April

Basketmaking Day for Master’s Consorts

Wednesday 23 April

Mistress Framework Knitters Diary Entry

On Wednesday 23^rd April 2025 I had a very special day with the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers making a Berry Basket out of Willow with 19 other fellow Consorts/Mistress’s at the Dutch Church in Austin Friars. I was warmly welcomed by the Consort Sian Adams and the Clerk Richard Turner.

We had a wonderful instructor Ellie who actually makes baskets for a living and instructs at other events and institutions. We started with the just the base, I was amazed I could make a whole basked in a few hours. I will use the Berry Basket to pick blackberries later in the summer with our grandchildren.

The art of Basket Making has not changed over time and some of the members of the Basketmakers Livery, called Yeoman members, make a living out of Basket Making.

We had a very tasty buffet working lunch sponsored by the Prime Warden Julian Adams and his Consort Sian Adams.

The Cobham Lecture

Wednesday 23 April

Myself and our Gallant Clerk attended the Cobham Lecture put on by The Honourable Company of Air Pilots at the RAF Club in Piccadilly, London.

The talk was given by Mr Tony Edwards who has spent 35 years researching the history of the Supermarine Spitfire and was titled “Their finest hour – RJ Mitchell, the spitfire and the Battle of Britain”. A very fitting topic with the end of WW2 on the 8^th May this year.

The lecture told the story of the spitfire from its inception through the many changes and advancements to its role in the Battle of Britain.

Both poignant and amusing with detailed timelines, recorded interviews with a number of pilots such as Douglas Bader, Johnny Johnson and many more.

It was a truly inspirational talk on dogged determination, bravery and the fearless approach to life of these young pilots.

An evening I will remember for many years.

The Funeral of Len Whittaker

Monday 14th April

I travelled down from home to attend Len’s funeral at Guildford. Len joined the Livery in 1976 and always (work permitting) came to many banquets. I first met Len when I was about 17 years old when he lived in Leicester and was MD of Bentley Engineering. He then brought a small engineering company near Guildford and built it up into a plc. He was a formidable business man who always had time to give advice to those who asked, and asked for nothing in return. The crematorium was packed out with family and friends which is testament to his remarkable achievements. He reached the age of 101 and only started to feel his age in the last few weeks.

The Royal Chelsea Hospital Outing

Saturday 12 April

The sun was out, a few heads were fuzzy from the night before and 23 of us gathered for a guided tour of this ancient institution. A two hour tour may seem a daunting prospect but we had In-Pensioner Ted to keep us entertained. Ted is 86 years old but has the mind of a 30 year old. He kept us amused with stories, old and new and imparted so much information I was left wondering how he could remember it all. Apparently they are under training for 12 months and then accompany one of the more senior tour guides.

Chelsea Hospital opened in 1692, construction started in 1682, and still abides by the same principles today as it did when first opened, giving a home to around 300 veterans.

The tour was finished off with a “light bite” at The Army Museum just around the corner.

Installation

Friday 11 April

It was an honour being installed as your Master. Myself and Claire are looking forward to representing this Livery Company for the ensuing year.

After being installed it was my greatest pleasure in admitting 4 new Liverymen this afternoon; Claire, two of our sons, Thom and Ben, and our dearest friend Phil – what a start. To be in such a setting with my family and friends made it a very special occasion.

I chose Saddlers Hall because as well as being a magnificent hall it is very friendly and homely. They certainly did not disappoint.

Assistant Edward Strange welcomed our guests with humour and my principal speaker was Susan McEnniff who gave an enlightening speech about Leicester Charity Link of which she is CEO.

The planning and seamless timing were all down to our Gallant Clerk and Beadle, who I sincerely thank.