The Distillate - March 2003
Embedded Scribd iPaper - Requires Javascript and Flash Player
The Distillate
The Worshipful Company of Distillers
March 2003
Middle Warden Christopher Hayman, Upper Warden Nigel Churton MBE, the Master Robert Hobson and Renter Warden David Grant.
INSTALLATION DINNER
The Installation Court meeting, held on 26 November 2002, marked another step forward when, for the first time in the company’s history, the wife and children of the Master joined members of the livery to witness the Installation ceremony.
th
They would select a target and attach the explosive warhead to the hull, set the timer and return to the submarine waiting a safe distance outside the harbour. With veteran British operators, Mr C L Berey DSM and Mr G W Larkin, the three searched museums and found no trace of the human torpedo nicknamed “Chariot”. The Italians nicknamed their submersible “Maiale” (pig) because of its handling characteristics. An engineering company in Milton Keynes agreed to make a “Chariot” from the original plans and, as it was nearing completion, a Mark II British chariot was found in a scrap yard in Portsmouth. Robert's collection of photographs and naval documents grew and he looked for a museum to place them on display for the education and benefit of the public. Outside York is Eden Camp Museum, a six-acre site packed with Second World War history, with over a quarter of a million visitors a year and numerous awards. Here was the ideal site. His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, who had served on board HMS Valiant in 1941, performed the opening ceremony.
The Hobsons, Peter, Paul, The Master, Caroline and Valerie enjoying the Stirrup Cup. At the dinner that following the Installation, Past Master Mr Ian Coombs proposed the Guests and the response was made by Professor Gordon Ruskell, a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers and an old friend of the Master. The Master responded recalling his family connections with John Haig & Co thus explaining why Dimple Haig was served at the reception and Mannochmore 12 year old malt whisky at the end of the meal.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and the Master Professor Ruskell, the Master and Valerie Earlier, at the Court meeting, attended by members of the Livery, the new Master and Wardens took their oaths of office. ABOUT THE MASTER Robert Hobson started his career as an insurance broker working in Lloyds of London and in 1969 formed his own Insurance broking business. He was invited to join the livery by his father-in-law, Randolph Dunsire (DCL) in 1974 and has been actively involved with the livery and the City of London. Following his father’s death in 1989 he found some top-secret naval documents referring to a strange submersible used during the Second World War. Robert traced his father’s naval colleagues and documented their extraordinary wartime exploits. With the discovery that the Italian Navy had pioneered this weapon, sinking the battleships HMS Valiant and Queen Elizabeth in Alexandria harbour, Robert soon established a friendship with Admiral Birindelli, a veteran operator. In 1935 two young Italian engineers worked on their idea of sitting astride a large torpedo and steering it into an enemy harbour under cover of darkness. The Italian Ambassador Luigi Amaduzzi and the Italian Naval attaché in London, Admiral Chistiano Bettini, were also present at the ceremony, THE MASTER’S REPORT 2002: 13 Nov
th
Attended the Mansion House for the launch of the Lord Mayor’s charity, Save the Children Fund. Attended the Mansion House to listen to the Lord Mayor setting out his priorities for the forthcoming year. Of concern is transport. Attended the Incorporation of Maltmen Dinner at the Trades Hall, Glasgow.
14 Nov
th
18 Nov 2003: 14 Jan 3 Feb
rd th
th
Attended the City Food Lecture, Guildhall. Attended the Derek Melluish Memorial Lecture
10 Oct
th
Guest of Renter Warden, Christopher Hayman, at the Upholders Ladies Night at the Mansion House. Strategy committee meeting at the Caledonian Club. Searcy’s Caterers at Earls Court for tasting lunch. Guest speaker at Colchester Oyster Feast. Poppy Day service at St Paul’s Cathedral. Wine committee meeting. Attended Lord Mayor’s Show. Attended dinner as guest of Christopher Hayman at the Gin and Vodka Association.
th
16 Oct THE PAST MASTER BY THE MASTER Ever since our tour of South Africa, Past Master Gerald Milsom has been affectionately known as Mr Culture, an apt way of describing a high-class restaurateur with a flare for entertaining. Gerald has been an enthusiastic and keen Master as well as a wonderful host, treating the livery to some gastronomic delights complemented by his excellent gifts of fine wine. In addition to our functions Gerald has dined at Embassies and Livery companies as well as being totally committed to the City of London. Spirit is a word that encapsulates the Distilling Industry and Gerald has maintained the friendship in our Livery Company. I look forward to working for another year closely with the Past Master. 23 Oct 25 Oct 4 Nov 5 Nov 9 Nov 14 Nov 15 to19 Nov 26 Nov
th th th th th th th rd
th
Visit to Burgundy as guest of liveryman Richard Wheeler. Installation Court meeting and Livery Dinner.
