Horn Blower
The Newsletter of the Worshipful Company of Horners
Winter 2008
Master 2007/8: David Oxley _ Master 2008/9: Michael Hart
Clerk: A. Raymond Layard / Telephone: 020 7834 1575 / E-mail: horners.clerk@btinternet.com
Company Website: www.horners.org.uk Newsletter Editor: david.2.brown@ntlworld.com
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New Team Takes Over
The ‘new team’ shortly after their installation in Painters’ Hall. From left to right: Mark Spofforth
(Upper Warden), Michael Hart (Master), Colin Richards (Renter Warden), David Oxley (Deputy
Master)
In 2008 Candlemas, 2nd February, fell on a Saturday and so the Horners had to wait until Monday 4th before they
could hold the meeting of the Court of Assistants. As usual, this was followed by the election of the Officers of the
Company for 2008-2009. There was no dissention and Michael Hart was elected as the New Master, Mark
Spofforth as Upper Warden, Colin Richards as Renter Warden and David Oxley as Deputy Master. Following
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these elections the screens were opened and revealed many friends, relatives and loved-ones of those about to be
formally admitted into their new roles in the Company.
In the presence of his sponsor Assistant John Muckler, the retiring Master first clothed Malcolm Peter Wilkinson
(seen below between the Clerk and the Beadle) in the Livery of the Company.
Using the formal words set down in our Ordinances, the retiring Master, David Oxley then admitted as Freemen
of the Company, Mark Lewis, who was sponsored by Past Master Dr Brian Ridgewell, Terry Wasden, who was
sponsored by Liveryman Karen Hately and Peter Robert Handley, who was sponsored by Liveryman Raymond
Layard, The Clerk.
The new Freemen, Peter Handley, Mark Lewis and Terry Wasden
All photos of the installation and the Annual Banquet are by Gerald Sharp Photography of Ilford.
www.sharpphoto.co.uk
Undertaking his last formal duty, the retiring Master, David Oxley then installed Michael Hart as Master for the
year 2008-2009 and the New Master took the Chair to the applause of the Court and visitors.
The new Master, Michael Hart, then thanked Ray Anstis for his services as Deputy Master throughout 2007/8
and presented him with a Past Master’s badge.
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He then installed David Oxley as Deputy Master for the coming year and presented him with his badge of office
and a fine stick.
The new Master Michael Hart (on the left) presents the new Deputy Master, David Oxley with his fine stick
The Master then installed Mark Spofforth as Upper Warden and (as seen above) Mark addressed the Court.
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Colin Richards, (seen above) was then installed as the new Renter Warden, and he too addressed the Court
Anne Oxley and Carmen Hart were then invited into the Court and Anne handed over the badge of the Master’s
Lady to Carmen, who is seen proudly sporting it above.
As seen in the photograph above on the right, Carmen then pinned the badge of the Deputy Mistress on Anne’s
lapel.
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In a brief speech, the new Master (Michael Hart) thanked the retiring Master (David Oxley) for his guidance of the
Company throughout his year of office.
Our new Beadle, Alexander Stewart, prepares to lead Michael Hart (new Master), Mark Spofforth (new Upper
Warden), Colin Richards (new Renter Warden), David Oxley (new Deputy Master), Richard Baker (Assistant Clerk)
and Raymond Layard (Company Clerk) down the hill to St James Garlickhythe.
Then we all set off for the Church of St James Garlickhythe where we gave thanks for the year gone by and
prayed for the year to come. We also remembered those members of the Company who we had lost during the
year.
The newly-refurbished organ of St James was given a thorough exposure by Honorary Freeman Alderman Dr
Andrew Parmley and following an introductory voluntary the Horners’ Chair, under
the baton of the composer Honorary Freeman Richard Glasspoole, sang Richard’s Introit “And God Said”.
Two verses of the National Anthem were preceded by an organ fanfare before the Rector, The Reverend Dr Alan
Griffin welcomed us all.
After Richard Glasspoole’s ‘Ridgewell Responses’ the congregation launched into “All People that on Earth do
Dwell” and the chancel candles were lit. The Master read the lesson for Candlemas and the Honorary Chaplain,
the Reverend Stuart Meyer provided us with food for thought in his pithy sermon.
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The congregation then sang the hymn “Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise” and we were
then entranced by Thomas Herford, the Horners Becker Scholar at the Guildhall School of
Music [seen on the left] as he sang Gounod’s “Ave Maria” based on the harmony and
texture of J.S.Bach’s Prelude No.1 in C major.
The Chaplain then led us in prayers for the Queen and the Royal Family and the Company
of Horners before we commemorated the Faithful Departed, particularly those Horners
whom we had lost during the year Keith William Allen
Harold Arthur Collinson
David Roderick Crabtree
Clifford William Welch
Allen Peter Wilson.
Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord
And let light perpetual shine upon them
After ‘The Grace’ we swung into “Now thank we all our God” and after the Blessing we departed to a fullthroated rendering on the newly-refurbished organ of Louis Vierne’s ‘ Carillion de Westminster’ and climbed
back up the Hill for a traditional reception and lunch in the Painters’ Hall.
The New Master, Michael Hart (centre) with the Company’s Candlemas guests from 27 Squadron RAF. Left to right: Flt Lt
Richard Hallows, Wg Cdr Dominic Toriati MBE (Officer Commanding 27 Squadron), Sqn Ldr Jonny Priest DFC and Flt Sgt
Peter Galvin.
Company Awards 2007
The Horners’ Award
The prestigious Horners’ Award, run jointly by the Worshipful Company of Horners and the
British Plastic Federation is now in its 62nd Year. The Award is presented annually for
imaginative or innovation contributions to the plastics industry.
A powered Golf Trolley made from injection moulded thermoplastic polymers has been
announced as the winner for 2007.
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The judges were greatly impressed by the overall design concept of the trolley, which is compact and foldable,
easy to handle, transport and store.
The Golf Trolley has been designed by Greaves
Best Design and is manufactured by GoKart Powered Golf .
Speaking about the thinking behind the use of plastics in the trolley, John Greaves, Partner of Greaves Best
Design, said that “..the materials selected led to innovation in the incorporation of springs, hinges, gears, and
integral latches. Tactile qualities were introduced and these enhance comfort and allow a firm grip. Moulding of
the components allowed a reduction in the number of parts resulting in considerable savings on costs”.
The Horners Award Judging Panel met on August 30th to consider the entries under their Chairman. David
Williams The other judges were David Oxley, the Master of the Horners’ Company, Mike Birrell, the Secretary of
the Horners’ Award Committee, Peter Davis, Director General of the British Plastics Federation, and plastics
design specialist, John Hockey.
John Greaves receives the Horners Award from the Lord Mayor at the Horners’ Banquet
The judges also nominated the Owen Mumford Humira Auto Injector drug delivery system for the treatment of
rheumatoid arthritis as runner-up and recipient of the BPF’s Highly Commended Certificate.
The Horners Bottlemaking Award
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Now in its fifth year, the 2007 Horners’ Bottlemaking Award (seen below on the left)
which was designed by Adele Schaverien, Former Honorary Archivist of the Company,
has been awarded for a lightweight composite gas cylinder.
