Speaker John Horseman - Richmond Fellmongers

The President of Richmond Rotary Club, John Horseman, was the guest speaker at the Club meeting.  He talked of his time last year as Master of the Richmond Fellmonger and the meetings with other Craft Guilds.  The Ancient and Honourable Company of Fellmongers, a craft guild of Glovers and Skinners, in the past provided craft support and entry into the trade and craft guilds was by apprenticeship. Fellmongers removed wool from hides in preparation for leather making. The Fellmongers have been in existence in Richmond since the 14^th. Century. They had an important part to play in civic life including the election of the Mayor.  In 1835 the Fellmongers ceased activities and re-formed in 1981. The membership is 80. They continue to support apprenticeships and local businesses annually recommend suitable candidates for the award of apprentice of the Year. The vote of thanks was proposed by Peter Natress