarded theDiploma of Merit by the Company,followed by a Bronze Medal in 2004.In 2000 Godfrey began his courtshipof Jean who became his wife. Theirdaughter, Frances was born in 2001

and sons Tommy and James in 2002 and 2004 respectively.Godfrey’s other interest apart from his family and the

craft is “Darent”, a 2 foot gauge, industrial steamlocomotive, in which he owns a quarter share and which hehas spent the last eight years restoring.Godfrey was selected to represent the craft and the

County of Kent at the 2007 Smithsonian Folklife Festival inWashington D.C.

Godfrey South FWCB

In the previous Newsletter David James FWCB wasincorrectly accreditedwith having been awarded theBronze Medal whereas he was in fact awarded the

Silver Medal. David has been surrounded by the toolsand paraphernalia of blacksmithing all his life. From anearlyagehewouldbe“helping”his fathermakingstaplesat the forge or tending the fire while the men worked.His workshop in rural Northamptonshire was built

in 1841 by his great great grandfather, Thomas James,who spent fiveyears livingwithhis youngwife in a localinn until he built a house next to the workshop. Threegenerations of smiths followed Thomas, their workmostly revolving around farming, repairing machinery

and shoeing horses. David joined hisfather, Frank, a skilled smith who wasalso a talented clockmaker.Today the business which has

gained a reputation for designing andmaking contemporaryworks of publicart to be seen in diverse locations suchas GuysHospital in London, a nursinghome entrance inWolverhampton andthe riverside at Huntingdon, carriesout a variety of work including therestoration and conservation ofhistoric ironwork.

Erratum – David James FWCB

Godfrey South on the footplate of Darent

Godfrey with his family atDarenth Valley Forge

When Wing Cdr. John Jewiss,Assistant Emeritus Memberof the Court, attained his

70th birthday, his son, SquadronLeader Simon Jewiss (known as Jackin the RAF), also a Liveryman of theCompany and who is a helicopterinstructor, gave his father a flight ina Griffin training helicopter. Johnserved with the RAF from 1957to 1980 and flew Canberras beforequalifying as an instructor. He wasa member of the Royal AustralianAir Force aerobatic team during an

exchange tour and served as chiefflying instructor at RAF, Cranwellfrom 1975 to 1977.John was apprenticed to his father,

Gordon Jewiss (Prime Warden 1987-1988) in 1953 and admitted to theLivery in 1960. He was invited on tothe Court of Assistants in 1985 butwas unable to advance through theCourt because his then job as aQueen’s Messenger with the Foreignand Commonwealth Office kept himout of the country for much of theyear. He was invited to accept

Emeritus status in 1993. His son,Simon, was apprenticed to him andentered the Livery in 1988.Simon has just completed his third

tour of duty in Iraq as a Flight Cdr.having previously served in NorthernIreland, Bosnia and Germany.

David’s gate

Sqn Ldr Simon (Jack) Jewiss (left) with his fatherJohn after their flight in the Griffin helicopter

Flying Liverymen

Mike Dunbill from Eccleshall, Staffordshire spentover thirty years working in an officeenvironment, from roles in Administration to

Management. In the 1990’s redundancystruck, three times in just five years! Mikedecided it was time to diversify and wantedto learn a new skill. He joined a metal workclass at his local college and while watchinga Blacksmith at work, found his destiny inlife. Shortly after, Mike was workingvoluntarily at the Ironbridge VictorianTown Museum while developing his skills.Wanting to progress further, he heard about

the New Entrants Training Scheme, run by HerefordshireCollege of Technology and started on the course in August2005. During Mike’s first week of residential tuition atthe specialist Rural Crafts Centre, based at the HolmeLacy Campus, Course Tutor, Chris Blythman wasted notime in teaching and perfecting techniques. “It waswonderful to be there” comments Mike, “but at the sametime it was disheartening to find out how little I actuallyknew, but by the end of my first week I had made aselection of tools”.

“It was during my second residential week that I met mymain Course Tutor, PaulAllen. We had a general chat aboutthe projects to be undertaken and got to know each other a

bit. It was a wonderful experienceto watch Paul demonstrating, hemade it look so easy and has areal talent and passion forblacksmithing”.Mike’s inspiration for his

copper, cockerel weathervanecame from a cockerel made bya Frenchman circa 1700/1725and displayed in the Victoriaand Albert Museum. Initiallybuilder’s foam was used andshaped to make the cockerel’sbody shape. Mike then tooktemplates and made a skeletonfrom a donated copper fireplacecanopy. Next came the 2mmskin made from donated coppersheet which was shaped to theskeleton. Each leg, complete withfoot was forged from iron – a

sample of pure iron that was given to him yearspreviously but which he knew would come in useful oneday! The stem on which the vane will pivot is made from20mm bright steel. This was fitted and the legs wereattached to the skeleton before the skin could be finished.The cockerel’s head and neck feathers were made in

two halves using the 2mm copper sheet then silversoldered together. It was at this point that the cockerelseemed to gain a bit of an attitude and it was decided toname it Colin! The skin was then covered with individualhand made feathers – made from second hand watertanks sourced from friends and the local scrap yard.Mike adds, “After several attempts to count the feathers,all I can really say is that there are definitely more thanfour hundred.” Mike is taking the cockerel weather vanea step further by creating a decorative carousel that willbe fitted further down the pivot pole. This will displaywhich way the wind is blowing from inside his barn!“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the course.

