With autumn fading into winter there is still much happening in the City livery companies, and the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers is no exception. At the beginning of November we presented fruit to the Lord Mayor at The Mansion House. This is an ancient ceremony which goes back to the 15th century, when we agreed to give the incumbent 12 bushels of fruit annually, as, if you like, a tax!

These days the presentation consists of a symbolic basket of fruit for his use and to share with those who work at the Mansion House.

The remainder and much more was delivered to the shelters for the homeless around the City of London. The ceremony is always attended by many liverymen and their wives, with the Master being accompanied by the wardens and officers, including the honorary fruit porter.

This fruit giving is one of the small ways in which the Fruiterers make a difference with our charitable endeavours. Following the formalities we adjourned to the Guildhall for sustenance where the Renter Warden, who is an official city guide, provided us with a potted history of this landmark.

On 5 November the clerk and I met in the crypt of St Paul’s prior to the City remembrance service. Virtually all the City livery companies were represented, together with The Lord Mayor, Mayoress and sheriffs. It was a very moving occasion and a fitting tribute to the fallen from the City and Corporation of London.

Later that week we held a court meeting at The Barber Surgeons Hall, just off London Wall, and heard from the chairmen of the various sub-committees on the progress they have made during the year. The renter warden had, earlier in the day, inspected our valuables, as is his duty, and reported on their condition to the Court.

The final act of the meeting saw the election of four new freemen, clothing of four new liverymen and the admission of an apprentice.

After the conclusion of formalities we enjoyed an equally formal, but most enjoyable Master and Wardens Dinner. It was my very great pleasure to present Mike Baker with the 2012 Worshipful Company of Fruiterers Management Award for the considerable contribution he has made to the fruit industry over many years. The guest speaker at the dinner was the entertaining Murray Craig, clerk of the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall.

The evening also gave liverymen the opportunity to buy the company’s fruit-inspired Christmas cards, which now provide a very handsome contribution to the livery’s charitable fund.

Of course, the major highlight of the City’s year is the Lord Mayor’s Show, which took place on 10 November and saw alderman Roger Gifford ‘paraded’ as the 685th to assume the role. I personally wish him a very successful year. —