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December 24, 2006
wheels on the bus go round and round.....
(Here we go, half of Savile Row included)
Well, there we have it. Another busy year over at English Cut. Thankfully we've barely stopped cutting all year. Hopefully we've made a lot of people happy, I know we've all enjoyed ourselves. My apprentice, Christopher is working out well and our other plans are coming together. So I've a lot to be thankful for.
(Three generations of tailoring, myself, Michael who taught me, and now I'm teaching Christopher)
Of course I'm only a small cog in all this. I would have no chance without my friends and colleagues supporting me. With that in mind we had a bit of a special party earlier this month, just as a thank you. As you've probably gathered many of the people in this business are, shall we say, "senior". So I thought it would be nice to get some of the best in the business, plus some good friends and customers to enjoy a jolly day out together.
We had Mr Alexander, a former director Anderson & Sheppard, back when I worked there. My first boss, Michael Wigglesworth of Redmayne. Jim, now from Welsh & Jeffries (20 Savile Row) after eighteen years at Poole's. Jason the shoemaker, and Boyd from Rayner and Sturges. Alison and Kate from Beno Dorn of Chester, a super company that made the suits for the Beatles. It was great to catch up with my pal Edwin of Steed, he was on top form. And of course, Rav from A J Hewitt, and a host of coat makers. One of them, Don Giboys I've worked with for 16 years and never met him till now. So it was a very special day.
(James and Phil wondering how on earth they became my customers)
(Ed, whatever you said, the girls liked it)
I thought this party would be quite a task organize. However I was delighted that so many people would come from London, USA and other distant corners. I guess that's Cumberland working it's old magic again. All I had to do was get my friend to organize a vintage double decker bus and drive us for a posh lunch in the beautiful Leeming House down the road in the glorious Lake Distirct.
(Tony Harris wearing the first suit I ever cut 23 years ago, got his money's worth)
The age range of party-goers was from 19 to 72. We had tailors, cutters, shirtmakers, shoemakers, and governors of both the firms I've worked for. We had customers old and new, and some good pals thrown in for good measure.
(Rav of AJ Hewitt and my lovely Spitfire cufflinks that he gave me)
Anyway, it was just lovely. We had friends from nine different tailoring business's all enjoying the day out as one. I know I've said this before, but the ones who are the Real McCoy consider themselves as one business, regardless of which firm we work for, and we'll go out of our way to help one another. I certainly can't remember a day like this and I doubt there'll be another.
(Our driver and conductor Judith and Malcolm, who were brilliant)
(I think Michaels face says it all)
If you need a photographer who's great at his job and a lot of fun, Roger's your man.
(Ed and I and our dear friend Roger who stayed sober and photographed us all)
From everybody at English Cut, and everyone else involved, we'd like to wish all our readers a wonderful Christmas and peaceful and Happy New Year.
Compliments of The Season!
Posted by tom at December 24, 2006 9:29 AM