THE LIVERY & LADIES BANQUET On 27 September 2002 the Master Gerald Milsom, with his lady Mrs Angela Cole, dined with members of the livery and their guests in the impressive Egyptian Hall at the Mansion House in the company of the Rt Hon. The Lord Mayor Alderman Michael Oliver and his Lady. Past Master Mr Michael Druitt eloquently proposed the Civic Toast and the Lord Mayor responded proposing the toast to the Worshipful Company of Distillers. The Immediate Past Master Gerald Milsom accepts his new chain of office from the learned Clerk while the new Master looks on. THE PAST MASTER’S REPORT 2 July 9 July 11 July 16 Aug 2 Sept 20 Sept 27 Sept 30 Sept 1 Oct 9 Oct
th st th th th nd th th th nd th
At this his last official function, the Master spoke of his wonderful st year, steering the livery forward into the 21 century closer to the spirits trade and the City of London and concluded by proposing the health of the guests. The Rt. Hon the Viscount Thurso MP responded on behalf of the guests with an amusing and witty speech. Other guests included Mr Alderman and Sheriff David Brewer CMG with his Lady, Colonel Stephen Henwood TD (Regimental Colonel of the London Scottish) with his Lady, Mr Adrian Platt (Master of the Vintners Company) and his Lady, Mr Sheriff Martin Clarke with his Lady, Sir Graham Burton KCMG and Lady Burton, Mr Christopher Grose and the Hon Mrs Christopher Grose. CAROL SERVICE The second livery event in the new Master’s calendar was the th Carol Service on Friday 13 December 2002. The service, conducted by our Chaplain, the Rev David Burgess, was held at the Guild Church of St Lawrence, Jewry. The choir, bringing the festive season to the congregation, sang the Christmas hymns and anthems beautifully. There followed a Buffet Supper at the impressive premises of the Innholders Company. Past Master Gerald Milsom's son Aubrey entertained the livery with his powerful operatic singing. We are indebted to Lt Col Malcolm Scott, a now deceased liveryman, who donated a substantial sum of money to be invested in perpetuity with any income to be used to subsidise
Attended dinner as guest of the Worshipful Company of Innholders. Attended Palace. Garden Party at Buckingham
Attended dinner as guest of the Worshipful Company of Vintners. Attended Grouse Dinner as guest of the Incorporation of Maltmen, Glasgow. Meeting of Strategy committee. Attended Master Innholders Banquet. Distillers Livery and Ladies Banquet at the Mansion House. Election of Lord Mayor followed by lunch at the Innholders. Vintage festival at St Olave’s Church followed by lunch. Meeting at Vintners Hall to make arrangements for next year’s functions, followed by Dinner as the guest of the Tinplate Workers at Grocers Hall.
the members of the livery. The income has been traditionally used to subsidise the Carol service.
COURT LUNCHEON At the Court Luncheon on 12 February 2003 the Master said in his speech that all Distillers could feel proud that their financial donation would contribute to the education of two fine young people. He presented the following scholarships. THE HERIOT-WATT
th
We will be holding an evening on Thursday 27 March 2003 for all liverymen who have joined the Company since 1998, when we will be presenting the objectives of the Company, our activities and involvement with the City of London. More importantly we are seeking feedback on areas of improvement that will encourage increased membership from prominent members of the spirits industry. We hope this initiative will lead to the calling of a Common Hall, which is a business meeting of all liverymen, to encourage further participation in Company events. THE LORD MAYOR
th
The Heriot-Watt Centre for Brewing and Distilling announced the winner as Michelle Pizzi who had the best marks in the Christmas examinations. Michelle was raised in South Africa, although she lived in France for the past several years. Prior to joining Heriot-Watt to study for a MSc Michelle obtained an undergraduate degree in viticulture.
On 13 November, at the Mansion House, the Rt. Hon The Lord Mayor, Alderman Gavyn Arthur, announced that his appeal would be for Save the Children. Although this charity is well known for its work overseas, the new Lord Mayor has launched an award scheme designed to target the children and young people of London, many in boroughs neighbouring the square Mile. Donations can be sent using a Gift Aid form to the Appeals Office 020 7929 8352, Online www.thelordmayorsappeal.org or by post to: The Lord Mayor’s Appeal Walbrook House 23-29 Walbrook London EC4N 8LA
th
Michelle Pizzi accepting her scholarship from the Master WSET The Wine and Spirit Education Trust scholar is Simon Meads. This scholarship is awarded for outstanding knowledge displayed in the Trust’s Diploma, which is its top qualification. It is used to fund educational and practical study visits to UK distilleries.
