2012-2013 James Cross

Annual Dinner and AGM was held in a Livery Hall – the first time for a very long time.

For the previous 4 years we had been fortunate enough with the support of individuals, especially Past Master, Stanley Liu, to have held our AGM and Installation Dinner in the Army and Navy Club and last year the Liberal Club, with the support of Past Master, Robert Woodthorpe Browne.

The AGM prior to the Dinner was very well attended. Some of the members guests whilst waiting for the AGM to finish enjoyed looking at the various “Cutler” related artifacts on display both in the corridors and the specific museum on the first floor. At the AGM the Hon Sec advised that to enable us to continue to hold our Installation Dinner in a prestigious venue and if possible, back in the City we would need some support from the Club in way of a subsidy. It was agreed that a flat subsidy of £1,000 would be allocated to this event, subject to the Hon Treasurer being comfortable that we continue to maintain sufficient funds to deal with any unexpected contingencies, such as another Lord Mayor’s Show.

It was agreed that in future the Hon Auditor be referred to as the Independent Examiner.

Donations
Lord Mayor’s Appeal £1,000
St Peter upon Cornhill £500
Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund £250
Master’s Charity £100

According to the minutes, the Hon Treasurer sat down to intense applause, cheering and the odd raspberry.

A Rules sub-committee (sub-set of the ESC) had carried out a full review of the Rules and had made various suggestions for alteration. The Lower Warden had reviewed the suggestions and reasoning. The Meeting confirmed the proposed Rule changes.

At the close of the AGM Members and guests (90) enjoyed a convivial glass before going to the Main Hall on the 1st floor.

As people arrived to take their places for Dinner they were welcomed by relaxing piano music being played by the Master’s son – Tom.

An excellent Dinner with very enjoyable accompanying wines was served after Grace had been given by Rev John Cross the Master’s father. (He was “Priest in charge” of St Peter’s Cornhill in the late 1980’s early 1990’s.).The newly elected Master was introduced by the Immediate Past Master. Our Master announced that he intends to play a Hymathon! in the summer on the organ at St Peter’s  to raise money for his chosen charity.

Our guest Speaker was Mr William Fittall, who gave a fascinating insight into the role of the Church of England in today’s society.

William Fittall, one of the Church of England’s most senior civil servants. General Secretary to the General Synod, the Archbishops’ Council and the House of Bishops.  He came to Church House from a distinguished career in Whitehall during which time he was actively involved in major issues including the reform of the prison system, anti-terrorism, and the Northern Ireland peace process.

An extremely enjoyable Dinner provided by Cook and Butler concluded with a warm vote of thanks from our President Sir John Stuttard.

A stirrup cup and more coffee was enjoyed by many in the downstairs lounge.

Scottish Salmon and Sole with long grain rice and saffron sauce
Braised Breast of Duck, Red Currant & Shallot Sauce
Bread and Butter Pudding – Cinnamon Ice Cream

Cremant de Bourgone – Louis Chavy
Louis Alexandre – Mas de Vigneron

Chateau Haut Belian 2009 – Bordeaux
Port

20+ Members and Guests enjoyed a fascinating tour of the house where Dickens lived between 1837 and 1839 and wrote Oliver Twist and Nicolas Nickleby. Although a comparatively small house our tour gave a great insight in the man himself and the artefacts that surrounded him. We were fortunate to get this visit fitted in as this was the last week it was open before closing for a long period for a major refurbishment.

We learnt that so many of his well known characters are based around people he knew (liked and disliked) and that apart from writing Books and leaflets on a range of topics, he also wrote and performed in a series of plays. For many of us it was a surprise to be reminded on the one hand he was actually born and brought up in the late Georgian era (not Victorian), whilst on the other he became famous at the same time as the development of the Camera, thus various photos exist of him from different periods.

Some great insights and stories, furniture, prints and pictures.
I think a few people will return. Fascinating.

We then went just round the corner to the Blue Lion for a enjoyable and relaxing supper – they looked after a large group very well.
Menu changed every week. Fresh home cooked food.

