The Distillate - Spring 2005
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The Distillate
The Worshipful Company of Distillers
Spring 2005
The Master and Wardens after their installation. From left to right: Middle Warden Keith Garrard, Upper Warden David Grant, the Master Christopher Hayman, Renter Warden Derek Plant and the Learned Clerk, Christopher Hughes. INSTALLATION DINNER On Tuesday 9 November 2004 the new Master, Christopher Hayman, was installed in front of the Court and Livery. The Master’s wife Karin, Miranda and James (both liverymen) watched the ancient ceremony as the Master took the oath of office. At the same ceremony the new Wardens were appointed: Upper Warden David Grant Middle Warden Keith Garrard Renter Warden Derek Plant The Master’s guest speaker was his stepbrother, Lord Moynihan, who is shadow Minister for Sport. He gave a very humorous and entertaining speech. The Master replied and, after announcing the Company’s donation of £50,000 towards the purchase of a new WSET building and the “Distillers” Lecture Room, he outlined his plans for the year, including organising some informal dinners for the Livery and a Float in the 2005 Lord Mayor'’ Show. He also
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wants to continue the development of the various educational projects.
Christopher Hayman together with his family, who were present at his installation as Master.
Charity Fund, as well as working towards our long-held objective of being regarded as “the Hub of the Spirits Trade”. As a Livery, we are very fortunate to be supported by a thriving trade. I thank you all for your marvellous support. The events attended since the Master’s installation were as follows: 2004: th 10 Nov th 11 Nov th 15 Nov nd 22 Nov th 24 Nov th 26 Nov nd 2 Dec th 6 Dec th 6 Dec th 6 Dec th 7 Dec th 15 Dec th 20 Dec 2005: th 13 Jan th 14 Jan 20 Jan th 25 Jan th 27 Jan st 31 Jan th 7 Feb st 21 Feb th 24 Feb th 8 March th 11 March th 15 March th 15 March th 18 March The Masters and Wardens of the Distillers and Vintners with the Chilean Ambassador prior to the luncheon hosted by the Ambassador. I have enjoyed a variety of invitations, including a “Call my Bluff” evening with wine in place of words at the Mansion House to raise funds for the Red Cross, to the auction of a Fabergé Trafalgar Egg to benefit the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. I enjoyed a Court Dinner in Burns style at the Fletchers’ Company. One of the surprise events was attending a Graduation Ceremony of the City University at the Guildhall. Sixty Masters processed into the Guildhall to witness the students receiving their degrees from the Lord Mayor, a short lecture given by Sir John Bond, Chairman of HSBC, followed by a very pleasant lunch in the Crypt of Guildhall. On the education front, I was delighted to present the first ever Company award for the best student in the Professional Certificate in Spirits at the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Awards evening. As you know, both David Grant and I have worked for a number of years to achieve this new course and meet the educational objectives of our Company. This was a very rewarding occasion. At the February lunch, I presented awards to the two MSc students from the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University. We enjoy a close relationship with the ICBD through our Annual Lecture held in May as well as supporting them in a number of other ways. At the lunch Roy Summers, Chairman and Prof. Graham Stewart, Director of the ICBD, were both present. In my role as ambassador for the Company I take every opportunity to ensure that other livery companies and City Institutions know of the growing strengths and developments of our Company. We can be proud of our educational achievements and our determination to further build up our 31 March 1 April
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THE MASTER’S REPORT: My First 100 Days as Master The 9th November 2004 will always be a very special day for me being installed as Master of our Company. I felt both very excited at the prospect but also apprehensive. I reiterate my thanks to the members of the Court for my election and their confidence in me. I feel very privileged to become your Master. During my first one hundred days, I have been involved in a number of duties including chairing a Court meeting and some of our own committee meetings, attending our Carol Service as well as the February Lunch. I have also been ambassador for the Company at a number of events in and around the City.
Wine Trades’ Foundation Reception Gin & Vodka Trade Association Annual Dinner Incorporation of Maltmen Annual Dinner City of London Red Cross Evening Festival of St Cecelia at Westminster Abbey Environmental Cleaners Ladies Banquet Ark Foundation Lecture City University Graduation Ceremony Masters Luncheon at Guildhall City University Court Meeting and Supper Lord Mayor’s Address at Mansion House Distillers Carol Service British Library Oral History Project Fletchers Burns Dinner Wine and Spirits Trades’ Benevolent Society Annual Luncheon Upholders Dinner City Food Lecture and Supper at Guildhall Blacksmiths Company Dinner WSET Awards Evening City of London Guide Lecturers Association Lunch with Chilean Ambassador World Traders Reception Masters Meeting at Brewers Hall Whisky Live at Royal Horticultural Halls Masters and Clerks Lunch Tallow Chandlers Haberdashers Dinner United Guilds Service at St Paul’s followed by Lunch at Brewers Hall Visit by Master & Wardens to Allied Distillers and Thames Distillers Visit to Greenwich Distillers
THE IMMEDIATE PAST MASTER’S REPORT Immediate Past Master Nigel Churton MBE reported to the November Court meeting that he had, during his year, represented the Company at most of the events to which he had been invited. He had made friends with many other livery companies and spread the word about the Distillers throughout the City at every opportunity. During his year Nigel has led the various committees with enthusiasm and endeavoured to energise the younger liverymen through a supper at his offices last October. This successful idea will be repeated in the future. Our Company is in good heart with the recruitment efforts of the last few years bearing fruit with record attendance at our events.
The newly installed Master, Christopher Hayman, congratulates the Immediate Past Master, Nigel Churton, on an outstanding year of office. ANOTHER GIANT LEAP FORWARD The Worshipful Company of Distillers has provided further financial support to the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in their latest ambitious venture. The WSET have been given notice to leave their offices in Five Kings House, as the building is to be renovated and re-let. The Trustees began looking for alternative accommodation, comprising of lecture rooms and office facilities. In view of the rapidly expanding education programme the Trustees concluded that the time was right to own their own premises. They have identified a suitable freehold building near London Bridge station that can be refurbished to meet their current and future requirements. The Immediate Past Master Nigel Churton together with our Learned Clerk, the Chancellor and other members of the Court met with the WSET Trustees to discuss their budget and business plan. Ian Harris, the Chief Executive of the WSET, sought sponsorship of a lecture room that will bear our Livery th Company’s name. At the Court meeting on 9 November 2004 it was agreed to support the project with a £50,000 donation. A side benefit to our Company is that it should enable us to utilise the premises to provide a permanent display of our history and memorabilia within our lecture room. Contracts were rd exchanged on the 3 March 2005, which marks another exciting phase in the development of the WSET and our involvement therein. THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF DISTILLERS LECTURE ROOM The Master, Wardens and Learned Clerk are currently reviewing all the Company’s memorabilia with a view to locating it in a locked cabinet on display in our new room. Amongst the many artefacts is our ancient Royal Charter, trophies, dirks, miniature stills and Past Masters badges. CAROL SERVICE Following a champagne reception at St Lawrence Jewry on th Wednesday 15 December 2004, the Master welcomed the congregation. The Company’s Chaplain, the Reverend Prebendary David Burgess Guild Vicar of St Lawrence Jewry, conducted the service. Following the service a supper was held at the Innholders Hall, the cost of which was subsidised by the trust set up by Malcolm Scott. Dr Martin Purvis and Mr Richard Taylor, joint winners of the Heriot-Watt scholarship, receiving their award from the Master at the February Lunch. OUR FLOAT AT THE LORD MAYORS SHOW This year the Master, Christopher Hayman, is organising a Worshipful Company of Distillers float at the Lord Mayor’s show. It will be the first time your Company has been represented in this prestigious day and the Master and David Raines are busy designing the display. Anyone who may be prepared to assist please contact the Master. Obviously all liverymen are encouraged to attend this very popular family day in the life of the City. The date for your diary th is 12 November 2005. FEBRUARY LUNCHEON The Master presented the Company Awards and Scholarships to MSc students at the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (Heriot-Watt University), as well as two winners from the WSET for their overall success in the Diploma in Professional Spirits examinations. The Master’s guest speaker was Dr Jonathan Charkham CBE who is a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Upholders. Jonathan served as Sheriff of the City of London and more recently as Chief Commoner. The Master replied to his Toast.
The Master’s party enjoying a glass of wine at the reception following the Carol Service.
The Master together with his wife, Karin, at the Installation Dinner HMS MONTROSE Since the last update HMS Montrose has had a number of overseas assignments. In July 2004 the ship was in Zeebrugge to support the Belgian Navy Days. October saw the programme being dominated by the rescue of the Canadian submarine HMCS Chicoutimi, which featured heavily on our national news. Early November involved one of the largest maritime operations that takes place periodically around the Scottish coast, exercising with vessels and aircraft from nine other NATO and European nations. At the end of January 2005 HMS Montrose sailed from Devonport to the Gulf region. During this time she has been in Gibraltar, Egypt, Dubai, Aden and patrolling off South Africa. We are delighted that HMS Montrose is returning to the UK and that her Captain, Commander Andrew Webb BSc, will be attending our April Dinner. Andrew joined the Royal Navy in 1986 spending a great deal of time in the Hong Kong Squadron, and then in home waters, before volunteering for service in submarines. Returning to the surface flotilla in 1995, Andrew was appointed to HMS London before joining HMS Marlborough. Selected for promotion to Commander, he was appointed to the Directorate of Naval Operations in the Ministry of Defence where he served until taking command of HMS Montrose in August 2003. Liverymen will already have received a letter from David Raines advising of potential opportunities to visit the ship and/or experience a passage. The editor cannot too strongly recommend such an opportunity. Apart from the experience of being on board one of the foremost ships of the Royal Navy, you will be so impressed by the quality and stature of the officers and crew. An unforgettable experience and to be recommended. GOLF: Budge’s Corner All those members wishing to join the Golfing Society should contact Past Master Budge Brooks on 020 8398 1010. The golf matches for the forthcoming year are normally all day, with the morning round followed by an excellent luncheon and a few casual holes thereafter. On Wednesday 30 March we played the Vintners Company at Royal Wimbledon, avenging by an identical margin (5-1) our heavy defeat of last year. Future events include: Monday 9 May Painter Stainers Company at Tandridge. th Tuesday 9 Aug Brewers Company at Denham. The Annual Golf Meeting will take place at Burhill on Thursday nd 2 June to play for the Budge Brooks Shield. Finally the match against the City livery members of West Kent Golf Club will be th played on Friday 8 July. We meet at midday for a light lunch followed by a stableford competition and dinner.
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Our new Beadle, Roy Warman, with the Master. LIVERY MEMBERSHIP ADMISSIONS TO THE FREEDOM AND LIVERY At the Court meeting on 9 November 2004 His Grace the Duke of Argyll, James Cockeram and Miss Emma Fox were granted the Freedom by redemption At the same meeting the following Freemen were granted the livery by redemption; Robert Cecil, Nicholas Cook, Ian Jamieson, James Jaffrey, Christopher Pexton and Christopher Searle. At the Court meeting on 10 February 2005 Ronald Cox, Stuart Gunn, Neil Alexander, Herdman McKerrow and Mrs Susan Peters were granted the Freedom by redemption. Matthew Johnson was granted the Freedom by servitude Finally Emma Fox and Timothy Stanley-Clarke were granted livery by redemption.
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Tim Stanley-Clarke and Emma Fox together with the Master after their installation as liverymen of the Company THE BEADLE As reported in an earlier edition of the Distillate, our Beadle for three years, Ken Tappenden, has had to resign due to ill health. th At the Court meeting on 9 November 2004 the then Master, Nigel Churton MBE, thanked Ken for his loyal and devoted service to the Company and made a presentation to him.
Ken Tappenden with the now Immediate Past Master after his presentation to mark his retirement as Beadle of the Company. The Court agreed the appointment of a new Beadle, Roy Warman, who formally took up his duties at the Court meeting th on 10 February 2005. Roy is a Freeman of the City of London and a member of the Guild of Freeman. He trained as a toastmaster and has been employed by various London West End hotels, the House of Commons and officiated at many weddings. He is also Beadle for the Worshipful Company of Management Consultants. Roy enjoys playing golf and all types of music. SPIRITS QUALIFICATION REACHES THE DOUBLE CENTURY. Following the successful launch of the Spirits qualification by the Worshipful Company of Distillers and the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, over 200 students have been through the course and gained the Professional Certificate in Spirits, both in the UK and internationally. The WSET plan to hold a Professional Spirits Certificate course in Scotland in 2005 for interested Liverymen. Liverymen are urged to support these courses, through encouraging and initiating participation by their companies. The WSET have produced a brochure about the course which can be obtained from Jo Williamson at Five Kings House, 1 Queen Street Place, London ECR 1QS or through email at jwilliamson@wset.co.uk. Details are also available on the website: www.wset.co.uk. WATCH THIS SPACE The Master and his Wardens have made inspection visits to three distilleries within the London area, namely Allied, Thames and Greenwich Distillers. The objective is to remind them of our history and heritage and to present to them a framed licence at our April Dinner, allowing them to continue the art of distillation! The Company is also arranging other small functions for the benefit of livery members. This includes informal dinners, a spirits tasting with speakers to give an educational talk and to arrange visits throughout the United Kingdom to various distilling companies. NEW LIVERYMAN’S EVENING On Wednesday 9 March 2005 a New Liveryman evening was held at the Caledonian Club with the object of informing new members of the aims and objectives of this Livery Company. After the reception the Master gave a talk illustrated with a slide show comprehensively covering of the Company’s past, present and future aspirations. Questions were invited from the floor and some very good suggestions were made for the Strategy committee to implement. There followed an informal dinner where liverymen could get to know one another. There were 36 attendees, made up of new liverymen and their sponsors. This very successful event will be repeated in 2007.
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The Master emphasises another point during his excellent presentation to new liverymen at the meeting held at the Caledonian Club in March.
OUR OWN GLEN MORAY Recently a guest of Past Master Norman Burrough donated a cask of Speyside malt whisky to the Company. On further investigation the cask of single malt whisky turned out to have been distilled by the Glen Moray Distillery back in February 1980. The gift was extremely generous. The Glen Moray, at cask strength, was drunk at the February Luncheon. The remaining whisky will be bottled and be available for purchase during the late summer to benefit the Charity Fund. Glen Moray Distillery was established in 1897 and sits on the bank of the River Lossie in Elgin. The distillery was originally a brewery and is open to visitors. A NEW CHAIRMAN Liveryman Francis Pearson was elected Chairman of the Midland Wine & Spirit Association at their Annual General th Meeting held on 15 February 2005. Francis was determined to th make their 99 Annual Luncheon a special occasion as it began their Centenary celebrations.
A happy group joins Chairman Francis Pearson before tackling the Verdelho 1905. Lucky devils! The lunch was held at the International Exhibition Centre in Birmingham and the Drinks Livery Companies were represented by John Avery, Master of the Vintners, Richard Everard, Master
of the Brewers and our own Master. In addition Robin Walters, President of the Wine & Spirit Association, was present as well as Liveryman Michael Campbell, Director of the Wine & Spirit Trades’ Benevolent Fund. Francis had spent a considerable time in selecting his menu and wines. At the end of the lunch the guests were fortunate enough to taste D’Oliveras Reserva Verdelho 1905 Madeira to celebrate the Centenary. The Distillers’ Livery was much in evidence as Sir George Bull replied on behalf of the guests. John Barratt was successful in guessing both the shipper and the vintage of the port, which helped to raise £2,000 for the benefit of the Benevolent. Francis has spent all his working life involved in the wine and spirit trade and now operates his own agency and shipping business called Pearson-French and owns “Combe Hay” vineyard near Bath. Francis joined the Livery in 1998. As Chairman he will have a busy year, as he is involved in running educational tastings and tours and plans to visit Champagne, Chablis and Burgundy.
Thank you for returning answers to our last puzzle. Well done to Michael Druitt who had 18 correct answers. The answers to our last puzzle, all being types of confectionery: 1. 3. 5. 7. 9. 11. 13 15. 17. 19. Jelly Babies Bounty Black Magic Mars Bar Chocolate Buttons Kit Kat Smarties Dairy Box Twirl Humbug 2. Milky Way 4. Fisherman’s friend 6. Twix 8. Quality Street 10. Wine Gums 12. Milky Bar 14. Polo 16. Tunes 18. After Eight 20. Milk Tray
FORTHCOMING EVENTS AND DATES 2005 21 April th 9 May st 21 May nd 2 June th 13 June th 14 July th 9 Aug th 29 Sept rd 3 Oct th 4 Oct th 16 Nov
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WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY You may find it helpful to know who is on the Court and committees of the Company. MEMBERS OF THE COURT Master Upper Warden Middle Warden Renter Warden Immediate Past Master Christopher Hayman David Grant Keith Garrard Derek Plant Nigel Churton MBE
Court meeting and Dinner Benevolent Banquet Court trip to Kentucky Golf Day at Burhill Court Meeting and Lunch (Court only) Golf v Painters Stainers Golf v Brewers Common Hall Lord Mayor Keeper of Quaich Dinner Harvest Festival at St Olave’s Installation Court meeting and Dinner
PUZZLE CORNER Twenty Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Which has more calories: fat or sugar? What year did wearing seat belts become compulsory? How many old pennies in a pound? What did British motorists have to contend with for the first time in 1960? What year did Concorde first fly? How many pints of milk could be bought for £1 in 1914: 60, 110, 120 or 240? Fortunes can be told by it but in 1785 it cost a fortune itself. What is it? Which was Shakespeare’s last play? Baker John Farynor should have been more careful. Why? What does the mnemonic “run off you girls and boys in view” tell us? What remained closed for 3,000 years until February 1923? Who was the first well-known person to be born by Caesarean section? What is the first word in the English dictionary? Which musical is set around the performance of “Taming of the Shrew”? Which six letter word contains no vowels? Which of these is the odd one out: cat, storm, needle or banana? Which London Street name contains six consonants together (not separated by a vowel)? Which has the fewest calories: a shot of gin, a glass of medium sherry or a 4oz glass of wine? Why did Pat Simmons stop talking on 2 April 1985? Which French artist painted a landscape of Penge station?
ASSISTANTS AND PAST MASTERS Charles Minoprio Richard Nicholson James Macdonald-Buchanan Robert Howell Michael Druitt Gerald Milsom Christopher Mitchell Robert Hobson Ian Coombs ASSISTANTS Charles Maxwell (The Chancellor) Simon Leschallas David Sills Terry Barr John Doswell Anthony Westnedge David Raines Allan Cheesman Bryan Burrough David Pinchard
Bryan Burrough, son of the late Past Master Alan Burrough, with the Master after his installation as a Court Assistant in February 2005. HONORARY ASSISTANTS AND PAST MASTERS Col Geoffrey Churton (Father of the Company) Peter Hasslacher Vincent Larvan Budge Brooks Nigel Strofton David Lamdin Tim Morrison Norman Burrough Peter Hallgarten Michael Broadbent Anthony Edwards HONORARY ASSISTANTS Don Gregory Malcolm Kimmins CVO Christopher Parker
All enquiries to: The Clerk
The Worshipful Company of Distillers
71 Lincoln’s Inn Fields London WC2A 3JF Tel: 020 7405 7091
The Distillate
The Worshipful Company of Distillers
Spring 2005
The Master and Wardens after their installation. From left to right: Middle Warden Keith Garrard, Upper Warden David Grant, the Master Christopher Hayman, Renter Warden Derek Plant and the Learned Clerk, Christopher Hughes. INSTALLATION DINNER On Tuesday 9 November 2004 the new Master, Christopher Hayman, was installed in front of the Court and Livery. The Master’s wife Karin, Miranda and James (both liverymen) watched the ancient ceremony as the Master took the oath of office. At the same ceremony the new Wardens were appointed: Upper Warden David Grant Middle Warden Keith Garrard Renter Warden Derek Plant The Master’s guest speaker was his stepbrother, Lord Moynihan, who is shadow Minister for Sport. He gave a very humorous and entertaining speech. The Master replied and, after announcing the Company’s donation of £50,000 towards the purchase of a new WSET building and the “Distillers” Lecture Room, he outlined his plans for the year, including organising some informal dinners for the Livery and a Float in the 2005 Lord Mayor'’ Show. He also
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wants to continue the development of the various educational projects.
Christopher Hayman together with his family, who were present at his installation as Master.
Charity Fund, as well as working towards our long-held objective of being regarded as “the Hub of the Spirits Trade”. As a Livery, we are very fortunate to be supported by a thriving trade. I thank you all for your marvellous support. The events attended since the Master’s installation were as follows: 2004: th 10 Nov th 11 Nov th 15 Nov nd 22 Nov th 24 Nov th 26 Nov nd 2 Dec th 6 Dec th 6 Dec th 6 Dec th 7 Dec th 15 Dec th 20 Dec 2005: th 13 Jan th 14 Jan 20 Jan th 25 Jan th 27 Jan st 31 Jan th 7 Feb st 21 Feb th 24 Feb th 8 March th 11 March th 15 March th 15 March th 18 March The Masters and Wardens of the Distillers and Vintners with the Chilean Ambassador prior to the luncheon hosted by the Ambassador. I have enjoyed a variety of invitations, including a “Call my Bluff” evening with wine in place of words at the Mansion House to raise funds for the Red Cross, to the auction of a Fabergé Trafalgar Egg to benefit the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. I enjoyed a Court Dinner in Burns style at the Fletchers’ Company. One of the surprise events was attending a Graduation Ceremony of the City University at the Guildhall. Sixty Masters processed into the Guildhall to witness the students receiving their degrees from the Lord Mayor, a short lecture given by Sir John Bond, Chairman of HSBC, followed by a very pleasant lunch in the Crypt of Guildhall. On the education front, I was delighted to present the first ever Company award for the best student in the Professional Certificate in Spirits at the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Awards evening. As you know, both David Grant and I have worked for a number of years to achieve this new course and meet the educational objectives of our Company. This was a very rewarding occasion. At the February lunch, I presented awards to the two MSc students from the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University. We enjoy a close relationship with the ICBD through our Annual Lecture held in May as well as supporting them in a number of other ways. At the lunch Roy Summers, Chairman and Prof. Graham Stewart, Director of the ICBD, were both present. In my role as ambassador for the Company I take every opportunity to ensure that other livery companies and City Institutions know of the growing strengths and developments of our Company. We can be proud of our educational achievements and our determination to further build up our 31 March 1 April
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THE MASTER’S REPORT: My First 100 Days as Master The 9th November 2004 will always be a very special day for me being installed as Master of our Company. I felt both very excited at the prospect but also apprehensive. I reiterate my thanks to the members of the Court for my election and their confidence in me. I feel very privileged to become your Master. During my first one hundred days, I have been involved in a number of duties including chairing a Court meeting and some of our own committee meetings, attending our Carol Service as well as the February Lunch. I have also been ambassador for the Company at a number of events in and around the City.
Wine Trades’ Foundation Reception Gin & Vodka Trade Association Annual Dinner Incorporation of Maltmen Annual Dinner City of London Red Cross Evening Festival of St Cecelia at Westminster Abbey Environmental Cleaners Ladies Banquet Ark Foundation Lecture City University Graduation Ceremony Masters Luncheon at Guildhall City University Court Meeting and Supper Lord Mayor’s Address at Mansion House Distillers Carol Service British Library Oral History Project Fletchers Burns Dinner Wine and Spirits Trades’ Benevolent Society Annual Luncheon Upholders Dinner City Food Lecture and Supper at Guildhall Blacksmiths Company Dinner WSET Awards Evening City of London Guide Lecturers Association Lunch with Chilean Ambassador World Traders Reception Masters Meeting at Brewers Hall Whisky Live at Royal Horticultural Halls Masters and Clerks Lunch Tallow Chandlers Haberdashers Dinner United Guilds Service at St Paul’s followed by Lunch at Brewers Hall Visit by Master & Wardens to Allied Distillers and Thames Distillers Visit to Greenwich Distillers
THE IMMEDIATE PAST MASTER’S REPORT Immediate Past Master Nigel Churton MBE reported to the November Court meeting that he had, during his year, represented the Company at most of the events to which he had been invited. He had made friends with many other livery companies and spread the word about the Distillers throughout the City at every opportunity. During his year Nigel has led the various committees with enthusiasm and endeavoured to energise the younger liverymen through a supper at his offices last October. This successful idea will be repeated in the future. Our Company is in good heart with the recruitment efforts of the last few years bearing fruit with record attendance at our events.
