The Fruiterers are well known for their habit of planting fruit trees when they visit a new venue.
This has been a practice that has been pursued for many years and there are many trees thriving and producing fruit throughout the world. The Company has determined that it should establish what the status quo of these trees is and will research the situation.
Past Master Judge Donald Cryan planted a tree in the gardens of St Paul’s Cathedral on January 19, 2000, assisted by the Dean.
The tree was cared for by the Corporation’s Gardens and Open Spaces Department, but was moved when the cathedral needed cleaning. It was transferred to St Bartholomew the Great, along with the plaque, where the Corporation still cares for it.
On October 7, the tree was re-dedicated with the assistance of the Rector Dr Martin Dudley and the Masters of the Fruiterers and Butchers.
The church, mainly Norman, is the Butchers’ Company church and featured in Four Weddings and a Funeral.
COPAS COMES OUT TOP
Each year, the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers presents its Fruit Culture Award to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the domestic industry.
This year at the National Fruit Show, Master Alan French presented Liz Copas with the 2009 award.
During her long and illustrious career, she has made a major contribution to fruit growing in general and cider orcharding in particular. She has dedicated her professional life, spanning more than 30 years, to serving the industry.
Copas is exceptional. Her professional expertise, warmth of character and sheer hard work has made an indelible impression on the UK’s cider community. She was considered a most worthy recipient of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers’ Fruit Culture Award.
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ON PARADE: The National Fruit Show at Detling is a magnet for all of those associated with or connected to the British fruit industry. Obviously, this includes the Fruiterers and many of its Liverymen, who are growers in their own right.
A Fruiterers’ stand has featured for many years and in 2009, support was also being lent to the Bramley stand, which won best in show. The Master and many Liverymen were on parade in a number of capacities.
THE MASTER’S COMMENTS by Alan French
DELIVERING FRUIT TO THE NEEDY
Every month, the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers delivers fruit to the needy of the City of London. Ably organised from New Spitalfields Market by Past Master Ivor Robins, fruit is delivered to two Salvation Army Hostels, The Dellow Centre and Sanctuary housing in the East End of London, and to another Salvation Army Hostel in Westminster.
This programme was stimulated as an extension of a binding agreement made more than 250 years ago between the Fruiterers and the Lord Mayor. The agreement originates from before the 15th century, when the Fruiterers held ancient rights and obligations to levy on the fruit that came into the City.
Nowadays, the Company fulfils its obligations by presenting the Lord Mayor with fruit equating to “bushels twelve” every year. The Lord Mayor reciprocates by taking a loving cup with the Master. This historic annual ceremony took place on October 14.
As it is impossible for the Lord Mayor to consume 12 bushels of fruit, for many years the Fruiterers have made a token presentation at Mansion House and distributed the majority of the fruit to the needy in hostels and shelters around the City.
Following the presentation this year, I visited the Westminster hostel with Past Master Robins and met the deputy manager, John O’Dwyer. He explained that fresh fruit is a valuable component of the diet of the hostel occupants and if it was not delivered by the Fruiterers, they would not receive it and nor could they be encouraged to eat it.
This fruit gift programme is funded by voluntary donations made by Liverymen and from the proceeds of the sale of fruit baskets via the internet - see www.fruit-baskets.co.uk. It’s better than sending flowers by post.
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