About 30 Members and Guests were taken on a guided tour of this unique exhibition – showing 800+ years of Livery and some of the unusual and priceless artifacts that the Livery Companies had kindly donated.

Prior to the tour in two groups, the majority joined together for a very enjoyable relaxed lunch,

Very close by at Davy’s – Woolgate Exchange (just behind Guildhall).

Our Master played 1 verse of all the 665 Hymns in the Anglican Hymn Book to raise funds for his chosen charity for the year.

Many people dropped by over the course of the day (it was a gorgeous sunny day) and made donations.

One tourist from the Netherlands, could not believe his luck, he was an Organist and whilst James had a short rest he got to play on this lovely old organ that Mendelsohn had played.

James’s chosen Charity was Compassion and their Leadership Development Programme.

His endeavours raised over £1,800 for his charity, a great achievement.

Over 60 members and their guests took part in this Visit – one of the highest turn outs ever for an event.
We all met for a relaxing Coffee at the Rubens Hotel – very conveniently located, before moving off to the Palace. Having been security screened – it was “headsets on” and the tour commenced, everyone going at their own speed and finding different parts of the Palace fascinating – from the Court Yard behind the main facade, to the main staircase, beautiful paintings, chandeliers, hidden doorway….
The star attraction was of course the Diamond Jubilee Exhibition, showing off some of the major items of Jewellery, Crowns and Coronets used by The Queen and other Members of the Royal Family.

The items on display were literally dazzling – from Queen Victoria’s Small Diamond Crown, to 7 of the 9 parts of the Cullinan Diamond (The largest Diamond ever discovered) and finishing with the Diamond Diadem, which has been worn by The Queen to each State opening  of parliament. It was also worn by a young Queen Elizabeth for the pictures on the first postage stamps issued once she became Queen. (Machin)

One disappointing note was that lack of space to view these amazing exhibits – the room was totally jam-packed with people – a great shame.

We left the Palace via the gardens in wonderful weather having had a truly memorable experience. (On the way out various people noticed a Heron and decided it was a decoy as “it did not move” – it wasn’t it was just waiting for a fish to put in an appearance – lunch!).

Peter Cave had put together a short note for everyone with some core facts – the note is set out below.

Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration – some background information
Exhibition is in the “Ball Supper” Room
Apart from the obvious stunning diamonds, look out for;

Colour
– Blue White – Cullinan Diamonds
– Williamson Diamond  – the finest Pink Diamond in the world – set in a broach, as the centre of a
flower
– Pale Yellow – in the centre of the Diadem worn for the State Opening of Parliament  – does not
look yellow on TV

Ingenuity
Queen Victoria’s Small Diamond Crown – 10cm in diameter, 1,187 small diamonds – look inside and you will see clips, holding in the arches, they can be removed to make it into a simple circle

For the first time ever
Seven of the nine principal stones cut from the Cullinan Diamond are on display together.
in a ring, necklace and three brooches. The other two form part of the Crown Jewels .  Cullinan I in the  Royal Sceptre and Cullinan II in the Imperial State Crown.

The exhibition will include several of the Queen’s personal jewels, including the Cullinan III and IV Brooch, , and the Coronation Necklace and Earrings, created for Queen Victoria and worn by Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and the Queen at their coronations

The Cullinan Diamond was mined in South Africa in 1905 and is still the LARGEST  DIAMOND EVER FOUND (in its rough state it weighed 3,106 carats – 1lb 6 ozs). At first, because it was so big, it was assumed to be crystal.

Perhaps the most recognisable piece is the Diamond Diadem set with more than 1,300 brilliant-cut diamonds,. Worn every year for the State Opening of Parliament and seen in many images of the Queen on stamps, notes and coins….. – made for the George VI in 1821 adorned with a rose, thistle and two shamrocks celebrating the 1707 Act of Union.

The Coronation Necklace – 1858, 25 cushion cut diamonds with the Lahore Diamond (22.48 carats) as a pendant. has been worn at coronations as Queen’s consort of Queen Alexandria in 1901, Queen Mary in 1911, Queen Elizabeth in 1937 (the Queen’s mother) and by the Queen in 1953. It was made for Queen Victoria in 1858.