The Rt. Hon Lord Mayor, Alderman Gavyn Arthur At a meeting with the masters of all livery companies, the Lord Mayor expressed his concern about the transport system in London. Regrettably the provision of public transport in the City has fallen well behind the need to sustain the economic vibrancy of London. Simon Meads accepting his award The Master concluded by offered his and the Company’s hearty congratulations to Michelle and Simon and encouraged them to take up their Freedom of the Company. STRATEGY COMMITTEE The committee continues to be active, developing initiatives to enhance the Company’s links to the spirit trade, charitable fundraising and education, as well as enhancing communication with liverymen A separate report on the new spirits education programme, in conjunction with the WSET, appears elsewhere in this edition of the Distillate. The City’s function as the world’s leading international financial business centre is heavily dependent on an efficient and attractive integrated transport system to move large numbers of people daily to enable the efficient servicing of its main activities. City businesses consistently rank transport problems as amongst their major concerns because the overall cost implications of lateness at work, loss of productivity and missed and rescheduled meetings are thought to be significant. Whilst competitors overseas have added their third or even fourth new transport scheme into their cities, Londoners are putting up with an old, unreliable system and conditions of extreme crowding. Transport solutions extend beyond the life of most elected administrations. Consequently, transport has not received
sufficient priority in the past, leaving London with today’s problems. It is essential these issues be now tackled with some urgency if London is to continue to prosper in the future. Ian Harris, the new Chief Executive of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Meetings have already been held between him and members of our Industry committee to develop further the proposed spirits education programme. The Wine and Spirit Education Trust, based in London, grew out of the Wine and Spirit Association’s Education committee and, with the financial assistance of the Worshipful Company of Distillers and the Vintners Company, was established in 1969. The Trust is a registered charity and exists to promote, provide and develop high quality education and training in wines, spirits and other alcoholic liquors for those in the wine and spirit trade or intending to join it. In 1991 the Trust’s remit was extended to include education of the general public. The core business is the three progressive qualifications of Intermediate Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma. They design courses, produce teaching and learning materials and set examinations, working through a network of registered centres around the world. About 11,000 candidates sit the Trust’s examinations each year, including over 1,000 at Diploma level. Increasingly the qualifications are intentionally recognised and a growing number of candidates sit the examinations in their home country. In 2002, WSET Awards examinations have been taken in 22 different countries and in Finnish, German and Japanese as well as English. The global wines and spirits market is becoming increasingly dynamic and the WSET are constantly updating their programme to reflect this dynamism. For example, the Intermediate Certificate will see subtle changes to the syllabus during the next year with increased emphasis on the New World and put an additional focus on service of wine and common wine faults. The key driver for the Advanced Certificate is to increase the emphasis on the practical application of wines and spirits knowledge. The examination format will therefore change to include a practical tasting paper; this change is scheduled for introduction this summer. The Diploma underwent a major review in 2001 and work is already under way to produce a revised structure, assessment strategy and content, ready for launch in summer 2003. These changes will increase the focus on commercial factors, the New World and spirits and reduce the emphasis on those categories which are currently declining. The assessment method will change to include continual assessment and project work rather than rely on traditional examination format. In order to complete the suite of qualifications, the WSET are introducing Foundation Certificate in Wines, Spirits and Associated Beverages in March 2003. All WSET qualifications are either accredited by, or in the process of submission to, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, which places them in the national qualifications framework and therefore increases their value to the student and the employer.
HMS MONTROSE HMS Montrose, a Type 23 frigate commissioned in 1993, returned from her major deployment to the South Atlantic in Easter 2002 and went into a busy, if less glamorous, period of sailing around the UK. During exercises, duties, operational training and sea trials they managed to squeeze in some visits. HMS Montrose represented the Royal Navy at Netherlands Navy Days in Den Helder and hosted many thousands of visitors each day. She played a major role in Plymouth Navy Days too and being in home waters allowed them to see some of their affiliates. However perhaps the most significant visit was to their home town of Montrose. The ship had the honour to be granted the Freedom of the county of Angus and with this ceremony outside the Montrose Academy came a full military parade. After the Freedom ceremony, the ship's company, led by the Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland, marched from Panmure Place through the town centre and back to Academy Square. A large crowd lined the streets of the main shopping centre, where Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland (FOSNNI), Rear Admiral Derek Anthony, and the Commanding Officer of HMS Montrose, Captain Matthew Parr, took the salute outside the Town House. A civic reception was subsequently held at the Town Hall. The Ship went into Rosyth Royal Dockyard in September for her major mid-term refit. Most of the ship's company left shortly after to join other units. Captain Matthew Parr went to be Deputy Flag Officer, Sea Training. The few who remain are mainly engineers, led by Lieutenant Commander Robin Young, who is also the Liaison Officer. HMS Montrose is due to emerge, refreshed and ready to go, in autumn 2003. The new Commanding Officer and Ship’s Company will join then and various trials will take place before she is finally put through her paces in an intense period of Operational Sea Training in early 2004. Until the new Ship’s company join, there will be little opportunity to host the Worshipful Company of Distillers. However HMS Montrose values her ties and looks forward to being able to renew them once she has returned to the fleet. THE WINE AND SPIRIT EDUCATION TRUST Following the retirement of Brigadier Andrew Paviour as Chief Executive, we are delighted to report that Mr Ian Harris has been appointed in his place.
