The Distillate - Winter 2003
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The Distillate
The Worshipful Company of Distillers
Winter 2003
UNITED GUILDS SERVICE On Friday 28 March 2003 the Master and Wardens attended the Guilds of the City of London annual service at St Paul’s Cathedral. The Dean welcomed the congregation emphasising the important role played by the Livery Companies in the City of London The Rt. Hon Gavyn Arthur, The Lord Mayor, read the lesson and the sermon was delivered by The Rt. Rev J Nicholls Bishop of Sheffield and the Bishop of London gave the Blessing ITALIAN COURT DINNER, 9 April 2003 The Master’s close association with Italy was the reason to have an evening of fine Italian wines to accompany an Italian menu. Before the Dinner His Excellency Luigi Amaduzzi, the Italian Ambassador in London, was awarded the honorary livery of the Company
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EDINBURGH COURT DINNER, 5 June 2003 For the first time in the history of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, a Court meeting was held outside the City of London. The venue was the New Club, Edinburgh and was followed by a Dinner attended by 150 members of the Distilling and associated trades. David Grant proposed the health of the Guests and Nick Harvey-Miller replied on their behalf and proposed the health of Worshipful Company of Distillers coupled with the Master. The Master replied emphasising the importance of the Company’s exciting new educational programme.
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His Excellency Luigi Amaduzzi Italian Ambassador, the Master and Admiral Christaino Bettini Italian Naval attaché. With the typically Italian menu were some wonderful Italian wines from Trento in Northern Italy. Grappa Nosiola di Gocciadora was served with coffee. Past Master Charles Minoprio proposed the health of the guests and His Excellency the Italian Ambassador replied proposing the health of the Worshipful Company of Distillers. The Master with the Duke of Argyll. A number of liverymen were so pleased with the success of the evening that they suggested the event should become a regular feature in the Company’s diary. The general opinion is to repeat this function every three years so that our next visit will be in 2006.
Examinations take place on the final day of each course.
WINE & SPIRIT EDUCATION TRUST - Professional Certificate in Spirits Since the last issue of the Distillate, our Education Project has been moving at great pace. The course has now been renamed the Professional Certificate in Spirits, Level 2 and the courses start in London from February 2004 onwards. Details appear below. The Worshipful Company of Distillers has gained wide acceptance of the Education Project from the five large spirit companies with support of £300,000. These patrons further commitment is shown by the organisation of in-house courses, which also start early in the new year. It is very exciting that the combined Bacardi and Brown Foreman course will take place in Spain. The international interests in this spirits course has been widened as they are now being developed in Hong Kong. None of this would have been possible without the substantial help of liveryman Ian Harris, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and his team. Our responsibility as members of the Company is to support these courses being run by the WSET in London and maximise awareness of this development to the widest audience. It is hoped that candidates from distillers through to bar tenders and consumers will find the course of interest. The Company is providing a prize for the top student of the year and Delamain Cognac has presented a further prize. As this is an initiative of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, we hope to maximise joint branding of the course between the WSET and ourselves. It is important that when liverymen talk about this project we clearly indicate that it is our initiative and one which will build a stronger reputation for our Company in our own trade, as well as our commitment to improve educational standards in the trade. Comments received from the trade include: • Chris Searle of Bacardi-Martini: “Bacardi-Martini is pleased to be associated with this training scheme. We hope to set the standard in spirit knowledge throughout the industry, particularly as this new qualification is aimed at all international businesses working within a global industry.” Mike Walpole of Diageo: “We fully support the launch of the new Level 2 WSET Professional Certificate in Spirits as it provides a basic level of product knowledge of spirits and liqueurs which underpins existing job skills. They provide people who work within the industry, not only with a better understanding and appreciation of the versatility of spirits, but also information around social, health, safety and legal issues on spirits and liqueurs.”
BENEVOLENT BANQUET, 12 May 2003 The 117 Banquet of the Wine and Spirit Trades’ Benevolent Society was held at the London Hilton Bob Rishworth, Chairman of the Council, made the welcome speech and The Rt. Hon William Hague PC, MP replied on behalf of the guests. The President John Halewood proposed the health of the guests. THE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY The Society was founded in 1886 and its purpose has changed little since then although the way it approaches its task has been transformed and greatly extended since those early days. The purpose is simply defined as ‘To make a real difference to the daily lives of those that have worked in the Drinks Industry and need our help’. The Benevolent helps those who are in need from across the whole of the Drinks Industry and last year over 500 grants were given in one form or another. The Benevolent is supported by almost all of the major companies in the UK Drinks Industries including spirit producers and distillers, wine merchants, retailers and wholesalers and most of the brewers. The Benevolent is very grateful to the Worshipful Company of Distillers, which is a valued and regular supporter. Key issues, which confront the Society, are: to increase the awareness of the Benevolent among all who work in the industry to seek out more of those who need our help but do not know of our existence and to increase the number of those who contribute to the Benevolent so that we can help our beneficiaries.
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The Vintry Estate in Eastbourne comprises of 27 bungalows offering sheltered accommodation and a Residential Care Home with 17 beds. The estate, which has now been fully developed with the opening of four bungalows in 2000, offers a very high quality of accommodation with lovely gardens and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors from the Trade are always welcome to visit, given due notice. There is currently a waiting list and potential residents do need to satisfy certain criteria regarding need, either in their financial circumstances or for sheltered accommodation. However enquiries are always welcome. In addition the Society runs 11 bungalows on a shared site at Chorley in Lancashire. These were built in 1987, thanks largely to the great efforts of a former Master of the Distillers, Vincent Larvan, a past Chairman of the Benevolent Society. The Society has offices in Five Kings House, next door to Vintners Hall and the staff there comprises the Chief Executive (Michael Campbell), the Finance and Administration Manager (Cheng Loo) and a part time assistant. In the field there have been two Welfare Officers who visit all potential beneficiaries to assess their needs. They call twice a year to ensure that we are doing all we can to support them and another Welfare Officer is being added to increase its ability to meet and help potential beneficiaries. The Chairman and Council, consisting of thirty leading members of the Trade, run the Society who are the Trustees and Directors. The Chairman is elected annually and he and the Trustees give a considerable amount of their valuable time to running the Benevolent.
Courses for 2004: Details are available from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, Five Kings House, 1 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1QS, Tel 0207 236 3551, Fax 0207 246 1536 or email
iharris@wset.co.uk
Day Release Course (Thursdays): 4 March to 8 April th nd Consecutive Day daytime courses: 19 to 22 July
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Cost for above £239 plus VAT. Overseas students £301. Evening Courses (Tuesdays): 17 (6:15 to 8:30pm)
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February to 13
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April
Cost for above £269 plus VAT. Overseas students £371.
The Benevolent is in excellent shape and has continued to expand over recent years. However the demand from those in need also rises and the Society accepts that it must grow stronger to meet the increasing demands of the future.
State for Scotland, replied on behalf of the guests and Tony Mair on behalf of the Association. The Association is grateful to the support given to this function by Diageo plc
THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF DISTILLERS ANNUAL LECTURE. The culmination of the Heriot-Watt International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD) packaging course is the Worshipful th Company of Distillers Annual Lecture. On 16 May 2003 the Master, Robert Hobson introduced Ken Grier from the Edrington Group. Ken presented a history of Famous Grouse illustrated with video clips highlighting the changes in advertising concepts over the past few years. Changes in the global whisky markets were also addressed. Many thanks to Ken for an excellent presentation (and for the samples!),
COURT VISIT TO TRENTINO, ITALY In early September twenty-six members of the Court and their ladies visited Trento in Northern Italy and were warmly received by their hosts, the wine makers and distillers of the region. The trip, organised by Contessa Maria Fede Caproni, was extremely comprehensive giving the Court members the opportunity to visit the large vineyards as well as the smaller family businesses and to sample the very interesting wines from this region. A very high quality sparkling wine is produced called Spumante. The majority of these are fermented in bottle exactly the same as French champagne. The members of the Court were very interested in the distillation of the residue of grape skins and pips after they have been separated from the wine. The final product, known as grappa both by tradition and law, is recognised solely as an Italian product that complies with welldefined Italian regulations. The final product will have the flavour of the particular grape, which accounts for the large variety of flavours. There are about 130 distilleries in Italy producing around 40 million bottles per annum. A special visit to the Caproni Aircraft Museum revealed that our guide, General Volpi, had flown over and bombed British bases at Alexandria and Malta during the Second World War. How extraordinary that Past Masters Colonel Churton (Alexandria) and Vincent Larvan (Malta) remembered this event as they were stationed there at the time. A dinner was generously organised for the livery members by the Contessa Maria Fede Caproni in the Caproni Aero Hotel situated next to the museum and rounded off an unusual day.
Alan Rutherford, Ken Grier, the Master, Professor Graham Stewart, Brian Eaton and Middle Warden Christopher Hayman At the February Court Lunch, the Worshipful Company of Distillers presented their annual scholarship to a post graduate student from the Brewing and Distilling department of HeriotWatt University. The winning student, Michelle Pizzi, is pictured below.
(Photograph of group of four looking to the left)
United by a common spirit. Vincent Larvan, Alice Churton, General Volti and Col Geoffrey Churton. On the final night a Gala dinner was held at the Hotel America at which members of the Court were able to return the generous hospitality of our Italian hosts.
Professor Graham Stewart, Michelle Pizzi, the Master Robert Hobson, Alan Rutherford and Brian Eaton GIN & VODKA ASSOCIATION, 12 June 2003 The Gin and Vodka Association in conjunction with the Worshipful Company of Distillers hosted a Dinner for the European Confederation of Spirit Producers (CEPS) at Vintners Hall. The Master welcomed the guests who had come from all over Europe. Anne McGuire MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of
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(Photograph of whole group)
Team photocall at the Pisoni Vineyard.
THE LIVERY AND LADIES BANQUET On 30 September 2003 the Master with his wife Valerie dined with members of the livery, their ladies and guests in the impressive Egyptian Hall at the Mansion House. The Master’s guests were Brigadier Sir Miles Hunt-Davies KCVO, CBE with his wife Gale and Alderman Sir Alexander Graham GBE together with his wife Carolyn. Assistant Keith Garrard eloquently proposed the toast to the guests. These included Mr Michael Hasslacher, Master of the Worshipful Company of Vintners, the Italian Naval attaché Admiral Christiano Bettini, Mr Jack Broadley Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners and Colonel Stephen Henwood TD (London Scottish Regiment). There was also present a delegation of US journalist taking part in a media tour of the distilling industry arranged by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States in conjunction with the Gin and Vodka Association.
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EVENING BRIEFINGS ON THE CITY OF LONDON All liverymen are encouraged to make time to attend one of the evening briefings organised by the Corporation of London. Until now the Clerk has drawn these to the attention of new Stewards, so that they are well informed by the time they join the Court; but the determination of the Court over the last few years that our Company should increasingly play its role as a City Institution has underlined the relevance of these briefings to all liverymen. Did you know: that it is the Livery, that is all the Livery Companies of the City, meeting in Common Hall nominate the Lord Mayor and elect the Sheriffs that the ordinances and the level of charitable funds in each Livery Company are monitored by the Court of Aldermen that the Bank of England was founded in Mercers Hall and that the other great City institutions including the Stock Exchange and Lloyds grew out of famous City coffee houses. that the City’s pioneering management of open spaces was the origin of the Green Belt concept. The Corporation of London, in addition to acting as the local authority for the City, helps to promote the City both at home and abroad and provides a range of services which benefit the City, London and the nation as a whole. It maintains some 10,000 acres of open spaces outside the square mile. Four bridges over the Thames were built and are maintained by a 700 yearold trust fund. In addition to running three major wholesale markets, the Corporation owns and maintains the Old Bailey. It is the role and privilege of each liveryman to play his part in ensuring that the City is presented and promoted in the best possible light. The briefings start at 5.30pm and run until 7.00pm, after which there is a very adequate finger buffet, washed down with wine. They are free and are booked through the Wax Chandlers’ Hall – telephone 020 7606 3591, e-mail liverycourses@waxchandlershall.co.uk EDUCATION
Valerie and the Master, Gale and Brigadier Sir Miles Hunt – Davies Brigadier Sir Miles Hunt-Davies replied on behalf of the guests speaking movingly of the Master’s passion for his human torpedo charity and proposed the health of the Company coupled with that of the Master. The Master thanked the speakers and spoke of his wonderful year as Master that would shortly come to an end. There had been many firsts for the Worshipful Company of Distillers and the future for us was very bright. The entertainment for the evening was a group called The Sharps who sang magnificently some classical operatic songs. They were called back for an encore. HMS MONTROSE The ship went into Rosyth Royal Dockyard just over one year ago for a major mid-term refit. HMS Montrose is due to emerge, st refreshed and ready for sea on 21 November 2003 and for trials to commence in the New Year. The new Commanding Officer and Ship’s Company will join shortly.
At the Court Luncheon on 12 February 2003 the Master presented the following scholarships. HERIOT-WATT The Heriot-Watt International 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. 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.
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We are delighted to welcome all of the above who, without exception, will strengthen the Company’s links with the spirits industry.
OUR STRATEGIC PLAN – PROGRESS REPORT The Company continues to develop our Strategic Plan with the key objective of becoming: “The Hub of the Spirits Trade” On the 21 October 2003 a Livery Briefing was organised at the Henrietta Place offices of Diageo plc. Presentations were made by the Master and Wardens to explain the latest developments in the Company’s plans to enhance our role within the spirit industry together with our future aspirations. A buffet supper and drinks followed enabling liverymen to mingle socially. The Company is grateful to the generous facilities offered by Diageo plc and Jonathan Driver who hosted the event. In view of the very positive feedback from the evening it is intended to repeat the event on a regular basis to encourage greater involvement from our membership. The response to the Master’s appeal for our MacdonaldBuchanan Bursaries and Scholarship Trust has been encouraging with some 33 additional donations being received and the annual value of gifts increasing nearly 60%. Our thanks go to everyone who has supported this important initiative. However there are a significant number of liverymen who have not entered into covenants and we would urge them to review their charitable giving and include the Distillers charity in their commitments. There are many good causes that we would like to support given the available funds. LIVERY MEMBERSHIP ADMISSIONS TO THE FREEDOM 12 February 2003 Mr Daryl Goh (Scholar) Mr Rupert Bull Mr Michael Campbell 9 April 2003 Mr John Beckerleg His Excellency the Italian Ambassador Luigi Amaduzzi 5 June 2003 Mr Damian Riley-Smith Dr John Smail Miss Michelle Pizzi (Scholar) LIVERY 12 February 2003 Mr Philip Bowman Mr Thomas Hudson Mr Richard Paterson 9 April 2003 Mr Michael Campbell Mr Neil Monyard Mr Quentin Rappoport The Rev David Burgess (Chaplain to the Company) 5 June 2003 Mr Edwin Atkinson Mr Ian Harris Mr Malcolm MacKinnon
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MASTER’S REPORT 14 April th 30 April 7 May th 8 May th 12 May th 13 May th 14 May 15 May 16 May 19 May 20 May th 28 May nd 2 June th 5 June th 10 June th 11 June th 13 June th 16 June 19 June 24 June st 1 July 4 July th 9 July th 11 July th 14 July th 16 July th 20 July nd 22 July 29 July th 12 Aug th 30 Aug th 11 Sept 16
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Sept
