Horn Blower

Horn Blower
The Newsletter of the Worshipful Company of Horners
Number One 2012
Master 2011/12: David Williams Master 2012/13: Georgina Scott
Clerk: A. Raymond Layard / Telephone: 020 8878 4212 / E-mail: horners.clerk@btinternet.com
Company Website: www.horners.org.uk Newsletter Editor: johnmaccabe@aol.com
_____________________________________________________________________________
The Horners Make History with the Installation
of Our First Lady Master
Following her Installation on Thursday 2 nd February 2012 at Painters Hall our new Master, Georgina Scott
celebrates together with the Deputy Master, David Williams, the Upper Warden, Keith Pinker, the Renter
Warden, Jack Bunyer and the Clerk, Raymond Layard.
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On 2 nd February 2012, for the first time in the
history of the Company, stretching back more
than three quarters of a millennium, the Horners
elected a lady Master.
At a Court Meeting in the morning, Mrs Georgina
Rowland Scott was elected Master for the year
2012/2013.
Georgina comes with an excellent Livery pedigree.
Her father, Sir Wentworth Rowland was Master in
1964 and her grandfather, Sir Frederick Rowland
was Master in 1935 as well as Lord Mayor in 1949.
Before installing his successor, the outgoing
Master, David Williams, oversaw the following
Admissions:
As Honorary Chaplain:
The Venerable Brian LUCAS CB
As an Associate of the Company:
Jonathon Oakley PAYNE
To the Freedom of the Company:
Professor Averil Mary MacDONALD
Jonathan Charles MEAD
To the Livery of the Company:
Graham James PORCAS
Anthony Garrett MASH
Many Horners will remember Averil MacDonald
who gave the superb Ralph Anderson lecture on
Fantastic Plastic in 2010. She also created the
very interesting and interactive website of the
same name.
David Williams congratulates the new Honorary
Chaplain, Brian Lucas
After this, David Williams installed Georgina as
Master, who duly thanked David for all his hard
work as Master in the past year and presented
him with his regalia. She thanked Colin Richards
for his help as Deputy Master presenting him with
his Past Master’s badge. David Williams was then
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installed as Deputy Master, with Keith Pinker as
Upper Warden and Jack Bunyer as Renter Warden.
The Master congratulates the Upper Warden,
Keith Pinker
The Master congratulates the Renter Warden,
Jack Bunyer
In her speech to the Court, the Master expressed
her gratitude for the honour bestowed on her.
She had forged new ways, being appointed as the
first lady Court Assistant in 1977 and being
elevated as the first lady in each subsequent
category in recent years. She warned us that her
title would be “Master”.
Once the Installation finished, Horners and guests
braved the cold and walked to the Livery church,
St James Garlickhythe, for the traditional
Candlemas service of thanksgiving. After the
opening prayers, lead by the Priest-in-Charge The
Reverend Guy Treweek , our new Honorary
Chaplain took the service, preaching a fine sermon
on the origins of Candlemas celebrations as well
as the place of the Company in the modern world.
The choir, conducted by Honorary Freeman
Richard Glasspoole, were in good voice, singing an

Introit and an Anthem and leading the
congregation in the hymns. The Becker Scholar,
Gethin Lewis, sang two solos.
All smiles for the Master and the Wardens after
the Church Service
We returned to Painters’ Hall for an excellent
reception before being called to luncheon.
After the main course, The Master took wine with
her Wardens. This is an old custom where wine is
supped from a traditional drinking horn. It is not
an easy task but was accomplished by all without
any spillage! After luncheon, The Master gave the
Loyal Toast and another for the Royal Family. She
also proposed a toast to the Lord Mayor and the
City of London Corporation.
Past Master David Beynon proposed a toast to The
Master and the Deputy Master, underlining the
sterling work undertaken in the past year by David
Williams and looking forward to an even higher
profile for the Company in the City, with our first
lady Master.
In reply, The Master expressed her honour and
pleasure in becoming Master. After this, she
welcomed the newly elected members to the
Company.
On behalf of the Company, the Master was
presented with two drinking beakers by Mr John
Brown, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company
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of Glovers. These fine horn vessels were made in
the mid 1800s, having engraved silver rims and
glass bottoms. Of significance are the hallmarks:
‘CA & CA’ and the names ‘Alfred’ and ‘Alice’
engraved on the rims, these being the names of
two of Queen Victoria’s children. The Master and
John Brown toasted ‘Alfred and Alice’ using the
beakers.
The Master then presented a trophy to Flt Lt Alex
‘Frenchie’ Duncan DFC AFC RAF of 27 Squadron
RAF, an organisation with whom we have a warm
association. The trophy recognised Flt Lt Duncan’s
brave exploits with the squadron in Afghanistan.
