The Distillate - Summer 2004
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The Distillate
The Worshipful Company of Distillers
Summer 2004
From the left the Beadle Ken Tappenden, the Learned Clerk Christopher Hughes, the Master Nigel Churton and the Chaplain David Burgess. At the rear left the Renter
Warden Keith Garrard, the Middle Warden David Grant and the Upper Warden Christopher Hayman.
THE INSTALLATION DINNER On Wednesday 19 November 2003 the Company recorded an historic moment when Nigel Churton MBE was installed as Master. Watching the occasion was Past Master Geoffrey Churton MBE, MC, TD, DL, who was Master in 1975 and is the Father of the Court. This is the first time a father has witnessed his son being installed as Master and a very proud moment for both Nigel and Geoffrey and the other liverymen of the Company who were present at the ceremony. In addition the Master’s wife Kate also attended.
th
THE MASTER, NIGEL CHURTON, MBE The Master joined the Control Risks Group in 1980 as a consultant advising corporations on resolving incidents of kidnap and other forms of corporate extortion. He has personally handled or managed over 100 incidents of kidnap and product extortion worldwide. In 1982 he was appointed as the Case Manager responsible for the quality and delivery of Control Risks’ advice during major incidents. In 1985 he moved to Australia to set up Control Risks Pacific responsible for developing the company’s services into the Asia Pacific region. In 1988 he returned to London as Director of the UK operations and later the same year he was appointed Group Managing Director. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer in April 2001. He has lectured extensively around the world on security related problems including kidnap, corporate extortion, in particular product tampering, issue management, crisis management, the problems of investing in emerging markets and other security related crimes. He has had many articles published in trade publications and newspapers worldwide. He has been interviewed on both radio and television at times of major corporate crime and world events. He has contributed to the scripting of the BBC Television programme “Hypotheticals”, which places a panel of businessmen, lawyers and other relevant people into real situations and asks them to resolve them in the capacity of members of the board of the company concerned. He has also appeared on the programme as a participant. Prior to joining Control Risks he completed an apprenticeship in the Wine and Spirits Industry. This was followed by an 11-year career as a commissioned officer in The British Army, serving in Africa, the Middle East, Cyprus, Germany and the United Kingdom. He specialised in intelligence and counter-terrorism activities for which he was made a Member the Order of the British Empire (MBE). The Master is also a director of the Chester Race Company together with membership of a large number of security industry related organisations. LIVERY PROFILE
Colonel Geoffrey Churton, Mrs Alice Churton and the Master, Nigel Churton. At the dinner that followed Assistant Derek Plant welcomed the guests and the response was by Mr Richard Fildes, an old friend of the Master who eloquently reminded the Master of his past life to the amusement of the diners. Richard completed his speech proposing the health of the Master coupled with our Worshipful Company. The Master’s other guests were Mr Derek Anderson, Visitor of the Incorporation of Maltmen, Mr Phillip Gibbons, Master of the Farmers Company and Mr David Baker, Master of the Coopers Company Other guests included His Excellency Senor Mariano Fernandez the Chilean Ambassador and Marchese Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga of Tenuta San Leonardo. OUR STRATEGIC PLAN – PROGRESS REPORT Having established the Spirits education programme your committee turned its attention to the City of London and has a project to launch a City Drinks Lecture in 2005. This exciting project will be developed over the next few months. The Appeal for enhanced charitable donations from liverymen has received a mixed response. New members of the company have been very supportive and the main concentration is on securing donations from older liverymen, where deeds of covenant have expired. Should you be one of those whose deed has lapsed, could we please ask for your support by contacting the Clerk? We continue to review our plans for the future in the light of a number of our initial projects and objectives having been progressed to reality.
Many liverymen may recall responding to an enquiry to assist us in creating a database of our members, including categorising your trade or profession together with your function, skills and qualification. From this we have been able to build up a fairly accurate profile of our membership. There are 293 liverymen within the Company, of which 30 have requested to be removed from the mailing list and are treated as inactive. We have been able to identify all but 22 of the total livery and their business classification, as follows: Spirit Trade Wine (and Spirit)Trade Retail Drinks Hotels, Bars & Catering Associated Trades Brewers 31% 27% 1% 12% 8% 1%
Total Drinks related
80%
I hope you will agree that the outcome is very encouraging and reflects the present policy of seeking to recruit new liverymen from our industry, with particular emphasis on spirits. It will be interesting to see how these statistics change in the future.
not normally be able to appreciate the fine arts. His principal charity will be the Luke’s Discovery Project, which the London Symphony Orchestra has launched. The LSO has completed the restoration of a Grade 1 listed church and the orchestra will play a key role in providing education for the London Boroughs. Donations can be made, using a Gift Aid form, to the Appeals Office 020 7929 8352, Online www.thelordmayorsappeal.org or by post to: The Lord Mayors Appeal, Walbrook House, 23-29 Walbrook, London EC4N 8LA. THE CAROL SERVICE
SPIRITS QUALIFICATION The Worshipful Company of Distillers’ project to promote a new spirit qualification took another significant step forward at the end of 2003 with a trainer course for students and teachers. Attending the course Past Master Robert Hobson said, “I am pleased that our company has become so involved with the WSET in helping promote this new qualification. We see it as a real benefit for the many thousands employed in today’s booming spirits market, who appreciate that spirits, like wines, as products of nature, are full of variety and romance.” The Worshipful Company of Distillers annual carol service was th held at St Lawrence Jewry on 18 December. Our chaplain the Reverend Prebendary David Burgess conducted the festive service. A reception and supper was held at the Innholders’ Hall
Past Master Ian Coombs with his daughter Sue.
From left Ian Harris Chief Executive of the WSET with two students, Keith Garrard Renter Warden, Robert Hobson Immediate Past Master and Peter Hallgarten their tutor on liqueurs. The Worshipful Company of Distillers and the WSET together took the decision to approach the top five global spirits companies for financial assistance, namely Allied Distillers, Bacardi-Martini, Brown-Forman, Chivas Brothers and Diageo. This enabled the WSET to complete the development of the WSET Level 2 Professional Certificate in Spirits course, which would not have been possible without these companies support. The qualification objectives are to demonstrate an understanding of the key factors influencing the production of spirits and liqueurs and how these factors effect their characteristics. In addition the course advances an understanding of world markets, describes the characteristics of the many different spirits together with a systematic approach to tasting. The comprehensive course covers the history, cultural and economic influences with an understanding of social, health and safety issues. Liverymen are strongly urged to support this course, where appropriate, through encouraging and initiating participation by their companies. THE LORD MAYOR’S APPEAL The Rt. Hon the Lord Mayor, Alderman Robert Finch, was first appointed an Alderman of the City of London in 1992 and is a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Solicitors and a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors. The Lord Mayor, a keen supporter of the arts and music, has focused his charity on giving the opportunity to those who would
Mrs Hazel Gorge, Keith Wright and Chaplain David Burgess.
The Master with Pat Vallas and Past Master Budge Brooks.
FEBRUARY LUNCH On 19 February the livery lunch also marked the press launch of the WSET Professional Certificate in Spirits, an incentive started by the Worshipful Company of Distillers three years ago. As one of the “founding fathers” of the WSET in 1969 the company felt that the development of the spirits offering within the WSET portfolio of core qualifications had not kept pace with the demands of the spirit industry.
th
Heriot Watt student Mr Norihiko Kosaki with Alan Rutherford and student Miss Helg Harper who was granted the freedom of the company.
Ian Harris chief executive launches the spirit qualification. The Master presenting the Distillers award to WSET student Mr Bill Evans. The luncheon was well supported by liverymen and their guests. The Master was commended for serving spirits at the reception in recognition of the launch of the Spirit education programme. The health of the guests was proposed by liveryman Mr Richard Gilchrist in a most amusing speech and the response by an old friend of the Master, Mr Robin Baillie.
pax
The new assistants Mr David Raines, Mr Anthony Westnedge and Mr Allan Cheesman together with the Master. After the lunch the Worshipful Company of Distillers present their annual scholarships, one to a student from the Brewing and Distilling department of Heriot Watt University and the other to a student of the WSET.
The Master welcomes new liveryman Mr Tony Mair.
21 November st 1 December 18 December 2004 th 7 January th 9 January th 28 January th 12 February th 19 February rd 23 February th 24 February th 9 March 23 March th 25 March th 26 March th 29 March th 30 March 31 March 1 April THE BEADLE Kenneth Tappenden, our Beadle and Toastmaster, studied at the Medway and Maidstone College of Art before enlisting with the Royal Signals as an intelligence operative and code breaker. In 1961 he joined the Police, retiring after 31 years as an Area Commander. Ken started as a Detective Constable and rose to the rank of Detective Superintendent in charge of countless murder cases. Promoted to Chief Superintendent and Operations Commander for Kent he was responsible for the safety of Royalty, Ministers of State and foreign dignitaries as well as specialist departments for all major police organisations. Ken was the senior officer investigating the Zebrugge ferry disaster caring for the bereaved families throughout Europe. As Commander of North and West Kent, he was responsible for crowd safety at the Brands Hatch formula One Grand Prix. Ken was awarded seven Judges’ commendations and the MBE for services to the police and community. When deputy of Kent CID Ken was Secretary of The Chief Constables and Senior Officers’ Dining Mess, a position he held for nine years organising the selection of menus for the ninetytwo functions attended by Royalty, Heads of State, Senior Judges and celebrities. In 1992 he joined the National Association of Toastmasters, passing all his examinations and with successful appearances before the Court of Examiners, he was appointed President for the year 2000/01. In 1992 he became the Events Manager for the City of Rochester, planning and organising street festivals, concerts, garden parties and the Romanian State Opera Company who performed in the castle gardens. Ken’s tremendous energy and talent expanded the business to include sports functions. He became the Safety Officer for Gillingham Football Club and was Civic Banqueting Co-ordinator for receptions, charity dinners, balls and corporate functions as well as arranging events for the Royal Shakespeare Company, tour productions for ballet, jazz and West End shows. Ken is also Beadle to the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators, the relief Beadle to the Worshipful Companies of Loriners and Butchers and acts as Toastmaster at Guildhall Banquets and many other City functions. Ken is married to Pauline and they have two children. THE MASTER’S REPORT 2003 th 19 November
st st rd th
st
Royal Motor Yacht Club dinner Circle of Wine Writers reception at Argentine Embassy Carol Service Woolmens dinner Wine & Spirit Benevolent Fund annual lunch Guild of Air Pilots & Navigators lecture Derek Melluish lecture Distillers Court meeting and luncheon WSET annual lecture Chartered Architects lecture Tallow Chandlers luncheon City of London School concert Society of Apothecaries dinner Lord Mayor’s Banquet United Guild’s Service Company of Security Professionals dinner Hosted luncheon for Master and Wardens of the Vintners Company City University Chancellor’s dinner at Mansion House Heriot Watt University dinner to mark 100 years of brewing & distilling
The Master’s guest Mr Billy Whitbread proposed the health of the Master.
ADMISSIONS TO THE FREEDOM AND LIVERY. FREEDOM: th 29 November 2003 Mr John Brindle, Mr Tim Carton and Mr Anthony Mair 19th February 2004 Mr Bill Farrer, Mr Robert Cecil and Miss Helg Elizabeth Harper (Scholar) th 29 April 2004 Mr Michael Beamish, Mr Andrew Gordon, Mr James Jaffray and Mr Christopher Searle. LIVERY: th 29 November 2003 Mr Rupert Bull, Dr John Smail and Mr Paul Walsh 19th February 2004 Mr Anthony Mair. th 29 April 2004 Mr John Beckerleg Mr Michael Keiller APPOINTMENT AS STEWARDS th 29 April 2004 Mr Brian Morrison and Mr Richard Gilchrist APPOINTENT TO COURT OF ASSISTANTS th 19 February 2004 Mr Anthony Westnedge, Mr Allan Cheesman and Mr David Raines GOLF: Budge’s Corner Match versus the Vintners Company played on 31 March 2004 resulted in a win for the Vintners. The Annual Meeting at Burhill st was scheduled for the 21 May 2004 but was cancelled by the club due to course problems. It is hoped we can reorganise the th meeting for 11 August. Future confirmed matches are: Painter Stainers Brewers Company 15 July 2004 th 10 August 2004
th st
All golfers are very welcome to join us on these days. THE APRIL DINNER On the 29 April a near capacity turnout of liverymen and their guests attended Vintners Hall. Mr Anthony Westnedge OBE (Assistant) proposed the health of the guests following his light hearted and amusing words.
th
Installation Dinner
Sir Graham Burton KCMG responded with an entertaining speech mentioning his friendship with the Master coupled with some humorous stories. The Master Nigel Churton MBE thanked the speakers and reminded those present of the tremendous achievements of the company’s education programme. FORTHCOMING EVENTS AND DATES 2004: rd 3 June th 16 September th 17 September th 9 November 2005: 10 February st 21 April th 17 November
th
INDUSTRY COMMITTEE Christopher Hayman David Grant Allan Cheesman Ian Harris SPIRIT AND WINE Nigel Churton Christopher Hayman David Grant Keith Garrard
Jonathan Driver Christopher Parker Terry Barr
Robert Hobson Nigel Strofton Victoria Stewart Michael Mitchell
Court Meeting Tallow Chandlers Ladies Banquet Mansion House Court visit to Burgundy. Installation Dinner
Court Lunch Court Dinner Installation Dinner PUZZLE CORNER
WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY Devised for intelligent liverymen MEMBERS OF THE COURT Master Upper Warden Middle Warden Renter Warden Immediate Past Master Nigel Churton MBE Christopher Hayman David Grant Keith Garrard Robert Hobson The following clues are names of London Underground stations. Put your answers on a sheet of paper and send them to Robert Hobson at 6 Aycliffe Close, Bickley, Kent BR1 2LX. The first all th correct answer opened after the closing date on 30 June 2004 will receive a bottle of whisky. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. Dirty priest Any one for tennis? Let’s all go up the Change colour Hitting tool A Peer’s justice Angry monarch 123A Sherlock Holmes Colourful vicar She was not amused Yuppie rangers block Napoleon’s defeat Lord Mayor’s home It started here in September 1666 Lose your head Beatles birthplace Put your money here Law courts Rabbits live here Her road to Buckingham Palace Not a square cricket ground Elton John’s football team Alpine home Christopher Wren Anne Hathaway’s place A big one Non-alcoholic beer Top of the christmas tree Religious house Political house 1,760 yds to finish Fired tree Horticultural show Cemetery Much loved bear Well known car Dutch stroll in here Female dwarfs of Snow White Italian bridge George Prince of Wales Road
ASSISTANTS AND PAST MASTERS Charles Minoprio Ian Coombs James Macdonald-Buchanan Richard Nicholson Michael Druitt Robert Howell Peter Hallgarten Gerald Milsom Christopher Mitchell ASSISTANTS Derek Plant Charles Maxwell Simon Leschallas David Pinchard David Sills Terry Barr John Doswell Anthony Westnedge Allan Cheesman David Raines
HONORARY ASSISTANTS AND PAST MASTERS Col. Geoffrey Churton Michael Broadbent (Father of the Court) Vincent Larvan Peter Hasslacher Nigel Stroften Budge Brooks Tim Morrison David Lamdin Anthony Edwards Norman Burrough HONORARY ASSISTANTS Don Gregory PAST MASTERS COMMITTEE Ian Coombs Norman Burrough Peter Hallgarten James Macdonald-Buchanan STRATEGY COMMITTEE Nigel Churton Christopher Hayman David Grant Keith Garrard Derek Plant Malcolm Kimmins Budge Brooks Michael Druitt Charles Minoprio Robert Howell Charles Maxwell Simon Leschallas Robert Hobson Robert Howell
FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE Nigel Churton Robert Hobson Christopher Hayman Charles Minoprio David Grant Charles Maxwell Keith Garrard
The Distillate is the Newsletter of the Worshipful Company of Distillers All enquiries to: The Clerk 71 Lincoln’s Inn Fields London WC2A 3JF Tel: 020 7405 7091
The Distillate
The Worshipful Company of Distillers
Summer 2004
From the left the Beadle Ken Tappenden, the Learned Clerk Christopher Hughes, the Master Nigel Churton and the Chaplain David Burgess. At the rear left the Renter
Warden Keith Garrard, the Middle Warden David Grant and the Upper Warden Christopher Hayman.
THE INSTALLATION DINNER On Wednesday 19 November 2003 the Company recorded an historic moment when Nigel Churton MBE was installed as Master. Watching the occasion was Past Master Geoffrey Churton MBE, MC, TD, DL, who was Master in 1975 and is the Father of the Court. This is the first time a father has witnessed his son being installed as Master and a very proud moment for both Nigel and Geoffrey and the other liverymen of the Company who were present at the ceremony. In addition the Master’s wife Kate also attended.
th
THE MASTER, NIGEL CHURTON, MBE The Master joined the Control Risks Group in 1980 as a consultant advising corporations on resolving incidents of kidnap and other forms of corporate extortion. He has personally handled or managed over 100 incidents of kidnap and product extortion worldwide. In 1982 he was appointed as the Case Manager responsible for the quality and delivery of Control Risks’ advice during major incidents. In 1985 he moved to Australia to set up Control Risks Pacific responsible for developing the company’s services into the Asia Pacific region. In 1988 he returned to London as Director of the UK operations and later the same year he was appointed Group Managing Director. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer in April 2001. He has lectured extensively around the world on security related problems including kidnap, corporate extortion, in particular product tampering, issue management, crisis management, the problems of investing in emerging markets and other security related crimes. He has had many articles published in trade publications and newspapers worldwide. He has been interviewed on both radio and television at times of major corporate crime and world events. He has contributed to the scripting of the BBC Television programme “Hypotheticals”, which places a panel of businessmen, lawyers and other relevant people into real situations and asks them to resolve them in the capacity of members of the board of the company concerned. He has also appeared on the programme as a participant. Prior to joining Control Risks he completed an apprenticeship in the Wine and Spirits Industry. This was followed by an 11-year career as a commissioned officer in The British Army, serving in Africa, the Middle East, Cyprus, Germany and the United Kingdom. He specialised in intelligence and counter-terrorism activities for which he was made a Member the Order of the British Empire (MBE). The Master is also a director of the Chester Race Company together with membership of a large number of security industry related organisations. LIVERY PROFILE
Colonel Geoffrey Churton, Mrs Alice Churton and the Master, Nigel Churton. At the dinner that followed Assistant Derek Plant welcomed the guests and the response was by Mr Richard Fildes, an old friend of the Master who eloquently reminded the Master of his past life to the amusement of the diners. Richard completed his speech proposing the health of the Master coupled with our Worshipful Company. The Master’s other guests were Mr Derek Anderson, Visitor of the Incorporation of Maltmen, Mr Phillip Gibbons, Master of the Farmers Company and Mr David Baker, Master of the Coopers Company Other guests included His Excellency Senor Mariano Fernandez the Chilean Ambassador and Marchese Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga of Tenuta San Leonardo. OUR STRATEGIC PLAN – PROGRESS REPORT Having established the Spirits education programme your committee turned its attention to the City of London and has a project to launch a City Drinks Lecture in 2005. This exciting project will be developed over the next few months. The Appeal for enhanced charitable donations from liverymen has received a mixed response. New members of the company have been very supportive and the main concentration is on securing donations from older liverymen, where deeds of covenant have expired. Should you be one of those whose deed has lapsed, could we please ask for your support by contacting the Clerk? We continue to review our plans for the future in the light of a number of our initial projects and objectives having been progressed to reality.