23 Sept th 29 Sept 30 Sept st 1 Oct 3 Oct th 7 Oct th 8 Oct th 13 Oct th 16 Oct st 21 Oct st 31 Oct rd 3 Nov 5 Nov th 13 Nov
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Livery News Launch at Painters Hall Wine & Spirit Association Luncheon at Vintners Hall Dinner Brewers Company at Brewers Hall Dinner Pewterers Company at Pewterers Hall Benevolent Banquet at the Hilton Hotel Strategy Meeting at Diageo Priory Church Service & Luncheon St Bartholomew Hospital New Club Edinburgh, preliminary arrangements Heriot-Watt University tour, Luncheon & Lecture Luncheon Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners at Wax Chandlers Hall Festival of the Clergy St Paul’s Cathedral Distillers Golf Day at Burhill Visit to Mike Campbell, Benevolent. Edinburgh Court Meeting & Dinner Portuguese Embassy Pewterers Company Exhibition Lunch at the Old Bailey Dinner Gin & Vodka Association of Great Britain Dinner Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers at Apothecaries Hall Common Hall for the election of Sheriffs. Dinner at Worshipful Company of Innholders at Innholders Hall. Meeting Mansion House Caterers. Buckingham Palace Garden Party Distillers Golf versus West Kent GC Sheriffs and Recorders Fund AGM Swan Upping, Vintners Company. British Grand Prix, Silverstone Past Masters Association Meeting at Butchers Hall Royal Air Force at Science Museum Golf versus Brewers Company at Dedham Court visit to Italy Worshipful Company of Upholders Dinner at the Watermans Hall Fire Fighters Memorial Service at St Paul’s Cathedral Strategy Meeting Common Hall election of Lord Mayor Lecture Staple Inn Hall Distillers Ladies Night at Mansion House Worshipful Company of Musicians Evening at St Paul’s Cathedral. Distillers Livery Interviews Wine & Spirit Festival at Church of St Olave. Guilds Dinner at Ironmongers Hall Tea at the Mansion House Museum of London Distillers Common Hall at Diageo London Scottish Dinner St Paul’s Cathedral Poppy Day Appeal Wine & Spirit Education Trust Awards Dinner Gunmakers at Carpenters Hall Wine Trades Foundation Dinner
Simon Leschallas David Pinchard
John Doswell
GOLF: Budge’s Corner Another excellent years golf under the leadership of Past Master Budge Brooks, to whom all who played are deeply grateful for the excellent organisation and a lot of hard work. The match versus the Vintners Company in April was the usual hard fought battle with the Vintners avenging last years defeat 3½ to 2½. On the old course at Burhill, in excellent summer conditions, Sir George Bull became our champion for 2003 and the winner of the Budge Brooks Shield. The match versus Painters Stainers in July yielded another defeat; our average stapleford points count being just over one less than our opponents. Our last fixture against the Brewers Company in August was another close match with the result a half, with three wins each. Dates for 2004: st Wednesday 31 March: match v Vintners Company th Thursday 27 May: Distillers Golf Day, Burhill th Thursday 15 July: match v Painters Stainers th Tuesday 10 August: match v Brewers Finally we would also like to extend our heart-felt condolences to Budge arising from the sudden death of his wife, Pat. She was always on hand to support Budge and take those last minute telephone calls. She will be greatly missed by us all. NEWS IN BRIEF The International Centre for Brewing and Distilling celebrate their centenary in 2004 and one of the events will be a dinner at Brewers Hall. Honorary Assistant Malcolm Kimmins has been appointed High Sheriff of Berkshire The Estate of the late Past Master Alan Burrough has made an extremely generous gift to our charity fund. WHO’S WHO ON THE COURT You may find it helpful to know who is currently on the Court and committees of the Company. The list reflects the changes after th the installation of Nigel Churton as Master on 19 November 2003. More news on the new Master and the Installation Court Dinner will appear in the next edition of the Distillate. MEMBERS OF THE COURT Master Upper Warden Middle Warden Renter Warden Immediate Past Master FORTHCOMING EVENTS AND DATES 2003: th 18 December 2004: th 19 February 26 March th 29 April th 14 May
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HONORARY ASSISTANTS AND PAST MASTERS Col. Geoffrey Churton Michael Broadbent (Father of the Company) Vincent Larvan Peter Hasslacher Nigel Stroften Budge Brooks Tim Morrison David Lamdin Anthony Edwards Norman Burrough HONORARY ASSISTANTS Blair Eames 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 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 Christopher Mitchell
Carol Service St Lawrence Jewry and buffet supper at the Innholders hall Court Meeting and Luncheon with Scholarship presentation at Vintners Hall United Guilds Service. (Court members only) Court Meeting and Livery Dinner Christopher Nadin to give the Annual HeriotWatt lecture
Nigel Churton MBE Christopher Hayman David Grant Keith Garrard Robert Hobson
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 David Sills Terry Barr
The Distillate is a 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 Tel: 020 7405 7091
The Distillate
The Worshipful Company of Distillers
Winter 2003
UNITED GUILDS SERVICE On Friday 28 March 2003 the Master and Wardens attended the Guilds of the City of London annual service at St Paul’s Cathedral. The Dean welcomed the congregation emphasising the important role played by the Livery Companies in the City of London The Rt. Hon Gavyn Arthur, The Lord Mayor, read the lesson and the sermon was delivered by The Rt. Rev J Nicholls Bishop of Sheffield and the Bishop of London gave the Blessing ITALIAN COURT DINNER, 9 April 2003 The Master’s close association with Italy was the reason to have an evening of fine Italian wines to accompany an Italian menu. Before the Dinner His Excellency Luigi Amaduzzi, the Italian Ambassador in London, was awarded the honorary livery of the Company
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EDINBURGH COURT DINNER, 5 June 2003 For the first time in the history of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, a Court meeting was held outside the City of London. The venue was the New Club, Edinburgh and was followed by a Dinner attended by 150 members of the Distilling and associated trades. David Grant proposed the health of the Guests and Nick Harvey-Miller replied on their behalf and proposed the health of Worshipful Company of Distillers coupled with the Master. The Master replied emphasising the importance of the Company’s exciting new educational programme.