Some of them are recounted in his book
“Sweating the Metal”.
Lastly, the Master introduced her charity for the
year: “Thrive”. It is a small national charity which
uses gardening to help to change the lives of
disabled people. Whilst Horners have supported
the charity previously, this time, the focus will be
on the funding of a new project in Southwark to
target 16-25 year-olds with special needs.
Over coffee and petit fours, our musical director,
Richard Glasspoole played the piano for two solos,
sung again by Gethin Lewis. So ended a
memorable day for all Horners.
Hugh Moss
The 2012 Election Day Sermon preached at St
James, Garlickhythe, London, to the Worshipful
Company of Horners,
Candlemas; the pivotal day in the Church’s
calendar when we rejoice in the recognition and
revelation of the infant Christ in the Temple, but
also try to cope with the prophetic words of
Simeon, who spoke of, “the sword that will
pierce.” It is as if we say on this feast day – ‘one
last look back at Christmas, and now, we turn
towards the cross.’
So it serves your purpose admirably. It is an
excuse for a fine lunch (I hope), and the
opportunity to reflect soberly for a moment on
the nature of the Company. It is also a time to
rejoice in the Installation of a new Master, who is
the first woman to hold the office. Take comfort
from the fact that I am married to a woman who is
both a Master and a Fellow, and I am cared for
very well indeed.
At a time of low interest rates and unease in the
markets around the world, we need to inject a bit

of levity into life. I was on the Piccadilly Line
recently when a young man amused me hugely
with his imitation of a robot. I tried to stifle my
mirth and maintain my reserve, as did the other
passengers. At the next stop, a middle-aged lady
boarded the train with her friend and sat down.
The robot turned his head and said to them, “I am
a robot; I have no human feelings.” The lady
looked at him for a second then said, “You must
be from the Treasury, then.”
The season of Epiphany, which ends today,
introduces us to some interesting characters, and
not only to the three wise men in the margins of
history. There was also, for example, the baptiser
of Christ. I guess that most of you would find John
the Baptist’s dress code disturbing: he must have
been a colourful character; his clothes made of
camel hair and held in place with a leather belt.
And the fragrance must have been more camel
than Chanel. Robust Hall Porters all over Palestine
were having cardiac arrest at his appearance. As
the former secretary of a London Gentleman’s
Club, I understand the problem! And his diet!
Have you ever asked the Maitre D for “locusts and
wild honey”? It does not want to make you clasp
the man to the bosom of your clientele. Yes, John
the Baptist must have presented himself as a
gaunt figure when he emerged from his cave in
the Judean wilderness.
Then in the lesson this morning we read of the
holy man in the shadows of the Temple - Simeon.
He was a man in the mould of Malachi and Isaiah.
He quoted Isaiah, who had said, “I, the Lord....
have destined you to be a light for peoples, a lamp
for nations.” When Simeon held the infant Christ
in his arms, he didn’t say, “Couchy couchy coo”,
but instead, “My eyes have seen the light to
lighten the Gentiles.” Christ was to be an example
and a beacon to the whole world, and not just to
an exclusive group. That is something the Livery
Companies of the City of London readily
understand.
I said a moment ago that we should use this time
to reflect soberly on the nature of this Worshipful
Company. It deserves and merits such reflection,
for I believe you have a good track record of
service to the community.
Though, not quite as good a record as Noah. For
Noah floated a successful company when the
whole world was going into liquidation. As
Horners, you don’t just sit on your hands and
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enjoy each other’s company; you are energetic in
reaching out to those who need your help in
realising their ambitions.
One of the saddest sights is to see young boys and
girls, young men and women, hanging about
street corners out of work, their life drifting by.
For very many years, this Company has been
involved with the education of the young. It has
always encouraged young people in craft training,
and enlarged the education of those wishing to
enter the plastics industry. I have found that
young people, in the main, really do want to be
employed. They want the respect of their peers
and their parents. And, of course, they want
money in their pockets. They need -- and deserve -
- our encouragement.
Through the City and Guilds of London Institute,
and through your annual Awards --- the Student
Design Award in Innovation in Plastics, the
Bottlemakers Award, the Horners Jewellery
Award, and your scholarship to a student at the
Guildhall School of Music and Drama, through all
these you encourage to a very high degree the
pursuit of excellence. I am particularly impressed
with the Advanced Physics Course (SHAP), the
Polymer Study Tours, and especially the superb
presentations in the Fantastic Plastic programme.
But it isn’t enough to train those who come to you
for help. What about those who feel unloved,
hopeless, the unmotivated, who, in the words of
Isaiah, are in “the dungeon where they lie in
darkness”? Those whom even their friends have
deserted.