Developed and manufactured by Ragasco AS in Norway and sold in the UK through BP, this unique lightweight
composite gas cylinder uses multiple materials to replace the traditional steel bottles. This development extends
the scope of blow moulding into a new area of application. The pleasing design and enhanced user-friendly
features such as reduced weight, easy to see gas level, non-corrosive and non-explosive all added to it being
selected as the 2007 winner.
The bottle itself is made from filament-wound glass fibre GRP composite with a blow moulded High Density
Polyethylene inner liner designed to withhold the pressure of the gas it contains. The outer casing is a two part
plastic moulding, making it 100% non-corrosive and weighing 50% less than steel bottles containing the same gas
volume. The easy grip handles combined with its reduced weight makes is more manageable for distributors,
filling operators, deliverymen and users. The manufacturer also state that when attacked by fire, it will react with
a controlled burnout instead of an explosion, making is much safer to transport, distribute and use.
The Horners/IOM3 Design Innovation in Plastics Award
Set up in 1985, this is the longest-running student plastics design competition in Europe and is co-organised by
the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3 ) and the Worshipful Company of Horners. The 2007
headline sponsor from industry is Bayer MaterialScience, a sub-group of Bayer AG .
The 2007 competition took as its theme safety and security. Product and engineering design students from 14
universities were challenged to create an inspiring design for a product or system related directly or indirectly to
security using polymers and high performance plastics from the Bayer MaterialScience portfolio as the
predominant materials.
There were a record number of 102 entries. Three prize winners and three highly commended entrants were
selected by a judging panel composed of specialists in product design, crime prevention, security and plastics.
Entries ranged from biometric entry systems, tagging devices, personal security and communication systems to
sports protection and smart mattresses.
The Winners
FIRST PRIZE: Keepsafe Personal Bag Security Accessory designed by Sara Bellini,
Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design. She receives £1000 and a placement with
Bayer AG, Leverkusen, plus £500 for Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design.
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A personal bag hook designed to promote bag theft awareness and bag responsibility. A suction cap is activated by pulling
down the ‘tail’ of the device to secure bags to tables or chairs. A second proposal called the Furla was also presented.
SECOND PRIZE: Roof Angel designed by Daniel Biddle, University of Huddersfield. He
receives £500 and a placement with PDD, Europe’s leading product innovation consultancy
and a major sponsor of the competition.
A roof- or road-mounted flashing replacement for the standard warning triangle.
THIRD PRIZE: Arm Cast designed by Carl Needham, Northumbria University. He receives
£250 and a placement with DuPont Engineering Polymers, Geneva, a global leader in
engineering polymers.
A waterproof, breathable system of components to replace cumbersome and wasteful plaster casts.
Highly Commended
Samurai Cricket Helmet designed by Scott Hudson, Northumbria University. He receives £100 plus a place on a
short course at the London Metropolitan Polymer Centre
Cricket balls can slip through certain helmet guard settings. This is a full-face, vented and impact-resistant visor.
Urban Chameleon Security Unit designed by Jez Jewkes, Northumbria University. He receives £100 plus help
from PTL (Polymer Training Ltd) to take his design through to commercialisation.
A flat-pack, secure storage unit for use in locations such as building sites, car parks and music festivals.
B-Alert DVT Prevention Aid designed by Andrew Rudd, Northumbria University. He receives £100 plus a
placement with Hi-Technology Group, a leading supplier of product design, tooling, injection moulding and
assembly expertise.
An aid to help decrease the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. A flexible strap carries a vibration aid which alerts a
wearer who is not active enough.
Annual Banquet 2007
Malcolm and Rosie are mice. They live behind the skirting boards in the Mansion House and they thus get to attend every
special dinner held there. This is the conversation they had after the Horners Banquet 2007:
Rosie: “So who was there then? Anyone I might have seen on the ‘telly’?”
Malcolm: “No television personalities this year, but of course lots of Horners and their guests.”
Rosie: “Was the Lord Mayor there?”
Malcolm: “No, he’s away spreading the word about the City, so they invited Alderman Sir David Brewer in his
role as Lord Mayor Locum Tenens and Lady Tessa Brewer to represent the City along with Mr Alderman and
Sheriff Ian Luder and his wife Lin.”
Rosie: “How was the reception?”
Malcolm: “Well I almost got trodden on by the step-guard, whose insignia bears an image of an elephant.”
Rosie: “That’s 27 Squadron of the RAF, isn’t it?”
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The Lord Mayor Locum Tenens, Sir David Brewer inspects the Step Guard from 27 Squadron RAF
Malcolm: “It is indeed, and near them was a table with many strange things – all in plastic.”
Rosie: “What was all that then, I thought gold-plate was the order of the day at these banquets.”
The judges and winners of the Horners’ Award and the Bottlemaking Award
Malcolm: “Well, when they’d all gone through the receiving line I crept up the leg of the table and discovered
that they were the winning items from the three competitions organised by the Horners - The Horners’ Award,
The Bottlemaking Award and the Student Design Innovation in Plastics Award. The Lord Mayor was even
photographed with some of the winners.”
The Master, David Oxley welcomes the new Honorary Chaplain to the
Company, the Reverend Stuart Mayer
Rosie: “Were there many there?”
Malcolm: “The seating plan I saw listed 217 souls, including the Masters in
their chains of the Painter-Stainers, the Paviors, the Salters and the
Spectacle Makers. There were lots of Past-Masters too, including those
from the Apothecaries, the Gardeners, the Goldsmiths, and the Scientific
Instrument Makers. Several Companies had allowed their Clerks to attend,
which is nice, I spotted the Clerks from the Painter-Stainers, the Salters
and the Welsh Livery Guild. There were also a number of Liverymen from
other Companies, including the Carmen, the Fletchers, the Glass-Sellers
and the Stationers.
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The line-up prepare for the procession:. From the left: Ray Anstis (Deputy Master), Michael Hart (Upper Warden), David
Oxley (Master), Mark Spofforth (Renter Warden)
Rosie: “Were there lots of decorations and medals?”
Malcolm: “Oh yes, although perhaps not as many as last year. I spotted the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire and a
handful of CBEs, OBEs, MBEs and even a CMG. Military honours included a
DSC and a TD. The Company’s connection with 27 Squadron RAF meant that the Squadron Leaders who are
currently the Second-in-Command and the Officer Commanding C Flight were there, their boss being kept busy
with the Squadron’s Chinook helicopters in Afghanistan.”
Rosie: “Were there lots of plastics personalities there too?”
Malcolm: “Yes indeed, the President of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, the President and
Director General of the British Plastics Federation, the President of the Polymer Machinery Manufacturers’
Development Association and the Director of Plastics Europe North Region.”
Rosie: “And what about the frocks, were the ladies as resplendent as ever?”
Malcolm: “Oh, yes. Just as grand.”
Rosie: “Anything special with the procession into the Egyptian Room?”
David Cosh (Beadle) leads Court Assistant Robert Leader who carried the Company’s Narwhal Horn in front of the
Master and guests.
Malcolm: “Oh yes! You should have seen the great Narwhal Horn carried at the front of the procession by Court
Assistant Robert Leader. I’m glad I was never a Narwhal!”
Rosie: “And once they were all in, what happened then?”
