Winter 2012 Issue 24
Cordwainer
Lord Mayor Alderman Roger Gifford takes office
Charles Fairweather The Master heralds a year of musical fundraising
University of Northampton Scholarship students see the world
Our News
The
News
• M ontague Stanton Research Scholarship A research scholarship in Montague Stanton’s name for research activities into improvements in patient care.
• W illiam Marsden Scholarship Marsden’s ethos was to provide care and support for those in need. This scholarship will enable a registered nurse or midwife to share their knowledge and skills within developing or underprivileged communities.
• R achel Cox-Davies Leadership Scholarship Rachel Cox-Davies became the first nurse to hold the official title of ‘Matron’ at the Royal Free in 1904, and she established it as a first class training hospital for nurses. This scholarship will support the development of nurses and midwives who aspire to senior leadership roles.
• D irector of Nursing Development Award for Healthcare Assistants This award recognises the vital contribution of healthcare assistants (HCAs) to patient care.
Winners of Cordwainers travel scholarships
Windfall for the Royal Free Nurses Home of Rest Trust The Royal Free Nurses Home of Rest Trust, a charity jointly managed by the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers and the Royal Free, has recently benefitted from a legacy. The late Ingram Montague Stanton was a local resident and wished for a substantial portion of his will to be left to a charity for the benefit of nurses. This legacy has transformed the trust funds and a new programme of awards has been introduced for 2013, providing wider and more varied development opportunities for nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants.
This legacy is not only a lasting memorial to one man’s generosity, but is also a salutary reminder of how we can ensure that we can do good long after we are gone, by remembering institutions and charities in our wills. Such legacies, are, after all, the basis of the Cordwainers’ charitable funds.
New building at Cordwainers Court under way The construction of a new accommodation block at our student hall of residence, Cordwainers Court in Hackney, commenced in late September. The new student block is being built on a piece of land already at Cordwainers Court, which is owned by the Cordwainers Educational and Training Charity Trust. When complete, the new development will provide four new flats with15 bedrooms in total. The new block will feature brand new kitchen and bathroom designs, and it is intended these new designs will be rolled out to the existing 23 flats, which already provide accommodation for 88 students, in a major refurbishment over the next three years. Our Clerk, John Miller, commented, ‘This is an exciting new project for Cordwainers Court, which is already one of the most popular halls of residence for students at the University of the Arts. A new block and complete refurbishment of the existing accommodation will ensure it remains so.’ The new block is scheduled to be completed in May 2013, and will be ready for occupation in the new academic year starting the following September. 2 The Cordwainer
Site manager Steve Budding of Speller Metcalfe, with John Miller and Rick Troop (manager of Cordwainers Court)
Our Master
Work continues apace on the accommodation at Cordwainers Court. It will provide 15 rooms and will be complete by next summer. We will also be refurbishing the existing accommodation, giving a muchneeded facelift to our award-winning student residence. The leases on the Fleet Street properties have been successfully re-negotiated and our income is assured for the foreseeable future. Our Liverymen continue to be the Company’s best asset, demonstrating great generosity in their support of Company activities and charities. Working together in fellowship, you all prove that for the Cordwainers, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and for this we should all be grateful and rightly proud.
The Master, Charles Fairweather
Even though I am almost half way through my year of office, every time I put on the Master’s robes I am still very aware of the great honour of serving as the Master of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers. It has proved a wonderful year for both the country and the Company, as the whole nation came together to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, swiftly followed by the excitement of the Olympics. Closer to home, the Cordwainers can be proud that the City’s 685th Lord Mayor, Alderman Roger Gifford, is an Honorary Liveryman of the Company, and is only the third Cordwainer Lord Mayor in history. I am sure you will join with me in sending our very best wishes to him for a successful year of office. The last Cordwainer Lord Mayor served in 1939–40, a time of turmoil for the country, and one of uncertainty for the Company. I am happy to report that in 2012 the Company finances are in good shape. Charitable giving continues on an upward trend and for this I thank you all. This year, we will be using music to strengthen the ties between our different charities, a theme that fortuitously matches the Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal. In conjunction with the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, we have drawn up a really imaginative programme, the Cordwainers’ Outreach Musical Fund, which will provide performance experience for the Guildhall students, while giving pleasure to many who may not have the opportunity to see and hear live music. ‘The Cords’, an ensemble of Guildhall students, will perform at the Urswick School in Hackney, at Livery functions, and will provide an educational outreach project at the Royal Free.
Charles Fairweather was born in London in 1949 and educated at Eastbourne College. He began his career with Arnold Hill, qualifying as a chartered accountant in 1972 and becoming a partner with that firm in 1973. Charles became increasingly involved in the property sector and retired from the Charles and profession in 1996. He is now a director of property companies in the UK, US, Spain and Poland as well as being the Chairman of the London Golf Club. He is also a non-executive director of companies involved in fine art, recoverable and renewable technologies.