They need endless patience, and there will be
precious little gratitude for our pains, but is there
something we can do to kick-start their lives? The
trouble is that there are too many proficient
young con-artists and thieves on the streets. I am
not talking about them. I have in mind the young
people who don’t know how to get one foot on
the bottom rung of the ladder of life. They need
opportunities to learn a craft, and they need
encouragement and support to overcome the
great inertia which has surrounded them.
The Master’s charity, “Thrive”, offers a workbased
training, and the charity’s 'in-work-support’
provides the opportunity to gain a vocational
qualification, and the skills required to access
and sustain paid employment in horticulture.
For I am often surprised by the depth of integrity
(and sometimes knowledge)

mouldering away, untapped, in these young
people. It’s a waste the nation can ill afford, and I
am sure that your Education Charitable
Committee has it in mind. “My eyes have
seen....the light to lighten the Gentiles”, said
Simeon.
Can we take that light into the darkness of their
world? I have no slick answers, but on this your
festival day I bring them before you.
Well, as your new chaplain, I wish you every
blessing in the year ahead, and may you be as
innovative in solving the problems you will face, as
this Master of a certain Livery Company, who said
to his young wife, “I have brought home no work
tonight; you go off to the W. I. meeting, and I will
bath the baby and put it to bed.” Off she went
only to find on arrival that the meeting had been
cancelled. Imagine her horror on her return, when
she discovered her husband holding the baby by
its ears, and swishing it through the bath water.
She gasped, “That’s not the way to bath a baby.”
He replied, “It is when the water’s as hot as this.”
May God bless you in all that you do, and may he
enrich this Company for the benefit of others, the
fulfilment of yourselves, and the honour and glory
of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns
throughout eternity.
Reproduced by kind permission of our Honorary
Chaplain, Brian Lucas
THE HORNERS ANNUAL BANQUET 2011
On a fine but chilly October evening, over 300
Horners and their guests assembled at Mansion
House for the annual banquet.
Through the security scan we went, (well you
never know with the Horners), and then to join
the reception line, with a splendid carpet guard of
honour from our friends from 27 Squadron RAF.
Greeted by the Master, David Williams, his wife
Jane and the Wardens, we supped on fine
champagne and mingled with fellow elegantly
turned out guests.
Invited, or rather, sternly ordered to take our
places in the Egyptian Hall for the banquet, we
greeted the official party and the Narwhal Horn
with customary rhythmic applause.
Trumpeters having announced the procession,
then amused and entertained the guests with the
very competitive Post Horn Gallop. Fabulous!
Good food and exceedingly good company
purveyed the evening.
Sitting amongst the good company was a very
special young man. Mike (Spike) Reid, a previous
recipient of a Horners’ design award, was the
supremely brave fellow who, whilst on an Arctic
expedition in Norway, saved many of his
colleagues from being killed by a polar bear that
had entered their camp by shooting it in the head.
He had managed this despite being mauled by the
bear and suffering serious head and neck injuries.
Spike is the only person that thinks he is not a
hero.
The passing of the Loving Cup and a sung grace
preceded the presentations of the Horners’ Award
for Plastics Design and Innovation to Timothy
Keates and Alistair Lang of Andrew Lang Product
Design Limited for the innovative Cycloc wall
mounted bicycle storage system and the
Bottlemakers award to Richard Goss and Michael
Stegeman of RPC for their Retortable Barrier Jar.
The Master and the Wardens await the arrival of
the Guests
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Alderman Sir David Howard and the Master
presenting the Horners’ Award

Alderman Sir David Howard and the Master
presenting the Bottlemakers’ Award
Excellent and entertaining speeches concluded the
evening. After the loyal toast and the toast to the
Royal Family by the Master, Georgina Scott, the
Upper Warden proposed the toast to the Lord
Mayor, which was responded to by The
Representative Lord Mayor, Alderman Sir David
Howard Bt.
The Master looks on as Alderman Sir David
Howard drinks from the Brookborough Quaich
The Master then proposed the toast to the guests
in a warm and humorous speech, thanking those
who supported him in his year of office. He
appeared to thank more people than the total
attendance at the banquet!
Captain Sir Norman Lloyd Edwards, (yet another
Welshman), responded on behalf of the guests, in
a speech that kept all amused and as with all good
speakers, left us wanting more!
But with the Mansion House demanding that the
premises be vacated by 10.45pm, there was no
more, and the multitude stepped into their
homeward bound transport, apart from the few
6
stragglers whose taxis had not turned up or had
lost their way.
Another great Horners’ event, and much gratitude
for the success of the evening is to be given to the
clerk, Raymond Layard, for his excellent
organisation.