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His Excellency Luigi Amaduzzi Italian Ambassador, the Master and Admiral Christaino Bettini Italian Naval attaché. With the typically Italian menu were some wonderful Italian wines from Trento in Northern Italy. Grappa Nosiola di Gocciadora was served with coffee. Past Master Charles Minoprio proposed the health of the guests and His Excellency the Italian Ambassador replied proposing the health of the Worshipful Company of Distillers. The Master with the Duke of Argyll. A number of liverymen were so pleased with the success of the evening that they suggested the event should become a regular feature in the Company’s diary. The general opinion is to repeat this function every three years so that our next visit will be in 2006.
Examinations take place on the final day of each course.
WINE & SPIRIT EDUCATION TRUST - Professional Certificate in Spirits Since the last issue of the Distillate, our Education Project has been moving at great pace. The course has now been renamed the Professional Certificate in Spirits, Level 2 and the courses start in London from February 2004 onwards. Details appear below. The Worshipful Company of Distillers has gained wide acceptance of the Education Project from the five large spirit companies with support of £300,000. These patrons further commitment is shown by the organisation of in-house courses, which also start early in the new year. It is very exciting that the combined Bacardi and Brown Foreman course will take place in Spain. The international interests in this spirits course has been widened as they are now being developed in Hong Kong. None of this would have been possible without the substantial help of liveryman Ian Harris, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and his team. Our responsibility as members of the Company is to support these courses being run by the WSET in London and maximise awareness of this development to the widest audience. It is hoped that candidates from distillers through to bar tenders and consumers will find the course of interest. The Company is providing a prize for the top student of the year and Delamain Cognac has presented a further prize. As this is an initiative of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, we hope to maximise joint branding of the course between the WSET and ourselves. It is important that when liverymen talk about this project we clearly indicate that it is our initiative and one which will build a stronger reputation for our Company in our own trade, as well as our commitment to improve educational standards in the trade. Comments received from the trade include: • Chris Searle of Bacardi-Martini: “Bacardi-Martini is pleased to be associated with this training scheme. We hope to set the standard in spirit knowledge throughout the industry, particularly as this new qualification is aimed at all international businesses working within a global industry.” Mike Walpole of Diageo: “We fully support the launch of the new Level 2 WSET Professional Certificate in Spirits as it provides a basic level of product knowledge of spirits and liqueurs which underpins existing job skills. They provide people who work within the industry, not only with a better understanding and appreciation of the versatility of spirits, but also information around social, health, safety and legal issues on spirits and liqueurs.”
BENEVOLENT BANQUET, 12 May 2003 The 117 Banquet of the Wine and Spirit Trades’ Benevolent Society was held at the London Hilton Bob Rishworth, Chairman of the Council, made the welcome speech and The Rt. Hon William Hague PC, MP replied on behalf of the guests. The President John Halewood proposed the health of the guests. THE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY The Society was founded in 1886 and its purpose has changed little since then although the way it approaches its task has been transformed and greatly extended since those early days. The purpose is simply defined as ‘To make a real difference to the daily lives of those that have worked in the Drinks Industry and need our help’. The Benevolent helps those who are in need from across the whole of the Drinks Industry and last year over 500 grants were given in one form or another. The Benevolent is supported by almost all of the major companies in the UK Drinks Industries including spirit producers and distillers, wine merchants, retailers and wholesalers and most of the brewers. The Benevolent is very grateful to the Worshipful Company of Distillers, which is a valued and regular supporter. Key issues, which confront the Society, are: to increase the awareness of the Benevolent among all who work in the industry to seek out more of those who need our help but do not know of our existence and to increase the number of those who contribute to the Benevolent so that we can help our beneficiaries.