Our Annual Golf Day Match versus Painters Stainers Match versus Brewers Company AN INITIATIVE AIMED AT THE SPIRITS INDUSTRY In late 2001, the Worshipful Company of Distillers approached the WSET to discuss the potential for a specific “spirits” course, which would lead to an accredited qualification. As one of the “Founding Fathers” of the Trust in 1969, the Distillers Company felt that the development of the spirits offering within the WSET’s portfolio of core qualifications had not kept pace with the demands of the spirit industry. As a result of these discussions, the Distillers Company agreed to fund the initial research into what the industry needed and, following this research, two pilot spirits courses were run by the WSET during the first three months of 2002. With the benefit of the experience gained from these pilot courses, the WSET has now started developing a formal qualification, the level 2 Intermediate Certificate in Spirits, with a goal to launching the educational programme in late 2003. An Advanced Certificate in spirits, aimed at a launch in 2004, will follow this. In order to fund the development of these new qualifications and to implement the changes demanded by the industry for its core qualifications, the WSET is approaching the spirits industry for financial assistance in the form of a Corporate Patronage initiative, in addition to specific sponsorship opportunities. We are pleased to report this has received a favourable and generous response. The objective of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust is to be “a body which provides world class qualifications, informative and entertaining courses for the trade and the consumer”. The WSET look forward to working more closely with the Worshipful Company of Distillers to achieve this object.
Wednesday 28 May 2003 Wednesday 16 July 2003 Tuesday 12 August 2003
th
th
All golfers are encouraged to participate. LIVERY NEWS ADMISSIONS TO THE FREEDOM AND LIVERY. At the Court meeting on 26 November 2002 the following were granted the Livery by redemption: Mr Dave Hughes, (Foreign Liveryman) Mr John Barnes, Mr Simon Merriam, Mr Christopher Miller Mr Anthony Pugh. and the Freedom was granted by presentation to: Mr Ian Harris and by redemption to: Mr Michael Keiller. We are delighted to welcome all of the above, who without exception will strengthen the Company’s links with the spirits industry. WHO’S WHO ON THE COURT You may find it helpful to know who is currently on the Court of the Company. MASTER, WARDENS AND IMMEDIATE PAST MASTER Master Upper Warden Middle Warden Renter Warden Immediate Past Master Robert Hobson Nigel Churton MBE Christopher Hayman David Grant Gerald Milsom
th
GOLF: Budge’s Corner
During the last season, our golfers enjoyed success in some very close matches that went to the last hole. We won against the Vintners 4 matches to 2. Andrew Paviour demonstrated his tactical skills by giving all sorts of putts in his match until the penultimate hole, when scores were all square, and he asked his opponents to sink a tiddler. You’ve guessed it, they missed and a shot to the heart of the green on the next hole secured an unlikely victory. On the new course at Burhill, in very windy conditions, Charles Minoprio became our champion for 2002 and the winner of the Budge Brooks Shield. The match against the Painter-Stainers at the New Zealand Golf Club ended in another success. In an exciting match against the Brewers Company, the result finished in an honourable draw. A three-all halved match ensured we retained our unbeaten record for the year and was a major improvement after last year’s heavy defeat at their hands. Never one to let the grass grow under his feet, Past Master Budge Brooks the Secretary of our Society has arranged the following golfing dates: Match versus Vintners Company Wednesday 2 April 2003
ASSISTANTS AND PAST MASTERS Charles Minoprio Michael Druitt Anthony Edwards Ian Coombs Robert Howell ASSISTANTS Keith Garrard Charles Maxwell David Pinchard Terry Barr Derek Plant Simon Leschallas David Sills John Doswell Jim Macdonald-Buchanan Peter Hallgarten Christopher Mitchell Richard Nicholson
HONORARY ASSISTANTS AND PAST MASTERS Col Geoffrey Churton Budge Brooks Nigel Strofton Norman Burrough Tim Morrison David Lamdin HONORARY ASSISTANTS Blair Eames Ian Brown Don Gregory Malcolm Kimmins Norman Ritchie Vincent Larvan Michael Broadbent Peter Hasslacher Nigel Strofton
The Distillate is the newsletter of the Worshipful Company of Distillers. All enquiries to: The Clerk The Worshipful Company of Distillers 71 Lincoln’s Inn Fields London WC2A 3JF T: 020 7405 7091
The Distillate
The Worshipful Company of Distillers
March 2003
Middle Warden Christopher Hayman, Upper Warden Nigel Churton MBE, the Master Robert Hobson and Renter Warden David Grant.