Malcolm: “Well, you know the Horners. They have their own grace, said by their new Honorary Chaplain, the
Reverend Stuart Meyer, resplendent in his frock coat and gaiters, and once this had been said they got stuck in to
their feast. Thank goodness they are such messy eaters, lots of scraps hit the floor so I’ve brought some back for
you.”
Rosie: “What have you got then?”
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Malcolm: “Some smoked trout, a bit of rack of lamb and some strawberry shortcake.”
A view of the top-table in the Egyptian Hall taken from the balcony
Rosie: “Any trimmings?”
Malcolm: “Oh, Yes! Some pickled radish salad and monkfish liver parfait for your trout; some saffron and cumin
sauce for your lamb, along with some orange sweet potato and aubergine cannelloni, and some black pepper ice
cream and balsamic jelly for your shortcake.”
Rosie: “Ooh, how exotic! What, no wine?”
Malcolm: “It’s so difficult to catch! But as you can imagine there was plenty of it. In fact, the Master had to drink
some with the Lord Mayor out of a quaich.”
Rosie: “Like the ones you bring back after buffets?”
Sir David Brewer drinks from the Brookborough Quaich as the Master looks on
Malcolm: “No, dear, that’s a quiche. The Brookeborough Quaich that the Horners use is a silver cup held in the
middle of the biggest stag antlers you have ever seen. The skill appears to be to drink it without putting out your
own eye or that of the person whose health you are drinking.”
Rosie: “So was there much blood?”
Malcolm: “No, thank goodness. I think they had been practicing. They then sang Grace and studiously undertook
the Ceremony of the Loving
Cup. Nobody was stabbed in the back so they must have done it properly. Several were shocked by the contents
of the cup though.”
Rosie: “Did they not expect all that saliva?”
Malcolm: “No it wasn’t that. This year they had ‘black velvet’ in the cup.”
Rosie: “What’s that then?”
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Malcolm: “It’s a mixture of Guinness and champagne. They then toasted the Monarch and her close family,
followed by the Lord Mayor, the City of London Corporation and the Sheriffs.”
Rosie: “What followed all that?”
Malcolm: “Sir David Brewer wittily replied and concluded by proposing the health of the Horners’ Company. He
then (as seen on page 5) presented the Horners’ Award for 2007 to Mr John Greaves of Greaves Best Design for
his all-plastic golf trolley. He also presented the Horners’ Bottlemaking Award to Mr Hans Larsen from Ragasco
AG of Norway and Mr Craig Oehlers and Mr Craig Stoddart from BP Gas Light for a lightweight composite gas
cylinder. Miss Sara Bellini, the winner of the student award for Design and Innovation in Plastics was also
honoured for ‘Keepsafe’ her personal bag security accessory, which attaches to a table or chair thus promoting
bag theft awareness.
The Master, David Oxley, thanked the Lord Mayor Locum
Tenens for his contribution and (as seen above) presented him with a horn book.”
Rosie: “A horn book?”
Malcolm: “Yes, a horn book. It’s an educational aid used in Tudor times, which consists of parchment bearing the
alphabet and Lord’s Prayer supported on a shaped wooded paddle and covered with the Tudor equivalent of a
modern lamination. This was a sheet formed by warming and pressing horn until it became thin and
transparent.”
Rosie: “Whatever next?”
Dr Paul Knapman entertains the assembled members of the
Company and their guests.
Malcolm: “The Master then proposed the health of the many guests of the Company and Dr Paul Knapman, Past
Master of the Worshipful Company of Apothecaries and Her Majesty’s Coroner for Inner West London replied,
with many an anecdote and amusing story. Then, bearing a gift from the Master, a modern comb from Abbey
Horn of Carnforth, they all departed for another year – and so to bed.”
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Sir David Brewer and Dr Knapman both received a copy of Adele Schaverien’s book Horn, its
History and its Uses
Denbies Vineyard
On Wednesday 12th September 2007, a party of Horners met at Denbies Vineyard, Dorking for a tour of their
estate.
The visit began with an audio visual presentation of the vineyard with a 20 minute surround vision film full of
amazing special effects. Including flying over the North Downs viewing the breathtaking landscape from a birds
eye view.
This was followed by an indoor tour of the winery by a people mover, which unfortunately caught two of our
party between a rock and a hard place when embarking. However no damage was done and the nimblest
escaped quickly. The winery was working and we had a full commentary on the tour where we saw the
equipment used in today’s wine production from the grape press to the fermentation tanks and eventually to the
bottling line. We were shown how modern technology joined with one of the world's most ancient crafts.
The journey ended in the Denbies cellars, where we were guided through three specially selected wines. Spitoons
were available for those who did not want to swallow the wine.
A sparkling wine reception was followed by lunch in the Conservatory Restaurant at which plenty of Denbies’
best red and white wines were available.
After lunch we were taken on the vineyard train tour taking us at a leisurely pace through some of the most
beautiful viewing points in the vineyard, where (as seen above) we had panoramic views of the Denbies Estate,
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Box Hill, Dorking and the North Downs. The tour ended at the Gift Shop where all the Denbies wines were on
sale as well as a huge range of gifts.
Odette Veazey
The Tenth Annual Ralph Anderson Memorial Lecture
This year’s venue, Cruciform Lecture Theatre Number 1 at University College London, where we were obliged to
move because of the refurbishment in progress at our traditional venue, the Faraday Theatre at the Royal
Institution of Great Britain in Albemarle Street, was full to capacity with 151 Horners and their guests and 62
Masters, Wardens and Clerks from our sister City Companies, when our Master, David F Oxley, gave the 2007
Ralph Anderson Memorial Lecture, the tenth since its inception, on the subject of Plastics in the Teaching of Science.
As a member of the Plastics Industry since his graduation, the Master Horner drew on a wealth of experience in
the whole field of polymer science and technology, and although his lecture dealt
with the chemistry of many different polymers, he reminded us that they are all
made from basically the same carbon based molecules as oil and natural gas, and he
went on to describe the challenges of dealing with them as ‘waste’. The display of
horn items, one of nature’s plastics, reminded us of the link between the Horners
and the Plastics industry. The two examples of Horners design winners showed
how clever design and the use of plastics is making life easier and safer.
He compared the properties of several plastics with horn and explained how the
search was on to develop stronger materials, which would allow ‘more to be done
with less’. He urged the world of educators to encourage the young to see that
plastics are a force for good rather than evil, and he hoped that they would learn
some chemistry in the process.
As each material was being described, Liveryman Colin Hindle appeared with carrier bags full of
clean plastics waste, much of it in the form of packaging on one sort or another. These bags were then emptied
onto the raised lecture podium for us all to see and think about. The Master went on to consider how plastics
might be recycled into useful products or broken back down into their component chemicals ready for re-use. He
subjected many applications of plastics to a ‘Life-Cycle Analysis’ and each polymer was then evaluated on its
potential effect on the environment.
The various options for what to do with plastics once their job was done were considered, and illustrated:
· Reuse , hence the move to longer life bags and shipping boxes,
· Reduce, make it thinner by developing stronger plastics
· Recycle, where economic recover the plastic for use in new products
· Recover the energy by combustion, thus replacing some of the oil that would otherwise been used to
generate power and heat.
