The Worshipful Company of

BlacksmithsNewsletter

55th IssueSpring 2020

Published by

The Publicity and Public Relations CommitteeWorshipful Company of Blacksmiths 9 Little Trinity Lane, London EC4V 2AD

Tel: 020 7248 1861

https://blacksmithscompany.co.uk/

EditorCharlotte Teale

By day & by night – part of the Tonypandy Cup winning installation at Westminster Magistrates Court by Bex Simon – See Page 11

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Hello and Goodbye from this EditorCharlotte Teale

www.facebook.com/groups/702009586614867 @Tweeting_Hammer https://blacksmithscompany.co.uk/

Be sure to check out our online presence:

‘This reminds me of my time in the operating theatre aboard ship’

Congratulations to Wing Commander Dan Penter the winner of the 54th Issue

Caption Competition

– Please contact the Editor so we can get your prize to you –

Hello and welcome to issue 55 of the WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmiths’ Newsletter. In thisstrange time of lockdown, it was great to look back

over some of the events of late 2019 and early 2020 and Ireally hope you enjoy reflecting on a brilliant six months. I have also been able to include some events that would have been covered in issue 54, but we were unable tosqueeze them into that edition, due to an abundance of copy.

It has been a period of great highs, including the firstfemale winners of both the Blacksmiths’ Army Cup and the Tonypandy Cup, presented at our packed AwardsLuncheon. We have also sadly experienced the passing of Past Prime Warden Hugh Adams and LiverymanLieutenant Colonel John Yardley Sanders. Full obituaries for both are included in this issue.

As some of you may know this is my last issue as editorof the newsletter. I have recently had a change of role at work which means that I sadly no longer have thecapacity to give the newsletter the attention it deserves. It has been a great pleasure to be the editor for three yearsand I hope you have enjoyed the issues printed during thisperiod. I am delighted that my successor has been foundand Liveryman Abigail Farr will be taking over from mewith immediate effect. Should you wish to contact me, my

details are on the back page, however all copy for futurenewsletters should now be sent to Abigail, whose details arealso printed on the back cover.

As I write this it feels very bittersweet. Writing thenewsletter gave me a great excuse to speak to so manypeople at events and lunches and I am grateful to everyonewho has provided copy during my time as editor. I amhowever looking forward to attending future luncheswithout a pen and notebook in my handbag ready to scopeout my next author. You can be sure now that when Iapproach you I won’t be asking you to write an article!

Although all upcoming events have been either cancelledor postponed I am delighted to see how the nation has cometogether at this time with members of our own companyworking alongside the NHS and other bodies in vital stepsto fight the pandemic and the resulting effects.

As I sign off I hope that all of you, your friends and yourfamilies are keeping well and I send my best wishes to youall. I hope to see you at Company events in the not toodistant future.

Contents

Hello and Goodbye from this Editor 2Caption Competition Winner 2Taking to the Sky 3A Busy Six Months – Reviewing My Year So Far 4-5From a Weakness to a Strength; How Hard Work andDetermination Secured the Blacksmiths’ Army Cup 5Great Times at the Guildhall Christmas Market 6Youngster Blacksmiths Shine in the Sun 7Award Winners 2019 8-9Midsummer Court Church Service 10First Female Winner – Introducing Tonypandy WinnerBex Simon 11An Immeasurable Loss – Remembering Past Prime Warden Hugh Adams SWCB 12At Ease Soldier – Remembering Lieutenant Colonel John Yardley Sanders 13Carols at St Andrew by the Wardrobe 13A Most Generous Donation 14New Liverymen & Court Assistant 15Clerk’s Corner 15Diary of Events 2020 16Show Dates 2020 16Caption Competition 16The Company Shop 16

Jim Cook on behalf of the Publicity and Public RelationsCommittee wishes to thank Charlotte for her splendid efforts

as Editor of our newsletter and wish her well.

On the morning of the 21October 2019, 15 liverymenand guests ventured to the

Waddington RAF base near Lincoln.On arrival we were met by SquadronLeader Allen Auchterlonie whohosted us throughout the day. Therewas an array of tents where many of the different branches of the RAFwere preparing their presentationsand talks. After a brief introduction in the main hanger, the first talk on our schedule was given by WingCommander Daniel Penter of the 42(ES) Wing (our RAF affiliate) teachingus about the Expeditionary SupportWing of the RAF. They providespecialist engineering capability;providing aircraft recovery andtransportation, weapons storage andpreparation, and deploy airfieldsupport to air operations and defencetasks worldwide. After several otherpresentations from different wingsincluding 71 (Inspection and Repair)Wing 5001 Squadron and Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation

Squadron (JARTS) we were lucky to get out of the cold and have lunch in the large food tent which was

prepared and served by the RAFCatering Squadron.

After lunch the fun started, wemanaged to get a look at the new F-35BLightning combat aircraft, a nextgeneration plane which will operatealongside the Typhoon. The Lightning

is a multirole combat aircraftthat can conduct theroles and missions ofdifferent aircraft typessimultaneously. For theLightning, this includesair to air, air to surface,electronic warfare andintelligence collectionmissions. Next, we hada talk by Leonardoabout how the RAF works in partnership with privatecorporations. Leonardo supplynot only aircraft to the RAFbut also anti drone and

other defence systems which help todetect unknown aircraft which may be a threat.

Following this we were introducedto the Typhoon FGR4. The Typhoonprovides the RAF with highly capableand extremely agile multi-role 4thgeneration combat aircraft, capable ofbeing deployed in the full spectrum ofair operations, including air policing,peace support and high intensityconflict. Initially deployed in the air toair role, the Typhoon now has potentand precise multi role capability.Finally, we were lucky enough to

squeeze in a visit to the E – 3D Sentry.This is a modified Boeing 707 which is an airborne early warningcommand and control aircraft. TheSentry can monitor airspace to provide threat detection of adversaryaircraft and situational awareness on friendly assets. The information

from the radar is processed by thecrew and disseminated via a variety of data links and communicationsystems.

Those of us lucky enough to go to Waddington had an excellent timeand it was amazing to see so manyfunctions within the RAF.

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Taking to the Sky Khushal Thakrar

FGR4 Typhoon

E-3D Sentry

F-35B Lightning

Cockpit of the Lightning

It is an enormous privilege to bePrime Warden of the WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmiths and I’m

delighted to have the opportunity toshare with you some of the highlightsof my year so far.

One of our principle objectives as a company is the promotion of theBlacksmiths’ Craft. To that end we runcompetitions in many of the majorcounty shows and it is a real joy toattend these and to see the quality ofwork that is being produced. One ofmy first official tasks this year was togive out the prizes at the DorsetCounty Show in September. TheBlacksmiths’ Company is held in great respect because of the quality of its craftsmen and other LiveryCompanies often commission workfrom us. In October I was privileged toattend the Installation ceremony forthe Tylers and Bricklayers Companywhere Simon Grant-Jones presentedthem a magnificent new banner stand.

As Prime Warden I represent theCompany at formal City occasions,often processing in St Paul’sCathedral or the Guildhall with ahost of other Prime Wardens andMasters in full regalia. These haveincluded the Election of the LordMayor and the opening of the

Garden of Remembrance. Somerepresentational roles are less formal,but just as important. We havetraditionally provided the prizes forthe Elworthy Trophy (the LondonTri-Service Cadet Competition) and itwas enormous fun (if rather wet) tobe with so many impressive youngpeople at Frimley Park in October topresent the prizes.

Charity is another of our objectivesand I am delighted that the Companyhas been able to significantly increaseits charitable giving this year. Helenand I have attended a number ofcharity events over the past fewmonths including the Sheriffs’ Ball in a remarkably transformed Guildhall! I was particularly proud of theBlacksmiths’ contribution to theGuildhall Red Cross Fair inNovember. We sponsored the openingGala, provided the principle organiser(Renter Warden Alistair King) and,thanks to the generosity of ourworking Blacksmiths, ran a first-classstall. I enjoyed the personal challengeof selling numerous pokers andtoasting forks to people who claimedto live in smoke free zones. Rathermore concerning was Helen’sinsistence on attending a charity eventrun by the Mistress Apothecary on the successful use of poisons!

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A Busy Six Months – Reviewing My Year So Far

Handing out prizes at the Dorset County Show

Prime Warden Dr Nick Land

Simon Grant-Jones FWCB LWCB presenting the Tylersand Bricklayers with a magnificent new banner stand

Representing the Company at the Guildhall in full regalia

The Prime Warden with winners of the Elworthy Trophy

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Ijoined the Army in 2008 into Royal Logistic Corps (RLC)as a Communications Specialist and later as a LogisticSupply Specialist. After serving 8 years with the RLC

I wanted a new challenge and decided to re-train andtransfer into the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers(REME). I wanted a trade which I thought I'd enjoy anddecided to become a Metalsmith; a choice which somepeople were surprised with because at the time there wereonly 3 other serving females within the trade.

During my initial yearlong training at MOD Lyneham, inWiltshire, I soon settled into the physical demands ofbecoming a Metalsmith and welcomed the new challengesthat came with it, not only that but getting to grips with toolsand machinery that I had not seen or even heard of before.

Soon I was enjoying using my own creative side andmaking items for friends and family, whilst passing thestages of gaining my initial Metalsmith qualification.

After training I was posted to 4 Armoured CloseSupport Battalion REME to start my new career, and inthe year that followed I found myself deployed to Canadaand Estonia, as well as supporting in Barracks EquipmentCare, Manufacture and Repair.

In 2019 I thought I would challenge myself further andenter a Blacksmithing Competition at the Royal Bath andWest Show.

During my training, blacksmithing wasn't my strongestsubject and I was determined to improve.

With 2 weeks to go until the competition I set aboutpracticing and deciding on my idea for my final piece andhow I was going to make it, as I'd only ever used a forgebefore a handful of times.

At the start I was just happy that I had the chance to takepart in the event and didn't expect to win. Later I learnedthat I was also the first female to do so. I am grateful to theWorshipful Company of Blacksmiths and the Royal Bathand West Show for the opportunity, and the accolade, as wellas the British Army, my Husband Dan, my friends and mypeers for their support.

I look forward to the future and the new challenges thatwill come along with it, while enjoying all aspects of being aMetalsmith.

From a Weakness to a Strength; How Hard Workand Determination Secured the Blacksmiths’Army Cup Lance Corporal Elena Mountford

Lance Corporal Elena Mountford celebrates the outcome of hard work

Helen and I attended the Sheriffs’ Ball at the Guildhall

One of the great privileges of beingPrime Warden is to enjoy thehospitality of so many other LiveryCompanies. It is wonderful to have thechance to see magnificent halls and tomeet interesting people from all walksof life. In my own speeches I havesought to outline just a few of theways in which Livery Companiesmake a real difference to their trades,to young people and to a whole hostof charities.

Perhaps one of the most importantdays this year was the 5th Februarywhen during a Craft Committeemeeting we got a text confirming thatthe Secretary of State had approvedthe funding to re-establish a formal

Blacksmiths’ Apprenticeship scheme(thanks to John Slater and AdrianLegge for their work on this). Thismeans that we will have ensured thatfuture generations of young peoplewill be able to learn “That by Hammerand Hand all Arts do Stand”!

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Adrian Legge FWCB LWCB, Liveryman

Great Times at the Guildhall ChristmasCharity Market

One fine day during a craft committee meeting lastspring it was announced that the WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmiths would be taking a

prominent role in the bi-annual Guildhall Red CrossChristmas Market in November, and wouldn’t it be awonderful idea to try and involve some of our nationalfamily of blacksmiths in producing work in aid of thecharity to sell at the market.

A small group of people from the committee gottogether to sort out the logistics of trying to persuade andorganise a bunch of blacksmiths (just like trying to herdcats!!!) to produce and donate work for sale at the event.Various regional smiths were tasked with sorting outtheir areas and collecting up the donations. Bob Tunksdid absolutely sterling work in not only keeping everyoneon track, but even in arranging a road trip with his lovely wife, to pick up the work from around the country. This involved driving up to Scotland then across countryto the midlands, down south and then back to London.I’m not sure that Kerry wouldn’t have preferred a weekin the sun!

As always, the blacksmiths came up trumps and weare very grateful for their generosity, time and creativityin coming up with such varied and exciting pieces.

Melissa Cole spent some agonising time sorting out thedisplay and pricing all the pieces.

Merv Allen and Jim Cook brought along a cohort ofstalwart friends to talk to the public and sell the work.With various members of the Wardens’ Court arriving todo their bit, although many members of the companywere unfortunately away attending the funeral andpaying respects to Sylvie and the family of our greatfriend and Past Prime Warden Hugh Adams. Those of us who were unable to attend the funeral paused for a moments silence and had a toast in memory of Hugh.

The Blacksmiths stand came together quickly thanks tothe seamless organisation of Bob and Jill and it lookedbrilliant, with more work available under the tables tostock up. Bob also paid to have hessian bags made upand printed with the company coat of arms.

The event was officially opened by Her Royal HighnessPrincess Alexandra, supported by the Lord Mayor,Alderman William Russell and Chairman of the fairorganising committee, the Renter Warden, AldermanAlistair King with his consort Corinne Lee.

The Princess visited the Blacksmiths’ stand andcomplimented us on the quality and variety of thedisplay before buying a piece and continuing on a tour ofthe market. By the end of the two days we had virtuallysold out and raised the magnificent sum of £3,047 for theRed Cross. Many thanks to all involved.

Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, supported by the Lord Mayor, Alderman William Russell and Chairman of the fair organising committee,

the Renter Warden, Alderman Alistair King open the fair

The team working hard behind the stall

Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra visits the Blacksmiths’ stand

Craft Warden, Jim Cook presents an award to Henry Rogers

Craft Warden, Jim Cook presenting award to theJohn Denton Trophy Winner Lawrence Colman

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The blacksmith’s stand comprisedtented accommodation for bothrefresh ments and an exhibition areafor selected pieces of forged iron worktogether with an outdoor undercoverhardstanding forging area in whichthe 3 forges were operating.

The tents afforded some respitefrom the sun’s heat and encouragedvisitors inside to view the awardwinning and other exhibits whichwere on show. These included severaltypes of gates, fire scrapers, pokers,candle holders, colourful forgedsculptures of parrots and fish, to namebut a few. Pride of place was given tothe magnificent forged Wessex Guild’s“Golden Anniversary Panel” (≈ 7ft. indiameter) which showed the fourelements of earth, wind, fire and waterin picturesque iron panels.

The blacksmiths stand and showactivities were extremely wellorganised by Nick Bates, who was ably supported by the redoubtableEric Lamprell FWCB, who for manyyears had managed this show beforehanding over duties to Nick.

Refreshments comprising food,cool drinks and beverages, (thechocolate brownies were delicious)were provided by members of theblacksmiths families for them andlivery guests.

The three forges were workingmore or less continuously throughoutboth days. A series of blacksmithingsessions were carried out by young“less experienced” blacksmiths and of course “old hand” masters. Somesessions were conducted on a timedbasis, some of them working singlyand some working in pairs, whichincluded a father and daughter teamKaty and Richard Bradshaw.

These were showcase sessions andwere very popular with the visitors to the event and attracted largeaudiences. Eric’s ring master “roll up”type commentaries for these sessionsdrew the attention of visitors to thestand and provided an informative,sometimes jocular commentary of the particular event taking placeincluding what in fact was beingforged.

The event culminated at the end ofthe second day with the presentationof the awards to the prize winningblacksmiths. The backdrop for thepresentation ceremony was the Guild’sGolden Anniversary Panel and wasconducted by Nick Bates. The CraftWarden of the Worshipful Company ofBlacksmiths, Jim Cook, ably supportedby Court Assistant John Richardson,presented the awards.

The judge of the show, Richard BentFWCB, in his address mentioned thathe was extremely pleased with the way that experienced blacksmiths had passed on their expertise andknowledge to the youngsters. Hecommented that these eventsprovided an excellent showcase fordisplaying the skills and craft to thegeneral public.

Young blacksmiths Freddie Gillamand Doug McCoy, who had recentlyleft college, produced examples of theirwork which showed that the art andcraft was in good hands for the future.

Other members of the WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmith’s Court whobraved the hot conditions to attend theshow included Past Prime WardensRichard Regan and Nigel Whiteheadwith their partners.

Jim Cook, Craft Warden

Youngster Blacksmiths Shine in the Sun

The 2019 Edenbridge and Oxted show coincided withtwo of the hottest days (≈ 33°C) ever recorded forAugust in the UK! The Worshipful Company of

Blacksmiths’ stand was located at entrance to gate 4 andalmost opposite to that of the Worshipful Company ofFarriers, both of which were busy with blacksmiths andfarriers working at their forges showing the audiences theirskills in their respective crafts. The Edenbridge and Oxted Blacksmiths Team

Katy and Richard Bradshaw in the ‘Live pairs competition’

John Richardson presenting awards to Doug McCoy and Freddie Gillam

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Award Win

The Requirements for Awards are described on our

Presented by the Craft Warden, Jim CookThe Frank Day Trophy The Stanley Allcard Cup

Live Reserve ChampionBlacksmith

(Not awarded – tied on points)

Congratulations to:

Sam BaileyPaul Gilbert

David HarmanRichard HillamNeil Lossock

Keith Mahoney

Static Reserve NationalChampionship Blacksmith

(Not Present)

Mick Maxen

Bronze MedalPresented by the Third Warden, Dr Robin McNeill Love DL

Presented by Court Assistant, General Sir Patrick Sanders KCB CBE DSO ADC (Gen)Blacksmiths Army Cup

Lance Corporal Elena Mountford

Sadie Star Freddie Gillam Jacob Edwards

Adam Greenwell Chez Chescoe William Holland

The Camelia Botnar Foundation Cup

Diploma of Merit

Presented by the Renter Warden, Alderman Alastair King

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nners 2019

website https://blacksmithscompany.co.uk/

The Royal Air Force Winged Thunderbolt Award

Presented by the Renter Warden, Alderman Alastair King

Presented by Prime Warden, Dr Nicholas Land

Petty Officer Daniel Clark & Corporal Michael Broad (Joint Aircraft Recovery & Transportation Squadron – JART)

Static National Championship BlacksmithLive Championship Blacksmith

Simon Hall Simon Hall

Nigel Barnett Bex SimonSub-Lieutenant Alex Cummings

Presented by Wing Commander Daniel Penter, OC 42 (ES) Wing

Silver MedalThe Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths

Naval Service Core Values Award The Tonypandy Cup

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Midsummer Court Church Service

After the Midsummer Courtmeeting in 2019 the Beadleassembled the Prime Warden,

Wardens, Father of the Company, theLearned Clerk and Court Membersready to lead them in procession to thenearby Church of St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe for the Annual ChurchService. The Beadle, Geoff Fairfax,boldly led the procession holding his staff of office ready to repel any hobbledehoys, ne’er-do-wells orruffians who might seek to impede the progress of the Court of theBlacksmiths’ Company.

We were joined at the Church bymany Liverymen and their guests forthe Service.

The Archdeacon of London, theVenerable Luke Miller, is the Rector ofSt. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe and hegave permission for the Company tohold the Midsummer Service there.He led the Service jointly with ourHonorary Chaplain, (Liveryman) TheReverend Anthony Berry.

Father Luke welcomed theCompany and recalled its historiclinks with the Church. Our Companybanner is exhibited and the Companymade a significant contribution to thefitting out of the Lady Chapel.

The opening hymn was LoveDivine All Loves Excelling to thetraditional tune ‘Blaenwern’. FatherLuke then led us in the Bidding

Prayers that he had written especiallyfor this occasion.

The Prime Warden read fromChapter 54 of the book of Isaiah thatincludes the words:

“See it is I who have created theblacksmith who fans the flames and

forges a weapon fit for its work”(The only other Biblical reference to

the blacksmiths is that there are noblacksmiths in the land of Israel).

In his homily Anthony Berryoutlined the historical background tohis vision of Zion as expressed by

Isaiah. It was against an uncertainpolitical background, something, hesuggested, with which we can allsympathise.