Colin Freedman
FAMILIARITY AT ST JAMES’
In The Footsteps of Dr Johnson (Scotland), George
Birkbeck in 1890 recalled Johnson’s visit to the
harbour of Lochbraccadale, where they saw Rorie
More’s horn. “This was a large cow’s horn, with
the mouth of it ornamented with silver, curiously
carved. It holds rather more than a bottle and a
half. Every Laird of Macleod, it is said, must, as
proof of his manhood, drink it full of claret
without laying it down”.
Our dinner, following our Annual Carol Service on
15 th December 2011, did not require this of David
Williams, our Master. However, it was Samuel
Johnson who said, speaking of Thackeray, that ‘he
could make the familiar new’, and this was the
case with our 2011 Carol Service in St James
Garlickhythe. Whilst it was delightfully familiar,
there were some new touches.
To start with we were welcomed by the church’s
new Vicar, the Reverend Guy Treweek (pictured
below), who was already aware of the Company’s
long association with St James’s, which was
decorated this year with an abundance of
Christmas foliage.
Guy thanked those Horners
who had added to the gifts
under the Vintners’
Christmas tree, which are
distributed by the Salvation
Army to disadvantaged
children. He then continued
to pronounce the traditional
Christmas bidding prayer,
before the Horners’ Choir,
under the direction of Honorary Freeman Richard
Glasspoole and accompanied on the organ by
Honorary Freeman Alderman Dr Andrew Parmley
led us into a familiar mixture of choral works and
readings.
The choir began with David Willcox’s arrangement
of Come thou Redeemer of the earth, before our
learned clerk, Raymond Layard read for us Isaiah’s
foretelling of Christ’s birth and Kingdom. The choir
then sang Boris Orde’s setting of Adam lay

ybounden, before the Company’s newest
Freeman, Philip Watkins (admitted at that
afternoon’s Court meeting) read for us St
Matthew’s account of the visit of the Angel
Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
We all then got the opportunity to sing about the
Holly and the Ivy, before the choir sang Richard
Glasspoole’s own arrangement of There is no rose
of such vertu. Our Renter Warden Keith Pinker
then read St Luke’s telling of the birth of Jesus,
allowing us all to let rip with Hark the Herald
Angels Sing. John Rutter’s arrangement of the
Sans Day Carol was then sung by the choir and this
was followed by our Upper Warden, Georgina
Scott’s reading (again from St Luke) of the
announcement of the birth of Jesus to the
shepherds.
We all then joined in Silent Night, whose first
verse was sung as a solo in Welsh by Gethin Lewis,
the Horners/Becker Scholar at the Guildhall School
of Music and Drama. The Master then read St
Matthew’s account of the visit of the wise men to
Jesus, before the choir’s last contribution – Peter
Cornelius’s The Three Kings, arranged by Ivor
Atkins. In this, Liveryman Charles Bettinson took
the solo part, which gives us the narrative of the
three kings’ visit, their offerings and homage, and
our own need (in the absence of gold,
frankincense and myrrh) to offer our hearts.
After our jolly rendering of God Rest ye Merry,
Gentlemen, the Vicar read St Johns’ unfolding of
the mystery of the Incarnation before we sang
Ding Dong Merrily on High, during which there
was a collection for the Church of St James
Garlickhythe. After closing prayers and the
Blessing we sang ‘in exultation with the joyful and
triumphant faithful’, before scurrying out into the
cold night air, destination: the Painters Hall, there
to take a glass or two of wine before over 200 of
us ascended the stairs for a most pleasurable
three-course dinner with appropriate wines. This
was followed by a short entertainment provided
by Emeritus Past Master Jeremy Cartwright, who
was accompanied on the piano by both Andrew
Parmley and Richard Glasspoole, and was
interrupted but once by Liveryman David Brown,
who insisted in telling us about his adventures in
the gutter and the friends he met there.
Santa’s Jolly Elf (aka David Brown)
A LETTER OF THANKS
Saturday 31 st December 2011
To: All at St James’ Garlickhythe Church and all
Livery Companies who supported our Christmas
Appeal at St James’
Dear Friends
On behalf of The Salvation Army in Chelsea, may I
thank you all on behalf of the many children and
families who were helped through your generous
giving. We have supplied well over 800 gifts this
year and we couldn’t do it without you and your
support.
Your gifts were distributed through help agencies
such as Social Services, Mental Health Support
Teams and Workers, Children Support Groups that
work directly with people and families affected by
Domestic Violence and through our local
Community here on the World’s End Estate. Your
gifts have made a difference to someone’s life this
year and I sincerely say thank you to you all for
your support.
It was also good to be joined by Rev. Guy and
Gordon to see where your gifts were going when
they joined me for delivery of your gifts and I hope
in doing so, they will now share with you what a
difference is made when a gift is given.
I attach some pictures of the delivery with a brief
statement of what they represent.
