119. The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers’ Consort’s Lunch: Sustainability in the Footwear Industry, City Livery Club, 20 February 2024

Debbie Tyrrell, Pattenmakers’ Consort, organised a Consorts’ Lunch as one of the final events of her year.  This was held at the City Livery Club, and was a very cosy, friendly and informal affair.  We were pleased to meet Kevin Bradford, incoming Consort, and Debbie’s husband Patrick.

Patrick had served in the Royal Navy; Debbie was in the US Navy.  On being ordered to meet with the Royal Navy, Debbie found the personal liaison lasted somewhat longer!

Even though the Pattenmakers no longer make pattens (and were allegedly put out of business by the Paviors as once there were clean pavements there was no further need for pedestrians’ feet to be raised above the detritus on the roads), the talk was very topical.  Vanessa Podmore, a Pattenmaker herself who had been involved with the shoe trade for many years, spoke of sustainability in the footwear industry.  

Capt Debbie Tyrell, Pattenmakers’ Consort; Val English, Master Mariners’ Consort; our speaker, Vanessa Podmore

As with many environmental conundrums, there is no simple answer.  The leather industry is responsible for 16% of greenhouse gas emissions, and has been and still sadly is connected with human rights issues such as child labour and rights for women.  Leather alternatives such as pineapple “leather” are better for the environment but are not as durable, even though some plastics are biodegradable.  And of course the fashion industry is responsible for much landfill.  The main message was to be aware of the composition of what we buy, to keep items, to repair them, and to be aware of the circular economy.

As a thank you gift, Master Patrick presented Vanessa with a beautifully engraved wineglass.