The master and Wardens’ Dinner held at the Barber-Surgeons’ Hall on November 13 was somewhat suppressed in spirit, owing to the absence of the Master, who regrettably had to return to the US after the sad passing of his mother. Our commiserations and sincere condolences went out to him.

The Upper Warden, Alan French, stepped into the breach and discharged his unexpected duties in a distinguished fashion, “getting some practice for next year!” There were a number of distinguished guests, including the Rev Dr William Beaver (the Lord Mayor’s speech writer), the Right Honourable Lord Justice May (president of the Queens’ Bench), C Henty (Secondary of London and Under Sheriff), Alderman Nicholas Anstee, R Smaridge, the Master of the Tinplate Workers, and S Graham, a Past Master of the Glaziers Company.

There was a presentation to Paul Mansfield for his achievement at the National Fruit Show in the Cherry Class and to Peter Checkley, manager of Broadwater Farm of Howard Chapman, went the Fruiterers’ Management Award. Described as a consummate “hands-on manager” and “exemplary practitioner”, Checkley was regarded as a worthy recipient of this award.

After the loyal toasts, the Upper Warden, in appreciation of the guests, described the achievements of several before highlighting some of the historical landmarks of the last century. He moved on to describe how the Fruiterers were endeavouring to improve the health of the nation by supporting the Food Dudes programme, which is designed, through the Bangor Project, to get the young of the country to eat and enjoy eating fresh fruit and vegetables. He urged every Liveryman to lend their support to the project.

The English apple crop was described as good and he noted that the diners were enjoying the vintage port bequeathed by Past Master Donald Mack.

The Rev Dr William Beaver responded on behalf of the guests. A US national, he got off to a humorous start by saying that authorities in his country had determined that the tomato was a vegetable and that a pair of socks supplied by Past Master Halliday and embroidered with the Fruiterers’ Coat of Arms was currently selling at a premium on eBay!

You must be, he confided, a bunch of “high rollers and happy people” to elect a man called Fraunfelter who knows all kinds of interesting people, when most of us know only a few.

He went on to describe what the Lord Mayor’s speech writer does and fixed on the achievements of the City, touching on the Lord Mayor’s tireless endeavours and the institution’s charitable contributions.

A toast to the Master and Wardens was given in an admirable fashion by Honorary Assistant Cheryl Roux, pictured left, who reflected on the responsibilities of Liverymen. The Renter Warden responded, speaking of his experiences and how well the recent Miami trip had been organised.

As is traditional, formal events were concluded with a toast to the Company, proposed by the Clerk.

AWARD FOR CHECKLEY

Peter Checkley received the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers’ Management Award at the Fruiterers’ Master and Wardens’ Dinner, held at the Barber-Surgeons’ Hall on November 13.

This award was introduced two years ago to recognise outstanding achievement in progressive and innovative management within the fruit-growing industry.

Presenting the award, Alan French, the Upper Warden of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, said: “Peter Checkley personifies all the attributes required in the successful modern manager, combining energy and enthusiasm with the expertise gained over his career. He manages one of the industry’s ‘flagship farms’, embracing the best modern technology in the orchards, exploiting IT to assist in short- and long-term decision-making, and drawing on the inputs of specialist advisors and technologists. He is precisely the kind of manager that the Fruiterers had in mind when introducing this award.”

Checkley manages Howard Chapman Ltd’s Broadwater Farm near West Malling in Kent, comprising 400 acres of high-quality top fruit, including Bramley, Gala, Braeburn and Jazz. The farm has a modern complex of 2,000 tonnes of controlled atmosphere, low-temperature storage for year-round supplies to customers.

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