AMUSF Branch News
AMUSF Branch News
Association Past President Roy Theobald Honoured
The Livery recently acknowledged Roy's expertise in the field of upholstery, by presenting him with the much coveted Upholders Merit Award. The Upholders Company in the Millennium year introduced a Merit Award to be presented to those who produce the highest quality of upholstery or soft furnishing, regardless of size of enterprise. To meet the high standard of skill and business competence required, the candidates have to submit a portfolio of past work that shows the application of their craft in its many aspects. In addition, customer commendations and business references are required. You can imagine my delight therefore when, on the occasion of the Upholders Livery Dinner at the Barber Surgeons Hall in September this year, I was able to introduce to our Master, Liverymen and guests, the Association's very own Past President, Roy Theobald as the latest recipient of our prestigious Merit Award for upholstery. Roy had provided abundant evidence to the scrutineers of his consummate skills as an upholsterer and as a publicist for his Company. Roy said: I am thrilled to be one of the very few upholsterers and furniture makers to be honoured with this prestigious award from one of the City's most ancient Livery Companies. I am working hard to further the aims of the Livery Company by improving links with the trade. In 1935 they told my father upholstery was a dying trade; in 1965 they told me it was a dying trade and now once again they are saying it is a dying trade. For a dying trade it appears to be very healthy. Following my recent involvement with the EDGE Foundation Awards aimed at developing the skills of young people, I look forward to driving the message home in schools and colleges across the South East." Roy followed in the footsteps of his father also an upholsterer. He underwent a traditional apprenticeship over a four year period and after that honed his skills at high quality upholstery companies including Barrett and Bolton, and Maples. Starting his own business in 1975 and in 1976 joined the Association of Master Upholsterers. He served on the Council and is now a member of the Board. He served two years as a hardworking President of the Association, standing down on 1st September this year. A man of many parts, Roy may also have been seen by many resplendent in
a red coat and badge in his other guise as Toast Master, becoming the President
of the Guild of London Toastmasters in 2002. Hearty congratulations Roy from
your many friends and colleagues in the Association. |
