In April 2009 - the following officers were installed
Life is certainly full of surprises for 6 months ago I had no idea that unfortunate circumstances would lead to me standing here as Master for the coming year. I, and indeed, all Upholders here this evening wish that Rev John Cowling, our Chaplain and last year’s Senior Warden, had been well enough to have taken on this role. However he will continue carrying on his spiritual duties as Chaplain of our company.
Our Company has enjoyed a very successful year under the leadership of one of our youngest Masters on record. Richard we thank you for your enthusiasm and dedication in not only working to enhance our administrative and educational aims, but also the time given to promoting our interests within the City. Your stalwart support for the Wood Group has certainly helped influence its standing within the Livery Movement, and I was pleased to note that the Lord Mayor made reference to the ‘Wood Group’ and ‘Craft Qualifications’ when speaking at the recent Livery Banquet at the Guildhall.
During our earlier Court Meeting Richard’s last formal duty before installing me as Master was to admit two new members onto our Court, Jeremy Peter Appleyard and Stephen Paul Tanner. May I extend to you both on behalf of all here this evening our congratulations.
After the Court had closed it gave me great pleasure to clothe Wendy Alison Shorter in the Livery. Wendy sits on the board of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers, and has recently been appointed as Director responsible for training.
John Houston, Honorary Court Member and Archivist, whilst foraging for information on the Company’s past, has uncovered the earliest known image of one of our members, Humphrey Skelton, who was admitted as a Freeman in 1699 and worked as an Upholsterer at least until 1734. I thank John for the time he has committed into researching and obtaining the information.
Wishing to support the Centenary celebrations of Castle Baynard Ward Club I have arranged with their Chairman Tony Rogers, to share in a Banquet at the Mansion House on Thursday 16th July. This will take the place of our October Ladies Banquet at which time I will be holding an Autumn event.
In concluding I wish to thank Wynne for her unstinting support for me as I take on the role again.
Julian
Squire became a Liveryman in 2000 and member of the Court in 2007. He lives with
his wife Susan in the Cotswold village of Sherston in Wiltshire and has two
children.
Born in central London, he spent the first 20 years of his business career with Gardner Merchant. He participated in the company’s management buy out from Trust House Forte in 1992 and its subsequent trade sale to French multinational Sodexo.
He then joined the board of quoted Interior Services Group to lead and implement a merger and acquisition strategy of facilities management and property services businesses.
In 2002 he founded Infracare Group which became a major property developer of premises for occupation by the NHS as primary healthcare facilities and community hospitals under the governments local investment finance trust (LIFT) initiative.
He sold the business in 2007 and now spends his time travelling and managing a diverse portfolio of personal investments. Julian was a finalist in the 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year. Personal interests include music, shooting, skiing and driving tours around Europe. He is a governor of Westonbirt School.
James (Jim) Kelly is our new Junior Warden. Currently also Chairman of the Central London Branch of the Institute of Directors, his career spans science and business, commencing as a materials scientist at the Post Office Research Station in Dollis Hill, before moving into computer communications and network technologies at the advent of the office automation and information technology era. His career weaved in and out of the IT / Electronic Engineering world, moving into graphic arts and printing, before moving into the more solid world of company direction and business. He is visiting professor at the London Metropolitan University Business School.
Married to Maureen, a former personnel manager turned soft furnishings project director, they live in North London and love country house opera, entertaining friends, good food and wine among many other things. A lover of Cricket, but not fully converted to the 20/20 concept, James is a long time member of Middlesex county Cricket Club, a founder member of the Brian Johnson Memorial Trust and a member of the Lord’s Taverners. A former school governor, now advisory council member of London Metropolitan University, his memberships include the Institute of Directors, City Livery Club, United Wards Club, English Speaking Union, the Past Overseers Society of Saint Margaret & St John, Westminster and he is a council member of the City of London branch of the Royal Society of Saint George.
![[Photograph of Hon. Clerk, Jean Cody]](images/Currentpics/Jean%20Cody.JPG)
Jean was Clothed in the Livery in January 2003
and was appointed Clerk in May 2003. She is a Freeman of the City of London and
a Freeman of the Company.
Jean was born in South London on 28th February 1947 and studied at Trinity School, the first purpose built comprehensive school for girls in London. At 17, having gained several GCEs including English, Maths and Art, she began work in one of Lloyds of London's insurance companies as an Audio Typist and Secretary.
Jean was married to James in 1965 and has two sons and a daughter, all of whom are married - she currently has four grandsons and two granddaughters. She is a Director of the family engineering supplies business.
Jean is President for the fifth time of the Innerwheel Club of Penge, an
international organisation providing fundraising and service for local and
international charities. Her hobbies include her grandchildren and family,
cooking and home entertaining, holidays and travel, container gardening,
Scottish Country Dancing and genealogy.
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