Romney Tweed, a Community Interest Company, was born out of a wish to promote both the Romney breed of sheep and the Romney Marsh area. I had the pleasure of driving Romneys over London Bridge in 2008 in the very first sheep drive event, organized by the Worshipful Company of World Traders.
A little later, the Worshipful Company of Woolmen realised it was probably best they took on this annual event, and Rob & Pat Alston as then Master & Consort, plus John Burbidge-King who handled the organisation, handed the programme on to them. A photo of that day makes me feel the passing of the years:
A sturdy breed which has grazed on the Romney Marsh since the 7th century, their wool has been spun and woven into the fine worsted cloth which The Lady Mayoress and I are proud to wear tomorrow in the shape of our unique waistcoats. Made by Justin Block, supported by Pat & Robert, with the tweed itself donated by our dear friend Alderman Alison Gowman, and designed for her during her year as Sheriff. Don’t they and the tweed look great.
Romney Marsh, an area of unusual beauty with a sheep farming heritage, suffers from high unemployment. Romney Tweed CIC, a social enterprise, has the twin aims of encouraging local industry and of helping young people acquire skills and find jobs. By choosing the weaving industry to achieve these aims, Romney Tweed has dipped far into the past – to medieval times – when Romney wool provided the foundation for the area’s prosperity. A Design Challenge run in local schools is being supported by The Woolmen’s Company this year.
Romney Tweed produces worsted spun, 100% British wool tweeds which are designed and sampled on handlooms in Kent before being commercially woven and finished to the highest industry standard in Yorkshire. Romney Tweed also offers a Bespoke service, developing unique tweeds for individual clients. Inspired by their heritage and traditions, they work closely with the client to create a wholly personal tweed, for use in apparel and accessories.
Then Lord Mayor Sir David Lewis with Robert Alston in the straw boater, and the World Traders:
