The Master’s Outing – Portsmouth

Over thirty liverymen, freemen and guests joined the Master during a memorable Outing to Portsmouth, combining heritage, craftsmanship, fellowship and, above all, the conviviality for which the Company’s gatherings are so well known

The Outing began for many of us on the first afternoon at the Royal Maritime Hotel, where we gathered before setting out to explore Old Portsmouth. Our knowledgeable guide, Andrew, brought the history of the area vividly to life as he led us around its historic streets and waterfront. It was an excellent introduction to the weekend and, with old friendships renewed and new ones made, set the tone for the days ahead.

That evening we enjoyed an informal supper together at the hotel. The Royal Maritime, being a charity supporting veterans of the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy, is particularly appropriate for the Furniture Makers with their military affiliations, including the recent bond formed with the Maldon and District Sea Cadets. The relaxed meal provided an opportunity for everyone to renew friendships.

The following day saw us make full use of our Dockyard tickets, with its wealth of exhibitions and historic vessels providing something of interest for everyone. We explored the submarines, admired the surviving sail from Nelson’s flagship Victory, which served at the Battle of Trafalgar, and learned about the Dockyard’s long tradition of apprentice training

A welcome pause in the day came with lunch in the gallery above the Boat Restoration Centre, where we could relax, enjoy good food and, as ever, good company.

The undoubted highlight of the day was a privileged visit to Henry VIII’s flagship, Mary Rose, in the evening. Access to the vessel itself, in the company of a conservator, gave us a fascinating insight into both the ship and the remarkable work undertaken to preserve it. To see this extraordinary survivor at close quarters, while hearing from someone directly involved in its conservation, was a very special experience

The evening concluded with an excellent dinner in the gallery above the deck of the ship. After a full day of exploration and discovery, the opportunity to sit together, share our experiences and simply enjoy one another’s company was greatly appreciated.

On the third day a coach took us to West Dean House, where we were given a privileged tour of both the house and its workshops. We were particularly fortunate to have our own conservation specialist with us, who had trained at West Dean and was therefore able to add a personal perspective to the visit.

The house itself provided many fascinating glimpses into its history, not least the private apartments of its former owner, Edward James. A great admirer of Surrealist art as well as traditional craftsmanship, James left a distinctive legacy at West Dean.

The workshops proved equally enjoyable. Members were invited to try their hand at some basic crafts, including woodworking, leatherwork and gilding. With enthusiastic staff on hand to guide us, everyone had the opportunity to make a personalised key ring. There was much good-natured concentration – and perhaps a little friendly rivalry – as members discovered that traditional craftsmanship is not always quite as easy as it looks!

Following an excellent buffet lunch, there was an opportunity to walk off some of the excesses in West Dean’s extensive and award-winning gardens before returning to Portsmouth.

Back at the hotel, we met for a reception before the formal Black Tie dinner. The evening was enlivened by the  Portsmouth Shantymen, who entertained us both before and after the meal when we were able to join in with a spirited sing-along.

Our guest speaker, Commander Ian Millen RN (Ret), gave a fascinating and informative presentation exploring the role of furniture aboard vessels, from Tudor times through to the present day. His talk provided a particularly appropriate link between the history of furniture making and the Company’s charitable work, while also connecting with his own Veterans Outreach Support charity. In thanking Commander Millen, the Master presented a donation on behalf of the Company to his charity.

The Master then brought the formal proceedings to a close with thanks to all the liverymen, freemen and guests for their support throughout the Outing. The senior Past Master, Jonathan Hindle, responded on behalf of those present by thanking the Master for all her efforts in organising such a varied and successful programme.

The formalities over, the conviviality continued. With so many good friends gathered together, there was little danger of the evening ending early, and conversation, laughter and fellowship continued well into the night.

But the Master’s Outing was not quite over.

After breakfast on the final morning, the Master led an intrepid group of six Company members for one last challenge: an abseil from the top of Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower.

From more than 100 metres above the ground, the six brave participants, Jessica, Amanda  Waring, David Woodward, Graham Marley, Andy Corbett and Limun Wells, descended the tower to the applause and encouragement of members who had wisely – or perhaps sensibly – chosen to remain at ground level

This was more than simply a fittingly adventurous conclusion to the weekend. The sponsored event had already raised approximately £10,000 for The Furniture Makers’ Charity, providing a remarkable charitable achievement to accompany the fellowship and enjoyment of the Outing.

As we finally dispersed, there was ample opportunity to reflect on a memorable few days. From historic ships and conservation to traditional crafts, gardens, music, and an extraordinary final descent from the Spinnaker Tower, the Outing offered a wonderful variety of experiences.

Yet perhaps the most important feature of all was the opportunity to spend time together. Whether exploring Portsmouth, trying our hand at crafts, sharing a meal, singing along with the Shantymen or simply enjoying conversation with old friends, the weekend demonstrated once again the fellowship and conviviality that lie at the heart of the Company.

It was, in every respect, a memorable Master’s Outing – and one undertaken in the very best of company.

A gallery of images is being prepared