The final prayers from Father Luke were followed by a full-heartedrendering of Jerusalem. The familiarwords of William Blake and the musicof Hubert Parry. After the FinalBlessing the procession of the Courtand Liverymen was re-formed toreturn to Apothecaries’ Hall. It was a pleasure to enjoy pre-dinner drinksin the courtyard bathed in the sunlightof a warm summer evening.

Both Father Luke and the ReverendTony Berry were able to join theCompany at the Reception andMidsummer Dinner.

There was a retiring collection for the work of the Church whichamounted to £333.

We are grateful to David Bishopwho provided the music and theParish Administrator, Laura Li, for her co-operation in ensuring that all necessary arrangements were in place. For those who have attendedthe Company's Carol Service in yearsgone by, there was also the familiarfigure of Martin Woods assisting theClergy and ensuring the altar wasresplendent with fresh candles andelaborate candelabra.

An onlooker (Special Correspondent)

The WCB Court processing to St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe

Members of the Court and their partners in the Courtyard of Apothecaries’ Hall

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First Female Winner – Introducing TonypandyWinner Bex Simon

The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths award theTonypandy Cup annually for a piece of work which isan outstanding example of the skill of a blacksmith. In

October QEST Howdens Scholar and artist blacksmith BexSimon became the first woman to win the prestigious award,for her Westminster Magistrates Court public art project.

At 40 metres long Bex's design spans the entire frontageof Westminster Magistrates Court, and the hand-craftedmetalwork uses the ancient blacksmith craft to create amodern, contemporary piece. Based on a timeline it shows

the historical transformation of the site from its roots as theYorkshire Stingo Tavern (including some beautiful texturedhammered leaves representing the hops) through to acourthouse and references to the modern justice system. Italso follows the geographical journey from the agriculturalgreen belt on the out skirts of the city into a more modern andcosmopolitan environment represented by the LondonUnderground, road networks and information lines that allfeed into the central circuit board in the shape of TFL Zone I.

The work blends ancient and modern techniques andfeatures acrylic encapsulations of artworks from two localschools, as well as a fully functioning QR code sculpturemade by offenders at Coldingley Prison. By scanning thecode with their phone visitors can access a video of themaking of the work, which includes music specificallywritten for it featuring sounds of forging machines, toolsand anvil samples.

Note from the Editor: As in Bex Simon’s piece we have provided a QR code here for you to scan which will take you through to the website and the making of video.Alternatively type https://www.b e x s i m o n . c o m / w e s t m i n s t e r -magistrates-court/ into your webbrowser.

Do head over to see even moredetail of this fabulous installation.

Part of the installation with QR code in situ

From the Spring Edition of QEST Magazine

Fully functioning QR code

The raw components

By night

Bex Simon hard at workduring installation

Bex Simon and her teamYou wouldn’t know at first glance that

they weren’t real

Metal or rope?

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An Immeasurable Loss – Remembering Past PrimeWarden Hugh Adams CWCB

Past Prime Warden Hugh Adams CWCB died onRemembrance Sunday in November 2019 aged 76.Hugh was the principal link between the Company

and its Craft. He was without question an exceptional manand probably the only Liverymanwho was as well known amongworking smiths as among othermembers of the Company.

He was born and lived inHarrow where despite the war-time bombing he had acomfortable upbringing, thanks to his father’s business. Earlyschool days were followed byboarding at “one of Britain’s lesserknown” public schools where hedeveloped a love of hockey andcricket which never left him.

At 16 Hugh embarked on a City& Guilds’ course in carpentry andit was during this time he spent aholiday in France on a boat on theSeine with Rupert, a friend from his school days. Later,Hugh joined Rupert in the Parachute Regiment in which,after training at Aldershot, he served in places includingBahrain and Borneo and saw active service in Cyprus. Heenjoyed his time in the army where he made many friends.He kept in touch with Rupert and only last year they had awonderful time together with Rupert’s brother Nigel – alsoa great friend of Hugh’s.

In 1964, while still serving in the Army, Hugh met Sylviein a mental hospital! Apparently Sylvie had gone to thesocial club at the hospital and Hugh was there to playhockey with a friend. As soon as Hugh set eyes on Sylvie hedeclared “that’s the girl I’m going to marry” and the rest ishistory. After marrying they settled in Harrow where theirtwo daughters Jane and Sarah were born.

Having left the Army Hugh began work as a carpenter,forming Adams’ Enterprises but still attending night schooland finding time to spend with his family. His daughters’memories of their father are ones of joy, of a man alwayswilling to join in and support them in their own interests.Despite the many demands on his time Hugh would alwaysfind time to play games with his five grandchildren, just ashe had done with his daughters.

Another great love of Hugh’s was his local pub where hemade many friends. He was a regular and it was throughhis many contacts there that he secured most of his work.When he had an accident and was unable to work for almosteight months his friends kept his business ticking over forhim, for which the family will be forever grateful.

Hugh often related that his avowed intent on becomingPrime Warden was to meet as many blacksmiths as he couldduring and after his term of office. In pursuit of this goal herarely missed an opportunity to represent the WCB andoffer friendship and support to legions of professional andamateur blacksmiths at their forges, county shows and awide range of craft events.

