About Us

Membership

Membership of the Company is by invitation to people who are prominent in the business and commercial life of Worcester and Worcestershire and in control of, or heading, a commercial enterprise or organisation, which is being conducted to the highest possible standard. Membership of the Company represents both a privilege and a responsibility. Although membership confers few tangible benefits, it signifies an unbroken continuity between past and present, which differentiates this historic Incorporation from a professional association or social club.

The Company still elects its High Master at a Convocation Meeting, held on the Friday after Whitsunday at which meeting the High Master, following his election, appoints his Wardens and other Officers for the ensuing year. Two Beadles attend upon the Company at this and its other meetings which are held quarterly on the second Tuesday after each quarter day. An Annual Dinner is held at The Guildhall on the third Tuesday after Michaelmas.

Today The Clothiers Company serves as an interesting reminder of the powerful position occupied by such trade guilds in former times when they vied with the established authority of the Crown and the Church for influence and wealth. The Membership of the Company presently comprises a varied body of individuals, some with ancient family connections with the Company, others are elected from old Worcester families with long connections of trade in the City, but unfortunately the disappearance of cloth and allied wool trades from the City has resulted in a loss of any connections with such trades and only the trappings of the Worshipful Company's distinguished past now remain.

Members are expected to be willing to give their time and skills in support of the Company which may benefit from their expertise and experience by participating directly in civil society, and contributing to the funding of the Company.

Jim Panter

Born in Nottingham , attended Carlton le Willows Grammar School excelling in sport and neglecting academia to a certain extent! Did an engineering sandwich course firstly, pre-University, with CA Parsons in Newcastle on Tyne and then post University with RHP Bearings Ferrybridge. Attended University in Leeds with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc in Tribology(the study of friction , lubrication and wear specialising in bioengineering human joint study) Moved to Worcester from Leeds in 1983 to work for  Morgan Crucible Technical Ceramics in Stourport for 20 years. Initially in Sales but ultimately as managing Director for 10 years, covering several plants in UK, France, USA and China. On leaving Morgan I went to the newly privatised defence labs QinetiQ in Malvern -  charged with commercially exploiting defence technology. From Swords to Ploughshares! A great privilege to be exposed to world class technology, fundamental research which enabled products such as night vision, LCD screens, VR holographic imaging. Etc - much of which resonated with James Bond’s gadgets.

Very keen on most sports particularly rugby football - playing internationally as a schoolboy and then for Nottingham, Northern and Headingley at ‘First Class’ level. Held season tickets at Gloucester and Worcester for many years. Played cricket to good club standard for Leeds Zingari and then with Old Vigornians in Worcester. Sporting excursions are now confined to golf.

After retiring from gainful employ I developed an interest in helping charitable concerns. I am Chair of the Tudor House Museum - built by a clothier in circa 1525, Chair of the Lasletts Charity in Worcester and also Chair of the Worcester Warriors Charitable Foundation.

The Treasurer                                                

Yan Gittens
(CV to follow)

Meetings Dates

• Quarterly meeting - Tuesday
• Quarterly meeting -
  
• Convocation -
• Quarterly meeting - Tuesday
• Quarterly meeting - Tuesday
• Dinner - Tuesday (mid October)