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•
The Vintry Estate in Eastbourne comprises of 27 bungalows offering sheltered accommodation and a Residential Care Home with 17 beds. The estate, which has now been fully developed with the opening of four bungalows in 2000, offers a very high quality of accommodation with lovely gardens and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors from the Trade are always welcome to visit, given due notice. There is currently a waiting list and potential residents do need to satisfy certain criteria regarding need, either in their financial circumstances or for sheltered accommodation. However enquiries are always welcome. In addition the Society runs 11 bungalows on a shared site at Chorley in Lancashire. These were built in 1987, thanks largely to the great efforts of a former Master of the Distillers, Vincent Larvan, a past Chairman of the Benevolent Society. The Society has offices in Five Kings House, next door to Vintners Hall and the staff there comprises the Chief Executive (Michael Campbell), the Finance and Administration Manager (Cheng Loo) and a part time assistant. In the field there have been two Welfare Officers who visit all potential beneficiaries to assess their needs. They call twice a year to ensure that we are doing all we can to support them and another Welfare Officer is being added to increase its ability to meet and help potential beneficiaries. The Chairman and Council, consisting of thirty leading members of the Trade, run the Society who are the Trustees and Directors. The Chairman is elected annually and he and the Trustees give a considerable amount of their valuable time to running the Benevolent.
Courses for 2004: Details are available from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, Five Kings House, 1 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1QS, Tel 0207 236 3551, Fax 0207 246 1536 or email
iharris@wset.co.uk
Day Release Course (Thursdays): 4 March to 8 April th nd Consecutive Day daytime courses: 19 to 22 July
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Cost for above £239 plus VAT. Overseas students £301. Evening Courses (Tuesdays): 17 (6:15 to 8:30pm)
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February to 13
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April
Cost for above £269 plus VAT. Overseas students £371.
The Benevolent is in excellent shape and has continued to expand over recent years. However the demand from those in need also rises and the Society accepts that it must grow stronger to meet the increasing demands of the future.
State for Scotland, replied on behalf of the guests and Tony Mair on behalf of the Association. The Association is grateful to the support given to this function by Diageo plc
THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF DISTILLERS ANNUAL LECTURE. The culmination of the Heriot-Watt International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD) packaging course is the Worshipful th Company of Distillers Annual Lecture. On 16 May 2003 the Master, Robert Hobson introduced Ken Grier from the Edrington Group. Ken presented a history of Famous Grouse illustrated with video clips highlighting the changes in advertising concepts over the past few years. Changes in the global whisky markets were also addressed. Many thanks to Ken for an excellent presentation (and for the samples!),
COURT VISIT TO TRENTINO, ITALY In early September twenty-six members of the Court and their ladies visited Trento in Northern Italy and were warmly received by their hosts, the wine makers and distillers of the region. The trip, organised by Contessa Maria Fede Caproni, was extremely comprehensive giving the Court members the opportunity to visit the large vineyards as well as the smaller family businesses and to sample the very interesting wines from this region. A very high quality sparkling wine is produced called Spumante. The majority of these are fermented in bottle exactly the same as French champagne. The members of the Court were very interested in the distillation of the residue of grape skins and pips after they have been separated from the wine. The final product, known as grappa both by tradition and law, is recognised solely as an Italian product that complies with welldefined Italian regulations. The final product will have the flavour of the particular grape, which accounts for the large variety of flavours. There are about 130 distilleries in Italy producing around 40 million bottles per annum. A special visit to the Caproni Aircraft Museum revealed that our guide, General Volpi, had flown over and bombed British bases at Alexandria and Malta during the Second World War. How extraordinary that Past Masters Colonel Churton (Alexandria) and Vincent Larvan (Malta) remembered this event as they were stationed there at the time. A dinner was generously organised for the livery members by the Contessa Maria Fede Caproni in the Caproni Aero Hotel situated next to the museum and rounded off an unusual day.
Alan Rutherford, Ken Grier, the Master, Professor Graham Stewart, Brian Eaton and Middle Warden Christopher Hayman At the February Court Lunch, the Worshipful Company of Distillers presented their annual scholarship to a post graduate student from the Brewing and Distilling department of HeriotWatt University. The winning student, Michelle Pizzi, is pictured below.
(Photograph of group of four looking to the left)
United by a common spirit. Vincent Larvan, Alice Churton, General Volti and Col Geoffrey Churton. On the final night a Gala dinner was held at the Hotel America at which members of the Court were able to return the generous hospitality of our Italian hosts.
Professor Graham Stewart, Michelle Pizzi, the Master Robert Hobson, Alan Rutherford and Brian Eaton GIN & VODKA ASSOCIATION, 12 June 2003 The Gin and Vodka Association in conjunction with the Worshipful Company of Distillers hosted a Dinner for the European Confederation of Spirit Producers (CEPS) at Vintners Hall. The Master welcomed the guests who had come from all over Europe. Anne McGuire MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of
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(Photograph of whole group)
Team photocall at the Pisoni Vineyard.