The tutors are professional craftsmen with passion andenthusiasm for blacksmithing. It is contagious andquickly passed on to students. There is no cure if youget this bug. Prior to this course there is no way Iwould have undertaken such a project as Colin theCockerel. With Paul’s tuition, knowledge, advice andencouragement I have achieved what I thought waspreviously impossible for me. Paul makes you believe inyourself and my sincere thanks go to him for everything.Truly magical things come out of the Rural Crafts Centre,but they don’t happen by themselves, the tutors makethem happen!”

13

Colin the Cockerel

Mike Dunbill with Colin

Head and components

This article appeared in craft&design magazinewww.craftanddesign.net

14

Steel turns to Gold at Chelsea Flower Show

The ironwork for the award-winning garden, ‘A WelcomeSight’ designed by Adam Frost,

consisted of two parts, one being apair of raised steel pools and rillswhich appear to float amongst theplanting. For the more decorativeelement, however, we were invitedto apply our own creativity andunderstanding of the language ofhot-forged steel in developing ideasfor the ironwork that Adam wantedto add interest to the entrance way ofthe ‘house’ to the rear of the garden.

We wanted something morecurvaceous and organic to form atransition from the geometric lines ofthe hard landscaping to the softerlines of the plants, as well assomething that was clearly hand-forged and obviously unique to thisgarden. The result was a set oftwo-metre long hot-forged, looselycoiled, polished steel ‘vines’ thathang from the simple pergola-likestructure that frames the front doorand from which water trickles gentlyinto the rills.

By Fran Mackereth of Anwick Forge

Court Assistant awarded place in2009 London Marathon

Court Assistant, Mike Shepherdhas been awarded a place in theLondon Marathon 2009 when he

is hoping to raise funds for the charityMIND. Mike who is a “bit of an addict”for entering endurance races, tackledthe ”Llanberis Pass to Snowden summitand back” race last year, a distance ofaround ten miles including tracks moresuited to mountain goats than man (by

the time this edition of the Newsletteris published Mike will have repeatedthe performance in this year’s event).Enquiries about sponsorship can bemade toMike atmike@orchardhouse.co.ukor donations can be sent direct towww.justgiving.com/shepherdsfitness.

Mike Shepherd –the Court’s intrepid runner

The polished steel ‘vines’

Bishop’s new Crosier Following approval of his nomination by Her Majesty theQueen, Canon Robert Paterson was appointed LordBishop of Sodor andMan (the Isle ofMan) in succession to

the Right ReverendGraemeKnowleswho left the Isle ofMan tobecome Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral.Bishop Paterson, former Chaplain to theArchbishop of York,

was formally consecrated by the Archbishop of York, Dr JohnSentamu, and enthroned in St German’s Cathedral, Peel, Isle ofMan, on 14th June 2008.Thenewly enthronedBishop, holdinghis newCrosier, is seen

standing beside theArchbishop of York in the photograph. TheCrosierwas designed andmade byCourtAssistant, DonBarkerFWCB, who had been summoned to Bishopthorpe Palace toreceive the commission. It is made from pure iron whichpolishes to a bright silver and is then lacquered. The Crosier isin three sections which screw together, for ease of carrying.“Although only a small piece of work, the Crosier was one

of the most satisfying commissions I have undertaken” saidDon from his workshop in Wigginton.

Nigel Whitehead

At the Michaelmas Courtwe were pleased to receiveRichard David Regan as a

Liveryman. Richard had justcompleted his year as Sheriff andaccepted an offer to become aLiveryman of this Company. HisMother Company is the Cutlers andwe are delighted that he accepted theinvitation; he will also become anHonorary Member of the Court. TheWardens appreciated just how muchknowledge of the City Richardwould bring as well as his personalcharacteristics. They suggested that hemight like to become Chairman of theCraft Committee and he has accepted.John Parkin has been a great

supporter of this Company andblacksmithing for more years than it ispolite to say. We were glad that hisson Henry Robert Parkin wished tobecome a Liveryman and he also wasadmitted at the Michaelmas Court.Henry is a company director based in

Exeter. He has been a Past Master ofthe Incorporation of Weavers Fullersand Shearmen of Exeter with whomwe have developed strong links asoutlined in Newsletter number 26.Family links have always been

strong in the Company and at theEpiphany Court this traditionwas maintained. Liveryman StanleyGrafham (with special permissionfrom the Wardens) introduced twograndsons for admission, AndrewJames Grafham and Christopher JohnMcCuin. The extra family link isthat Andrew is the Prime Warden’snephew and Christopher his son. Itis also thanks to Stanley that JohnMcCuin joined this Livery.John Andrew Hawkins Richardson

was admitted to the livery at the sameCourt meeting. He is the director ofhis own specialist recycling businessin Brighton.There were more family links at the