Thank you again and God Bless you in all you do to
help others.
Yours in His Service
Sally P Spry
Major Sally Spry,
Commanding Officer – Chelsea Corps
Alderman Gordon Haines and Reverend Guy
Treweek lend a hand to deliver the parcels
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Alderman Gordon Haines helps to distribute the
gifts
THE FATHER OF THE COMPANY LEAVES US
At the funeral of the Father of The Company,
Honorary Court Assistant Basil Lawrence (Chris)
Leverton at the Golders Green Crematorium on
28 th January 2012, the Company was well
represented by Past Masters, Court Assistants and
their wives, together with our Master David
Williams and our Clerk Raymond Layard. The
service was conducted by the Vicar of Hendon, the
Reverend Gwyn Clements and the address was
given by our former chaplain Prebendary Alan
Tanner, OBE, who first met Basil in 1954. It was
Basil who revived the Chaplaincy of the Company
and Alan who became its Chaplain in 1977. It was
also Alan who had been there when Basil married
Joan, and it was Alan who had conducted her
funeral. Their two sons took part in the funeral
service, with Philip reading the lesson and Tim
providing a moving tribute to Basil in his role as a
devoted husband and father.
Basil’s enthusiasm for the stick dressers of England
and the formation of a link between the Company
and the craftsman Norman Tulip and later, his
widow Evelyn and their sons was mentioned. Basil
will be remembered for his activities in those
areas that led to the donation by Norman of the
‘fine sticks’ carried by the Officers of the Company
and especially the ‘Victory Stick’ with the
signatures of the Allied leaders including Churchill.
Another of Basil’s attributes was his dedication to
investigating the detailed background of horn
artefacts wherever he could find them, often
obtaining them and giving them to the Company.
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Basil and Joan Leverton
The role of a company almoner, an important
feature of Medieval Guilds, was revived during
Eric Hunt’s Clerkship by his wife, Mary. When the
Almoner’s Committee was formalised by John
Hunt, Basil became its first Chairman and Court
Representative. Although he was not directly
involved in the Almoners’ activities he provided
very helpful guidance and an excellent ‘sounding
board’. His devotion and service to the Company
were considerable and together with his wise
counsel will be sadly missed.
Dr. Eric Hunt
JOHN RATCLIFFE REMEMBERED
John Nielsen Ratcliffe was the CEO from 1956 to
1985 of the Plastics Institute (PI) and later the
Plastics and Rubber Institute (PRI) (after
amalgamation with the Institute of the Rubber
Industry). He died at the age of 91 on 18 October
2011. Tributes and records of his outstanding
contributions to the plastics and rubber industries
both nationally and internationally during this
time of rapid expansion have been published by
the Plastics Historical Society (PHS), of which he
was the principal instigator in 1986, and by the
Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)
with which the PRI merged in 1992. I do not wish
to repeat them here.
John was not able to attend many Horners
functions although he had been a Liveryman since
1977. He was, however, a great supporter and
contributor behind the scenes.

I became Assistant Clerk to
the Horners in 1981,
having been a Liveryman
since 1966. In early 1983
the Clerk, Peter Oldak, who
operated from his flat in
Fulham, suddenly resigned
due to ill health and I took
over. The Horners' hierarchy at the time was of
the view that a City Livery Company should have
offices in the City. While the West End was (just)
acceptable, Wimbledon (my home) was out of the
question! During the 1980s I, as many Horners
over the years, was a senior Honorary Officer of
the PRI (as Chairman and later Treasurer) and
spent much time at their offices in Hobart Place.
So John allowed me to use that address and some
of their facilities for the Horners. Furthermore he
often assisted me in arrangements for the Annual
Mansion House Banquet.
In some respects this reciprocated the assistance I
gave the PI twenty years earlier, before I joined
the Horners, when they were overflowing their
office (then in Mandeville Place) and I had more
space than I needed just around the corner off
Oxford Street. I had allowed the PI to use this for
a year or two, again without charge!
John's wife Pat predeceased him. They left a son
David and daughter Merilyn, five grandchildren
and four great-grandchildren, one born a few days
before his death. John was a friendly and helpful
man and a competent and progressive manager
who will be long remembered by many
worldwide.
Dr. Eric Hunt
COMMON HALL AND DINNER
This year we broke with tradition in that Common
Hall was the first event in the new Master’s year
whereas in recent years it has been the last event
of the outgoing Master.
We met at Truckles Wine Bar in Bloomsbury and
after a short drinks reception, we were welcomed
by the Master who set out the programme for the
evening. The Deputy Master gave us a review of
his year after which Lorraine Brooks from the
Town Clerk’s Department of the Corporation of
London explained the relationship between the
Corporation and the Livery Companies.