Many liverymen may recall responding to an enquiry to assist us in creating a database of our members, including categorising your trade or profession together with your function, skills and qualification. From this we have been able to build up a fairly accurate profile of our membership. There are 293 liverymen within the Company, of which 30 have requested to be removed from the mailing list and are treated as inactive. We have been able to identify all but 22 of the total livery and their business classification, as follows: Spirit Trade Wine (and Spirit)Trade Retail Drinks Hotels, Bars & Catering Associated Trades Brewers 31% 27% 1% 12% 8% 1%
Total Drinks related
80%
I hope you will agree that the outcome is very encouraging and reflects the present policy of seeking to recruit new liverymen from our industry, with particular emphasis on spirits. It will be interesting to see how these statistics change in the future.
not normally be able to appreciate the fine arts. His principal charity will be the Luke’s Discovery Project, which the London Symphony Orchestra has launched. The LSO has completed the restoration of a Grade 1 listed church and the orchestra will play a key role in providing education for the London Boroughs. Donations can be made, using a Gift Aid form, to the Appeals Office 020 7929 8352, Online www.thelordmayorsappeal.org or by post to: The Lord Mayors Appeal, Walbrook House, 23-29 Walbrook, London EC4N 8LA. THE CAROL SERVICE
SPIRITS QUALIFICATION The Worshipful Company of Distillers’ project to promote a new spirit qualification took another significant step forward at the end of 2003 with a trainer course for students and teachers. Attending the course Past Master Robert Hobson said, “I am pleased that our company has become so involved with the WSET in helping promote this new qualification. We see it as a real benefit for the many thousands employed in today’s booming spirits market, who appreciate that spirits, like wines, as products of nature, are full of variety and romance.” The Worshipful Company of Distillers annual carol service was th held at St Lawrence Jewry on 18 December. Our chaplain the Reverend Prebendary David Burgess conducted the festive service. A reception and supper was held at the Innholders’ Hall
Past Master Ian Coombs with his daughter Sue.
From left Ian Harris Chief Executive of the WSET with two students, Keith Garrard Renter Warden, Robert Hobson Immediate Past Master and Peter Hallgarten their tutor on liqueurs. The Worshipful Company of Distillers and the WSET together took the decision to approach the top five global spirits companies for financial assistance, namely Allied Distillers, Bacardi-Martini, Brown-Forman, Chivas Brothers and Diageo. This enabled the WSET to complete the development of the WSET Level 2 Professional Certificate in Spirits course, which would not have been possible without these companies support. The qualification objectives are to demonstrate an understanding of the key factors influencing the production of spirits and liqueurs and how these factors effect their characteristics. In addition the course advances an understanding of world markets, describes the characteristics of the many different spirits together with a systematic approach to tasting. The comprehensive course covers the history, cultural and economic influences with an understanding of social, health and safety issues. Liverymen are strongly urged to support this course, where appropriate, through encouraging and initiating participation by their companies. THE LORD MAYOR’S APPEAL The Rt. Hon the Lord Mayor, Alderman Robert Finch, was first appointed an Alderman of the City of London in 1992 and is a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Solicitors and a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors. The Lord Mayor, a keen supporter of the arts and music, has focused his charity on giving the opportunity to those who would
Mrs Hazel Gorge, Keith Wright and Chaplain David Burgess.
The Master with Pat Vallas and Past Master Budge Brooks.
FEBRUARY LUNCH On 19 February the livery lunch also marked the press launch of the WSET Professional Certificate in Spirits, an incentive started by the Worshipful Company of Distillers three years ago. As one of the “founding fathers” of the WSET in 1969 the company felt that the development of the spirits offering within the WSET portfolio of core qualifications had not kept pace with the demands of the spirit industry.
th
Heriot Watt student Mr Norihiko Kosaki with Alan Rutherford and student Miss Helg Harper who was granted the freedom of the company.
Ian Harris chief executive launches the spirit qualification. The Master presenting the Distillers award to WSET student Mr Bill Evans. The luncheon was well supported by liverymen and their guests. The Master was commended for serving spirits at the reception in recognition of the launch of the Spirit education programme. The health of the guests was proposed by liveryman Mr Richard Gilchrist in a most amusing speech and the response by an old friend of the Master, Mr Robin Baillie.
pax
The new assistants Mr David Raines, Mr Anthony Westnedge and Mr Allan Cheesman together with the Master. After the lunch the Worshipful Company of Distillers present their annual scholarships, one to a student from the Brewing and Distilling department of Heriot Watt University and the other to a student of the WSET.
The Master welcomes new liveryman Mr Tony Mair.
21 November st 1 December 18 December 2004 th 7 January th 9 January th 28 January th 12 February th 19 February rd 23 February th 24 February th 9 March 23 March th 25 March th 26 March th 29 March th 30 March 31 March 1 April THE BEADLE Kenneth Tappenden, our Beadle and Toastmaster, studied at the Medway and Maidstone College of Art before enlisting with the Royal Signals as an intelligence operative and code breaker. In 1961 he joined the Police, retiring after 31 years as an Area Commander. Ken started as a Detective Constable and rose to the rank of Detective Superintendent in charge of countless murder cases. Promoted to Chief Superintendent and Operations Commander for Kent he was responsible for the safety of Royalty, Ministers of State and foreign dignitaries as well as specialist departments for all major police organisations. Ken was the senior officer investigating the Zebrugge ferry disaster caring for the bereaved families throughout Europe. As Commander of North and West Kent, he was responsible for crowd safety at the Brands Hatch formula One Grand Prix. Ken was awarded seven Judges’ commendations and the MBE for services to the police and community. When deputy of Kent CID Ken was Secretary of The Chief Constables and Senior Officers’ Dining Mess, a position he held for nine years organising the selection of menus for the ninetytwo functions attended by Royalty, Heads of State, Senior Judges and celebrities. In 1992 he joined the National Association of Toastmasters, passing all his examinations and with successful appearances before the Court of Examiners, he was appointed President for the year 2000/01. In 1992 he became the Events Manager for the City of Rochester, planning and organising street festivals, concerts, garden parties and the Romanian State Opera Company who performed in the castle gardens. Ken’s tremendous energy and talent expanded the business to include sports functions. He became the Safety Officer for Gillingham Football Club and was Civic Banqueting Co-ordinator for receptions, charity dinners, balls and corporate functions as well as arranging events for the Royal Shakespeare Company, tour productions for ballet, jazz and West End shows. Ken is also Beadle to the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators, the relief Beadle to the Worshipful Companies of Loriners and Butchers and acts as Toastmaster at Guildhall Banquets and many other City functions. Ken is married to Pauline and they have two children. THE MASTER’S REPORT 2003 th 19 November
st st rd th
st
Royal Motor Yacht Club dinner Circle of Wine Writers reception at Argentine Embassy Carol Service Woolmens dinner Wine & Spirit Benevolent Fund annual lunch Guild of Air Pilots & Navigators lecture Derek Melluish lecture Distillers Court meeting and luncheon WSET annual lecture Chartered Architects lecture Tallow Chandlers luncheon City of London School concert Society of Apothecaries dinner Lord Mayor’s Banquet United Guild’s Service Company of Security Professionals dinner Hosted luncheon for Master and Wardens of the Vintners Company City University Chancellor’s dinner at Mansion House Heriot Watt University dinner to mark 100 years of brewing & distilling
The Master’s guest Mr Billy Whitbread proposed the health of the Master.
ADMISSIONS TO THE FREEDOM AND LIVERY. FREEDOM: th 29 November 2003 Mr John Brindle, Mr Tim Carton and Mr Anthony Mair 19th February 2004 Mr Bill Farrer, Mr Robert Cecil and Miss Helg Elizabeth Harper (Scholar) th 29 April 2004 Mr Michael Beamish, Mr Andrew Gordon, Mr James Jaffray and Mr Christopher Searle. LIVERY: th 29 November 2003 Mr Rupert Bull, Dr John Smail and Mr Paul Walsh 19th February 2004 Mr Anthony Mair. th 29 April 2004 Mr John Beckerleg Mr Michael Keiller APPOINTMENT AS STEWARDS th 29 April 2004 Mr Brian Morrison and Mr Richard Gilchrist APPOINTENT TO COURT OF ASSISTANTS th 19 February 2004 Mr Anthony Westnedge, Mr Allan Cheesman and Mr David Raines GOLF: Budge’s Corner Match versus the Vintners Company played on 31 March 2004 resulted in a win for the Vintners. The Annual Meeting at Burhill st was scheduled for the 21 May 2004 but was cancelled by the club due to course problems. It is hoped we can reorganise the th meeting for 11 August. Future confirmed matches are: Painter Stainers Brewers Company 15 July 2004 th 10 August 2004
th st
All golfers are very welcome to join us on these days. THE APRIL DINNER On the 29 April a near capacity turnout of liverymen and their guests attended Vintners Hall. Mr Anthony Westnedge OBE (Assistant) proposed the health of the guests following his light hearted and amusing words.