Nicola
Charles has been involved with the music world for many years, serving as President of the Royal Albert Hall between 2001 and 2007. He is currently a non-executive director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he has held since 2007. He enjoys sport, particularly, golf, cricket and country pursuits. He is married to Nicola and they live in Central London and East Kent. They have three children, all of whom are Cordwainers, and five grandchildren.
The Master at the Cordwainer s Court site
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Lord Mayor’s Show 2012
Held every year in November on the day after the Silent Ceremony, when the new Lord Mayor of London takes office, the Lord Mayor’s Show is the oldest civic procession in the world. The procession escorts the Lord Mayor as he travels from Mansion House to the Royal Courts of Justice to swear his oath of office to the Crown. It is the most colourful and lively event in the City’s calendar, and this year the Cordwainers were proud to play an important part to support Alderman Roger Gifford, London’s 685th Lord Mayor and an Honorary Liveryman of this Company.
The Lord Mayor at the Royal Courts of Justice. (Photo: Clive Trotman)
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Cordwainer Lord Mayors It is only the third time in the Company’s history that a Cordwainer has been elected Lord Mayor and the previous incumbents, Sir Charles Wakefield (1915–16) and Sir George Coxen (1939–40) both served during time of war.
The Show 2012 The 2012 show was magnificent. For the first time in 156 years, the Lord Mayor travelled, aboard the royal barge Gloriana from Westminster to the Tower. His procession from Mansion House comprised three-anda-half miles of pageantry, including 25 marching bands, 300 horses, 18 vintage cars, 21 carriages, an original American stagecoach, and our own Cordwainer float. Visit cordwainers.org to learn more about previous Cordwainer Lord Mayors, and to see the videos about the float and the Company’s participation.
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The Float – bringing fabulous footwear to life The Cordwainers’ float was many months in the planning. It was a collaborative effort between the London College of Fashion, the Ward of Cordwainer and the Company. A multimedia marvel, it was intended to draw the audience into the intricate world of footwear design. Rob Philips, Creative Director of the School of Design and technology at LCF said, ‘We’ve designed the most innovative and multimedia float that the Lord Mayor’s Show has ever seen. Broadcast on four banks of 2.5-metre high screens, a fashion film captures hundreds of pairs of shoes in a graphic and eye-catching experience.’
Winners of Cordwainer awards
‘The most innovative and multimedia float that the Lord Mayor’s Show has ever seen.’ All photos on this page courtesy of Gerald Sharp Photography Scenes from the show, including the Tallow Chandlers (2); the Gifford family (3); Pikeman and Liveryman Andrew Wigram (4); Fusilier Cadet drummers (5)
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Our charities
Our
Charities The Urswick School Library
As a result of the Cordwainers’ fundraising, the Urswick School Library has become a really valuable resource that is having a very tangible effect on the students’ learning. The Company raised in excess of £12,500 for the Harriet Wade Library at the Urswick School, and the positive impact on pupil life and learning is wonderful to see. In addition, Liveryman Rupert Webb has made a very generous donation of 50 books from the Worth Press stock. A new librarian was appointed in September, who will oversee the acquisition of new books. The library is open before school, at lunchtimes and after school, and student use has increased significantly. After-school homework clubs are held in the library every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Students in the Harriet Wade Library
For many pupils, this provides a peaceful place to do their homework, as well as affording internet access, something that they may not have at home.
‘I visit the library most lunchtimes to do my homework. I’m looking forward to reading some of the research books, instead of just using the internet.’ (Jamshid Jon, Year 10) Jamshid is typical of many pupils who have risen to the challenge of independent learning, which is made much easier by decent library provision. The school has developed displays to
encourage reading and research, and the Cordwainers’ funding has also enabled the school to purchase books for the school’s new Sixth Form pupils.
‘I like coming to the library after school, it’s a nice and quiet place to sit and there are lots of books to choose from.’ (Hale Akbay, Year 7) This summer, GCSE results in English increased for the fourth consecutive year and were above the national average for the first time. The Urswick School hopes to see continued improvement next year.
Inspiration and aspiration at the University of Northampton Thanks to travel bursaries provided by the Cordwainers, students from the University of Northampton have been able to undertake enriching and ambitious projects both at home and abroad.
In September Senior Lecturer and Freeman Caroline Southernwood led a trip to Ningbo in China, forging links with Chinese footwear designers, and enabling the students to learn about the cultural and business traditions of the Far East.
‘Seeing the university stand and how our work and the university were celebrated and acknowledged by so many people was overwhelmingly great!’
Cordwainer scholarsh ip students at Lineapelle, Bologna .
