The fruiterers’ current Master Eric Fraunfelter and his wife Harriet have their roots in the US. It was only natural, therefore, that a trip should be organised to take in an area of their homeland that encompasses facilities that they have been closely associated with and would be of interest to members of the Fruiterers.

Such a visit was undertaken on October 22-26, when a party of more than 30, comprising Fruiterers and partners, visited Florida. Their base for the five days was the famous Biltmore Hotel, which was built in 1926 and features a landmark tower modelled on the Giralda Bell Tower of Seville Cathedral. It also boasts the largest swimming pool in the US.

The Fraunfelters hosted the buffet dinner on the first evening, when diners were introduced to some of the local delicacies.

On the following day, Fruiterers were treated to a tour of the Molasses Reef in a glass-bottomed boat, through which the spectacular marine life could be observed. Unfortunately, the weather deteriorated and rather than suffer the consequences of seasickness, the voyage had to be terminated and a return to port was welcomed by several.

Friday’s programme took in the Norton Museum of Art at West Palm Beach, including the Eye Candy exhibition. Following a picnic lunch, the group moved to the Society of Four Arts and toured the Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden.

The true highlight of the tour, a visit to the Kampong, was enjoyed on Saturday. The Kampong is the sub-tropical garden of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens and is its only garden on the US mainland, the others being in Hawaii. It is in Coconut Grove at the southern end of Miami and runs down to the sheltered waters of Biscayne Bay.

Dr David Fairchild started the garden in 1916. He was an energetic plant collector and travelled the world collecting seeds and plants of rare tropical species to plant in his garden, soon creating a collection of great importance.

After the death of his widow in 1962, Harriet’s parents, Mr and Mrs Edward Cleveland Sweeney, saved The Kampong from destruction by developers. They continued the good work of Dr Fairchild and added further to the collection.

With great generosity, the Master’s mother-in-law, Catherine Sweeney, gave The Kampong to the National Tropical Botanic Gardens in 1984, which then continued to extend the collection. During much of this period and up to a year ago, when he retired, Larry Schokman was director of the garden. He pursued the collection of rare species with the same vigour as Fairchild and added many unique plants to the garden. It was a privilege to have the cheerful, lively Larry as one of our guides.

The Master planted two species of mango tree. As it is a botanical garden, Larry Schokman and the ceo of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens, Chipper Wichman, were not content with the usual ceremonial spade or two of soil and required that the trees were properly planted, heeled in and watered. We then were given tours of the garden hosted by the senior staff, whose enthusiasm and expertise brought the garden alive. It is a truly beautiful piece of paradise.

The Fruiterers then visited the extraordinary house Vizcaya. It was built in the Italianate style between 1916 and 1919 by John Deering, whose family owned International Harvester. It is a confection of Italian decoration, furnishings, furniture and art, so over the top that it actually works. It is set in grounds with a network of man-made canals built so that Deering could enjoy being transported around them in his own gondola. Apparently, it cost $20m (£13.5m) to build. What would that be today, $400m? And they say that we now live in an age of greed and excess!

The day ended with a delightful dinner at the Kampong, under shelter in the open air, where we were joined by many of the kind American hosts and celebrated with them a wonderful time in Florida.

UP THE APPLES AND MAYOR

Since 1606 when the Fruiterers received their Royal Charter, the Company has, under the ancient rulings, had to present the Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of London with a dozen bushels of fruit.

The ceremony, which is usually undertaken at the Mansion House, involves the Master of the Fruiterers, accompanied by his wardens, the Beadle and the Honorary Fruit Porter, making a formal presentation using precise, scripted words that have transcended the centuries.

The occasion is a popular one in the Livery and is usually witnessed by many Fruiterers.

Proceedings conclude with the taking of ‘Loving Cups’ between the Lord Mayor and Master, followed by a few brief words from both. The event is unique and truly historic.

So it was at 11am on October 17. Susie Robins, wife of Immediate Past Master Ivor Robins, presented the Lady Mayoress with a floral tribute after Ivor had stood in as Honorary Fruit Porter owing to the unfortunate illness of ‘Nobby’ Price.

What is not generally known is how hard the Lord Mayor works during his year in office. This was his third engagement of the day after having arrived back from an official visit to the Far East at midnight.

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Finance first: The Fruiterers met informally at the Butchers’ Hall on October 8 before getting down to the serious business of the Finance and Membership & Communications Sub Committees.

It was wonderful to be back at this very comfortable venue with its welcoming atmosphere and superb catering.

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