May proved yet again to be a busy month both for me personally and the company. It started with the annual Livery Golf Day, at Kingswood Golf Club. I have never attended this event as I am notoriously unsporting, but what an enjoyable day it was, and we were very well looked after by Tom Hilliard and his staff.
On 9 May I was invited to attend The City University of London Chancellor’s Dinner at the Mansion House. The Lord Mayor of the City of London is the serving chancellor of this academic institution. One of the speakers was a student, Jenny Keys, who spoke very eloquently about her time at the university and how receipt of a scholarship has affected her positively and enabled her to concentrate on her studies. It brought home to me the difference that the Fruiterers’ scholarship schemes and awards can make.
This was further demonstrated when I attended St Paul’s Cathedral for the 356th Festival of the Sons of the Clergy service. The service is in thanksgiving for and also to raise funds to help those members of the clergy who are in some level of need.
The Audit Court on 17 May was when the annual accounts were presented. I am pleased to be able to report that the company is in good financial shape. Our funds are very well looked after by the finance committee, accountants and investment advisers. The continued growth of our deposits allows us to continue with the work set out in our objectives.
I would like to mention one of those objectives - that of being active in raising funds for charitable works. As well as The Fruit Culture Trust which is more industry and fruit centered, we have a Charitable Trust which is more people focused.
As many of you know we support the homeless in the city, with the fruit-giving programme, delivering fruit to shelters. Another activity which I suspect is less well known is the support that we give to a small number of people who once worked in the fruit industry or their widows.
To each of those beneficiaries a liveryman from The Fruiterers Company is assigned as a mentor, maintaining friendly contact and making sure that they are well and not in any unnecessary need. We believe that this link is important. I express my thanks to those who act in this way. Periodically, we make one-off payments where there is a need within the company.
We are quietly growing our Charitable Trust pot. Each year liverymen contribute to the Fruit Culture Trust and/or the more people-focused Charitable Trust.
The Royal Bath and West Show was held at Shepton Mallet at the end of May.
The Fruiterers are sponsors of the Cider Pavilion, and I joined the judging panel in the selection process for the Supreme Champion Cider which received The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers’ Cup. The winner was a sparkling cider which was produced by Ashridge Cider.
We are always keen to welcome new potential liverymen so if you feel you have a keen interest in the industry and an interest in the livery, do contact me at jane.anderson83@gmail.com. And help make a difference. -
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