Freedom of the Cutlers Company

Freedom of the Cutlers Company in Hallamshire by Rebecca Joselyn

Just before the first lockdown in 2019, Rebecca was granted Freedom of the Cutlers Company in Hallamshire. Due to Covid and the subsequent lockdown restrictions the reception obviously got cancelled! However on Thursday the 24th of June 2021 Rebecca was finally invited to a Freedom reception at the Sheffield Cutlers Hall to receive The Freedom of the Cutlers Company in Hallamshire.  She was one of a group of new Freemen who received their Freedom Certificates from the Master Cutler.

 

Freedom of the Cutlers Company in Hallamshire by Rebecca Joselyn The Cutlers’ Company was established by a parliamentary Act of Incorporation in 1624 and for almost four hundred years has sought to maintain the standards and quality of Sheffield manufactured cutlery and steel products and to promote the name of Sheffield. As manufacturing in the region has changed over the centuries, so the Company reflects this by highlighting the innovation in the region as well as upholding Sheffield’s proud heritage

The day started at 1pm and they all met in the beautiful Sheffield Cutlers Hall. It’s an amazing building steeped in history and unique features. The occasion was low key, with social distancing, held in the Drawing Room.  The Master Cutler handed out the certificates and individual photographs were also taken, as well as a group photo on the main staircase.  A light lunch was served to all.

Freedom of the Cutlers Company in Hallamshire by Rebecca Joselyn

The event began with The Clark speaking about the history of the Cutlers Company of Hallamshire.

Freedom of the Cutlers Company in Hallamshire by Rebecca Joselyn

There was a chance to meet some new faces and talk about some of our new designs in person. They can all be found in the online shop

Freedom of the Cutlers Company in Hallamshire by Rebecca Joselyn The Cutlers’ Company was established by a parliamentary Act of Incorporation in 1624 and for almost four hundred years has sought to maintain the standards and quality of Sheffield manufactured cutlery and steel products and to promote the name of Sheffield. As manufacturing in the region has changed over the centuries, so the Company reflects this by highlighting the innovation in the region as well as upholding Sheffield’s proud heritage

Rebecca Joselyn and Katrine Payne both received their awards on the same day. Katherine is project manager of Rebecca other business – Goldsmiths North which is held annually at The Cutlers Hall.

Freedom of the Cutlers Company in Hallamshire by Rebecca Joselyn Nick was born and raised in Sheffield, a proud Yorkshireman. He was educated at Elizabeth College in Guernsey, Channel Islands and Sheffield Polytechnic (Diploma of Management Studies). Starting his working life with GKN Ltd in Birmingham and Cardiff, he then joined his family engineering business in Sheffield on the shop floor and worked his way up to Works Director, with works in Walsall and Sheffield. A family fall out in 1993 saw him move to GT Tubes Ltd, a manufacturer of steel structural hollow section, as General Manager. He became Managing Director on their acquisition by Australian National Industries Pty (ANI) which had sister plants in Brisbane and Chicago and head quartered in Sydney. In 1998, international company politics, excessive travel and the likelihood and subsequent acquisition by Smorgon Steel, saw him leave to acquire his own engineering business and to form the SMP Group of Companies – a diverse group of small metal finishing and manufacturing companies in Sheffield. Now semi-retired, he still maintains his interest in steel and manufacturing as a “Little Mester”, manufacturing a select few products, including the ubiquitous stainless steel “Presto Egg Opener” (The only way to cut the top off a raw or boiled egg), first produced by John Watts Ltd, a Sheffield company going back to 1765. He spent many years in the Territorial Army, commanding 75 Engineer Regiment between 1992/5 and completing his TA career as Deputy Commander 42 (North West) Brigade in the rank of Colonel. Currently maintaining his links with the Reserve Forces as Chairman of the North West of England and Isle of Man Reserve Forces and Cadet Association. He is also National President of St John Ambulance He lives in the Peak District of Derbyshire and is married to Susie, with three grown up children. His interests are split between the summer when he can be found or rather heard as a commentator at Horse Trials throughout England and winter when, having given up active refereeing, he is a Rugby Union referee advisor and assessor. He is also a keen supporter of all country sports. September 2019.

Rebecca Joselyn was presented with her certificate by The Master Cutler for 2020-2021 – Nicholas D O Williams TD DL

 

Freedom of the Cutlers Company in Hallamshire by Rebecca Joselyn

All in all it was a very enjoyable day out and a welcome break from the bench, making and designed our handcrafted Sheffield Silverware and Jewellery. There was so may talented people from Sheffield and the surrounding areas who attended. Well done to everyone involved, both organisers and all of the new Freeman.