The New Master of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers traditionally takes office at a service held in the Wren church of St Mary Abchurch.

This happens on the Feast Day of the Conversion of St Paul, or the nearest weekday, if the appointed date falls at a weekend.

Monday, 25 January witnessed the solemn gathering as Steven Bodger took over the reins from Alan French with the Honorary Chaplain, Clerk and Beadle and Wardens in attendance, before a host of Liverymen.

The Dean of Southwell, The Very Reverend John Guille, preached a sermon that was pertinent and amusing with many references to fruit, and apples in particular.

Always a happy, family affair, the pews were full, as was the Hall at the Innholders, where the new incumbent received his vestments and tools of office in front of the assembled Company.

SIR DAVID KING DOESN’T DISAPPOINT AT FOOD LECTURE

Originally an idea initiated by the Fruiterers - for which Past Master Laurence Olins must take credit - the annual City Food Lecture has become a “date for the diary” in January over the last 10 years.

The seven City Food Livery Companies work together to arrange an eminent speaker to address an audience at the Guildhall.

Sir David King, this year’s speaker, spoke fluently and elegantly on 19 January, giving his respected views on how the planet can cater for the nine billion souls that will populate Earth by the middle of this century.

Following the address, a distinguished panel under the stewardship of Sir Stuart Hampson, chairman of the Employee Ownership Association, answered questions from the audience.

A supper sponsored by Nestle, Lockwood Press, The Cheese Board and Seasonal Berries concluded the evening’s activities.

MASTER’S COMMENT By Steven Bodger

PARACHUTING INTO OFFICE IN TIME FOR FPC DINNER-DANCE

The time to prepare is considerable; but when it does come, it can be compared to a parachute jump. Before you were surrounded by fellow Liverymen - then suddenly, you are the Master and, although still with tremendous support, the focus falls on you and the realisation of this great privilege and honour takes a firm hold, much like gravity!

From the installation at the St Paul’s Day Service, where I received the badge of office from Alan French, the outgoing Master, the tempo immediately seemed to accelerate. Although not a man from the fruit industry, I have had many glimpses of how exciting and friendly this trade and its operatives can be. Many Fruiterers are active participants and have been able to give me a steer when I have been unsure.

At the end of January, I had the great pleasure of being a guest of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) at its annual dinner and dance, held at London’s Park Lane Hotel. This is surely one of the premier events in the trade’s calendar, with the great and the good of the industry on parade.

Each year there is a different national theme to the event, and this year it was Mexico. The principal guest was the Mexican Ambassador, supported by two trade ministers, all accompanied by their wives. They were charming people and the entertainment and food reflected the warmth and sincerity of this most interesting nation.

In the speeches, much emphasis was placed on the increasing trade between the two countries and the variety of fresh fruit and vegetables that find their way to Britain’s shelves and tables from this Central American country.

FPC president Jim Rogers - himself a Fruiterer - and FPC chief executive Nigel Jenney were welcoming and hospitable. Many of the faces were familiar from the Fruiterers’ visits to the London markets and from other activities that the Company has been involved with. It was good to start the year with such a splendid “fruit” evening and my thanks go out to all who were involved.

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