INSTALLATION DINNER
The Installation Court meeting, held on 26 November 2002, marked another step forward when, for the first time in the company’s history, the wife and children of the Master joined members of the livery to witness the Installation ceremony.
th
They would select a target and attach the explosive warhead to the hull, set the timer and return to the submarine waiting a safe distance outside the harbour. With veteran British operators, Mr C L Berey DSM and Mr G W Larkin, the three searched museums and found no trace of the human torpedo nicknamed “Chariot”. The Italians nicknamed their submersible “Maiale” (pig) because of its handling characteristics. An engineering company in Milton Keynes agreed to make a “Chariot” from the original plans and, as it was nearing completion, a Mark II British chariot was found in a scrap yard in Portsmouth. Robert's collection of photographs and naval documents grew and he looked for a museum to place them on display for the education and benefit of the public. Outside York is Eden Camp Museum, a six-acre site packed with Second World War history, with over a quarter of a million visitors a year and numerous awards. Here was the ideal site. His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, who had served on board HMS Valiant in 1941, performed the opening ceremony.
The Hobsons, Peter, Paul, The Master, Caroline and Valerie enjoying the Stirrup Cup. At the dinner that following the Installation, Past Master Mr Ian Coombs proposed the Guests and the response was made by Professor Gordon Ruskell, a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers and an old friend of the Master. The Master responded recalling his family connections with John Haig & Co thus explaining why Dimple Haig was served at the reception and Mannochmore 12 year old malt whisky at the end of the meal.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and the Master Professor Ruskell, the Master and Valerie Earlier, at the Court meeting, attended by members of the Livery, the new Master and Wardens took their oaths of office. ABOUT THE MASTER Robert Hobson started his career as an insurance broker working in Lloyds of London and in 1969 formed his own Insurance broking business. He was invited to join the livery by his father-in-law, Randolph Dunsire (DCL) in 1974 and has been actively involved with the livery and the City of London. Following his father’s death in 1989 he found some top-secret naval documents referring to a strange submersible used during the Second World War. Robert traced his father’s naval colleagues and documented their extraordinary wartime exploits. With the discovery that the Italian Navy had pioneered this weapon, sinking the battleships HMS Valiant and Queen Elizabeth in Alexandria harbour, Robert soon established a friendship with Admiral Birindelli, a veteran operator. In 1935 two young Italian engineers worked on their idea of sitting astride a large torpedo and steering it into an enemy harbour under cover of darkness. The Italian Ambassador Luigi Amaduzzi and the Italian Naval attaché in London, Admiral Chistiano Bettini, were also present at the ceremony, THE MASTER’S REPORT 2002: 13 Nov
th
Attended the Mansion House for the launch of the Lord Mayor’s charity, Save the Children Fund. Attended the Mansion House to listen to the Lord Mayor setting out his priorities for the forthcoming year. Of concern is transport. Attended the Incorporation of Maltmen Dinner at the Trades Hall, Glasgow.
14 Nov
th
18 Nov 2003: 14 Jan 3 Feb
rd th
th
Attended the City Food Lecture, Guildhall. Attended the Derek Melluish Memorial Lecture
10 Oct
th
Guest of Renter Warden, Christopher Hayman, at the Upholders Ladies Night at the Mansion House. Strategy committee meeting at the Caledonian Club. Searcy’s Caterers at Earls Court for tasting lunch. Guest speaker at Colchester Oyster Feast. Poppy Day service at St Paul’s Cathedral. Wine committee meeting. Attended Lord Mayor’s Show. Attended dinner as guest of Christopher Hayman at the Gin and Vodka Association.
th
16 Oct THE PAST MASTER BY THE MASTER Ever since our tour of South Africa, Past Master Gerald Milsom has been affectionately known as Mr Culture, an apt way of describing a high-class restaurateur with a flare for entertaining. Gerald has been an enthusiastic and keen Master as well as a wonderful host, treating the livery to some gastronomic delights complemented by his excellent gifts of fine wine. In addition to our functions Gerald has dined at Embassies and Livery companies as well as being totally committed to the City of London. Spirit is a word that encapsulates the Distilling Industry and Gerald has maintained the friendship in our Livery Company. I look forward to working for another year closely with the Past Master. 23 Oct 25 Oct 4 Nov 5 Nov 9 Nov 14 Nov 15 to19 Nov 26 Nov
th th th th th th th rd
th
Visit to Burgundy as guest of liveryman Richard Wheeler. Installation Court meeting and Livery Dinner.
