Eddie Menday: Hallmark of quality

Jul 3 2008 Looking Back With Eddie Menday Hounslow'S Community Champion 2007/08, Hounslow Chronicle

I RECENTLY had the pleasure of attending a reception in Goldsmiths' Hall in the City of London.

Surrounded by magnificent paintings lit by crystal chandeliers, one could admire the treasures collected by one of the 12 Great Livery Companies.

The trade guilds in the City go back to the Middle Ages, when various types of merchants gathered together to form unions to protect their crafts.

The Goldsmiths' Company is well known for being responsible for the hallmarking of gold and silverware since the 1300s, and even today still operates the London Assay Office within the building.

The Company also has an antiques committee which checks on unauthorised markings on pieces which may be fakes or forgeries. A little-known fact is that the assay office also checks on coins of the realm made by the Royal Mint, making sure they are the correct size, weight and metal content.

An ancient ceremony takes place each year, when the coins are submitted for inspection and testing.

The first Goldsmiths' Hall was built on land purchased in 1339. It was rebuilt in 1636, only to be lost in the Great Fire of 1666. The present hall dates from 1835, and fortunately survived the Second World War, though it did receive some bomb damage.

The Company holds exhibitions of the goldsmiths' and silversmiths' craft, and at present is running a 'Treasures of the English Church' exhibition, showing priceless items from many parts of the country.

Exhibits range from the year 800 to the present day and include a pocket-sized sundial from the late 10th Century and large processional and altar crosses from the present day.

I was amazed at a jewel encrusted bishop's mitre which must have been most uncomfortable to wear. Close to the main staircase is a gilded wooden statue of St Dunstan, who is the patron saint of English Goldsmiths. It was of particular interest to me as we have two churches in the borough dedicated to this particular saint, who died in 988.

The statue was made in 1744 for the Goldsmiths' Company State Barge, which probably sailed on the Thames in the Lord Mayor's procession when it took place on the river.

The exhibition, which is free, runs until July 12 and is highly recommended to those interested in history and arts and crafts.

JULY 3, 1908

A garden party and flower show in connection with the Wesleyan Church, Brentford Circuit, was held at Marlborough Park, in aid of church funds. Splendid weather favoured the event and a very enjoyable time was spent by the large numbers who attended. An al fresco concert was held and the combined bands of Twickenham and Isleworth played selections of music. A programme of old English sports was carried through with a gentlemen's pick-aback race and three-legged race and ladies' skipping. A tug of war event was also held between the various churches.

JULY3,1908

The newly-formed Isleworth Swimming Club have held their first carnival at the baths in South Street, and it was well attended. During the evening an exhibition of swimming and diving was given by Mr Davey,which was highly appreciated by those present. Afull programme of events was run and at the close the prizes werepresented by Mrs FNowell, and avote of thanks was given by Mr Nowell to the organisers and all those who assisted, and the public for their support.

JULY 3, 1908

At the meeting of the Middlesex County Council general purposes committee, it was reported that they gave directions for the purchase of samples of whisky from several public houses, in different parts of the county. They were mainly purchased at public houses that had a notice that the alcohol content was guaranteed. The price was, in the main, 6d each, but in some cases it was 8d, 9d and 1 shilling. The amount of added water in the samples was reported to make it below strength, in spite of the fact that notices said that the spirit was at full strength.