th
Installation Dinner
Sir Graham Burton KCMG responded with an entertaining speech mentioning his friendship with the Master coupled with some humorous stories. The Master Nigel Churton MBE thanked the speakers and reminded those present of the tremendous achievements of the company’s education programme. FORTHCOMING EVENTS AND DATES 2004: rd 3 June th 16 September th 17 September th 9 November 2005: 10 February st 21 April th 17 November
th
INDUSTRY COMMITTEE Christopher Hayman David Grant Allan Cheesman Ian Harris SPIRIT AND WINE Nigel Churton Christopher Hayman David Grant Keith Garrard
Jonathan Driver Christopher Parker Terry Barr
Robert Hobson Nigel Strofton Victoria Stewart Michael Mitchell
Court Meeting Tallow Chandlers Ladies Banquet Mansion House Court visit to Burgundy. Installation Dinner
Court Lunch Court Dinner Installation Dinner PUZZLE CORNER
WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY Devised for intelligent liverymen MEMBERS OF THE COURT Master Upper Warden Middle Warden Renter Warden Immediate Past Master Nigel Churton MBE Christopher Hayman David Grant Keith Garrard Robert Hobson The following clues are names of London Underground stations. Put your answers on a sheet of paper and send them to Robert Hobson at 6 Aycliffe Close, Bickley, Kent BR1 2LX. The first all th correct answer opened after the closing date on 30 June 2004 will receive a bottle of whisky. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. Dirty priest Any one for tennis? Let’s all go up the Change colour Hitting tool A Peer’s justice Angry monarch 123A Sherlock Holmes Colourful vicar She was not amused Yuppie rangers block Napoleon’s defeat Lord Mayor’s home It started here in September 1666 Lose your head Beatles birthplace Put your money here Law courts Rabbits live here Her road to Buckingham Palace Not a square cricket ground Elton John’s football team Alpine home Christopher Wren Anne Hathaway’s place A big one Non-alcoholic beer Top of the christmas tree Religious house Political house 1,760 yds to finish Fired tree Horticultural show Cemetery Much loved bear Well known car Dutch stroll in here Female dwarfs of Snow White Italian bridge George Prince of Wales Road
ASSISTANTS AND PAST MASTERS Charles Minoprio Ian Coombs James Macdonald-Buchanan Richard Nicholson Michael Druitt Robert Howell Peter Hallgarten Gerald Milsom Christopher Mitchell ASSISTANTS Derek Plant Charles Maxwell Simon Leschallas David Pinchard David Sills Terry Barr John Doswell Anthony Westnedge Allan Cheesman David Raines
HONORARY ASSISTANTS AND PAST MASTERS Col. Geoffrey Churton Michael Broadbent (Father of the Court) Vincent Larvan Peter Hasslacher Nigel Stroften Budge Brooks Tim Morrison David Lamdin Anthony Edwards Norman Burrough HONORARY ASSISTANTS Don Gregory PAST MASTERS COMMITTEE Ian Coombs Norman Burrough Peter Hallgarten James Macdonald-Buchanan STRATEGY COMMITTEE Nigel Churton Christopher Hayman David Grant Keith Garrard Derek Plant Malcolm Kimmins Budge Brooks Michael Druitt Charles Minoprio Robert Howell Charles Maxwell Simon Leschallas Robert Hobson Robert Howell
FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE Nigel Churton Robert Hobson Christopher Hayman Charles Minoprio David Grant Charles Maxwell Keith Garrard
The Distillate is the Newsletter of the Worshipful Company of Distillers All enquiries to: The Clerk 71 Lincoln’s Inn Fields London WC2A 3JF Tel: 020 7405 7091
