Masters artefacts

In 1956 George Edmans, of the Central Bucks Branch, suggested that the Guild, and perhaps all the branches, should each have a banner similar to those used by the Mothers’ Union. This novel idea sparked off some interest but when a sub-committee considered the proposal it felt that the Guild could not afford it. Mr Edmans kept alive the idea by volunteering to have it made for the cost of the materials.

When George Edmans suggested that the Guild should have a Guild Banner in 1956 the idea of a Master’s Badge was also mooted to mark the Guild’s seventy-fifth anniversary. The sub-committee predictably reported that the Guild could not afford it. The estimates obtained at that time were £31 for a gilt white metal badge, whilst a silver-gilt would cost £36, plus £21 purchase tax. The idea was shelved.

To give some idea of how these costs compare with today’s prices, the Guild report cost £7.50 to print that year, members’ subscriptions brought in £124 whilst a collection at the annual Festival brought in £5.55.

Twenty-one years passed, and a new sub-committee was set up to plan the events for the centenary. Among the tangible souvenirs produced were bells, goblets and rose bowls in Caithness glass; pint and half-pint pottery mugs; ties and a new Guild badge. The committee also recommended that a Master’s badge be obtained to mark the centenary.

Members were asked to send in designs and, from about a dozen submitted, one by Stanley G Scott was selected. After some small modifications it was produced in sterling silver at a cost of £372.

Members were invited to send in donations, and a total of £131 was contributed. The badge was dedicated at the Centenary Service on January 17, 1981 at St Mary’s, Reading by the Bishop of Reading.

William Butler was the first Master to wear it, initially at the dedication, and later that evening at the Guild social gathering in the Reading Civic Centre where several hundred people had the opportunity to inspect it.

Bill Butler, 2005

The model bell in its frame was a bequest from Mrs C.W.O.Jenkyn to the Guild, probably made by her husband.

The bell weighs about 20 pounds. It rests in plain bearings in a frame approximately 24 by 12 inches.

The current Master of the Guild is responsible for it and it is passed to each successive holder of the office. It is shown being used in a ‘tower maintenance’ session at the Easthampstead Course in2003.