The Master then gave details of her programme of
events for the forthcoming year and introduced
Susan Stewart, the CEO of Thrive, the Master’s
chosen charity for the year. (For more details see
www.thrive.org.uk.)
The Upper Warden, Keith Pinker, and the Assistant
Clerk, Hugh Moss, then explained the workings of
the Horners’ General Charitable committee, how
the charities we support are selected and as well
as giving details of the charities chosen in 2011.
This was followed by a three course dinner during
which Francis Flavin from Davys Wines talked us
through a wine tasting. With each course we were
served a new world wine and an old world wine.
We had to guess which was which, which was the
more expensive, and their retail price. The wines
were excellent and the magnum of champagne
was awarded to the winner, Past Master Ray
Anstis. A most successful and enjoyable evening.
RALPH ANDERSON LECTURE 2012
The 14th Ralph Anderson Memorial Lecture was
delivered by the Master, David Williams, on 17 th
November 2011 at the Royal Society of Medicine
in Wimpole Street. This splendid building has
recently undergone extensive refurbishment and
now provides state of the art lecture facilities.
Court Assistant Clive Thompson introduced the
Master and gave a detailed account of his
achievements in the Plastics industry. David
Williams will almost certainly be the last Master of
the Horners to have known the late Ralph
Anderson.
The Master addresses his audience
Following on the theme of last year’s lecture by
Professor Averil MacDonald , “Fantastic Plastic”,
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the Master set out to ask “Are Plastics Really
Fantastic?”
Having worked in the Plastics industry for over 45
years our Master’s vast experience means that he
is highly qualified to answer this question.
Before an assembled throng of Horners and their
guests including the Masters of 30 Livery
Companies and representatives from a wide
section from the plastics and polymer world, the
Master delivered a highly informative and
entertaining lecture to prove the case that Plastics
really are fantastic.
Notwithstanding last year’s lecture which
highlighted the benefits to society of the huge
range of plastic products and how these may help
to encourage youngsters follow a scientific
education, the students of today are still subject
to many negative images of the chemical and
plastics industries. Dramatic headlines which show
that plastics are a waste of the earth’s valuable
resources and create pollution.
With the theme of the Environmental lobby
moving to a “Sustainable” Society, operating with
a lower “Carbon Footprint” and “Eco-efficient”
manufacturing and a world producing far less
”Greenhouse gas emissions” per capita, should
this be seen as a further threat to the Plastics
Industry or does it create an opportunity?
The Master focused on some of the key issues and
debated the ability of society and governments in
the future to make informed judgements. He
explored many advantages and disadvantages,
from the green benefits of light weight plastic
bottles over the heavier glass, the myriad of uses
of plastic from plastic bags (not un-green as many
would have us believe) to the advanced composite
plastics used in the latest Boeing Dreamliner. He
stressed the re-recyclable ability of plastics to be
used over and over again in different guises. This
is a very important message that does not seem to
be understood or appreciated by many of the
general public. The lecture covered in detail many
more aspects of plastics and their benefits to
Society, giving us all much to consider.
We all certainly learned that plastics are indeed
far too valuable to be thrown away!
Having previously enjoyed a champagne reception
we were served with an excellent buffet supper
after the lecture.
John MacCabe
HORNERS VISIT TO THE OLYMPIC PARK
Tuesday 20th March 2012
Events which depend for their success upon the
weather can be tricky but Company members who
arrived at Westfield Stratford City knew they were
lucky with a fine start and no forecast of rain
during the day. No, this was not a shopping trip
but John Lewis and their third floor cafe was a
good place in which to gather over a cup of coffee
and to meet our London Blue Badge Guide, Olwen
Rowland.
Sharp on 11 o’clock, with everyone present, we
were led to the viewing gallery which gives a
magnificent panoramic view of the Olympic Park.
With just over 18 weeks before the Opening
Ceremony we could see that the main facilities,
including the Stadium, had been completed but
much work appeared necessary to the general
appearance of the Park. Olwen was throughout
the tour a mine of information and provided
masses of interesting detail about the view before
us.
The Olympic Stadium
Having found our bearings, we were led through
the mall to the rendezvous with a coach in which
we would be driven closer to the Park. We had a
bit of a pause as our driver thought he was
meeting us elsewhere and it took a little time to
“talk him down” to where we were waiting. Still,
it was sunny and no one cared! Safely aboard we
set off and snaked our way around the site. It is
no longer possible to enter the complex but we
taken as close as possible and this enabled Olwen
to inform us on such things as the inflatable plastic
roof of the temporary Water Polo Arena which will
be removed and reused after the Games have
ended.
The tour ended and the coach came to a halt for
us to disembark on Marshgate Lane, near the
delightfully named Pudding Mill DLR station. It is
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named after one of the old water mills on the
River Lea, which flows through the Park and has
undergone considerable restoration and cleaning.
