Summer 2013 Issue 25
A year of
celebration
Our News
The
News
Northampton welcomes the Cordwainers The Company visit to Northampton on 20 May was a wonderful example of how one trip could pull together several strands of the Company’s causes. We revisited our shoemaking roots, at Church’s factory; we saw the tangible results of the company’s charitable giving by viewing an exhibition of student work at the Northampton Shoe and Boot Museum; and we learned about the education of young footwear designers and leatherworkers in our visit to the University of Northampton’s tannery. At the same time, we entertained the Cordwainers of York, reinforcing the Cordwainers’ reputation for convivial hospitality.
At Church’s Shoes
Step in time – walk around Cordwainer Ward Aptly dressed in boots made for walking, I joined the 30 or so Cordwainers and guests outside the St Mary-leBow Church on the cusp of Cheapside and Bow Lane. An enjoyable and interesting tour followed as we trod the invisible lines of Cordwainer Ward, in the heart of the City. Under the entertaining guidance of Murray Craig, Clerk to the Chamberlain’s Court at the Guildhall, we strode through Cordwainer history, which is littered with facts and delightful anecdotes. We were able to envisage the apprentices brawling on Cheapside or past masters taking the City Corporation to task over the loss of our halls and artefacts!
We are extremely grateful to Sue Cummings, the Clerk’s PA and a freeman of the Cordwainers of York to Past Master Christopher King and to Freeman Caroline Southernwood, Senior Lecturer at the University of Northampton for organising the day’s activities.
We went from appreciating Wren’s work and the famous Bow bells, past the statue of Cordwainer associate Captain John Smith, who appears to have had a Flashman-like existence, down Bow Lane past Cheaney’s and Ye Old Watling pub and turned right on to Bread Street. Here we briefly stepped out of the Ward to visit the plaque commemorating the site of our old hall under the shadow of St Paul’s dome. We then strode along the south side of the ward to St Mary Aldermary, before admiring the bronze Cordwainer Statue on Watling Street. We then retired to the Bow Lane Wine Vaults having reconnected with our heritage and learnt a great deal about how we meld with the City, then and now. There was much talk of what we could do with a new ‘home’ as raised by the Master in his address. We look forward to seeing the aims of the soonto-be-published 2020 strategy, although having been within spitting distance of St Pauls before, the bar has been set high in terms of potential site of any new home. Liveryman Caroline Squire
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New Company brochure Enclosed with this copy of The Cordwainer you will find a short guide to the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers. Every Cordwainer knows that it can be a slightly painful process to explain what a Cordwainer does or did. We hope that this short booklet will go some way towards alleviating the problem. Visually dynamic and with minimal text, we hope that it will provide Company affiliates with an overview of Cordwainer activities – none of which have anything to do with rope!
Master’s Column
In these challenging economic times, the continuing generosity of our Company members in so many ways is very encouraging.
the lives of others by contributing to charitable causes in many ways. It is this charitable ethos that remains at the heart of our Company to this day.
But this does not surprise me, as Cordwainers have demonstrated the same generosity of spirit for generations. Our earliest benefactors, John Fisher, Richard Minge and John Came, not only exhibited great munificence, but also far-sightedness in their endowments.
When Marsden, then only 32, founded the London General Institution for the Gratuitous Care of Malignant Diseases – the forerunner of the Royal Free Hospital, he could not have envisaged quite what he was starting. But crucially, he had a vision, and like him, the Company is now looking to the future.
William Marsden, another great Cordwainer philanthropist typified the attitude of many Cordwainers by working to improve the lives of the less fortunate and although most of us are unlikely to found hospitals, we can all work to improve
Over the past few months, the Court has been developing a new vision and strategy for the next seven years and beyond. Appropriately, it is called ‘2020 Vision’, and it encompasses four broad aims.
Our 2020 Vision. Aim 1: Increase further the participation and involvement levels of Liverymen and Freemen in the Company’s social, charity and governance activities. Aim 2: Increase the brand awareness and profile of the Company, both internally among members, and externally in the footwear trade, in the City, and among our charitable and business partners. Aim 3: Double the amounts given by Cordwainer charities to targeted external charity beneficiaries from 2012 levels, while ensuring value for money. Aim 4: Progressively increase the financial strength of the Company so that we are able to consider acquiring our own ‘home’ not hall.
Cordwainer nursing award winners at the Royal Free.
These are ambitious and clear aims, but they are also well within our grasp. Let’s try to achieve them before our 750th Anniversary in 2022.
concert in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal at St Paul’s Cathedral in May when the Cordwainers were the main music supporter.
We have a wonderful basis on which to build, and we should be cautiously confident. You will hear more about our aims, and we fully intend to listen to and involve all our members in this process. We intend to begin with a survey of all members this autumn. We believe the survey results and conclusions will prove most helpful in shaping how we achieve our aims.
Secondly, I was very pleased that we were able to complete and open in June Gifford House, a new block of 15 bedrooms at our hall of residence at Cordwainers Court in Hackney.
I am now approaching the end of my term as Master. It has been a great privilege and a wonderful year for both Nicola and me. Three highlights stand out and will remain in our memory.