THE LIVERY & LADIES BANQUET On 27 September 2002 the Master Gerald Milsom, with his lady Mrs Angela Cole, dined with members of the livery and their guests in the impressive Egyptian Hall at the Mansion House in the company of the Rt Hon. The Lord Mayor Alderman Michael Oliver and his Lady. Past Master Mr Michael Druitt eloquently proposed the Civic Toast and the Lord Mayor responded proposing the toast to the Worshipful Company of Distillers. The Immediate Past Master Gerald Milsom accepts his new chain of office from the learned Clerk while the new Master looks on. THE PAST MASTER’S REPORT 2 July 9 July 11 July 16 Aug 2 Sept 20 Sept 27 Sept 30 Sept 1 Oct 9 Oct
th st th th th nd th th th nd th
At this his last official function, the Master spoke of his wonderful st year, steering the livery forward into the 21 century closer to the spirits trade and the City of London and concluded by proposing the health of the guests. The Rt. Hon the Viscount Thurso MP responded on behalf of the guests with an amusing and witty speech. Other guests included Mr Alderman and Sheriff David Brewer CMG with his Lady, Colonel Stephen Henwood TD (Regimental Colonel of the London Scottish) with his Lady, Mr Adrian Platt (Master of the Vintners Company) and his Lady, Mr Sheriff Martin Clarke with his Lady, Sir Graham Burton KCMG and Lady Burton, Mr Christopher Grose and the Hon Mrs Christopher Grose. CAROL SERVICE The second livery event in the new Master’s calendar was the th Carol Service on Friday 13 December 2002. The service, conducted by our Chaplain, the Rev David Burgess, was held at the Guild Church of St Lawrence, Jewry. The choir, bringing the festive season to the congregation, sang the Christmas hymns and anthems beautifully. There followed a Buffet Supper at the impressive premises of the Innholders Company. Past Master Gerald Milsom's son Aubrey entertained the livery with his powerful operatic singing. We are indebted to Lt Col Malcolm Scott, a now deceased liveryman, who donated a substantial sum of money to be invested in perpetuity with any income to be used to subsidise
Attended dinner as guest of the Worshipful Company of Innholders. Attended Palace. Garden Party at Buckingham
Attended dinner as guest of the Worshipful Company of Vintners. Attended Grouse Dinner as guest of the Incorporation of Maltmen, Glasgow. Meeting of Strategy committee. Attended Master Innholders Banquet. Distillers Livery and Ladies Banquet at the Mansion House. Election of Lord Mayor followed by lunch at the Innholders. Vintage festival at St Olave’s Church followed by lunch. Meeting at Vintners Hall to make arrangements for next year’s functions, followed by Dinner as the guest of the Tinplate Workers at Grocers Hall.
the members of the livery. The income has been traditionally used to subsidise the Carol service.
COURT LUNCHEON At the Court Luncheon on 12 February 2003 the Master said in his speech that all Distillers could feel proud that their financial donation would contribute to the education of two fine young people. He presented the following scholarships. THE HERIOT-WATT
th
We will be holding an evening on Thursday 27 March 2003 for all liverymen who have joined the Company since 1998, when we will be presenting the objectives of the Company, our activities and involvement with the City of London. More importantly we are seeking feedback on areas of improvement that will encourage increased membership from prominent members of the spirits industry. We hope this initiative will lead to the calling of a Common Hall, which is a business meeting of all liverymen, to encourage further participation in Company events. THE LORD MAYOR
th
The Heriot-Watt Centre for Brewing and Distilling announced the winner as Michelle Pizzi who had the best marks in the Christmas examinations. Michelle was raised in South Africa, although she lived in France for the past several years. Prior to joining Heriot-Watt to study for a MSc Michelle obtained an undergraduate degree in viticulture.
On 13 November, at the Mansion House, the Rt. Hon The Lord Mayor, Alderman Gavyn Arthur, announced that his appeal would be for Save the Children. Although this charity is well known for its work overseas, the new Lord Mayor has launched an award scheme designed to target the children and young people of London, many in boroughs neighbouring the square Mile. Donations can be sent using a Gift Aid form to the Appeals Office 020 7929 8352, Online www.thelordmayorsappeal.org or by post to: The Lord Mayor’s Appeal Walbrook House 23-29 Walbrook London EC4N 8LA
th
Michelle Pizzi accepting her scholarship from the Master WSET The Wine and Spirit Education Trust scholar is Simon Meads. This scholarship is awarded for outstanding knowledge displayed in the Trust’s Diploma, which is its top qualification. It is used to fund educational and practical study visits to UK distilleries.
