Hot on the
heels of our own Common Hall I was invited to the Glass Sellers Common Hall held
prior to their Court and Livery Dinner. All members and guests were invited to attend,
a welcome touch I felt although a bit restricting perhaps if any questions were
arising – of which there were none. It
was an informative meeting with short presentations on the various aspects of
the Glass Sellers Company’s organisation and work including more recent and important links developed with
industry in relation to the varied applications of glass in modern manufacturing.
It was an
excellent dinner in a superb venue and the speeches and a traditional toast ‘To
Glass’ emphasised the enduring nature and relevance of a cheap and recyclable material
we largely take for granted – with of course glass in hand.
The Company
received its Charter from Charles the Second in 1664 and ranks 71st
in precedence – thereby celebrating its 350th anniversary next year. Today the Company’s members are involved across
many different trades and professions. Whilst
the Company’s outreach seeks to encourage interest in glass and glass making in
all its many aspects and good craftsmanship, honest trading, charity and
education are high on their agenda. I
was particularly impressed that the outreach included social and practical
support in needy areas well outside “The City”. As Guest Speaker the Reverend Canon Dave Wade
spoke meaningfully about the work he does in his parish of St Luke’s, Canning
Town, financially supported by the Glass Sellers. Once an area of great industry and now one of
the most deprived and run down areas in London,
Dave’s plain speaking achievement
was in progressively building his Sunday congregation back up from
3 – 150 in a short time. This recovery
almost beggared belief and his obvious commitment and energy in serving the
largely unwaged and ethnically mixed population of that area was acknowledged by
all present.
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