The fruiterers fervently pursue the Company’s goals during each successive year, including support for the City and Mayoralty and increasing excellence in the industry, through the sponsorship of projects that show outstanding promise, as well as backing charitable causes.

Having a different Master at the helm for 52 weeks gives a fresh perspective, but it is the Master’s Committee and the Clerk who assist the incumbent with the correct compass bearings. The Company has been very fortunate in having a number of very capable Masters throughout its history; individuals with the personality and skills to take the Fruiterers to new levels within the Livery movement. This has been evident in recent times.

The outgoing Master, Eric Fraunfelter, a US national, has presided over a most interesting 12 months. There were many of his countrymen in attendance at the Banquet, giving the occasion a distinctive buzz with their new world drawls. Fraunfelter has blended a pragmatic, decisive style with the conservative rhythm of the Livery movement.

One of the most exciting developments of 2008 was the Fruiterers’ commitment to the Food Dudes initiative and support thereof. The project focuses on teaching young children to eat and enjoy eating fresh fruit and vegetables. A well-praised and proven mechanism that has attracted the attention of governments, it has been designed to improve the health of successive populations of children. The scheme, devised by academics at Bangor University, has won international plaudits for its efficacy. By injecting financial support into specific areas of the process, the Fruiterers are determined to help improve the health of the nation.

Another Master will be installed on St Paul’s Day, on January 26, when Fraunfelter’s term of office will come to a conclusion. He will be succeeded by Alan French, who is aware of some of the intricacies of the fresh produce business, having been involved with the industry for many years.

French’s calendar successfully incorporates a blend of traditional with the more esoteric. The focus will be very much on supporting both the fruit industry and the City as we enter what promises to be a challenging year.

This year, as part of the celebration of the bi-centenary of the Bramley apple, there will be a focus on imparting knowledge of fruit-growing to the children and disadvantaged living in the inner city areas of London.

This, together with the Food Dudes campaign, will be the main focus of new charitable activity, alongside the Livery’s usual sponsorship of research and education within the fruit industry.

The Upper Warden for the forthcoming year will be Stephen Bodger and the new Renter Warden will be Jonathan Choat.

YEAR’S EVENTS UNVEILED

The city Food Lecture will be held on January 28 at the Guildhall and, as usual, promises to be a stimulating evening when one considers the qualifications and experience of the main speaker, Tesco ceo Sir Terry Leahy.

A number of other events and activities have been scheduled for the next 12 months.

A visit to Lloyds of London has been planned for March 11, followed by a lunch at the Butchers’ Hall. The Fruiterers will be in attendance at the Blessing of the Bramley Window at Southwell Minster, Nottinghamshire, later that month on March 21.

Moving to the end of May, the Company will, once again, be sponsoring the Cider Pavilion at the Royal Bath & West Show at Shepton Mallet.

As usual, there will be four formal dinners commencing with the Banquet at the Mansion House on February 12, Audit Court at Vintners Hall in mid-May, Summer Court at the Goldsmiths on July 16, followed by the Master & Wardens Dinner at the Barber-Surgeons’ Hall on November 12.

New Master Alan French is a very keen oarsman and as a consequence he has arranged for a day out at the Henley Royal Regatta for Liverymen, on July 1.

There will be a re-dedication of the tree at St Bartholomew the Great on October 7, followed by an informal carvery lunch at the Butchers’ Hall. A week later will see the Company attending the Mansion House for the annual ceremony of fruit presentation to the Lord Mayor. The Fruiterers will of course be out in force at the National Fruit Show, Detling, over the two days, October 21-22.

French will be leading the Fruiterers’ Bramley bi-centenary entry in the procession for the Lord Mayor’s Show on November 14. This is the fourth time that the Company has entered a float in the last 10 years.