The Rt. Hon Lord Mayor, Alderman Gavyn Arthur At a meeting with the masters of all livery companies, the Lord Mayor expressed his concern about the transport system in London. Regrettably the provision of public transport in the City has fallen well behind the need to sustain the economic vibrancy of London. Simon Meads accepting his award The Master concluded by offered his and the Company’s hearty congratulations to Michelle and Simon and encouraged them to take up their Freedom of the Company. STRATEGY COMMITTEE The committee continues to be active, developing initiatives to enhance the Company’s links to the spirit trade, charitable fundraising and education, as well as enhancing communication with liverymen A separate report on the new spirits education programme, in conjunction with the WSET, appears elsewhere in this edition of the Distillate. The City’s function as the world’s leading international financial business centre is heavily dependent on an efficient and attractive integrated transport system to move large numbers of people daily to enable the efficient servicing of its main activities. City businesses consistently rank transport problems as amongst their major concerns because the overall cost implications of lateness at work, loss of productivity and missed and rescheduled meetings are thought to be significant. Whilst competitors overseas have added their third or even fourth new transport scheme into their cities, Londoners are putting up with an old, unreliable system and conditions of extreme crowding. Transport solutions extend beyond the life of most elected administrations. Consequently, transport has not received
sufficient priority in the past, leaving London with today’s problems. It is essential these issues be now tackled with some urgency if London is to continue to prosper in the future. Ian Harris, the new Chief Executive of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Meetings have already been held between him and members of our Industry committee to develop further the proposed spirits education programme. The Wine and Spirit Education Trust, based in London, grew out of the Wine and Spirit Association’s Education committee and, with the financial assistance of the Worshipful Company of Distillers and the Vintners Company, was established in 1969. The Trust is a registered charity and exists to promote, provide and develop high quality education and training in wines, spirits and other alcoholic liquors for those in the wine and spirit trade or intending to join it. In 1991 the Trust’s remit was extended to include education of the general public. The core business is the three progressive qualifications of Intermediate Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma. They design courses, produce teaching and learning materials and set examinations, working through a network of registered centres around the world. About 11,000 candidates sit the Trust’s examinations each year, including over 1,000 at Diploma level. Increasingly the qualifications are intentionally recognised and a growing number of candidates sit the examinations in their home country. In 2002, WSET Awards examinations have been taken in 22 different countries and in Finnish, German and Japanese as well as English. The global wines and spirits market is becoming increasingly dynamic and the WSET are constantly updating their programme to reflect this dynamism. For example, the Intermediate Certificate will see subtle changes to the syllabus during the next year with increased emphasis on the New World and put an additional focus on service of wine and common wine faults. The key driver for the Advanced Certificate is to increase the emphasis on the practical application of wines and spirits knowledge. The examination format will therefore change to include a practical tasting paper; this change is scheduled for introduction this summer. The Diploma underwent a major review in 2001 and work is already under way to produce a revised structure, assessment strategy and content, ready for launch in summer 2003. These changes will increase the focus on commercial factors, the New World and spirits and reduce the emphasis on those categories which are currently declining. The assessment method will change to include continual assessment and project work rather than rely on traditional examination format. In order to complete the suite of qualifications, the WSET are introducing Foundation Certificate in Wines, Spirits and Associated Beverages in March 2003. All WSET qualifications are either accredited by, or in the process of submission to, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, which places them in the national qualifications framework and therefore increases their value to the student and the employer.
HMS MONTROSE HMS Montrose, a Type 23 frigate commissioned in 1993, returned from her major deployment to the South Atlantic in Easter 2002 and went into a busy, if less glamorous, period of sailing around the UK. During exercises, duties, operational training and sea trials they managed to squeeze in some visits. HMS Montrose represented the Royal Navy at Netherlands Navy Days in Den Helder and hosted many thousands of visitors each day. She played a major role in Plymouth Navy Days too and being in home waters allowed them to see some of their affiliates. However perhaps the most significant visit was to their home town of Montrose. The ship had the honour to be granted the Freedom of the county of Angus and with this ceremony outside the Montrose Academy came a full military parade. After the Freedom ceremony, the ship's company, led by the Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland, marched from Panmure Place through the town centre and back to Academy Square. A large crowd lined the streets of the main shopping centre, where Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland (FOSNNI), Rear Admiral Derek Anthony, and the Commanding Officer of HMS Montrose, Captain Matthew Parr, took the salute outside the Town House. A civic reception was subsequently held at the Town Hall. The Ship went into Rosyth Royal Dockyard in September for her major mid-term refit. Most of the ship's company left shortly after to join other units. Captain Matthew Parr went to be Deputy Flag Officer, Sea Training. The few who remain are mainly engineers, led by Lieutenant Commander Robin Young, who is also the Liaison Officer. HMS Montrose is due to emerge, refreshed and ready to go, in autumn 2003. The new Commanding Officer and Ship’s Company will join then and various trials will take place before she is finally put through her paces in an intense period of Operational Sea Training in early 2004. Until the new Ship’s company join, there will be little opportunity to host the Worshipful Company of Distillers. However HMS Montrose values her ties and looks forward to being able to renew them once she has returned to the fleet. THE WINE AND SPIRIT EDUCATION TRUST Following the retirement of Brigadier Andrew Paviour as Chief Executive, we are delighted to report that Mr Ian Harris has been appointed in his place.
