The Cutlers - The Company Today

Hall\\'s Committee Report

HALL'S COMMITTEE REPORT

The year has seen no major building or repair works being under taken in the Hall but much being done to keep the décor, both front and back of house, in good condition and fit for purpose. The view was taken early in the Company’s year that a fast deteriorating economic climate was not a good time to embark on large and expensive projects.

It should be noted that three major projects have been completed in the last three years: the replacement of the boilers has resulted in far greater efficiency with some thirty percent less gas being consumed, sadly not reflected by a similar reduction in the bills for that gas: the long overdue installation of a new lift, which also makes access to the Gentlemen’s facilities in the basement so much easier: finally the complete refurbishment of the Ladies facilities, which has been well received.

During the year our caterers, Sodexo Prestige, have performed reasonably well under extremely difficult trading conditions. Whilst the number of bookings has held up, the number of places at each event has fallen: perhaps it is opportune to mention that if Freemen are able to influence the decision as to where an event is to be held, do please consider the Cutlers’ Hall.

C J Jewitt Esq
Chairman

GIFTS RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR 2008/9

(1) From Mrs A Price, a canteen of cutlery by James Dixon & Son Ltd

(2) From Mr & Mrs S Rodwell, a collection of razors.

(3) From Mrs J Benn, a 1900 Paris Exhibition Medal.

(4) From Mrs J Staniland, a canteen of cutlery given to her parents on 16 August 1941.

(5) From Mrs B Spink, a donation of £200 to the Company.

(6) From Mrs C Laughton, a cake dish, a christening mug, a cake stand, a biscuit jar, an egg frame with 5 egg cups and spoons.

(7) From Mr CG Murray MBE, a Company 350^th anniversary silver goblet.

(8) From Mrs J Wilson, wife of David Wilson, Law Clerk to the Company 1958-73, an engraved silver salver which was presented to her father the Rev CEM Wilson, Chaplain to the Master Cutler 1932-3, by  Lt Col A N Lee DSO OBE, Master Cutler 1932-3.

(9) From Mr and Mrs G W Bridge, a silver goblet by Corin Mellor for use by the principal guest at the Feasts and to be the 2008 year piece.

(10) From Mr and Mrs D S W Lee, a number of gifts which include nine books on various subjects centred on the Company and Sheffield, together with  pastel portraits of Mr and Mrs Percy Lee, Master and Mistress Cutler (1927-8), the latter is now hanging in the Mistress Cutler’s Room.

(11) From Mr Coulter, two CDs of images taken in the last days of Jessop & Smith, with permission to use some of the images on the Company website.

(12) From Mr P Thackray, a number of cutlery trade catalogues.

(13) From the Master and Mistress Cutler, Mr and Mrs M G Howell, a pair of forged sterling silver candelabra, to be their gift to the Company to mark their year of office and to be the Company Year Piece for 2009.