Mary Ann Brailsford could not have imagined what an effect her amateur gardening activities would have when in 1809 she planted some pips from the apples that her mother was preparing for the family table.

One of the resulting seedlings grew into a robust, heavy cropping tree and through a series of circumstances has developed into one of the most popular fruits in the culinary world.

Matthew Bramley took over the Brailsfords’ house and it was he that gave his name to this remarkable apple through the observation and perspicacity, in 1859, of a young nurseryman called Henry Merryweather. Some 200 years later, in the same Nottinghamshire town of Southwell, where the tree first made its appearance, a commemorative window was dedicated in the Minster during a service of celebration and thanksgiving on March 21.

The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers were there in force to view the Helen Whittaker creation, which has been installed in the north transept of this ancient bastion of worship.

The artist won the prestigious Hancock Medal for her achievements - the design taking its reference from the Tree of Life, while exhibiting a number of Bramley apples.

The Right Reverend George Cassidy, Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, led the service, at which the lessons were read by Master Alan French and Colonel Roger Merryweather, the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, who is also a direct descendant of the variety’s original proponent.

Following the service, the congregation had an opportunity to sample a number of apple drinks, served at the crossing, while a number of locals added to the occasion by serenading the assembly with a ditty eulogising the virtues of Bramley apples.

Fruiterers then took a short stroll to the Dean’s Garden, where a young Bramley tree was planted with appropriate ceremony. The Company and guests enjoyed lunch in the Grand Hall, a summer palace for the Archbishops of York, once frequented and developed by Cardinal Wolsey.

• The Fruiterers, as always, had strong representation at the 67th United Guilds Service, which was held at St Paul’s Cathedral on March 27.

The origins of this service go back to 1943, when the Masters and Prime Wardens of the Twelve Great Companies met and decided that a religious assembly in cathedral should be held on ‘Lady Day’ to help lift the spirits of the city after the Blitz.

And so it has continued and remains one of the few occasions at which the Livery Companies and Guilds of the City can gather together as a whole.

A BOOST IN CONFIDENCE

Lloyds of London established its global reputation for reliability when it paid its claimants in full following the 1908 San Francisco earthquake disaster - purportedly the only organisation to do so.

It has become one of the great City of London institutions and is always worth a visit to re-establish confidence in difficult times.

The Fruiterers, led by the Master, entered the portals of this contemporary, architecturally ground-breaking edifice designed by Richard Rogers, on March 11. Somewhat more impactful than its predecessor, the Edward Lloyd coffee house opened in Tower Street in 1688.

The Lutine Bell was not rung, fortunately, but there was much to see and learn about this centre of insurance and reassurance.

Interestingly enough, the visitors learned that a considerable cover has been taken out for the forthcoming Michael Jackson tour not going ahead!

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Butchers’ fare: The Fruiterers had another wonderful opportunity to sample the unique hospitality and fantastic fare of the Butchers on March 11. Those who had visited Lloyds in the morning had worked up an appetite and those who had not were not to be outdone. And the host Company did not disappoint - it never does.

As always, there was serious business to be discussed. A new chairman of the Livery membership & communications sub-committee, Denis Surgeon, an ex-veteran of Covent Garden, is setting a fast pace. An update and relaunch of the Fruiterers’ website was top of the agenda.

THE MASTER’S COMMENTS By Alan French

REMAINING TRUE TO OUR KEY GOALS

The goals of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers have been, and remain:

• To promote excellence across all sectors of the fruit industry;

• To support education and research within the fruit industry;

• To provide support to the Lord Mayor and the City of London Corporation;

• To be active in raising funds for charity; and

• To foster, within the Livery, a spirit of good fellowship.

Over the 700 years of its history, the Company has assumed different roles. In early times, it was a classical Medieval guild governing its trade, maintaining quality, training apprentices, caring for its members and doing other charitable works. By late Victorian times, its connections with the trade had atrophied, but the Company’s function as a City of London institution prospered.

During the last century, fruit traders returned to the Company. Now, just over half of the members are or have been involved in the fresh produce industry. Companionship and conviviality have been, and remain, the golden thread that has sustained the Company over the centuries and through many changes.

The Company has just finished a year-long comprehensive review of its strategy, reaffirming its core objectives and agreeing key tasks to enable it to meet these objectives during the coming three years.

We aim to continue to be an influential fellowship, promoting the interests of the fruit industry, the Lord Mayor and the City of London Corporation, building on our ancient heritage and traditions.