LadydayCourt. EdwardGeoffrey Peter

Minchinton had been apprenticed tohis grandfather, Liveryman GeoffreyBerry and, with his time completed,was admitted to the Livery. Hismother Jacqueline Minchinton is aLiveryman as well as Anthony, hisUncle.He also joins his cousin Thomasin the Livery.Family links continued on Ladyday

when Marjorie Irene Marshall wasadmitted to the Livery. Now retired,shemet her husband Liveryman ‘Bert’Marshall when they were working atthe Bank of England.We hope that Dean Hollington did

not feel left outwhen hewas admitted.He is the proprietor of a contractingand construction company and hasalso enjoyed a successful career as aprofessional boxer, and sits on theBoard of Control.All our new Liverymen are most

welcome and we hope they will enjoyparticipating in the life and activitiesof the Company.

15

Obituaries

New Liverymen

Dudley William Anderson wasadmitted to the Livery in 1972making him one of our most seniorLiverymen. He died on 12th April.

Douglas Batt had retired to Irelandand so we had not seen him atLivery events for several years. Hedied on 19th June.

Wilfred Allen Rooke was admittedto the Livery in 1990. His deathoccurred on 18th June just a fewmonths short of his 87th birthday.

Dennnis Black AWCBDennis Black AWCB who died in April at the age

of eighty four became a Liveryman in 1968. Tothose who knew him, and there were many,

Dennis was one of “life’s characters”. Lesley ArmstrongAWCB, who remains indebted to Dennis for advice andencouragement given him when starting his ownbusiness, represented the Worshipful Company ofBlacksmiths at the funeral. Lesley wrote to The Clerk“I can report that the Church was full. It was notsurprising that a considerable number of Blacksmithswere present and five Past Presidents of the NationalAssociation of Farriers, Blacksmiths and AgriculturalEngineers. Nick Preston, son of the late Joe Preston, a

Past President and fellow Liveryman, was also there”.Latterly, Dennis had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease

which was why he had become less involved withthe Company. This, in itself, was a tragedy as he wasproud to be a Liveryman and loved attending theluncheons which provided an opportunity to meetafterwards with his son Brian and several otherworking Smiths in the Hatchet. At these meetings thecollective anecdotes were treasures but many wouldhave been lost on other people without a workingknowledge of blacksmithing. Sadly, Dennis’s son, Brian,also a Liveryman, predeceased his father by twelvemonths.

To all their families we extend our sincere condolences and thank them for the contributions that they made to theCompany as Liverymen.

Edenbridge and Oxted Show August 24th, 25thTown and Country Festival This show has been cancelled and(Formerly Royal Live International) incorporated into the Royal ShowDorset County Show September 6th, 7th(Formerly Dorset Show)

16

Published by: The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths. Printed by: Shooter & Mallet, 11 Agaton Road, New Eltham, London SE9 3RN. Tel: 020 8859 5070.

Prices:• Livery Tie £10 (Liverymen only)• ‘Social Tie’ £22• Umbrella £15• Cuff Links £66.50• Brooches £45

All items available through the kind auspices of our Clerk, Christopher Jeal.A limited supply might be available at Court luncheons.

Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths’ Shop

Diary of Events 2008 - 2009Wardens Court 4th September 2008Election of the Lord Mayor 29th September 2008Michaelmas Court and Awards Luncheon 16th October 2008Lord Mayor’s Show 8th November 2008Wardens Court 27th November 2008Carol Service 19th December 2008Epiphany Court and Luncheon 15th January 2009Wardens Court 26th February 2009Ladyday Court and Luncheon 26th March 2009United Guilds Service 27th March 2009Annual Banquet (to be confirmed) 17th April 2009Prime Warden’s Weekend 8th - 10th May 2009Wardens Court 14th May 2009Election of Sheriffs 24th June 2009Midsummer Court and Luncheon 25th June 2009Election Court 30th July 2009Wardens Court 3rd September 2009Election of the Lord Mayor 29th September 2009Michaelmas Court and Awards Luncheon 22nd October 2009Lord Mayor’s Show 14th November 2009Wardens Court 26th November 2009Carol Service 18th December 2009

Show Dates 2008

CompanyMemorabiliaFrom time to time items relating tothe Company are offered for salethrough the internet market of e-bay.These include hard backed copies ofthe Company’s history written byArthur Adams, of which there are atleast three different versions, variousitems of silverware bearing theCompany’s Coat of Arms, and coffeesets. There is also a Wedgwood bonechina plate issued by Albert (Gerry)Truelove while Prime Warden in 1971commemorating the 400th anniver-sary of the grant of the Charter byQueen Elizabeth (information is to befound on the underside of the plate).The Wardens are grateful to

Journeyman Assistant Richard Sagefor bringing this to their attention.However, only in exceptional circum-stances would they purchase anythingfor the Company, itself, but wantedLiverymen to be made aware of theavailability of Company memorabiliathrough this medium. A warningsystem can be set up with e-bayinforming subscribers when suchitems are being offered.

Editor:Nigel Whitehead

e-mail:nigelbw@tiscali.co.uk

Telephone:01580 713302