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In October, 12 third year Footwear and Accessories students exhibited their work at the prestigious Lineapelle leather exhibition in Bologna, Italy. The University of Northampton is the only British university to exhibit at this show, and the students were able to use the show to promote their own designs and inspire their studies. Caroline Southernwood said, ‘The footwear students were simply
in the Temple Natalie Alexandrou Market, Ningbo.
buzzing with excitement. For most of them this was the first opportunity to experience Italy, and their research from this trip will inspire their final major project, stimulating creativity and innovation in footwear design’.
musical youth
Musical Youth
Guildhall students lead a youth orchestra
of The Cords, an ensemble that will not only entertain Company members at Livery events, but will also visit the Urswick School and the Royal Free. It is an innovative outreach project to take music to the heart of the community and will strengthen the bonds between our charitable partners.
Cordwainers’ Music Scholar 2012-13, Elizabeth Desbruslais
By now, many members will have had the opportunity to hear ‘The Cords’, the new musical ensemble formed in collaboration with the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. They have performed to great acclaim at Oath Day and most recently at the Fusilier Dinner In October, demonstrating huge talent and versatility.
For the students at the Guildhall school, this provides a wonderful opportunity to perform professionally and to lead creative musicmaking projects in the community. It will give them performance experience and increase their confidence, and is a core module of the Leadership Course at the GSMD.
talented music students and to listen to some unforgettable performances. To make a contribution to the Cordwainers Outreach Musical Fund, visit the Company website, or visit the JustGiving page, http://www.justgiving. com/CordwainerMusicalFund. Cheques may also be sent to the Office made payable to ‘The Cordwainer Charity’ and marked ‘Musical Fund’ on the reverse.
Bringing music to our ears The benefits for children at the Urswick School are immeasurable. They will have the opportunity to participate in musicmaking with some of the country’s most
The Cordwainers have a long-standing relationship with the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GSMD), funding an annual scholarship for the most promising student. This year, the Master has launched an ambitious fundraising programme that will help all of our charitable partners. In conjunction with the GSMD, the Company is supporting the formation
The Cords entertain guests at the Fusilier Dinner
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Notice Board
Births Henry Lawrence Chamberlain Squire, son of Caroline and Edward Squire born on 7 August 2012. Frederick Henry Campbell Ferrier, son of Nick and Etta Ferrier born on 19 October 2012.
Marriages
Events Calendar Date Jan 4th Fri Jan 15th Tue
Feb 6th Wed
Liveryman Harry Wigram and Nicola Harding who married on 6th October 2012.
Event
Time
Ladies’ Court Dinner AGM Royal Free Hospital Nurses Trust (Venue: Royal Free) Freedom Committee
6.30
1.00
Finance and Resources Committee
3.15
Court
5.15
Notes
2013 4.00
Court Supper Mar 8th Fri
Mansion House Dinner
6.30
Mar 15 Fri
United Guilds’ Service and Lunch
11.15
Harben Armoury Trust AGM (Office)
12.30
Charity Committee
2.15
Court
3.30
Mar 27th Tue
Apr 10th Wed Fisher’s, Minge’s and Shawe’s Anniversary Sermons Apprentices Supper
Harry and N icola
Apr 17th Wed Wine Committee (Office)
Jun 5th Wed
Surplus silver The Hon. Archivist Past Master Paddy Skinner has overseen the valuation of a number of pieces of silver and plate that are surplus to requirements and are now available for sale to members at bargain prices! The full illustrated price list is available to download from the website in the members’ section. Please make enquiries about purchase to the Office.
A
5.15
C
6.30
C
11:15
Finance and Resources Committee
1:30
Freedom Committee
3.00
Court
5.15
Court Supper Election Day Jun 26th Wed
Court
5.15
Common Hall
6.15
B
Supper
6.30
B
Oath Day Jul 5th Fri
Common Hall (Upper Reception Room) Came’s, Minge’s and Wild’s Anniversary Service
4.30
B
6.15
A
Supper in Livery Hall
7.15
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.
Running for the Royal Free Liveryman Catherine Blanford is running the Hastings Half Marathon in aid of the Royal Free Hospital Nurses’ Home of Rest. On 24 March 2013, after several months of rigorous training, Catherine will tackle the hilly south coast terrain. You can support her and help fund this wonderful cause by visiting her Justgiving page, https://www.justgiving.com/ CatherineBlanford-Halfmarathon2013-RoyalFreeHospitalNurses Alternatively, please send a cheque made payable to ‘The Royal Free Hospital Nurses Home of Rest’ to the Clerk at the usual Cordwainer address.
Interactive Cordwainers We are making a concerted effort to increase our web presence, both for the convenience of our members and to broaden awareness of the Company’s charitable activities. 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, so if you would like to share your thoughts on shoemaking, shoes, have some old pictures, or can make a topical link to the footwear trade or any of our charities, please email the Office. We are very keen for everyone to participate. The website remains the main source of company news and information.
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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