The newly installed Master, Christopher Hayman, congratulates the Immediate Past Master, Nigel Churton, on an outstanding year of office. ANOTHER GIANT LEAP FORWARD The Worshipful Company of Distillers has provided further financial support to the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in their latest ambitious venture. The WSET have been given notice to leave their offices in Five Kings House, as the building is to be renovated and re-let. The Trustees began looking for alternative accommodation, comprising of lecture rooms and office facilities. In view of the rapidly expanding education programme the Trustees concluded that the time was right to own their own premises. They have identified a suitable freehold building near London Bridge station that can be refurbished to meet their current and future requirements. The Immediate Past Master Nigel Churton together with our Learned Clerk, the Chancellor and other members of the Court met with the WSET Trustees to discuss their budget and business plan. Ian Harris, the Chief Executive of the WSET, sought sponsorship of a lecture room that will bear our Livery th Company’s name. At the Court meeting on 9 November 2004 it was agreed to support the project with a £50,000 donation. A side benefit to our Company is that it should enable us to utilise the premises to provide a permanent display of our history and memorabilia within our lecture room. Contracts were rd exchanged on the 3 March 2005, which marks another exciting phase in the development of the WSET and our involvement therein. THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF DISTILLERS LECTURE ROOM The Master, Wardens and Learned Clerk are currently reviewing all the Company’s memorabilia with a view to locating it in a locked cabinet on display in our new room. Amongst the many artefacts is our ancient Royal Charter, trophies, dirks, miniature stills and Past Masters badges. CAROL SERVICE Following a champagne reception at St Lawrence Jewry on th Wednesday 15 December 2004, the Master welcomed the congregation. The Company’s Chaplain, the Reverend Prebendary David Burgess Guild Vicar of St Lawrence Jewry, conducted the service. Following the service a supper was held at the Innholders Hall, the cost of which was subsidised by the trust set up by Malcolm Scott. Dr Martin Purvis and Mr Richard Taylor, joint winners of the Heriot-Watt scholarship, receiving their award from the Master at the February Lunch. OUR FLOAT AT THE LORD MAYORS SHOW This year the Master, Christopher Hayman, is organising a Worshipful Company of Distillers float at the Lord Mayor’s show. It will be the first time your Company has been represented in this prestigious day and the Master and David Raines are busy designing the display. Anyone who may be prepared to assist please contact the Master. Obviously all liverymen are encouraged to attend this very popular family day in the life of the City. The date for your diary th is 12 November 2005. FEBRUARY LUNCHEON The Master presented the Company Awards and Scholarships to MSc students at the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (Heriot-Watt University), as well as two winners from the WSET for their overall success in the Diploma in Professional Spirits examinations. The Master’s guest speaker was Dr Jonathan Charkham CBE who is a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Upholders. Jonathan served as Sheriff of the City of London and more recently as Chief Commoner. The Master replied to his Toast.
The Master’s party enjoying a glass of wine at the reception following the Carol Service.
The Master together with his wife, Karin, at the Installation Dinner HMS MONTROSE Since the last update HMS Montrose has had a number of overseas assignments. In July 2004 the ship was in Zeebrugge to support the Belgian Navy Days. October saw the programme being dominated by the rescue of the Canadian submarine HMCS Chicoutimi, which featured heavily on our national news. Early November involved one of the largest maritime operations that takes place periodically around the Scottish coast, exercising with vessels and aircraft from nine other NATO and European nations. At the end of January 2005 HMS Montrose sailed from Devonport to the Gulf region. During this time she has been in Gibraltar, Egypt, Dubai, Aden and patrolling off South Africa. We are delighted that HMS Montrose is returning to the UK and that her Captain, Commander Andrew Webb BSc, will be attending our April Dinner. Andrew joined the Royal Navy in 1986 spending a great deal of time in the Hong Kong Squadron, and then in home waters, before volunteering for service in submarines. Returning to the surface flotilla in 1995, Andrew was appointed to HMS London before joining HMS Marlborough. Selected for promotion to Commander, he was appointed to the Directorate of Naval Operations in the Ministry of Defence where he served until taking command of HMS Montrose in August 2003. Liverymen will already have received a letter from David Raines advising of potential opportunities to visit the ship and/or experience a passage. The editor cannot too strongly recommend such an opportunity. Apart from the experience of being on board one of the foremost ships of the Royal Navy, you will be so impressed by the quality and stature of the officers and crew. An unforgettable experience and to be recommended. GOLF: Budge’s Corner All those members wishing to join the Golfing Society should contact Past Master Budge Brooks on 020 8398 1010. The golf matches for the forthcoming year are normally all day, with the morning round followed by an excellent luncheon and a few casual holes thereafter. On Wednesday 30 March we played the Vintners Company at Royal Wimbledon, avenging by an identical margin (5-1) our heavy defeat of last year. Future events include: Monday 9 May Painter Stainers Company at Tandridge. th Tuesday 9 Aug Brewers Company at Denham. The Annual Golf Meeting will take place at Burhill on Thursday nd 2 June to play for the Budge Brooks Shield. Finally the match against the City livery members of West Kent Golf Club will be th played on Friday 8 July. We meet at midday for a light lunch followed by a stableford competition and dinner.
