Thoughts from Freeman Dave Brooks

If you have read previous news, you may have seen the poem We are 36 which Dave Brooks was inspired to write when he became a Freeman of the Coopers' Company. https://cooperscompany.co.uk/news/company-news/6901f14fa089220002b88fee

He has taken the next step in his journey towards becoming a Liveryman recieving his Freedom of the City of London recently and once again was inspired to 'put pen to paper' so to speak. Please enjoy his thoughts below.

'One of my best decisions in the last twenty years was to take the plunge and enrol for a course of study working towards a PhD in history.  It was not my first choice of topic, as I originally wanted to study something business related.  However, as time and other life events changed me, the subject of study became very clear.  So, I signed up for five years part time researching the patronage within, and the capabilities of the Officer Corps of the British Royal Navy between 1815-1870.  It has become almost all encompassing when not at work and it has also changed my approach to my day job.  The topic and those ancillary rabbit holes that I find along the way are simply the most fascinating subject material I have ever explored.

Surprisingly, as an advocate of both public speaking and lifelong learning, I failed initially to see the changes going on within me.  My focus became volumes of books and research papers, sneaky visits to maritime museums and a very different playlist on my podcast app. Those who know the genesis of the idea was related not to the sea but horse racing are now even more surprised.

 But there was one more joy to come and that was joining the Worshipful Company of Coopers, initially as a Freeman.  On 24th March 2026, I became a Freeman of the City of London and on 18th May, I will rise to the level of Livery within the Guild.   What has this to do with work or the Navy I hear you say?  Well, to misquote Jane Austen who herself has a wonderful Navy connection (two brothers who became Admirals),  It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a navy cannot exist without barrels.  To join the Coopers Guild, which reached the ripe old age of 525 this year since the granting of its royal charter in 1501, is to became a custodian of the past.  It is an honour to join those esteemed torch bearers who wish to see this organisation and those like it, to still be in place in another half a millennia.

And then there are the sheep.  One of the ancient rights that are granted with the Freedom of the City is that of driving sheep across a London Bridge.  It is not just an anachronistic boast either.  Once a year, on the last Sunday of September, a sheep fair is held on Southwark bridge and a lucky few get to exercise their right to shepherd six sheep across the bridge.   As a student who spent a lot of time as a roadie in the mid-eighties, I had the pleasure of working for the band the Housemartins (including a very young pairing of Fat Boy Slim and Paul Heaton of the Beautiful South). Although they had several hits, including Happy Hour and Caravan of Love, it is one particular album track that comes to mind.   When I finally find myself on that bridge, crook in hand, running through my mind will be just one song,  It's sheep we're up against, and it will be.

If you have an interest in joining one of the 114 London Worshipful Companies, feel free to reach out to me for a chat, I promise not to sing.'

Freeman Dave Brooks