From Shetland to Cornwall, from the West of Wales to thefar reaches of Norfolk, often accompanied by his wife Sylvie,

Hugh traversed the country and throughout the years hisreputation grew as a confident, trusty adviser and to manyhe became a close friend.

Although he did get his hands dirty on a few occasionsHugh never pretended to beskilled in the ways of the craft. In fact, as Blacksmiths Guild LifeMember Norman Rose AWCBonce remarked after Hughattempted to forge a small item under Norman’s instruction,“Hugh, as a blacksmith you’dmake a bloody good bricklayer”!

Hugh’s knowledge of the trialsand tribulations of the workingsmith are legendary. As a non-smith it was remarkable how hecould communicate his previouslife experiences using humour anddiplomacy to help and encouragethose at the beginning of theircareers and others who may have

been going through a difficult period in their lives. Hugh often took delight in reporting that during his time

on the WCB Craft Committee he had met many greatblacksmiths of the recent past. When discussing this,particularly with student smiths, the modesty of hislanguage was always used to provide testimony to whatcould be achieved and inspire confidence.

A facet of blacksmithing that gave Hugh particulargratification was the prizes awarded to young craftsmen atthe South of England Show. These included the metalworksection in the Young Craftsman of the Year competition andthe Hugh Adams Cup awarded annually to a CameliaBotnar Foundation student.

Hugh’s energy and enthusiasm for the WorshipfulCompany, the Blacksmiths Guild and blacksmithing events around the country seemed to know no bounds and he attended as many events as he could. This sometimes involved travelling great distances and beingaccommodated overnight in premises that were oftensomewhat less than salubrious!

His attendance at county shows was always greatlyappreciated by the organisers and competitors. In hisimpeccably smart attire complete with WCB tie and blazerbadge he gladly took on the role as speech maker and prizepresenter. During the days, Hugh was invariably on handto talk to the public and his skill in describing and sellingthe works on display certainly helped in putting money intothe pockets of the smiths.

Amongst the many prestigious events that wereprivileged to be graced by Hugh’s involvement were:numerous BABA events around the country, the 2004Shetland Anchor Project, the International BlacksmithingFestival at the Devon County Showground in 2014, almostevery Blacksmiths Guild AGM from 2000 to 2018 plus theBlacksmiths Guild 50th anniversary celebrations.

The passing of Hugh is an immeasurable loss to theblacksmithing community but his role and influence on thecraft will long be cherished.

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At Ease Soldier – Remembering Lieutenant ColonelJohn Yardley Sanders

John was admitted to the Livery in1983 and was very proud of theprevious generations of his family

who had been Liverymen. He hadrecords that could trace his ancestorsin the Company to the 1850s. Otherresearch had shown that WilliamHatch Sanders was admitted to theFreedom on 14th October 1790. He, inturn, is described as the son of SamuelSanders and had been apprenticed tohis father in 1783.

John’s death on 3rd November2019, at the age of 83, deprived him of the opportunity to pursue this connection further and, possibly,bridge the unknown 50 years. Thislove of the family history and theBlacksmiths’ Company was typical of his character and commitment to any endeavour with which he wasassociated. His sons Patrick and Hugowere in their turn apprenticed to John and then became Liverymen.That family tradition has survivedwith Patrick’s son Christian admittedto the Livery in 2017. The family linkwill continue for the future; but couldit have existed for five or sixgenerations past?

John started his National Servicewith the Royal Signals and wasselected for officer training at Monsand then Sandhurst. From there he

was commissioned into 10th PrincessMary’s Own Gurkha Rifles. Thisenabled him to travel extensivelywhich fed a trait discernible from histeenage years.

His postings included three tours of Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, Cyprusand then – probably the highlight ofhis career – as Defence Attaché inBaghdad. He drove there with his wife Marianne and their two sonsPatrick and Hugo. At his funeralRequiem Mass, which was held on21st November, his daughter Gabrielleregaled the congregation with manytales of Papa and his determination inall things, not least to marry Mariannealmost as soon as he met her.

After leaving the Army he wasinvited to open the London office ofthe Arab Group and was Head ofMarketing for British Aerospace andhad his own consultancy. John’s diarywas always full and he never stoppedtravelling.

Determination was a recurrentfeature of his life with a love of sailing,photography, classical music (withbooming arias sung while sailing) and autobiographies. He had writtenhis own which is only for familyconsumption.

As a young man he had playedrugby for Saracens, tennis, squash and

was always a fearless skier. Describedas ‘a force of nature’ he embracedmany interests and cultures in his lifeand was always interested in people.A polymath he remained a courteousofficer and gentleman.

He will be missed by people ofmany cultures and we extend ourcondolences to his family. We can lookforward to the continuation of theSanders/Blacksmiths Company linkthrough Patrick who is a Member ofthe Court of Assistants.

Christopher Jeal, Honorary Court Assistant

Lt Colonel John Sanders

Carols at St Andrew by the Wardrobe Past Prime Warden Adrian Oliver

The Prime Warden, Renter Warden and severalBlacksmiths accepted the invitation of theCastle Baynard Ward Club to join their Carol

Service at our Church of St Andrew by the Wardrobe.The traditional Nine Lessons and Carols were

supported by the superb singing of the EnglishChamber Choir. After the service we enjoyed a mince pie and glass of mulled wine with our hostsand look forward to being invited again nextChristmas.

