Master and Wardens' Tour 2016

Earlier this month the Master and Wardens went on their annual tour of the Company's estate and schools. With so many membership and industry-related events going on, this tour is an important connection with another, significant side of the Company's business: our charitable work.

The morning began with a visit to the estate in Islington, owned by and managed on behalf of the Dame Alice Owen Foundation. One of the largest assets managed by the Company, the estate contributes significantly to the income of the Foundation, allowing it to support a number educational projects in Islington itself as well as Dame Alice Owen's School. These projects include Upward Bound, a programme for school children which seeks to break the cycle of low aspiration and achievement and increase confidence and academic success in 13-16 year olds; Company Three, a theatre company which seeks to build confidence and communication skills in young people referred by teachers, youth workers and social workers; and the Music in Secondary Schools Trust, which provides music education for whole year groups of students to enrich lives and improve discipline and commitment to learning.

The touring party then went on to visit the residents of the Company's three almshouses in South Mimms. These almshouses are provided and maintained through Alderman James Hickson's Charity for the benefit of the elderly residents of that parish. The original almshouses were built in Kitts End in 1697, but were replaced with a new row of houses in South Mimms village in 1856. These latter building remain in use today, though of course thoroughly modernised for the comfort of the almspeople!

The day concluded with visits to the two schools supported by the Brewers' Company: Dame Alice Owen's and Aldenham Schools, both located in Hertfordshire. The Company is justifiably proud of its strong connection with these excellent schools and the annual visit by the Master and Wardens is another way to strengthen this bond. At Dame Alice Owen's, the group met with the new Headteacher, Hannah Nemko, who had been enjoying her first week in the role, before going on to watch an excellent performance by the Senior Strings and seeing the schools new 'bring your own device' scheme in action. At Aldenham the Headmaster, James Fowler, led the group on a tour of the school, visiting lessons and taking in the reception area and boarding facilities which have recently been improved with aid from the Brewers' Company.