NEW MASTER, NEW STUDENTS, NEW DIRECTION BROUGHT TOGETHER BY HISTORIC TRADITION
Trevor Smallwood OBE, has been named the Master of the Society of Merchant Venturers.
The appointment took place at a ceremony after the Society’s historic Charter Day service at Bristol Cathedral where Trevor, together with two Wardens, twelve assistants and the Treasurer were sworn in for the next year.
One of Bristol’s outstanding entrepreneurs, Trevor demonstrated formidable energy and strategic focus, in building one of the nation’s leading transport groups – FirstGroup - with turnover exceeding £2 billion.
The appointment reflects the changing direction and focus for the Merchant Venturers, attracting significant entrepreneurs and the ‘movers and shakers’ in today’s economy, who not only demonstrate enterprise but are committed to helping others and society in general.
Their focus is now firmly fixed on enterprising achievement – and a strong dedication to good causes. Trevor’s appointment exemplifies this with his close involvement in Colston’s Girls’ School and the Quartet Community Foundation.
“My term as Master of the Merchant Venturers begins during one of the most exciting and productive periods in the Society’s recent history,” said Mr. Smallwood.
“The launch of the two new Academies sponsored by the Merchants marks a new highpoint in our long term support for education in Bristol.”
This year, students from Colston’s and Colston’s Girls’ School were joined, for the first time, by students from the new Merchants’ Academy in Withywood which is also sponsored by the Merchants.
All the students received buns and shillings, a tradition thought to have derived from a similar custom practiced at the Christ’s Hospital.
The students are given a cake and a small bun, the ‘starver’ which they are allowed to eat to stave off hunger while the cake was to be taken home. At the same time each Colston pupil is given two shillings (ten pence) to fulfil the wishes of two benefactors of the school, William Vaughan and Philip Jones.
A recent gift from Merchant Denis Burn, ensured that the Merchants’ Academy students also joined in with the custom of receiving buns and shillings, together with the pupils of the Colston’s Schools.
“Looking forward to 2009, we will continue to maintain our focus on enhancing the quality of life for local people with special attention being given to the young, old and disadvantaged.
“The new generation of Merchant Venturers is well equipped to achieve this and I am confident that we can continue to play a vital role in encouraging talented men and women to give their time and expertise to focus on the challenges facing the City.”
ENDS
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