On the weekend of the 11th & 12th May 2013 the Deacon Convener and his wife were invited to attend the livery dinner and charter service following the installation of the new Master of the Company of Cordwainers in York.
The Company of Cordwainers is one of the seven York Guilds & Companies, The Guilds, founded in the medieval period or earlier, have retained traditions that stretch back into the mists of time and add greatly to the rich pattern of life in the City of York. Cordwainers were shoemakers and derived their name from the Spanish city of Cordova, which manufactured the finest leather from goat’s skins.
The weekend started with a tour of York Minster along with some of the other guests attending the weekend, followed by light lunch in the Treasurers Hall, a few minutes from the Minster. After a free afternoon we met in The Medieval Hall of the Merchant Taylors for dinner.
The Scottish Trades were well represented at the function with members from the Irvine and Kircudbright Trades in attendance along with Master of Guilds from York and London.
After dinner, the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Keith Hyman toasted the Company of Cordwainers followed by a response from the newly elected Master Mr. David Hobman. He thereafter toasted the guests and a humorous response was given by Mr. Ian Swan of the Six Hail Trades of Kirkcudbright.
On Sunday we all met up in the Bedern Hall and processed to the Parish and Guild Church of All Saints, Pavement, York. The service was led by Reverend Jane Nattras, with readings from Master Hobman and the Lord Mayor.
After the service the formal party and their partners processed through the Shambles back to Bedern Hall for a reception and official photographs.
