THE FORFEIT FEAST AT CUTLERS’ HALL – 25.07.24

On Thursday 25th July 2024, The Master Cutler, Mr Charles Turner DL , hosted the Company’s annual Forfeit Feast at Cutlers’ Hall.

Among the 252 attendees was the principal guest, The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli . Other notable figures included HM Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE RN, High Sheriff of South Yorkshire, Mr John Baddeley , and Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Jayne Dunn. Additionally, Civic Mayors from the South Yorkshire region were present, highlighting the recognition and support for this business event.

The Forfeit Feast aims to emphasise the critical role of manufacturing and engineering in the region. It serves as a platform to showcase the vast potential and opportunities for development within our manufacturing industries. The event is attended by the Company of Cutlers Freemen & Friends, along with their guests, who represent a diverse array of businesses and organisations. This gathering not only celebrates the heritage and achievements of the local industry but also encourages networking and collaboration among key stakeholders, further driving innovation and growth in South Yorkshire.

Master Cutler

The Master Cutler delivered his speech to the guests highlighting the Company's 400th anniversary as well as our historical significance and role in controlling initially, the cutlery trade in Sheffield and Hallamshire since its formation by an Act of Parliament during King James I's reign. Over four centuries the Company has been innovative and developed, now acting as the voice of all categories of manufacturing across South Yorkshire. The Forfeit Feast was originally named because of the forfeits and fines paid by Members for non-attendance at Company meetings which were used to host a dinner each year. In modern times, it has become an opportunity to showcase South Yorkshire's manufacturing excellence, with this year's focus being attracting inward investment. This theme has built on and supported the Master's Trade Mission to London in May 2024, where he and our Regional Mayor, Mr Oliver Coppard and his team from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) met with and briefed potential inward investors. The Master Cutler's year has focussed on investment to support manufacturing throughout the region.? The Master's speech concluded with a toast to the guests, expressing gratitude for their attendance.

The Lord Mayor of The City of London

The speech by the Lord Mayor of The City of London, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, outlined the importance of reaffirming the strong connections between Sheffield and South Yorkshire and the City of London, whilst also speaking about the "Connect to Prosper" initiative, which emphasises the importance of research, innovation, and collaboration across sectors and cities for continued success. The Lord Mayor of London speech reflected on his personal connections to the region and acknowledged Sheffield and South Yorkshire's heritage of high-quality craftsmanship and highlighted the region's significant achievements in innovation, manufacturing and technology. The Lord Mayor concluded with a commitment to support Sheffield and South Yorkshire in building these connections, stressing the need for collaboration in addressing modern challenges. The speech ended with the presentation of tokens of appreciation and a toast to the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire.

After the speeches, there was a musical interlude by the Sheffield Cathedral: A Place for All People Choir.

A remarkable event showcasing the manufacturing excellence of Sheffield and South Yorkshire, celebrating its rich history whilst inspiring and supporting future generations.

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All Photos courtesy of Andrew Cox Photography