THE LIVERY AND LADIES BANQUET On 30 September 2003 the Master with his wife Valerie dined with members of the livery, their ladies and guests in the impressive Egyptian Hall at the Mansion House. The Master’s guests were Brigadier Sir Miles Hunt-Davies KCVO, CBE with his wife Gale and Alderman Sir Alexander Graham GBE together with his wife Carolyn. Assistant Keith Garrard eloquently proposed the toast to the guests. These included Mr Michael Hasslacher, Master of the Worshipful Company of Vintners, the Italian Naval attaché Admiral Christiano Bettini, Mr Jack Broadley Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners and Colonel Stephen Henwood TD (London Scottish Regiment). There was also present a delegation of US journalist taking part in a media tour of the distilling industry arranged by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States in conjunction with the Gin and Vodka Association.
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EVENING BRIEFINGS ON THE CITY OF LONDON All liverymen are encouraged to make time to attend one of the evening briefings organised by the Corporation of London. Until now the Clerk has drawn these to the attention of new Stewards, so that they are well informed by the time they join the Court; but the determination of the Court over the last few years that our Company should increasingly play its role as a City Institution has underlined the relevance of these briefings to all liverymen. Did you know: that it is the Livery, that is all the Livery Companies of the City, meeting in Common Hall nominate the Lord Mayor and elect the Sheriffs that the ordinances and the level of charitable funds in each Livery Company are monitored by the Court of Aldermen that the Bank of England was founded in Mercers Hall and that the other great City institutions including the Stock Exchange and Lloyds grew out of famous City coffee houses. that the City’s pioneering management of open spaces was the origin of the Green Belt concept. The Corporation of London, in addition to acting as the local authority for the City, helps to promote the City both at home and abroad and provides a range of services which benefit the City, London and the nation as a whole. It maintains some 10,000 acres of open spaces outside the square mile. Four bridges over the Thames were built and are maintained by a 700 yearold trust fund. In addition to running three major wholesale markets, the Corporation owns and maintains the Old Bailey. It is the role and privilege of each liveryman to play his part in ensuring that the City is presented and promoted in the best possible light. The briefings start at 5.30pm and run until 7.00pm, after which there is a very adequate finger buffet, washed down with wine. They are free and are booked through the Wax Chandlers’ Hall – telephone 020 7606 3591, e-mail liverycourses@waxchandlershall.co.uk EDUCATION
Valerie and the Master, Gale and Brigadier Sir Miles Hunt – Davies Brigadier Sir Miles Hunt-Davies replied on behalf of the guests speaking movingly of the Master’s passion for his human torpedo charity and proposed the health of the Company coupled with that of the Master. The Master thanked the speakers and spoke of his wonderful year as Master that would shortly come to an end. There had been many firsts for the Worshipful Company of Distillers and the future for us was very bright. The entertainment for the evening was a group called The Sharps who sang magnificently some classical operatic songs. They were called back for an encore. HMS MONTROSE The ship went into Rosyth Royal Dockyard just over one year ago for a major mid-term refit. HMS Montrose is due to emerge, st refreshed and ready for sea on 21 November 2003 and for trials to commence in the New Year. The new Commanding Officer and Ship’s Company will join shortly.
At the Court Luncheon on 12 February 2003 the Master presented the following scholarships. HERIOT-WATT The Heriot-Watt International 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. 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.
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We are delighted to welcome all of the above who, without exception, will strengthen the Company’s links with the spirits industry.
OUR STRATEGIC PLAN – PROGRESS REPORT The Company continues to develop our Strategic Plan with the key objective of becoming: “The Hub of the Spirits Trade” On the 21 October 2003 a Livery Briefing was organised at the Henrietta Place offices of Diageo plc. Presentations were made by the Master and Wardens to explain the latest developments in the Company’s plans to enhance our role within the spirit industry together with our future aspirations. A buffet supper and drinks followed enabling liverymen to mingle socially. The Company is grateful to the generous facilities offered by Diageo plc and Jonathan Driver who hosted the event. In view of the very positive feedback from the evening it is intended to repeat the event on a regular basis to encourage greater involvement from our membership. The response to the Master’s appeal for our MacdonaldBuchanan Bursaries and Scholarship Trust has been encouraging with some 33 additional donations being received and the annual value of gifts increasing nearly 60%. Our thanks go to everyone who has supported this important initiative. However there are a significant number of liverymen who have not entered into covenants and we would urge them to review their charitable giving and include the Distillers charity in their commitments. There are many good causes that we would like to support given the available funds. LIVERY MEMBERSHIP ADMISSIONS TO THE FREEDOM 12 February 2003 Mr Daryl Goh (Scholar) Mr Rupert Bull Mr Michael Campbell 9 April 2003 Mr John Beckerleg His Excellency the Italian Ambassador Luigi Amaduzzi 5 June 2003 Mr Damian Riley-Smith Dr John Smail Miss Michelle Pizzi (Scholar) LIVERY 12 February 2003 Mr Philip Bowman Mr Thomas Hudson Mr Richard Paterson 9 April 2003 Mr Michael Campbell Mr Neil Monyard Mr Quentin Rappoport The Rev David Burgess (Chaplain to the Company) 5 June 2003 Mr Edwin Atkinson Mr Ian Harris Mr Malcolm MacKinnon
