The Worshipful Company of Upholders

Summer 2009

The Master's Interim Report
Michael Gilham
 

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 16^th 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.    

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