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Our new Beadle, Roy Warman, with the Master. LIVERY MEMBERSHIP ADMISSIONS TO THE FREEDOM AND LIVERY At the Court meeting on 9 November 2004 His Grace the Duke of Argyll, James Cockeram and Miss Emma Fox were granted the Freedom by redemption At the same meeting the following Freemen were granted the livery by redemption; Robert Cecil, Nicholas Cook, Ian Jamieson, James Jaffrey, Christopher Pexton and Christopher Searle. At the Court meeting on 10 February 2005 Ronald Cox, Stuart Gunn, Neil Alexander, Herdman McKerrow and Mrs Susan Peters were granted the Freedom by redemption. Matthew Johnson was granted the Freedom by servitude Finally Emma Fox and Timothy Stanley-Clarke were granted livery by redemption.
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Tim Stanley-Clarke and Emma Fox together with the Master after their installation as liverymen of the Company THE BEADLE As reported in an earlier edition of the Distillate, our Beadle for three years, Ken Tappenden, has had to resign due to ill health. th At the Court meeting on 9 November 2004 the then Master, Nigel Churton MBE, thanked Ken for his loyal and devoted service to the Company and made a presentation to him.
Ken Tappenden with the now Immediate Past Master after his presentation to mark his retirement as Beadle of the Company. The Court agreed the appointment of a new Beadle, Roy Warman, who formally took up his duties at the Court meeting th on 10 February 2005. Roy is a Freeman of the City of London and a member of the Guild of Freeman. He trained as a toastmaster and has been employed by various London West End hotels, the House of Commons and officiated at many weddings. He is also Beadle for the Worshipful Company of Management Consultants. Roy enjoys playing golf and all types of music. SPIRITS QUALIFICATION REACHES THE DOUBLE CENTURY. Following the successful launch of the Spirits qualification by the Worshipful Company of Distillers and the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, over 200 students have been through the course and gained the Professional Certificate in Spirits, both in the UK and internationally. The WSET plan to hold a Professional Spirits Certificate course in Scotland in 2005 for interested Liverymen. Liverymen are urged to support these courses, through encouraging and initiating participation by their companies. The WSET have produced a brochure about the course which can be obtained from Jo Williamson at Five Kings House, 1 Queen Street Place, London ECR 1QS or through email at jwilliamson@wset.co.uk. Details are also available on the website: www.wset.co.uk. WATCH THIS SPACE The Master and his Wardens have made inspection visits to three distilleries within the London area, namely Allied, Thames and Greenwich Distillers. The objective is to remind them of our history and heritage and to present to them a framed licence at our April Dinner, allowing them to continue the art of distillation! The Company is also arranging other small functions for the benefit of livery members. This includes informal dinners, a spirits tasting with speakers to give an educational talk and to arrange visits throughout the United Kingdom to various distilling companies. NEW LIVERYMAN’S EVENING On Wednesday 9 March 2005 a New Liveryman evening was held at the Caledonian Club with the object of informing new members of the aims and objectives of this Livery Company. After the reception the Master gave a talk illustrated with a slide show comprehensively covering of the Company’s past, present and future aspirations. Questions were invited from the floor and some very good suggestions were made for the Strategy committee to implement. There followed an informal dinner where liverymen could get to know one another. There were 36 attendees, made up of new liverymen and their sponsors. This very successful event will be repeated in 2007.
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The Master emphasises another point during his excellent presentation to new liverymen at the meeting held at the Caledonian Club in March.
OUR OWN GLEN MORAY Recently a guest of Past Master Norman Burrough donated a cask of Speyside malt whisky to the Company. On further investigation the cask of single malt whisky turned out to have been distilled by the Glen Moray Distillery back in February 1980. The gift was extremely generous. The Glen Moray, at cask strength, was drunk at the February Luncheon. The remaining whisky will be bottled and be available for purchase during the late summer to benefit the Charity Fund. Glen Moray Distillery was established in 1897 and sits on the bank of the River Lossie in Elgin. The distillery was originally a brewery and is open to visitors. A NEW CHAIRMAN Liveryman Francis Pearson was elected Chairman of the Midland Wine & Spirit Association at their Annual General th Meeting held on 15 February 2005. Francis was determined to th make their 99 Annual Luncheon a special occasion as it began their Centenary celebrations.