Other highlights include;

• a snuff box, dated circa 1770, that was once owned by Frederick the Great of Prussia, encrusted with nearly 3,000 diamonds in elaborate flower motifs – bought by Queen Mary in 1932.
• Jaipur Sword and Scabbard.
  Set with more than 700 white and yellow diamonds, the sword was presented to King Edward VII by the Maharajah of Jaipur – at his Coronation in 1902.
• Queen Alexandra’s Coronation Fan, a diamond-studded ostrich feather fan, made for Edward VII’s consort for the coronation.

Some terms
Baguette
Long narrow rectangular  cut, with a flat top, sometimes referred to a “stick” or “baton”.

Brilliant (Modern) Usually circular with 58 facets cut in a pattern (term used from around 1920).

Brilliant (old cut) Diamonds with a flat top in a variety of shapes, without the precise faceting of more modern diamonds.

 Emerald Cut Rectangular, flat top, faceted sloping sides, chamfered corners (creating an octagon).

Pear Drop Brilliant cut diamond, pear shape

Rose  24 facets and flat base rising to a point – generally used on smaller stones

Trapeze  Step cut or emerald cut stone in trapezoid form (at least one pair of parallel sides)

Our valiant team;
Robert Woodthorpe Browne – Captain
Sally Anne Hill
Neil Roberts
Tim Willens
Vernon Ashford (Upper Warden)
Margaret Ashford
came a very creditable 5th up against stiff opposition – the winners Bishopsgate will be hosting next years event.

A grey drizzly day, but a very enjoyable morning.
The Hon. Sec. was spotted handing out tickets from a Coffee Stall by the Thames as people gathered for our Guided Tour.

About 30 of us were split into 2 groups led by two very knowledgeable and entertaining guides (owing to demand) a third group did the visit on a different day together with the Master. After a brief look from a distance, at the Gardens, which must be well worth visiting in the Summer, a short introductory film. The tour commenced in one of the oldest parts of the Palace. The Chapel / Crypt then onto the Library with its Vaulted Ceiling and “State Rooms” with stories on occupants from the past and present. Very informative and interesting.

A light lunch and a glass of wine after our visit was held in the Cafe that forms part of the Garden Museum
“one of London’s best Small Museums” (Daily Telegraph) – immediately next door.
Having had a very busy morning at the office, our Master was able to join us. Very simple but tasty food – even the carnivores openly admitted that the vegetarian food on offer, was excellent and very well presented. A good day was had by all.

A good number of members and guests (37) enjoyed a very special evening in this fascinating building.

The evening started for most, by attending sung evensong – beautifully sung and well worth attending.

This was followed by a personal introduction to the Cathedral’s Organ by Peter Wright, Cathedral Organist and Director of Music followed by a very varied  Organ Recital with the pieces chosen to show off the tones and colours of this lovely organ.

Prelude and fugue in B minor – J.S. Bach (1685 – 1750)
Aria – Flors Peeters (1903 – 1986) – one of Peter Wright’s tutors at Cambridge University
Scherzetto Sonata No 5, Op 140 – Francis Jackson (b 1917)
Final (Symphony No 1) – Louis Vierne (1870 – 1937)

Following this we were taken on a candlelit guided tour of the Cathedral.

I am sure that everybody who attended had their own special moment but 3 stand out for the Editor.

The Cathedral Cat, walking up and down every brass floor cover hoping that the hot air that normally comes through them would arrive.

The boilers had broken in the AM and it was VERY Cold.

Hearing the wonderful story of Bishop Lancelot Andrewes (1555 -1626) who apart from speaking 30 plus languages is the man responsible for translating the opening words of the King James Bible into English – In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God….. – his tomb is in the corner just to the right of the main altar.

Seeing the Memorial to William Shakespeare with fresh rosemary as a sign of remembrance.

Shakespeare’s 2nd Globe Theatre was built only a few hundred yards from here. About 750 yards from the current Globe Theatre.

We finished our excellent evening with a light supper and a glass of wine in the Refectory.