Third Warden Surgeon Commodore Robin McNeill Love DL RNMB BS FFOM MSc MRCGP DRCOG DA(UK) DAvMed FCMI

A Most Generous Donation

Mr Neville Shulman CBE,liveryman of the WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmiths,

was a close friend of George Thomas,Viscount Tonypandy and for manyyears and they shared involvements inmany charities and organisations. AsSpeaker of the House of Commons,George Tonypandy was an honorarymember of the Worshipful Companyof Blacksmiths and he introducedNeville to the Company because,through Neville’s connections with theart world he had many contacts withsculptors working in iron and metal.

Viscount Tonypandy passed awayin 1997 and Neville was invited tospeak at his memorial service held atLlandaff Cathedral, Cardiff. When theViscount retired from being Speaker in1983 his ceremonial robes, chains ofoffice and other Speaker’s items weredonated to Cardiff Castle and a full-size figure was created to displaythem. However, Cardiff Castle didn'thave a head for the display figure and so Neville conceived the idea ofsetting up a competition for Cardiff art students to create a life-like bust tocomplete the display.

Through his friendship with thefamous UK sculptor Elizabeth Frink,

Neville asked her to judge the entrantsto the competition, kindly paying forall the costs involved. When thewinner was chosen, a copy of thewinning bust was also given to Nevilleto own. As Neville and his wife Emmahave recently downsized from theirHampstead house and in view of the

fact that the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths award the annualViscount Tonypandy Cup, Nevillethought it ideal to present the bust tothe Blacksmiths to own and exhibit. InNeville’s own words, ‘It is an excellentlikeness of Viscount Tonypandy”.

As a result of all this, Neville very kindly donated the ViscountTonypandy Bust to the WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmiths and the then Prime Warden, Dr Robin McNeillLove DL, was privileged to receive the gift on behalf of the Company at the Midsummer Court Dinner at the Apothecaries’ Hall on Thursday 20 June 2019. Two pictures capture thisimportant moment.

Note from the Editor: Sadly, duringthe evening of 23rd and early morningof 24th September 2019 the PaintersHall was burgled, and the Companyoffice broken into. Amongst the itemsstolen was the bust of Tonypandy sogenerously donated by Neville at theMidsummer Court. However, there is happy ending to this sad tale andthis will be detailed gladly in Issue 56.

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Neville Shulman CBE addressing the Midsummer Court Dinner Guests explaining the background to theViscount Tonypandy Bust

On behalf of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, The Prime Warden is honoured to receive the generous gift of the Bust of Viscount Tonypandy from Neville Shulman CBE

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We welcome our new Liverymen and look forward to seeing them at future Company events

Clerk’s Corner Jill Moffatt

Michaelmas Court 2019New Court Assistant Mr Leslie Morgan OBEDL – Deputy Lieutenant for Tower Hamlets,pharmacist, entrepreneur and HonoraryVisiting Fellow of Cass Business School wherehe lectures on Philanthropy. Leslie currentlyserves on the Charity and Finance Committees.

New LiverymenMrs Abigail Farr – Director of Teaching andLearning at Westminster School, Abigail followsher father, Dr John Farr, into the Livery. Abigailhas already joined the P & PR Committee andwill be working on the Newsletter soon.

Mr Luke Grant-Jones – A networking engineer,Luke follows his father, Mr Simon Grant-JonesFWCB LWCB, into the Livery. He has attendedCompany events, including the AwardsLuncheon at which his father was presentedwith his Bronze Medal.

Mr Stephen (Steve) Hill – A Senior ProgrammeManager at Boeing, Steve follows his father, MrBrian Hill AWCB, into the Livery and hasalready attended a number of Company Events.

Epiphany Court 2020Mr Paul Banks – Paul worked in the Printingindustry, based in the City, where he becameinterested in the history of the City and itsorganisations.

Mr Charles (Chad) Frankish BEM – A CivilEngineer with a military background and aSenior Manager at Transport in Project &Programme Delivery, Chad often works with architectural metalwork consultants andcontractors. He was awarded the Freedom of

the City of London in 2011 in recognition of his contributionto civil engineering and charity.

Mr Jason Read – Jason is a Director of aBuilding Services company and has been afrequent recent attendee at Company functions.

New FreemanMr Benjamin (Ben) Shepherd – Having servedthe full term of his apprenticeship to his Master,his father, Past Prime Warden Mr MichaelShepherd, Ben was admitted to the Freedom ofthe Company. He became a Freeman of the Cityof London on the same day and is looking

forward to progressing to the Livery in due course.

New Liverymen &Court Assistant Red Cross Christmas Fair – 25th-26th November 2019

A huge thank you to all of those who helped to organise thestall, generously donated the items for sale, volunteered onthe stall and came to the Market and made purchases. Wecouldn’t have done it without all of you. Thank you foryour support of the Company and of the Renter Warden,Alderman Alastair King and his Consort Corinne Lee, theco-Chairmen of the Market. I’m delighted to tell you thatwe raised £3,047 on the Blacksmiths stall and the totalraised for the British Red Cross was in excess of £126,000 –a fantastic result. We have also received many complimentson the quality of the items for sale and the warmth of thewelcome from those manning the stall. I keep meetingpeople who tell me how pleased they are with theirpurchases. Marvellous publicity for the Company and theCraft!