· Send to landfill only when all the above options have proved uneconomic.
Under the chairmanship of the Upper Warden, Michael Hart, the capacity audience, which included Masters or
Clerks from the Worshipful Companies of Actuaries, Bakers, Barbers, Builders’ Merchants, Butchers, Chartered
Secretaries, Chartered Surveyors, Cordwainers, Educators, Fanmakers, Farmers, Fuellers, Glovers,
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University College London, Gower Street building
Gunmakers, Innholders, Lightmongers, Plaisterers, Scientific Instrument Makers, Spectacle Makers, Stationers,
Tax Advisors and Wax Chandlers; the Immediate Past Master of the Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers and the
Clerk; the Prime or Upper Wardens of the Basketmakers, Blacksmiths, Loriners, Parish Clerks and the Weavers
had time to ask only a few questions before we all took our lives in our hands and left the building to cross Gower
Street and move into the Jeremy Bentham Room within the main building of University College, where Horners
and their guests enjoyed a hot buffet meal and a generous supply of red or white wine, both of which were rich in
the carbon-based chemical, ethanol.
Report from the Court of Assistants
At their meeting in May 2007 held at Pewterers’ Hall the Court received reports from the following Committees:
General Purposes, Polymer, Programme and Publicity, Livery, Heritage, Court Finance and the Charity Trustees.
They agreed to the production of a new Company tie, [seen on the left] which shows repeated shields
bearing the arms of the City of London and that of the Horners’ Company on a mid-blue ground.
The following candidates were admitted as Associates of the Company:
Nicola Julie STEPHENS
Sponsor: Liveryman Peter Farren
Flight Lieutenant Gareth Edward BANNING RAF
Sponsor: Liveryman Raymond Layard (The Clerk)
Nicholas Philip Alexander SHEPHARD
Sponsor: P/M/E Jeremy Cartwright
At their meeting in September 2007 held at The Little Ship Club the Court received reports from the usual subcommittees.
They stood in silence in memory of two Liverymen who had recently died:Professor Keith William ALLEN
1987-2007
David Roderick CRABTREE
1963-2007
Also remembered was Mrs Elisabeth Asdell, wife of Honorary Assistant David Asdell.
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Thereafter, eloquent tributes were paid to the departed: Senior Past Master Clifford Welch spoke for Mr Crabtree,
Past Master Charles Howe for Professor Allen and the Master for Mrs Asdell.
Two Liverymen were installed as Assistants to the Court and took their places. They were:
Mr Richard Hugh BEAZLEY, DL
Mr Peter Robert Christian DAVIS, OBE
Following the installation, Past Master Dr Eric Hunt, mindful of the many years with which he had been involved
with the finances of the Company, presented a badge for the Honorary Treasurer, which was accepted on behalf
of the Company by the Master. Having thanked Dr Hunt for his gift, he fastened the new badge round the neck of
the Honorary Treasurer, Liveryman Iain McGrory.
Iain McGrory and the Master
Peter Davis, the Master and Richard Beazley
At their meeting in December 2007 held at The Painters’ Hall the Court received reports from the usual subcommittees.
They stood in silence in memory of three members of the Company who had recently died:Honorary Assistant Harold Arthur (‘Hac’) COLLINSON
1959-2007
Senior Past Master (1981) Clifford William WELCH
1959-2007
Honorary Assistant Peter Alan WILSON
1979-2007
Thereafter, eloquent tributes were paid to the departed: Past Master Jeremy Cartwright spoke for ‘Hac’ Collinson,
Past Master Dr Eric Hunt spoke for Senior Past Master Clifford Welch, and Honorary Assistant David Asdell
spoke for Peter Wilson.
As a result of the passing of Clifford Welch, Past Master Newton Grant was elevated to the position of Senior Past
Master of the Company.
Following the resignation of David Cosh, the Court approved a proposal that Mr Alexander STEWART, a
former Sergeant in the Royal
Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and who served for 30 years with the City of London Police Force, retiring as
Detective Sergeant, should be appointed as the Company Beadle. The Master duly admitted him to this post.
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New Beadle Alexander Stewart receives his staff
from the Master as the Clerk looks on
The Master admitted Mr Richard GLASSPOOLE to the Honorary Freedom of the Company, citing his service to
the Horners Choir and its music as the basis for this honour. His sponsor was Assistant the Revd Stuart MEYER
(The Honorary Chaplain).
Honorary Freeman Richard Glasspoole signs the book as the Upper Warden (in his gown newly emblazoned
with the Company’s arms, like all the officers gowns) and the Deputy Master look on
A presentation was made by the Master to the Reverend Alan TANNER, Emeritus Prebendary and former
Chaplain to the Company, who received a horn beaker from the Father of the Company Basil Leverton.
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Father of the Company, Basil Leverton and the Master flank Alan Tanner, with his horn mementos
The horn beaker presented to the Reverend Emeritus Prebendary Alan Tanner by Basil
Leverton. Alan also received a cheque from the Company and a horn book – ‘to remind him
of the words of the Lord’s Prayer’!
The following candidates (seen below) were then admitted to the Freedom of the Company:
Michael Gerard O’BRIEN
Sponsor: Assistant Colin Richards
Dr Robin John KENT
Sponsor: Assistant Alan Griffiths
Raymond John BUSH
Sponsor: Liveryman Colin Hindle
Anthony John COLMAN
Sponsor: Past Master Dr Eric Hunt
New Freemen on the front row: AJ Colman, RJ Bush, Dr RJ Kent and MG O’Brien. Their sponsors are standing
behind them.
The following Freemen were then admitted to the Livery of the Company:
Douglas John HAYNES
Sponsor: Assistant Don Cooper
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Michael Ian BIRRELL
Sponsor: Liveryman Albert ATTWOOD
David Danvers CROSSMAN
Sponsor: Liveryman Raymond LAYARD (The Clerk)
Philip Lester MARCHANT
Sponsor: Liveryman Ed WEEKS
John George RUSSELL
Sponsor: Past Master Brian RIDGEWELL
The Clerk introduces the new Liverymen on the front row: JG Russell, PL Marchant, DJ Haynes, DD
Crossman and MI Birrell
Horners Piped Aboard Tenacious
On a lovely autumn evening in September, I took my first trip on the Docklands Light Railway. Emerging from
Bank underground station into the sunlight and heading out towards Canary Wharf and the West India Dock I
was reminded of the futuristic landscapes featured on the cover of the Eagle Comic many years ago and I almost
expected either Dan Dare or perhaps even Superman to fly by as we floated along the elevated track – without a
driver!
By contrast my mission was to join a Horners’
visit to the Sailing Vessel Tenacious built and operated by the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST), the Master Horner’s
nominated charity for this year. Designed in the style of the square riggers of two hundred years or more ago she
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was to be found moored amongst the ultra modern offices and apartment blocks in the area now known as South
Quay.
Around a corner and there she was. Sixty-five metres long and every bit a “tall ship” the SV Tenacious is a
magnificent sight. Of course she is not quite as old as she looks having been built in the year 2000 by a team of
professionals and volunteers specifically to give a blend of able bodied and physically handicapped people the
chance to voyage together under sail in a mutually life enriching and challenging experience.