Our Annual Church Service, involves a Master and an Organist. For this year only our Master cannot be the Organist, so his son Tom, agreed to provide the Music

The Service was led by our Chaplain Rev Mark O’Donongue, it comprised:
Choir Peaceful Silence – Fischer
O come all ye faithful
Choir The Coventry Carol
First Lesson Isaiah 9 Vv 2-7 The President
See, amid the winter’s snow
Second Lesson Matthew 1 Vv 18-25 Master Poulter
Choir Myn Lyking
In the bleak midwinter
Third Lesson  Luke 2 Vv 1-7 Master of the Ward Club
O little town of Bethlehem
Fourth Lesson  Upper Warden
Choir Shepherds – Elgar

Address

Choir Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
Hark the Herald angels sing

Blessing

Gifts were left by various Members to go to the Good Shepherd Mission, all the toys were greatly appreciated, as was £100 donated by a couple of members. Excellent “nibbles” by far the majority brought and prepared by the Hon. Sec

Many thanks to Roland Hughes, Stanley Liu for providing the liquid refreshments.

St Botolph’s Bishopsgate – Church Hall
Annabel Virtue – Bibendum. Almost 50 members took part in this very informative and entertaining presentation on the theme of “A Sommeliers View”.

An excellent selection of wine, from an extensive list that Bibendum provide to a wide range of Restaurants accross London and elsewhere.

Graham Beck Brut NV, Robertson South Africa
Villa dei fiori Fiano, Puglia, Italy
A Coroa Godello 2011, Valdeorras, Spain
Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2011, Charles Smith, Washington, USA
Legato Nero d’Avola, Sicily
Huia Pinot Noir 2010, Marborough, New Zealand
Vilosell 2009, Tomas Cuisine, Costers del Segre, Spain
Catena Malbec 2010, Mendoza, Argentina

Jame’s year finished with an excellent evening, with 44 members and guests enjoying two different presentations on “City Matters”. The first, given by the City Remembrancer Paul Double who talked us through The City in Jubilee and Olympic Year as seen through the eyes of the Remembrancer.
Lots of good pictures. We all greatly appreciated the time that Paul Double gave up for us from his very busy schedule. The Master announced that were making a small donation (£100) to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal as thanks.
Paul Double joined the City of London from the Bar and earlier government service. His recent work in Parliament has centred on the legislation to implement the changes to the City’s electoral system.

The second presentation was given by Peter Cave (Lower Warden) explaining in some detail and with a great deal of enthusiasm the City Election processes (Election in a few weeks).

We were also very fortunate to have in the Audience our President and Alderman, Sir John Stuttard, our Deputy Denis Cottgrove, Common Councilmen, Elizabeth Rogula and Robert Howard plus our Ward Beadle, Stephen Kipping and Hon Ward Clerk – John Bristow. A very good evening.

Peter Cave also referred to our Website which he had been very involved in creating – he pointed out that its URL (then) was lstwc.org.uk. One clever gent said “I did not realise that out Ward really was seen as the first toilet in the city! Sir John immediately pointed out that in a way this was totally true as Lord Mayor Richard Whittington had donated the cost of a 50 seat public toilet built into the River Thames – flushed by the tides.

There had been quite a debate behind closed doors regarding a point raised by one of our members as to whether this Ward Club Meeting should be declared a “husting” (all Candidates can attend and put their views) given the elections for all the CC’s would take place at the end of February.

Our City Briefing was seen as just a normal Ward Club event. At this date the election had not been officially announced, so no problems were envisaged.

The evening finished with hot supper.

Our Ward Beadle for 40 years, sadly died, having retired as Beadle in 2008
Sir John Stuttard’s, (Past Lord Mayor, Lime Street Ward Alderman, President of the Ward Club) Address at the service is set out in full below. A wonderful read).

St George’s Church, Littleport – 13.00 on 4 February 2013

Address by Alderman Sir John Stuttard

Although he was 22 years older than me, as you will learn in a moment Edward Kipping and I had a very special relationship. It is therefore a great honour for me to be able to say a few words today, on the occasion of his funeral, about a very special person, who was widely admired, was fun to be with, and was much loved.