Honours CongratulationsI am delighted to report that in the New Year’s Honours2020, Court Assistant General Patrick Sanders, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen. was appointed to the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath as KnightCommander and that Captain John Voyce, CommandingOfficer of HMS Sultan, was appointed to the MilitaryDivision of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empireas Officer. We have sent congratulations on behalf of theCompany to them both.

FunctionsWe have unfortunately had to cancel the Ladyday CourtLuncheon on 19th March 2020 and the Annual Banquet atthe Mansion House on 15th May 2020 following PublicHealth England advice issued regarding the currentsituation with COVID-19. This is obviously verydisappointing news, but out of regard for the welfare of themembers of the Livery this is clearly the right course ofaction at this time. We will continue to monitor thesituation and advise you of the position regarding futureevents as things become clearer and will act in accordancewith any Government advice on the subject. I look forwardto seeing many of you in happier times, when we are ableto hold our events once again.

Past Prime Warden Nigel Whitehead’s SkydiveFinally, a brief note of cheer in these challenging times. Past Prime Warden Nigel Whitehead will be seeking anadrenaline rush (originally scheduled for 21st April 2020but now to be re-scheduled) to mark his 55th weddinganniversary and celebrate his recent 80th birthday. He willbe skydiving in tandem from 12,000 ft. Nigel is undertakingthis extraordinary challenge to raise funds to help thehomeless in Britain and he hopes to raise £10,000 for CrisisUK. With many thanks to those who have already donated,if you would like to support Nigel, please do visit his ‘JustGiving’ page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nigelwhitehead80th. We wish him the very best of luck . . .and a soft landing!

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Published by: The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths · Design and Typesetting by: Les Allen – 07944 295613 · Printed by: LeA Printers – 0845 232 2322

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Prices: • Livery Tie £10 (Liverymen only)• ‘Social Tie’ £22• Umbrella £20• Cuff Links £30 (T-bar)• Cuff Links £32 (Chain)• Brooches £72.50

All items available from the Clerk. A limited supply might be available at Court luncheons.

Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths’ Shop

Diary of Events 2019-20

For comments on this issue please contact outgoing Editor: Charlotte Teale

e-mail: blacksmiths.twitter@gmail.comTelephone: 07906 051 158

For future issues please contact incoming Editor: Abigail Farr

e-mail: abigail.farr@icloud.com

Invitations will be sent to all Liverymen but please put these in your diary now

15 May 2020 – Annual Banquet, Mansion House

12-14 June 2020 – Prime Warden’s Weekend, Newcastle

24 June 2020 – Election of Sheriffs (tbc)

25 June 2020 – Midsummer Court & Dinner, Skinners’ Hall (tbc)

2 July 2020 – City Beerfest, Guildhall Yard (tbc)

23 July 2020 – Election Court & Dinner, Innholders’ Hall (Court Members only)

22 October 2020 – Michaelmas Awards Luncheon, Painters’ Hall

2 November 2020 – Garden of Remembrance, St Paul’s Churchyard

13 November 2020 – Silent Ceremony, Lord Mayor

14 November 2020 – Lord Mayor’s Show

Show Dates 2020

Caption Competition

Want to win a bottle of bubbly?Get your answers to the Editor

blacksmiths.twitter@gmail.comby 31 July 2020

(Image courtesy of Bob Tunks)

North Somerset 3 May www.nsas.org.uk/north-somerset-show/

Devon County Show 21-23 May www.devoncountyshow.co.uk/

Royal Bath and West 28-30 May www.bathandwest.com/home/1/

Royal Cornwall Show 4-6 June http://royalcornwallshow.org/

South of England Show 11-13 June http://seas.org.uk/south-of-england-show/

Royal Three Counties Show 12-14 June www.royalthreecounties.co.uk/

Royal Highland Show* 18-20 June https://www.royalhighlandshow.org/

Royal Norfolk Show* 1-2 July http://royalnorfolkshow.rnaa.org.uk/

Great Yorkshire Show* 14-16 July http://greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/

Royal Welsh Show 20-23 July www.rwas.co.uk/royal-welsh-show/

New Forest and Hampshire 28-30 July www.newforestshow.co.uk/

Edenbridge and Oxted 30-31 August www.edenbridge-show.co.uk/

Royal Berkshire, Newbury* 19-20 Sept https://www.berkshireshow.co.uk/

Dorset County Show 5-6 Sept http://www.dorsetcountyshow.co.uk/

Royal Cornwall Show 10-12 Sept http://royalcornwallshow.org/

St Clem’s Day, Finch Foundry* 21 Nov https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/finch-foundry/

* Not part of NBCC competition programme but traditionally have strong WCB presence

All Shows are subject to cancellation / postponement, please check Show websites for the latest updates

For copies of photographs from recent events please headover to Philip McCarthy’s website:https://philmccarthyphotography.smugmug.com/

Worshipful-Company-of-Blacksmiths

Copies of photographs

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