We climbed up on to the Greenway a broad raised
walkway constructed over Joseph Bazalgette’s mid
19th century Northern Outfall Sewer. Despite its
true function it provides a splendid walk to see the
Park with the Stadium and Anish Kapoor’s 120
foot “Meccano-like” tower in front of it.
Our walk gave us an appetite for lunch which was
taken at Forman’s Fish Island in a room looking
over the river to the Stadium. This is the site of
the processing plant for Britain’s oldest salmon
smoking business of H Forman and Son. After
lunch we were given an account of the business
and its plans for the Games by Lance Forman the
MD.
useful. I met Barbara when we were both working
at the same school. We married in 1969 and
moved to Hereford in 1971, where we have
remained while our three children grew up, went
to university and have now gone their various
ways.
Having worked my way through teaching and
spending nine years as a headteacher, amongst
other things I began work for the diocese
inspecting Church of England Primary Schools.
When I retired early from full-time work, I
continued my links with the diocese and added
playing bass in a ceilidh band, which I still do.
The Master with Lance Forman
Then it was a short walk back to the coach and we
found ourselves back at Westfield and while some
went shopping most resisted the temptation of
Europe’s largest shopping mall and made their
way home.
Raymond Layard
A PERSONAL PROFILE OF RICHARD
GLASSPOOLE - DIRECTOR OF MUSIC,
HORNERS’ CHOIR
I was born and brought up in Raynes Park, South
London. My parents always thought I had some
kind of musical ability, and when I was eight they
bought me an accordeon which I still have, and
use. When I moved schools to Kings, Wimbledon,
staff there set me on the path of piano and
trumpet lessons and singing. After school, I went
into teaching, where the music has proved very
Richard Glasspoole
I was introduced to The Horners several years ago
when the then Musical Director Stuart Meyer was
at the time rather short of tenors, and was very
warmly welcomed. I sang for a number of Carol
and Election Day services, and when Stuart was
then elevated to the rank of Chaplain, in an idle
moment over a beer he asked me if I might take
his place as Musical Director. I was very pleased
to be asked, and am very happy to work with such
a hard working, capable and friendly group. I have
also enjoyed the opportunity to compose one or
two pieces for The Company and the choir, which
have been kindly received.
Three years ago the Court saw fit for me to be
made an Honorary Freeman of The Company in
recognition of my services, which I greatly value.
Living 150 miles from London means that frequent
contact with the choir and with The Company and
its full list of activities is difficult, but I always look
forward to my regular trips to London in
December and February.
I hope to continue in this role for as long as
everyone can put up with me, and look forward,
11

as always, to my next visit to meet up with the
many friends I have made among the members of
The Worshipful Company of Horners.
Richard Glasspoole
HORNERS IN THE NEWS
Liveryman Group Captain Guy van den
Berg
Amongst the 131 members of the Armed Forces
who received honours and awards in the
Operational Honours List dated 23 rd March 2012,
in recognition of his service in Afghanistan,
Liveryman Group Captain Guy van den Bergh
Royal Air Force was appointed an Officer of the
Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)
and we offer him our heartiest congratulations.
week early in order to get some training in and to
acclimatise before making the ascent.
We wish Charles every success in this venture and
look forward to hearing all about it when he is
safely back at sea level in London.
Any member of the Company wishing to support
Charles by sponsoring him, may contact him by e-
mail at c.bettionson@e-m.co.uk.
Liveryman Charles Bettinson
Liveryman Guy van den Bergh with a colleague at
Camp Bastion
Liveryman Charles Bettinson
In August this year, accompanied by a friend and a
professional guide, Liveryman Charles Bettinson
will be attempting to reach the 15,000 feet
summit of Mont Blanc in order to raise £15,000
for a new bell at St.James Garlickhythe. The bell
was cast in March in the Whitechapel Bell
Foundry, a week after the Queen had visited the
foundry. Charles was prompted to make this climb
when he discovered the Horners had pledged
some money to the appeal.
The climb should take two days but is weather
dependent. The intention is to climb for a day,
spend a night on the mountain, get up at 12 am in
order to reach the summit by dawn the next day
and then take the rest of the day to descend. It
will be necessary to make some contingency for
the weather.
Charles has some Scottish alpine experience but
nothing in Europe. The party will be going out a
Footnote
The Editor would love to hear from any other
Horner who may be planning a similarly bold
venture to raise monies for a good cause
Liveryman Simon Hurrell
In January 2012 the Royal Borough of Windsor and
Maidenhead announced the appointment of
Liveryman Simon Hurrell as head of the council's
planning and development.