A large turnout of fifty-three Horners and friends were welcomed aboard by Jubilee Sailing Trust Chairman Tom
Stewart, Vice Chairman Ian Shuttleworth, Tenacious’s Master Barbara Campbell and a host of able bodied and
disabled volunteers who were also to act as our guides for the evening. After a refreshing glass of wine we split
up into small groups and I joined blind sailor/volunteer Terry White, who unerringly steered us around the
decks, down the companionways and through the spacious crew’s quarters explaining the workings of the ship as
we went. Finally we arrived back up on the bridge.
Here Captain Barbara (seen in the centre) seemed very much at home with the vast
array of electronic instruments and dials – there was even a talking binnacle. From
here in all weathers she dispatches allegedly willing crew members aloft up the fortyone metres high rigging to set as many as twenty-one sails. The ship frequently travels
at twelve knots or more and has been known to heel to fifty-three degrees in a gust. As
Tenacious winters in the Caribbean some crews enjoy a three week transatlantic
voyage. Volunteers reassured me that the ship is actually very stable and that seasickness is rare, but I wonder!
As we gathered later below for supper there was a short break for Tom Stewart to emphasise that money was still
needed to pay off the original shipbuilding loans and that there was a constant programme of upgrading the
ship’s specification and of course routine maintenance expenditure to be funded. Court Assistant Tony Milhofer
also explained that the Horners’ contributions were first to be used for updating the broadband radio systems but
would also be stretched if possible to provide new radar.
21
Mary Hunt’s photo shows Tom Stewart (left) receiving a Horners’ plaque from the Master, David Oxley (right) with Terry White
(centre)
The Master, David Oxley then presented Tom Stewart with a plaque to commemorate the Horners’ visit and
thanked all concerned for their warm hospitality. The four course buffet meal which followed was absolutely
amazing and ships cooks Alison Sykora, Graham Samways and their helpers were warmly congratulated on
being able to produce such a feast from the well equipped but compact galley. If this was a sample of ship’s fare
then we could see why on that basis alone the voyages would be oversubscribed.
John Bunker.
For more details go to www.jst.org.uk
The JST vessels – ‘Lord Nelson’ (on the
left) and ‘Tenacious’
22
HAC Collinson
The best Master we never had
Harold Arthur Collinson was universally known as HAC. The reason for this was only revealed recently by his
daughter: apparently, his wife detested both Harold and Arthur and any derivative of either! So HAC he became
and remained.
HAC was the first Horner I met. In the mid-1960s, as a young chap fresh out of academic life with a new wife, a
new house and a new career in the rubber industry based in Southampton in the mid-1960s, I found myself within
a short time Chairman of the Southern Section of the IRI (Institution of the Rubber Industry). HAC was my
opposite number as Chairman of the Southern Section of the PI (Plastics Institute). We worked closely together on
the joint programme of events for members.
HAC was more than 20 years senior to me in age and in seniority. By then he was Chairman and MD of Borden
Plastics UK, specialists in epoxy resin adhesives and based near the New Forest, where he lived. His first greeting
to me was typical of the man – “Welcome, dear boy, to the madhouse!” Those inimitable, instantly recognisable
(and virtually uncopyable!) warm dulcet tones, a twinkle in his eye and a pipe never far from his lips were his
trademark. He was always kind and generous and he was the sort of person one imagined everyone thought of as
a “lovely man”.
When I became a Horner in the 1980s, (thanks to my friend Past Master Dr Eric Hunt) there was HAC, solid as
ever in voice, personality and mannerisms and seemingly unchanged by the passage of time. “Welcome to the
Horners, dear boy” he said instantly recognising me even though we hadn’t met for more than 10 years. He was
to his death, one of the great characters on the Court. Those of us somewhat long in the (Horners) tusk remember
his many supposed tussles with another great Horner, Past Master the late Sidney Badley.
Annually at the Court Dinner, he rose to give a witty speech without notes about the Master’s year to date. That
mixture of wicked humour and gentle chiding made many a Master feel that this was a greater ordeal than the
annual grilling by the Past Masters Committee! I was delighted that he agreed to appear at my own Court Dinner
when I was Master to give what was to be his last annual speech at this event.
23
HAC would have made one of the greatest Masters in modern times but dedication to his career meant that he
never progressed to the Chair, to the eternal loss of the Company. He remained a great supporter of successive
Masters to his death taking his familiar seat at Court with distinction.
HAC will be watching over us now with that familiar grin and greeting everyone in his usual words – “Hello
dear boy”.
God Bless you HAC, there aren’t many like you.
Brian Ridgewell
HAC - Addendum by Eric M Hunt
Brian Ridgewell and I agreed to consult on this important obituary. I entirely agree with his comments on this
highly respected gentleman but wish to add a record of my lasting memory of my introduction to HAC before a
PI meeting in Gloucestershire, where he then lived, more than 50 years ago. I was a new graduate in a period
when such people were not altogether appreciated by management. His welcoming attitude was so exceptional I
have never forgotten it.
The memorable Thanksgiving Service for his life demonstrated his wide interests and friendships. It took place in
an attractive country church where, so typically, he had elected to be buried in the graveyard "in order to
continue his disagreements with his gardener who was already there"!!
We are glad that his grandson, Rupert Hall, has joined the Company to continue HAC's interest.
Clifford William Welch CBE
1925 - 2007
Clifford Welch, who is seen below in his robes in his Master’s robes in 1981, was the Senior Past Master of our
Company, having succeeded David Shephard. His concern for our reputation and
standards was continuous, as a result of which, coupled with his wisdom and
approachability, he became a Father Confessor to many - perhaps also connected
to the fact that he was the elder brother of three boys who were triplets!
He became a Liveryman in 1959 (six months after 'HAC') and Master in 1981, at
which time I was appointed as Assistant Clerk. My personal friendship with him
goes back to the early 1950s when he was the editor of a monthly trade periodical
entitled "Plastics". From there he developed further interests in publishing and
progressed to the prestigious post of Chief Executive of Lloyds of London Press
Ltd.
24
Clifford had many other interests, becoming, inter alia, Chairman of the Design Council during a critical period
and was awarded a CBE. As a result of a lifetime with haemophilia he established and chaired the Katherine
Dormandy Trust based at the Royal Free Hospital. He was an active supporter of the church at Dedham, where
he lived, and of several other organisations, but he still found time for fly-fishing on the River Spey.
For over 50 years Clifford was very happily married to Jill whom the Horners have come to know well as a result
of her artistic contributions and support for him at our functions. He also leaves five much loved nephews.
We all will miss Clifford - a greatly respected gentleman and a very courteous and sociable friend.
Eric M Hunt
David Roderick Crabtree
(With acknowledgement to the comments of Clifford Welch at the Court Meeting of 19 September 2007)
I had known David for most of my life and we and our families were friends before we both joined the Horners
on different occasions in the 1960s. For a few of our younger years we worked together in plastics companies of
Erinoid Ltd, when we often travelled together on assignments. He was always a very cheerful companion.
He was blessed with the happiest of marriages to Anne. They had three children and several valued
grandchildren all of whom participated in an impressive and inspiring Service of Thanksgiving for his life at
Charlbury, Oxfordshire on 10 July in the church he regularly attended, packed for the occasion.