Thirdly, we have had a successful year with your generous support, raising more than £50,000 for the charitable campaign linking one of our charities, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, with our other long-term charitable beneficiaries through the Community Outreach Programme and the formation of ‘The Cords’. This is a long-term programme, which both supports music students and introduces music to others.
Firstly, I had the honour to be Master when, for the first time since the Second World War, the Company has had its own Cordwainer Lord Mayor, Alderman Roger Gifford. We have certainly celebrated this great honour starting with the Lord Mayor’s Show, continuing with the magnificent dinner at the Mansion House last March, and ending with the glorious
I could not have achieved anything without the dedication and loyalty of our excellent office team led by our Clerk, John Miller, the friendship and encouragement of the Court, and the wonderful support of the Livery and Freedom. I am very grateful to all of you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Master. The Cordwainer
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Cordwainers:
A year of
celebration Resounding generosity The Cordwainers are renowned for their generosity and for the quality of their hospitality, but, without a doubt, this has been an exceptional year. In addition to the substantial regular donations made by Liverymen and many Freeman, our members, their friends and families also contributed more than £50,000 this year to the Master’s Musical Fund, which unites our charitable partners under a musical umbrella. The work at Cordwainers Court is complete and the new student accommodation will be open on time and on budget. We have proudly supported our Cordwainer Lord Mayor, Alderman Roger Gifford, and he “ We have raised more than in turn has been most hospitable to us.
£50,000 for the Master’s Musical Fund.”
The Ladies’ Dinner was earlier than usual this year so that we could enjoy it in the magnificent surroundings of the Mansion House. The Cords, the group of student musicians from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, were perfectly placed to perform on the Queen’s Coronation Organ, which is temporarily resident in the Mansion House, prior to its installation in Westminster Abbey. The Cords have also been inspiring the children of The Urswick School and patients at the Royal Free Hospital, playing to them and encouraging musical appreciation and participation.
The Lord Mayor receives a plaque.
The Ladies’ Dinner at Mansion House.
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Guest speaker Michael Portillo.
A performance to remember In May the Company sponsored a wonderful performance of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy in St Paul’s Cathedral. Proceeds raised from the evening went to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. This was followed by a dinner in the Guildhall with the theme of ‘the future of Europe in the global economy’. With full-page ads in two programmes, the Cordwainer profile is undoubtedly higher than ever before.
“ What a wonderful, unique evening! It was a superb performance of Beethoven’s 9th, and to hear it sitting so close to the orchestra under the dome of the Cathedral was absolutely breathtaking.” Sir Brian Jenkins - Lord Mayor 1991-92 and Cordwainers’ Honorary Liveryman.
The Cords
James Sherlock and Jonathan Chan play at the Mansion House.
Doing good with balls The Curriers-Cordwainers golf tournament and charity auction in September tee’d-off an amazing charitable drive and raised some £30,000 for Company good causes. The inaugural golf tournament on 25 April between the ‘leathery liveries’ – the Leathersellers, Saddlers, Curriers, Glovers and Cordwainers – was a great success. The Saddlers won and the Cordwainers, represented by Michael Payne and David Walker, came second.
Cordwainers going that extra mile Finally, individual Cordwainers have been running themselves into the ground to raise money for our charities. In March Liveryman Catherine Blanford completed the Hastings Half-Marathon and has raised over £2,750 for the Royal Free Nurses Home of Rest Charity. Liveryman Adrian Theed has completed his fourth Black Death Run in Somerset, which is described as a ten-mile course more vertical than horizontal, raising over £1000 in the process.
The Cordwainer
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Our news
New accommodation at
Cordwainers Court Lord Mayor opens Gifford House.
It was several years in planning and nine months in execution, but Gifford House at Cordwainers Court was officially opened on 26 June by the Lord Mayor and Cordwainer, the Rt. Hon Roger Gifford. Gifford House provides an additional 15 rooms, making a total of 103 rooms of accommodation for students of the University of the Arts. Adding space to the existing student accommodation in the crowded streets of Hackney was always going to be a challenge, but everyone involved in the project embraced the opportunity to create a building that will provide a lasting legacy for the future. The new facilities are wonderful and it is no surprise that the accommodation is already sold out for 2013–14.
Gifford House.
The Master with the Lord Mayor and the Speaker of Hackney Council.
The Lord Mayor chats with students residents of Cordwainers Court.
The Cordwainers have long-standing connections with Hackney and the opening of Gifford House cemented still further the Company commitment to supporting students at the University of the Arts. 6 The Cordwainer
The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress.
our news
“I am proud to say that Gifford House will mainly be occupied by returning students, all of whom appreciate Cordwainers Court for its value for money, convenient location and friendly atmosphere.” Sarah Keyte, Student
Room with a view - a study bedroom.
We have asked those most closely involved to describe the project.
Siu-Pei Choi.
Steve Budding.
Sarah Keyte.
The Architect
The Builder
The Student
Siu-Pei Choi, Fraser Brown MacKenna Architects.
Steve Budding, site manager, Speller Metcalf Contractors.