Our Annual Golf Day Match versus Painters Stainers Match versus Brewers Company AN INITIATIVE AIMED AT THE SPIRITS INDUSTRY In late 2001, the Worshipful Company of Distillers approached the WSET to discuss the potential for a specific “spirits” course, which would lead to an accredited qualification. As one of the “Founding Fathers” of the Trust in 1969, the Distillers Company felt that the development of the spirits offering within the WSET’s portfolio of core qualifications had not kept pace with the demands of the spirit industry. As a result of these discussions, the Distillers Company agreed to fund the initial research into what the industry needed and, following this research, two pilot spirits courses were run by the WSET during the first three months of 2002. With the benefit of the experience gained from these pilot courses, the WSET has now started developing a formal qualification, the level 2 Intermediate Certificate in Spirits, with a goal to launching the educational programme in late 2003. An Advanced Certificate in spirits, aimed at a launch in 2004, will follow this. In order to fund the development of these new qualifications and to implement the changes demanded by the industry for its core qualifications, the WSET is approaching the spirits industry for financial assistance in the form of a Corporate Patronage initiative, in addition to specific sponsorship opportunities. We are pleased to report this has received a favourable and generous response. The objective of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust is to be “a body which provides world class qualifications, informative and entertaining courses for the trade and the consumer”. The WSET look forward to working more closely with the Worshipful Company of Distillers to achieve this object.
Wednesday 28 May 2003 Wednesday 16 July 2003 Tuesday 12 August 2003
th
th
All golfers are encouraged to participate. LIVERY NEWS ADMISSIONS TO THE FREEDOM AND LIVERY. At the Court meeting on 26 November 2002 the following were granted the Livery by redemption: Mr Dave Hughes, (Foreign Liveryman) Mr John Barnes, Mr Simon Merriam, Mr Christopher Miller Mr Anthony Pugh. and the Freedom was granted by presentation to: Mr Ian Harris and by redemption to: Mr Michael Keiller. We are delighted to welcome all of the above, who without exception will strengthen the Company’s links with the spirits industry. WHO’S WHO ON THE COURT You may find it helpful to know who is currently on the Court of the Company. MASTER, WARDENS AND IMMEDIATE PAST MASTER Master Upper Warden Middle Warden Renter Warden Immediate Past Master Robert Hobson Nigel Churton MBE Christopher Hayman David Grant Gerald Milsom
th
GOLF: Budge’s Corner
During the last season, our golfers enjoyed success in some very close matches that went to the last hole. We won against the Vintners 4 matches to 2. Andrew Paviour demonstrated his tactical skills by giving all sorts of putts in his match until the penultimate hole, when scores were all square, and he asked his opponents to sink a tiddler. You’ve guessed it, they missed and a shot to the heart of the green on the next hole secured an unlikely victory. On the new course at Burhill, in very windy conditions, Charles Minoprio became our champion for 2002 and the winner of the Budge Brooks Shield. The match against the Painter-Stainers at the New Zealand Golf Club ended in another success. In an exciting match against the Brewers Company, the result finished in an honourable draw. A three-all halved match ensured we retained our unbeaten record for the year and was a major improvement after last year’s heavy defeat at their hands. Never one to let the grass grow under his feet, Past Master Budge Brooks the Secretary of our Society has arranged the following golfing dates: Match versus Vintners Company Wednesday 2 April 2003
ASSISTANTS AND PAST MASTERS Charles Minoprio Michael Druitt Anthony Edwards Ian Coombs Robert Howell ASSISTANTS Keith Garrard Charles Maxwell David Pinchard Terry Barr Derek Plant Simon Leschallas David Sills John Doswell Jim Macdonald-Buchanan Peter Hallgarten Christopher Mitchell Richard Nicholson
HONORARY ASSISTANTS AND PAST MASTERS Col Geoffrey Churton Budge Brooks Nigel Strofton Norman Burrough Tim Morrison David Lamdin HONORARY ASSISTANTS Blair Eames Ian Brown Don Gregory Malcolm Kimmins Norman Ritchie Vincent Larvan Michael Broadbent Peter Hasslacher Nigel Strofton
The Distillate is the newsletter of the Worshipful Company of Distillers. All enquiries to: The Clerk The Worshipful Company of Distillers 71 Lincoln’s Inn Fields London WC2A 3JF T: 020 7405 7091