David developed an early passion for flying, as a result of which he joined the Fleet Air Arm where he flew
Seafires from aircraft carriers; a somewhat hazardous occupation! He was a Founder Member with Chad Varah
of the Samaritans and an active and senior Freemason in the Lodge of Good Companions. These and many other
social welfare activities unfortunately reduced his attendances at Horners' functions. His last was the 2006 visit to
Windsor.
His energy, athletic achievements, reliable friendship and high standards improved the lives of all those with
whom he had contact. He was a credit to the Livery. I miss him.
Eric M Hunt
25
The Company’s Charitable Funds
The Horners’ Company has two significant Charitable Funds – a General Charitable Fund and an Education
Charitable Fund. Both Funds are administered by ten Trustees. Five of these are ex officio appointments – the
Master, the Upper Warden, the Renter Warden, the Deputy Master and the Junior Past Master – and the other five
are senior members of the Company, appointed for a five year term so that one retires each year. Decisions on
the distribution of the income of each Fund are delegated to two Committees who are guided by the Trustees and
by the Charitable Finance Committee.
The General Charitable Committee
The Trustees have at their disposal the annual investment income from the General Charitable Fund’s portfolio,
plus regular generous donations from members of the Company and the Gift Aid claims on those donations. In
addition, the Master each year selects a Charity and, through the efforts of the Company’s Fund Raiser Tony
Milhofer, additional funds are raised specifically for that Charity. The Trustees are particularly grateful to Bob
Creed-Miles, who organises a shoot at Bisley and Peter Redway, who makes his boat available for a day at
Henley.
Funds raised specifically for the Master’s Charity are “ring-fenced” and the proceeds all go to the chosen charity.
Subject to that, approximately one half of the money available goes to the Master’s Charity and one third is
divided among a small number of London-based charities, with emphasis placed on smaller charities where
contributions can have a significant effect. Of the remainder, a donation is made to the Lord Mayor’s chosen
charity and the rest is taken up by a number of small donations or added to the capital of the Fund.
The charities which the Trustees have supported in 2007 have been: Alone in London This is a charity based in King’s Cross which supports the resettlement of single people who
are homeless in London for a variety of reasons, including family breakdown.
Hackney Quest This charity tries to improve prospects for deprived young people in Hackney by providing
after-school and Saturday activities aimed at breaking down racial barriers and dependence on drugs and crime.
Apex Trust Although a national charity, Apex is based in the City and does invaluable work in educating and
training ex-offenders and helping them find work in order to break the cycle of re-offending and prison.
The General Charitable Fund Trustees also look after two smaller Funds. One is the Rogers Fund, which in 2007
made donations to The Orpheus Trust (which aims to increase the self-confidence of young disabled people
through the performing
arts) and Mercy Ships (which provides
ships to take to the third world surgery and education of local health officials). The other is the Becker Fund,
which each year makes a grant to a scholar at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. In recent years this has
led to a number of memorable performances by Becker Scholars at Horners’ events. In 2008 Thomas Herford, a
tenor on a postgraduate vocal training course at the Guildhall School of Music, will receive £3500 towards his
ongoing training.
26
Charities which in the past few years have been nominated by the Master as his Charity have been: 2003
Whizzkids (providing wheelchair assistance)
2004
Dreamflight (arranging flights to Disneyworld for terminally ill children)
2005
Abbeyfield Homes (providing homes for the elderly)
2006
Hearing Dogs (training dogs to support people with hearing problems)
2007
The Jubilee Sailing Trust
In the current year the Master’s Charity is the Motor Neurone
Disease Association
The Company has reason to be proud of its charitable achievements. Any member of the Company who feels
they can help in any was should contact our fund Raiser, Assistant Tony Milhofer – 01608 645645. The Trustees
also ask members to consider leaving a legacy to the General Charitable Fund in their will. This would build up
the capital and thus increase the income available for distribution.
Ray Anstis
The Education Charitable Committee
Some 20 years ago the Horners’ launched their first educational initiative in support of the Plastics Industry when
they established and became the main sponsor of the Polymer Study Tours. These tours are courses for science
and technology teachers and are designed to increase the awareness and understanding of polymers and the
polymer industry amongst teachers and, of course, in turn their pupils. Since inception, almost 2000 teachers have
benefited from these courses, with Horners’, support from the Company’s charitable fund.
In recent years the Education Charitable Fund has grown substantially, mainly through members’ legacies and
notably a generous legacy from the late Ralph Anderson. The Fund is now large enough to allow the Company to
support a range of education projects, each aimed at increasing the interest and participation of young people in
science. Thus, in addition to the Polymer Study Tours, the Horners’ have joined the Salters’ as sponsors of a
Salters’-Horners’ ‘A’ level physics course, and the provision of support for the development of a new science
course for 11-14 year olds is currently under consideration. As a result of the generosity of the late Master, Harry
Kleeman, the Company also sponsors polymer workshops for schoolchildren run by the Royal Armouries at the
Tower of London in the new Visionworks teaching facility created by Bayer. Support is also provided for the
IOM3/Horners Design Innovation in Plastics Award, which is a national award for design students, and for the
Horners Jewellery Award.
Thus, the generous legacies are being put to good use, and the Company’s contribution to science education is
now widely recognised in industry, academia and the City.
David Beynon
27
Past-Master appears at the Royal Society
On 6 th December 2007, Past-Master Miles St.J Baird was a guest speaker at a meeting of the
Royal Society Club, where he outlined for their benefit what the City Companies are doing to
encourage science education.
explain the
their various
of as charitable
Under the chairmanship of Lord Rees of Ludlow, OM, the Astronomer
Royal, (seen on the left) 24 of the Club members, so many of whom were
knights that they could have held a tournament, heard the Past-Master
origins of the Livery Companies and their role in maintaining the status of
crafts by training and the maintenance of quality standards. Their history
institutions was also covered.
H e t h e n
continued to explain the role of the workers of horn since 1284, the merger
with the leather-bottle makers in 1476 and the granting of their charter in 1638. The realization in the 20th century
that horn and plastics shared similar properties then led to the Horners’ Company to embrace the Plastics
Industry, with a consequent change in the Company’s fortunes.
P/M Baird (seen on the left) went on to explain that the modern liverymen now hail
from many backgrounds including The City, The Plastics Industry, Academia and the
professions, and he described how the Company’s charities and awards are able to
support activities in education, design, the City and industry.
He explained how the Livery Companies, Charitable Giving amounted to £41 million in
2006 of which £14.8 million went to educational activities. The companies support 119
primary and secondary schools both inside and outside London together with 71
Tertiary and Further Education colleges and 6 City academies. He then touched on the
role of the Horners in the Salters/Horners ‘A’ level physics project and the Horners’
residential courses for science teachers as part of their professional development in
understanding the properties of modern plastics. He described the support by the
Company of courses for children on materials held at the Royal Armouries in the Tower of London.
The role of the Horners’ annual Ralph Anderson Memorial Lecture in engendering a better awareness and
understanding of science to the adult world was also mentioned.
Finally, he considered several questions about the role of the graduate in the future and the influence of the
Companies and the Royal Society on government science and education policies, and he concluded by urging a
closer co-operation between the City Livery Companies and the Royal Society in encouraging more of our young
to take an active interest in the world of science.