Sarah Keyte, 2nd year architecture student, University of the Arts.
No client has matched the vision and spirit of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers. We were delighted to help them achieve their aim of creating a quality environment that will promote a sense of belonging among the young students. This, combined with the desire to create a building that formed part of the existing urban fabric and social community, was an aspiration that perfectly matched our own vision.
There have been numerous challenges: weather conditions, logistical errors, and fulfilling our promise to reduce noise wherever possible. However, the kind people of Hackney have been incredibly supportive throughout the process. I would like to thank the Cordwainers’ Education Trust for the opportunity to work on this incredible project. I look forward to it receiving high BREEAM marks (for environmental excellence) and providing inexpensive, high quality accommodation for the hard-working students of University of the Arts.
Since the autumn of 2012, I have liaised between the construction team and Cordwainers residents to keep students up to date with the block’s progress. Through regular site visits and numerous cups of tea with Steve Budding, I have received a first-hand insight into the construction industry, a rare opportunity for a lowly architecture student such as myself. Watching the new build has helped me develop a much firmer understanding of the construction process, which has contributed no end to my engineering and legal units, as well as my ability as a designer.
“ In Gifford House, the Cordwainers have helped create a well-designed residence that will provide a lasting legacy for the future.” Guests at the opening ceremony.
Siu-Pei Choi, Architect.
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Notice Board
New Appointments
Congratulations
We are delighted to introduce our new Liverymen and Freemen. The following were clothed with
Liveryman Sarah Chamberlain, younger daughter of Past Master Oliver Chamberlain, has announced her engagement to Struan Cochrane.
the Livery on 6 December 2012: Jill Francis Hester Williams
Liveryman Simon Wilson, who married Leah Coburn in St Paul’s Cathedral on 11th May 2013.
Condolences
We regret to announce the deaths of : Mrs Betty Skinner (widow of Past Master Banks Skinner) who passed away on 1 March 2013. Lady Freeman Josephine Ann Way who passed away on 21 March 2013. Mrs Patricia Skinner (widow of Past Master Michael Owen Skinner) who passed away on 20 April 2013.
Events Calendar Date
The following were granted the Freedom of the Company on 5th June 2013: Henry Lindsay (Freeborn son of Liveryman Sue Lindsay) Andrew Peal (Freeborn son of Past Warden Patrick Peal) Henry Rubinstein (Freeborn son of Court Assistant John Rubinstein) Ian Goff (Footwear Lecturer, Cordwainers College at LCF) James Swanston (Royal Regiment of Fusiliers)
Event
Time
Notes
2013 Cordwainers 125 Gala Dinner at Mansion House Sep 30th Mon Lord Mayor’s Election Sep 6th Fri
Oct 1st Tue
Court
TBC 11:00
B
5.15
Oct 22nd Tue TA Supper (Clothworkers’ Hall) Nov 6th Wed
Court
5.15
Nov 13th Wed Livery Dinner
6:30
Nov 20th Wed Festival of St. Cecilia (Westminster Abbey) Cordwainers Footwear & Leather Nov 25th Mon Advisory Board Dinner Dec 5th Thu Court
6:30
B
3.30
Carol Service
6.15
A
Light Supper
7:30
A
Court Ladies’ Dinner AGM Royal Free Hospital Nurses Trust (Venue: Royal Free) Court
6.30
2014 Jan 9th Thu Jan 14th Tue Feb 5th Wed
Mar 10th Mon Harben Armoury Trust AGM Mar 14th Fri Apr 4th Fri
Apr 8th Tue May 16th Fri
Past Wardens’ Dinner United Guilds’ Service and Lunch (Tower of London) Court Came’s, Minge’s and Shawe’s Anniversary Sermon Apprentices’ Supper Ladies’ Dinner
June 4th Wed Court
Interactive Cordwainers Visit the website www.cordwainers.org for the latest news of Company activities. If you need to contact fellow members, the ‘Blue Book’ livery list is available for download. Please contact the Office if you need a new log-in. We now have a Twitter account – look for @cordwainers – and a blog, which is linked via the main website. We invite anyone to contribute to the blog, please email the Office.
4.00 – 5.30 pm 6.30
3.30 5.15 6.30
C
6.30 5.30
Election Day June 25th Wed
Court
5.00
Common Hall
6.00
B
Supper
6.30
B
Oath Day July 3rd Thu
Common Hall Fisher’s, Minge’s and Wild’s Anniversary Service Supper in Livery Hall
4.15 6.00
A
7.00
A
A - All Liverymen, Freemen, Court and Company Widows invited. B - All Liverymen invited. C - All Freemen and Freeborn children (aged 14-20) of Liverymen invited.
The Clerk is delighted to hear from all Cordwainers. Please remember to tell the office about changes of address and your family news. © 2012 The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers. The Cordwainer is published twice a year. Copies are retained at the Cordwainers’ office. Contact the editor via the Cordwainers’ office: office@cordwainers.org or telephone +44 (0) 20 7929 1121. The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, Clothworkers’ Hall, Dunster Court, Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7AH.
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