A true Cockney, Edward spent his early life in Bethnal Green where his grandfather was a coal merchant, with a horse and cart. As a young child, Edward used to run between the horse’s legs, which prompted his Mother to say “if you can walk under a horse, Edward, you’ll never be frightened”. Edward was indeed a man of courage, as this was later to show itself.

After wartime service in the Royal Navy, he worked as a bus driver and then he went up market – he became a chauffeur.

I first met Edward 12 years ago, when I was elected Alderman for the Ward of Lime Street in the City of London. He had been the ceremonial Ward Beadle for Lime Street since the 1960s, and he bemoaned the fact that none of his Aldermen, whom he had escorted, had ever gone on to be the Lord Mayor.

After my election as Alderman , he asked me if I would reappoint him as Ward Beadle. He was always quite upfront like that. But, frankly, for me to be guided by someone so experienced was a no brainer. Then he told me that I had to do whatever was needed for me to become Lord Mayor, so that his ambition could be fulfilled. His ambition mind you, not my ambition !!

Our second meeting was a month later when, on the occasion of the Election of the Sheriffs on St John’s Day, he and I escorted each other in the Great Hall at Guildhall to preside over the Election ceremony.

I was just recovering from a hip operation and Edward had just had his knee done. So we were like a couple of old crocks supporting each other, as we hobbled up the aisle together. I don’t think that the ceremonial gravitas of this important civic occasion was enhanced by either of our performances.

Edward had long involvement with, and experience of, the Civic side of the City of London. This came about through his work, as a chauffeur, for Cyril Sweett, founder of the UK’s oldest quantity surveying firms. Cyril was elected as one of the two City Sheriffs in 1965 and he gave Edward an interesting commission.

In those days, you had to be wealthy to take on this Shrieval role and, as soon as he was elected, Sheriff Sweet sent Edward off to Berkeley Square to buy him a new Rolls-Royce car. The Sheriff gave him a large cheque made out to HR Owen for the latest model. A few hours later, Edward returned empty-handed, so to speak, with the explanation that the price was more than the new Sheriff had bargained for. This minor matter was, however, soon resolved and Edward became the proud chauffeur of a brand new Phantom V. This was a far cry from his Granddad’s horse and cart and a far cry from his own previous career as an omnibus driver.

The following year, in 1966, Edward was granted Freedom of the City of London and his Civic Service continued, as he became, in time, Beadle for Lime Street, the Beadle of Pewterers’ Hall and then an Usher at the Old Bailey.

As Beadle for Lime Street, he served many Aldermen but he and I finally made it in 2006 when I became Lord Mayor and he walked beside the Lord Mayor’s coach. Aged 83, he stayed the three mile course carrying the Lime Street mace, which dates from the 17th century and is one of the oldest in the City.

We were all thrilled when, on retirement as Beadle in 2008, Edward proposed that one of his sons, Stephen, should be appointed as his successor in Lime Street. We are delighted that a tradition should be so continued, with the Kipping family now woven into the fabric of Lime Street.

One of the proudest moments of my Mayoralty was awarding Edward the Arctic Star for his services in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. Edward served in the Arctic escorting convoys to Russia, a journey which Prime Minister Winston Churchill called “the most dangerous run of the War”. It was a living hell, where the life expectancy for those torpedoed in the frozen waters was about three minutes. Yet, those convoys managed to deliver a staggering total of over 12,000 tanks, 22,000 aircraft and 375,000 trucks, as well as four million tons of ammunition.

These valiant efforts helped ensure that the Soviets were properly supplied to help defeat the Axis Powers, not least at the Battle of Stalingrad which anniversary we have recently commemorated. In those wartime years, Edward did indeed demonstrate the courage which his Mother had observed in that little boy scurrying between those horse’s legs.

Edward, you served the City of London well. You served the Old Bailey, the Shrievalty and the Mayoralty extremely well. But, as a young man, you risked everything and you served your country well.

We, gathered here today, salute you for what you have done. We thank God for your life and for your contribution. May you now rest in peace.

£700 to Red Cross – (£400 biennial donation + £300 from events during the year)

£1,000 to The Lord Mayor’s Appeal – “fit for the future”

£100 to the ABF (Big Curry)