His contribution provoked a lively discussion among those present.
Years of Polyethylene and the British Plastics Federation
2008 represents a momentous year for the UK Plastics Industry, which thanks to the vision of our forebears; the
Horners Company became associated with in 1943.
28
In 1933, at the Winnington Research Laboratory of ICI, two young chemists, Eric
Fawcett (seen on the left) and Reginald Gibson (seen below on the right), who were
studying the reactivity of ethylene at high temperature and pressure (ca. 200 degrees
Centigrade and ca. 2000 atmospheres) found a small amount (< 1 gram!) of a “waxy
solid in the reaction tube”. Microanalysis showed the empirical formula (CH2)n, and a
molecular weight of 3700 or higher (i.e. more than 130 molecules of ethylene!). The two
chemists knew that they had made an important discovery, although it was accepted
wisdom at the time that “olefins did not form high molecular weight polymers”, but
here they had just such a polymer of ethylene, the archetype of all olefins.
Over the next decade production of polyethylene was scaled up, and by the early
years of WW11,
sufficient was available to be used as a dielectric in RADAR equipment, which
provided the Allies with a major advantage compared with the rubber insulation used
by our enemies.
The discovery of polyethylene at ICI paved the way for a global industry that today
produces the largest volume of any plastic material – over 40 million tonnes per
annum. As seen in the picture above, the polymer is used in many applications – from
the ubiquitous plastic bag to artificial hip joints; from pressure pipes for gas and water
to insulation of electricity distribution cables and many others. Like all “blue sky”
research, it was successful because the right people were working on the right things at
the right time (and they had a bit of luck!).
Also in 1933, the British Plastics Federation was founded, and today is the longest established
Plastics Trade Association in the world, representing a £17 billion UK industry employing around 180,000 people.
Since 1933, many distinguished Horners have been Chairman/President of the BPF Council, or its Director
General, the latter post currently held by Court Assistant Peter Davis, who commented that “The BPF is proud of
its association with the Horners, and pleased that the Company has decided to be a sponsor of the BPF’s 75th
Anniversary celebrations.”
These celebrations include a “Media Launch” held at the Athenaeum Club in February; a major conference
entitled “Plastics the Industry for Tomorrow” to be held at Shrigley Hall near Macclesfield in May; a Gala Dinner
at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London in October; and a substantial presence at the Interplas ’08 Exhibition at the
NEC at the beginning of October (with the Horners being represented on the BPF Stand).
Members of the Company who would like to be involved in any of the BPF 75th Anniversary events should
contact the Clerk, or Colin Richards, Chairman of the Horners Polymer Committee. In particular, if they would
like to join a “Horners Table” at the Gala Dinner.
Colin Richards
Horners at play
Horners’ Golf Society
During the last year, 2007, the Golf Society had a busy programme, playing at both Swinley Forest on
April and Effingham in September.
29
Mary Hunt’s picture taken at the 19th hole at Swinley Forest
The Horners came second against the Tin Plate Workers at Porters Park in April and second against the
Environmental Cleaners, Paviors and Solicitors at Ashridge in July.
Past Master Miles Baird won the Tallow Chandlers Trophy at East Berkshire in July and Liveryman Victor Zaum
was the winner when the Fuellers held a day at Wellingborough in September.
During the coming year the Society has a number of fixtures and Horners wishing to take part should contact Past
Master Miles Baird.
Sunshine and Spin on the Tennis Courts
The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers, the marvellous hosts for the Inter-Livery Tennis Competition at Queen's
Club, welcomed three new participants last September - teams from the Grocers, Haberdashers and Tin Plate
Workers. For the first time for 3 years the sun shone enabling the games to be played outdoors on the clay courts.
Clare & Trevor Hunt with Nick Shephard & Deborah Hamlin
Trevor Hunt's wife, Caroline, gave up her place to their daughter Clare and our first couple progressed even
further than last year reaching the semi-final of the main event. After six very close and hard-fought games, their
opponents from the Goldsmiths, whose male player can only be described - by his own admission - as a "master
of spin", won the next three to reach the final.
Our enthusiastic second couple were new Horner Nick Shephard ably partnered by the always reliable Deborah
Hamlin whom we were glad to welcome back from last year.
30
We were delighted that our Master and Anne
joined us for the excellent dinner. As always, we are grateful to the Feltmakers for their friendly hospitality.
Next year the finals…..? Please contact Mary Hunt.
Centenary Birthday Celebrations
On 29 August 2007, Honorary Court Assistant Charles MacKechnie-Jarvis became the first Horner known to
achieve his 100th Birthday, with family celebrations then and on the following Saturday. Many Horners sent their
hearty congratulations.
The following month, Eric and Mary Hunt visited Charles
and Brenda in their Salisbury home where Charles
enthusiastically led them to the top of their many-tiered
garden. As seen above, Eric presented Charles with a copy of
Adele Schaverien's book, containing a book-plate signed by
The Master on behalf of the Company and a further
champagne toast was enjoyed by all!
On the very day after
Charles' birthday, 30 August
2007, Eric and Mary were
privileged guests at the
champagne tea on Yvonne
Redway's 100th
Birthday. Yvonne was the companion of Ralph
Anderson following his wife
Jean's death, particularly during Ralph's last few
years in a nursing home.
Her son Peter is now a Liveryman of the Horners.
The party with several
friends in Rosemary Lodge (Care Home of the
Wimbledon Guild of Social
Service) was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Merton, Councillor John and Mrs Audrey Dehaney, who
presented Yvonne with a beautiful basket of flowers. Seen above are Councillor Dehaney with Yvonne and Peter
Redway.
History of the Horners
When he died Liveryman John Jenkins was carrying out research with a view to writing a History of the Horners
Company. The project has now been taken on by Irene Wilkinson, the wife of Liveryman Malcolm Wilkinson.
She would like to hear from anyone who can help her with information about the Company from the nineteenth
century to the present day. Any anecdotes or facts about the Company will be gratefully received. She is
particularly keen to hear from members whose father or grandfather was a Horner or from the widows of former
Horners.
Irene can be contacted by telephone on 01371 850967 and her email address is imwilkinson@onetel.com
The Comb: Its History and Development
by Jen Cruse
31
Book Review by Liveryman Colin Williamson. International consultant specialising in
all historical aspects of plastics and a founder of the Plastics Historical Society.
Jen Cruse has been an avid collector of combs for over 25 years, and, like any
other true enthusiast, has travelled widely and researched everywhere possible
to follow her obsession. Now she has managed to find time to record her
findings in a new volume which will delight her fellow ‘combers’, other
‘plasticians’, enthusiasts of antiques, jewellery, fashion, ethnography and social
historians alike.
The book starts by setting the
historical background and suggests that the comb was the first body adornment tool used by mankind.
Primitive combs looking like fingers on a hand were used in prehistory but original examples made
from wood, bone and horn are few, having succumbed to the ravages of time, and rotted away. Rare
finds in ancient burial sites in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and other Mediterranean areas suggest that the
crafting and use of combs has been widespread since Neolithic times. By the Renaissance, combs were
being exquisitely carved from ivory with mythical or religious themes for the wealthy, boxwood for the
merchants and simple, functional ones from horn or wood for the masses. Combs seem to have been
mainly of the ‘H’ design with a broad central band separating two sets of teeth, one coarse for
untangling the knots and one fine enough to remove the various nits and other scalp fauna that lived
with man.