A happy group joins Chairman Francis Pearson before tackling the Verdelho 1905. Lucky devils! The lunch was held at the International Exhibition Centre in Birmingham and the Drinks Livery Companies were represented by John Avery, Master of the Vintners, Richard Everard, Master
of the Brewers and our own Master. In addition Robin Walters, President of the Wine & Spirit Association, was present as well as Liveryman Michael Campbell, Director of the Wine & Spirit Trades’ Benevolent Fund. Francis had spent a considerable time in selecting his menu and wines. At the end of the lunch the guests were fortunate enough to taste D’Oliveras Reserva Verdelho 1905 Madeira to celebrate the Centenary. The Distillers’ Livery was much in evidence as Sir George Bull replied on behalf of the guests. John Barratt was successful in guessing both the shipper and the vintage of the port, which helped to raise £2,000 for the benefit of the Benevolent. Francis has spent all his working life involved in the wine and spirit trade and now operates his own agency and shipping business called Pearson-French and owns “Combe Hay” vineyard near Bath. Francis joined the Livery in 1998. As Chairman he will have a busy year, as he is involved in running educational tastings and tours and plans to visit Champagne, Chablis and Burgundy.
Thank you for returning answers to our last puzzle. Well done to Michael Druitt who had 18 correct answers. The answers to our last puzzle, all being types of confectionery: 1. 3. 5. 7. 9. 11. 13 15. 17. 19. Jelly Babies Bounty Black Magic Mars Bar Chocolate Buttons Kit Kat Smarties Dairy Box Twirl Humbug 2. Milky Way 4. Fisherman’s friend 6. Twix 8. Quality Street 10. Wine Gums 12. Milky Bar 14. Polo 16. Tunes 18. After Eight 20. Milk Tray
FORTHCOMING EVENTS AND DATES 2005 21 April th 9 May st 21 May nd 2 June th 13 June th 14 July th 9 Aug th 29 Sept rd 3 Oct th 4 Oct th 16 Nov
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WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY You may find it helpful to know who is on the Court and committees of the Company. MEMBERS OF THE COURT Master Upper Warden Middle Warden Renter Warden Immediate Past Master Christopher Hayman David Grant Keith Garrard Derek Plant Nigel Churton MBE
Court meeting and Dinner Benevolent Banquet Court trip to Kentucky Golf Day at Burhill Court Meeting and Lunch (Court only) Golf v Painters Stainers Golf v Brewers Common Hall Lord Mayor Keeper of Quaich Dinner Harvest Festival at St Olave’s Installation Court meeting and Dinner
PUZZLE CORNER Twenty Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Which has more calories: fat or sugar? What year did wearing seat belts become compulsory? How many old pennies in a pound? What did British motorists have to contend with for the first time in 1960? What year did Concorde first fly? How many pints of milk could be bought for £1 in 1914: 60, 110, 120 or 240? Fortunes can be told by it but in 1785 it cost a fortune itself. What is it? Which was Shakespeare’s last play? Baker John Farynor should have been more careful. Why? What does the mnemonic “run off you girls and boys in view” tell us? What remained closed for 3,000 years until February 1923? Who was the first well-known person to be born by Caesarean section? What is the first word in the English dictionary? Which musical is set around the performance of “Taming of the Shrew”? Which six letter word contains no vowels? Which of these is the odd one out: cat, storm, needle or banana? Which London Street name contains six consonants together (not separated by a vowel)? Which has the fewest calories: a shot of gin, a glass of medium sherry or a 4oz glass of wine? Why did Pat Simmons stop talking on 2 April 1985? Which French artist painted a landscape of Penge station?
ASSISTANTS AND PAST MASTERS Charles Minoprio Richard Nicholson James Macdonald-Buchanan Robert Howell Michael Druitt Gerald Milsom Christopher Mitchell Robert Hobson Ian Coombs ASSISTANTS Charles Maxwell (The Chancellor) Simon Leschallas David Sills Terry Barr John Doswell Anthony Westnedge David Raines Allan Cheesman Bryan Burrough David Pinchard
Bryan Burrough, son of the late Past Master Alan Burrough, with the Master after his installation as a Court Assistant in February 2005. HONORARY ASSISTANTS AND PAST MASTERS Col Geoffrey Churton (Father of the Company) Peter Hasslacher Vincent Larvan Budge Brooks Nigel Strofton David Lamdin Tim Morrison Norman Burrough Peter Hallgarten Michael Broadbent Anthony Edwards HONORARY ASSISTANTS Don Gregory Malcolm Kimmins CVO Christopher Parker
All enquiries to: The Clerk
The Worshipful Company of Distillers
71 Lincoln’s Inn Fields London WC2A 3JF Tel: 020 7405 7091
