The second Saturday in November is the date set for the annual Lord Mayor’s Show. On that day, the new incumbent presents himself before the citizens and dignitaries of the City of London, having assumed office the previous evening. This ceremony has been staged for centuries and is popular with adults and children alike.

As a Livery Company, the Fruiterers have entered a float on several occasions over the last decade. This year the theme focused on the Bramley apple, which has been celebrating its bicentenary.

Sponsored by Fourayes Farm Ltd and English Apples & Pears, the float emphasised the theme. Constructed by students from Hadlow College, who also formed part of the escort, the float attracted the attention of the BBC broadcaster Clare Balding, who interviewed the Master as the procession approached the Mansion House.

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IN THE CITY: The fourth formal dinner of the year in the Fruiterers’ calendar is the Master & Wardens, at which the Court receives hospitality from the individuals after which the occasion is named. Held at the Barber-Surgeons’ Hall in the City, the venue was full to capacity. The principal speaker, responding on behalf of the guests, was Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, Fleet Chief of Staff Carriers and Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm. He very skillfully provided a history of the 100 years of association between aviation and the Royal Navy, throwing in anecdotes of other associations with fruit. Bob Little was presented with the annual Fruiterers’ Farm Management Award by the Master.

THE MASTER’S COMMENT

By Alan French

Of all the interesting opportunities presented to the Fruiterers, the two most important are the encouragement of education in the fruit industry and the challenge to increase the consumption of fruit. This year, we have made a sustained effort in both of these areas. Education is the key to achieving both goals, while recognition and rewarding of excellence is also part of the process.

Our educational initiatives started early with the preparation of a teaching pack, which has now been widely used across the country to excite pupils about the life of a fruit tree, how to taste and appreciate fruit and how to make drinks and meals from it. Inner-city schools have also been given Bramley trees to grow and use as teaching aids. Catching the imagination of young children is always exciting and the Food Dudes programme, which we continue to sponsor, is doing just that - engaging with very young schoolchildren and establishing consumption habits that will last a lifetime.

We have also rewarded young exemplars just starting on their careers in horticulture at RHS Wisley, Hadlow, Pershore and Writtle, providing certificates and prizes. I enjoyed meeting and encouraging each of them. High achievers much later in their careers have also been rewarded throughout the year, receiving our prestigious Matthew Mack, Master’s, Fruit Culture, Farm Manager’s and Craftsman’s Awards.

Our sponsored Nuffield scholars have been travelling the world to learn about their particular fruit industry specialisms and, on their return, passing on their newly acquired knowledge to their colleagues and our industry. We have also sponsored scientists to visit conferences and symposia around the globe to further their work and to enhance their understanding for the benefit of UK growers.

Imagination was also the key to enlisting Hadlow College students to build our float for the Lord Mayor’s Show. They didn’t disappoint; their innovative design brought our entry to the notice of the BBC.