By the end of the eighteenth century, the functional hand-held comb had evolved into the ornamental
comb to be worn in the hair, inserted deeply into the bunched coiffure. This display justified the use of
precious materials and the decorative hair comb became a piece of jewellery. It is from this period that
Jen Cruse’s book comes into its own, with illustrations of both the combs themselves and in use by
fashionable men and women all over the globe.
These illustrated combs whose primary function is decoration rather than disentangling make this book
a delight to flip through, indeed it is surprising to realise that no ‘coffee-table’ books on combs exists.
However, the main strength of Jen Cruse’s book is in its thoroughness.
The historical survey of combs is merely a taster, as this book continues in a thematic mode. We learn of
the varied functions, grooming combs, moustache combs, folding, pocket and cased combs. Combs
specifically for eyebrows, for dolls, for babies’ heads and even the merkin comb for pubic wigs, now
representing the ‘fringe behaviour of a minority’.
32
Many cities had guilds of combmakers with the London Guild receiving its charter from King Charles 1.
The section on the materials for making combs with details on how low cost cow horn can be made to
simulate expensive blonde tortoiseshell is fascinating and encourages current experimenters to test out
the methods for themselves. The book has an excellent bibliography and index.
The comb was described by Randle Holme, a seventeenth writer, as ,”a thing by which the hair of the
head is layed smooth and straight and kept from growing into knotts and arslocks”, but Jen Cruse’s 270
page book beautifully and successfully demonstrates that it is far, far more than just that.
The Comb, Its History and Development, by Jen Cruse
Robert Hale, London, 2007, 500 illustrations
ISBN 978-0-7090-8137-1
A memento from the past
Past Master Dr Eric Hunt has passed the gold-edged
invitation [seen above] from his files to Horn Blower for the
delectation of its readers.
Horners
Lieutenants
become
Deputy
During 2007 three members of the Court of the Company
were commissioned Deputy Lieutenents.
Richard Beazley, a solicitor by training is Chairmen of the
East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust and is DL for that
county. Mei Sim Lai, a former Honorary Treasurer of the
Horners, is a partner in the accountancy firm Lai Peters and
holds a Crown Appointment as Commissioner of the Public Works Loan Board. She is DL for the Borough of
Brent, Greater London. Robert Leader is Chief Executive of St Dunstan’s the charity established during the First
World War to assist those servicemen blinded in combat. He is DL for the Borough of Ealing, Greater London.
33
Deputy Lieutenants are chosen by the local Lord-Lieutenant, to assist him with any duty that may be required of
him. They receive their commission only when the Secretary of State communicates that Her Majesty the Queen
does not disapprove of the appointment. The maximum number of Deputy Lieutenants allowed in a county may
be several dozen, and is related to the population of that county. DLs tend to be people who either have served
the local community, or have a history of service in other fields.
Seen together at a reception in Westminster School following evensong to welcome the Mayors of the London
Boroughs from left to right are Mrs Robert Leader, and Court Assistants Robert Leader, Mei Sim Lai OBE and
Richard Beazley
They may represent the Lord-Lieutenant in his (or her) absence. This would include local ceremonies and official
events, from opening exhibitions to inductions of vicars. DLs must live within the county, or within seven miles
of the boundary. Their appointment does not terminate with the change of the Lord-Lieutenant. They usually
retire at age 75.
All at Sea – thanks to the Horners’
The Master’s Charity in 2007 was the Jubilee Sailing Trust, a charity that enables both fit and disabled people to
go to sea and experience the freedom of the ocean waves. We had an evening on SV Tenacious in the London
docks, and had a tour of the ship, where it was pointed out that the Radar and Radio were obsolete and needed
replacing. I am pleased to say your donations, plus the money raised by the Bucks and Does shooting event, have
made that possible. I am very grateful to our Fund Master Tony Milhofer for the way he runs the General Charity
Fund raising each year and deals with the Gift Aid recovery.
Liveryman Peter Farren sailed on Tenacious in the summer and Court Assistant David Brown is a regular watch
leader on either the Lord Nelson or
SV Tenacious, so we have had good feedback from members and at least 8 have signed up for a day sail on one of
the ships in the summer of 2008. If you would like a sail on one of the JST ships visit www.jst.org.uk and have
the holiday of a lifetime.
34
Mary Hunt’s photograph shows SV Tenacious in the West India Dock in London
You may have read that Barbara Campbell, the Captain we met on SV Tenacious, has been awarded the Merchant
Navy’s Medal for seamanship for the way that she handled Tenacious when it rescued the crew of the French
sailing yacht Zouk in the Atlantic. I liked the typical Gallic thank you letter which in part read:
“The ship that was rerouted to help us could have been an ugly, smelly, rusty freighter but instead the ship we saw coming
to our rescue was a sumptuous pyramid of white sails, a dreamboat. A magnificent professional crew came to the rescue with
amazing efficiency. At that moment of difficulty and emotional distress for us, the warm and generous welcome will be
something I shall never forget”. I wonder if they knew that 50% of the crew were registered disabled?
David Oxley
Stick Dressers
Evelyn Tulip, widow of master stick dresser Norman Tulip, whose ‘fine sticks’ are carried
by our Wardens, Deputy Master and Clerk, recently made contact to extend her good
wishes to the Master and members of the Company. Evelyn is 90.
Carols with the Horners
Under the baton of newly-installed Honorary Freeman Richard Glasspoole,
the Horners’ Choir,
drawn from the ranks of Freemen, Liverymen and Court Assistants, and
including several Past-Masters of the Company took us into Christmas at
the Annual Carol Service, held in The Church of St James Garlickhythe on
Wednesday 19th December 2007. They were augmented by several of our
loyal, regular and experienced singers from the circle of friends of our
Honorary Chaplain Court assistant the Reverend Stuart Meyer, who by the
grace of the Rector of St James’ (Dr Alan Griffin) conducted our service of
praise wearing his finest vestments.
35
The congregation sang lustily where appropriate about lowly stables, cloven skies, certain poor shepherds,
travellers from afar (bearing gifts), the Sun of Righteousness and this holy tide of Christmas, ending by singing in
joyous exultation along with the angels.
The traditional story of Christmas was foretold and described by six lessons read by The Clerk, The Mistress
Horner, The Deputy Master, The Upper Warden, The Master and the Honorary Chaplain.
The Choir excelled itself an much-praised performances of favourites, such as ‘Come Thou Redeemer of the
Earth’, ‘A Virgin Most Pure’, ‘See Amid the Winter Snow’, Sans Day Carol’ and a new carol for us this year –
‘Torches’.
Suitably uplifted, the members of the Company and their many guests ascended the hill at Garlickhythe to seek
the warmth of the Painters’ Hall and to enjoy its hospitality. Following a delightful feast they were entertained by
our Assistant Clerk, Liveryman Richard Baker and his crew of harmonious hombres in an eclectic selection from
the world’s musical heritage. _
36