The Fruiterers will congregate at the Wren church of St Mary Abchurch in the City of London next week to witness the new Master of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers assume office.

Steve Bodger, the new incumbent, is an economist and chartered accountant and has been the chief executive of several companies.

His year, as always, commences on the feast day of St Paul or the nearest weekday to it.

After the service, formalities will be completed at a lunch held in the Innholders’ Hall, where his insignia of office will be presented by the outgoing Master, Alan French.

HUGH EDWIN BYRON KELSEY

The Fruiterers were deeply saddened at the passing of Hugh Edwin Byron Kelsey on 18 December, just before Christmas.

Hugh had been Master of the Company in 2001 and had proved an extremely popular and competent holder of the most senior position. He was a gentleman and a gentle man, courteous, considerate and kind with a fine sense of humour.

A man of Kent, he was by profession a farmer of distinction and was noted for the quality of his top fruit.

Universally respected and admired, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Caroline, two sons and six grandchildren.

A memorial service was held at St Andrew’s, Wickhambreaux, on 7 January, led by the Honorary Chaplain of the Fruiterers.

MASTER’S COMMENT

By Alan French

GIVING THANKS AS MY YEAR AS MASTER DRAWS TO CLOSE

My year as Master, which ends next week on St Paul’s Day, has given me many interesting opportunities to re-establish my relationship with the fresh produce industry.

It was the late 1980s when I used to regularly meet with growers, packers and importers and visit trade conferences. So much has changed since then. While the atmosphere at wholesale markets does not on the surface seem to have altered much, Spitalfields has changed location and Western International has built new premises. New Covent Garden Market (NCGM) is looking to redevelop and is experiencing renewed confidence for the future.

There has been considerable consolidation among growers, marketers and logistics firms, which are all striving to meet the stringent demands of supermarkets and consumers.

Whether I have been at Spitalfields, Western or NCGM, I have invariably seen an increase in professionalism. This was also reflected during our visit to the Heathrow Fruit Import Terminal and when meeting exhibitors and visitors at Fruit Focus and the National Fruit Show. Despite difficult trading conditions, there does seem to be an air of confidence that the British fruit industry has a good, if challenging, future.

I have found my year as Master not just a privilege and an honour, but a wonderful opportunity to come closer to the fruit industry once again, to meet friends from years ago, to make new acquaintances and to expand my understanding, even if only a little, of the challenges being met. I am grateful to everyone for the friendship shown. I have enjoyed a wonderful year - thank you.