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MASTER’S REPORT 14 April th 30 April 7 May th 8 May th 12 May th 13 May th 14 May 15 May 16 May 19 May 20 May th 28 May nd 2 June th 5 June th 10 June th 11 June th 13 June th 16 June 19 June 24 June st 1 July 4 July th 9 July th 11 July th 14 July th 16 July th 20 July nd 22 July 29 July th 12 Aug th 30 Aug th 11 Sept 16
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23 Sept th 29 Sept 30 Sept st 1 Oct 3 Oct th 7 Oct th 8 Oct th 13 Oct th 16 Oct st 21 Oct st 31 Oct rd 3 Nov 5 Nov th 13 Nov
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Livery News Launch at Painters Hall Wine & Spirit Association Luncheon at Vintners Hall Dinner Brewers Company at Brewers Hall Dinner Pewterers Company at Pewterers Hall Benevolent Banquet at the Hilton Hotel Strategy Meeting at Diageo Priory Church Service & Luncheon St Bartholomew Hospital New Club Edinburgh, preliminary arrangements Heriot-Watt University tour, Luncheon & Lecture Luncheon Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners at Wax Chandlers Hall Festival of the Clergy St Paul’s Cathedral Distillers Golf Day at Burhill Visit to Mike Campbell, Benevolent. Edinburgh Court Meeting & Dinner Portuguese Embassy Pewterers Company Exhibition Lunch at the Old Bailey Dinner Gin & Vodka Association of Great Britain Dinner Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers at Apothecaries Hall Common Hall for the election of Sheriffs. Dinner at Worshipful Company of Innholders at Innholders Hall. Meeting Mansion House Caterers. Buckingham Palace Garden Party Distillers Golf versus West Kent GC Sheriffs and Recorders Fund AGM Swan Upping, Vintners Company. British Grand Prix, Silverstone Past Masters Association Meeting at Butchers Hall Royal Air Force at Science Museum Golf versus Brewers Company at Dedham Court visit to Italy Worshipful Company of Upholders Dinner at the Watermans Hall Fire Fighters Memorial Service at St Paul’s Cathedral Strategy Meeting Common Hall election of Lord Mayor Lecture Staple Inn Hall Distillers Ladies Night at Mansion House Worshipful Company of Musicians Evening at St Paul’s Cathedral. Distillers Livery Interviews Wine & Spirit Festival at Church of St Olave. Guilds Dinner at Ironmongers Hall Tea at the Mansion House Museum of London Distillers Common Hall at Diageo London Scottish Dinner St Paul’s Cathedral Poppy Day Appeal Wine & Spirit Education Trust Awards Dinner Gunmakers at Carpenters Hall Wine Trades Foundation Dinner
Simon Leschallas David Pinchard
John Doswell
GOLF: Budge’s Corner Another excellent years golf under the leadership of Past Master Budge Brooks, to whom all who played are deeply grateful for the excellent organisation and a lot of hard work. The match versus the Vintners Company in April was the usual hard fought battle with the Vintners avenging last years defeat 3½ to 2½. On the old course at Burhill, in excellent summer conditions, Sir George Bull became our champion for 2003 and the winner of the Budge Brooks Shield. The match versus Painters Stainers in July yielded another defeat; our average stapleford points count being just over one less than our opponents. Our last fixture against the Brewers Company in August was another close match with the result a half, with three wins each. Dates for 2004: st Wednesday 31 March: match v Vintners Company th Thursday 27 May: Distillers Golf Day, Burhill th Thursday 15 July: match v Painters Stainers th Tuesday 10 August: match v Brewers Finally we would also like to extend our heart-felt condolences to Budge arising from the sudden death of his wife, Pat. She was always on hand to support Budge and take those last minute telephone calls. She will be greatly missed by us all. NEWS IN BRIEF The International Centre for Brewing and Distilling celebrate their centenary in 2004 and one of the events will be a dinner at Brewers Hall. Honorary Assistant Malcolm Kimmins has been appointed High Sheriff of Berkshire The Estate of the late Past Master Alan Burrough has made an extremely generous gift to our charity fund. WHO’S WHO ON THE COURT You may find it helpful to know who is currently on the Court and committees of the Company. The list reflects the changes after th the installation of Nigel Churton as Master on 19 November 2003. More news on the new Master and the Installation Court Dinner will appear in the next edition of the Distillate. MEMBERS OF THE COURT Master Upper Warden Middle Warden Renter Warden Immediate Past Master FORTHCOMING EVENTS AND DATES 2003: th 18 December 2004: th 19 February 26 March th 29 April th 14 May
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HONORARY ASSISTANTS AND PAST MASTERS Col. Geoffrey Churton Michael Broadbent (Father of the Company) Vincent Larvan Peter Hasslacher Nigel Stroften Budge Brooks Tim Morrison David Lamdin Anthony Edwards Norman Burrough HONORARY ASSISTANTS Blair Eames 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 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 Christopher Mitchell
Carol Service St Lawrence Jewry and buffet supper at the Innholders hall Court Meeting and Luncheon with Scholarship presentation at Vintners Hall United Guilds Service. (Court members only) Court Meeting and Livery Dinner Christopher Nadin to give the Annual HeriotWatt lecture
Nigel Churton MBE Christopher Hayman David Grant Keith Garrard Robert Hobson
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 David Sills Terry Barr
The Distillate is a 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 Tel: 020 7405 7091