A planner and economist, Simon has been acting
in the role since October 2011 and was confirmed
following a full selection process.
As well as planning Simon has experience in
economic development, property management,
strategic procurement and tourism in a career
which has spanned both the Public and Private
sectors in various parts of England.
Simon lives in west London with his wife Louise.
His interests are singing, walking, historic buildings
and gardens.
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HORNERS’ GOLF SOCIETY
The Horners’ Golf Society first event of the year was
the Annual Dinner which was held at the National
Liberal Club on 31 st January 2012 and attended by a
party of 30 members and their guests. In the ongoing
traditions of the Society there is a full programme of
matches and events during the course of 2012
23 April – Horners’ Golf Society Swinley Forest
17 May - Prince Arthur Cup
23 May - Pewterers’ Interlivery Golf Challenge
7 June - Information Technologists
22 June - Horners’ Trophy
2 July - Marketors Ryder Fellowship Day
6 July - Tallow Chandlers Day
12 July - Horners vs Actuaries
26 July - Ray Jeffs Cup
5 September – Horners Golf Society Porters Park
17 -21 October – A four night visit to Mijas, Spain in
association with Honorary Court Assistant Simon
Baldwin-Purry.
If you are interested in playing in any of these matches
or just attending please contact the either Past Master
Colin Richards at colin.t.richards@btinternet.com or
the Society’s Captain, Renter Warden, Jack Bunyer at –
jbunny@btinternet.com or visit the online page
tinyurl.com/horners - please do not delay as places
are already filling up.
Philip John Watkins
TO THE LIVERY
Richard Michael BARNES
Sponsor : Liveryman Sir Sigmund STERNBERG
David William Kirkham CHITTY
Sponsor : Past Master, Mark SPOFFORTH
Erica Marie EVANS
Sponsor : Past Master, Dr. Eric HUNT
Ralph McNEILL
Sponsor: Liveryman Colin HINDLE
FROM OUR COURT CORRESPONDENT
ADMISSIONS DECEMBER COURT 2011
TO THE FREEDOM
John Francis Colins
Sponsor : Liveryman Anthony McLELLAND
David Henry James MAYS
Sponsor : The Master, David WILLIAMS
Philip John WATKINS
Sponsor : Court Assistant Peter DAVIS
Richard Michael Barnes
David William Chitty
John Francis Collins
David Henry James Mays
Ralph McNeill
Erica Marie Evans
13

ADMISSIONS FEBRUARY COURT 2012
AS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER
Jonathan Oakley PAYNE
Sponsor: Liveryman Raymond LAYARD
Jonathan Oakley Payne
TO THE FREEDOM
Professor Averil Mary MacDONALD
Sponsor : Past Master David Oxley
Jonathan Charles MEAD
Sponsor : Past Master David OXLEY
Anthony Garrett Mash and Graham John Porcas
FUTURE EVENTS IN 2012
During the remainder of her year in office
the Master will welcome Horners and their
guests at the following events :
10 th – 13 th May : Master’s weekend in the Garden of
England
16 th May : Inter-Livery Clay Pigeon Shoot
21 st June : Master’s Charity Event and Dinner
25 th June : Election of Sheriffs and Luncheon
15 th July : Livery Concert with Supper
25 th September : City Walk and Noggin & Natter
26 th September : Bucks & Does Inter-Livery Clay Pigeon
Shoot
1st October : Election of Lord
Mayor and Luncheon
4 th October : Annual Banquet in the
Mansion House
13 th November: Ralph Anderson
Lecture and Supper
Jonathan Charles Mead and Professor Averil Mary
MacDonald
TO THE LIVERY
Graham John PORCAS
Sponsor: Honorary Court Assistant Don COOPER
Anthony Garrett MASH
Sponsor: Court Assistant Peter DAVIS
14
20 th December: Carol Service in St James
Garlickhythe and Supper
Editor’s Footnote
My thanks go to all those who have contributed
articles and to David Oxley, Mary Hunt, and Keith
Pinker for their photographs. Articles for future
editions are always most welcome.
John MacCabe

PICTURE GALLERY
The Master and Wardens with the Civic Party prior to the Annual Banquet at the Mansion House
Sherriff Wendy Mead takes the Loving Cup from
Court Assistant Mike Birrell
Two Scottish Horners – Liverymen Ralph McNeill and
Colin Hindle
15

The Carpet Guard from 27 Squadron RAF
The Master receives a handsome cheque from Peter
Davis of the BPF in support of the Polymer Study Tour
Alderman Sir David Howard inspects the Cycloc under
the watchful eye of Court Assistant Mike Birrell and
Alderman and Sherriff Alan Yarrow
Basil Leverton with the Master of 2006 Ray Anstis
A smiling Liveryman Deborah Mantell
16