Cork-Cutters by Royal Appointment: French and Company Report from The City Press, London, 13 March 1869 (The British Newspaper Archive accessed at FindMyPast). Messrs. Beal French and Son’s Fiftieth Anniversary The annual dinner of the firm of Messrs. Beal French and Son, cork manufacturers, Crutchedfriars, took place at their establishment on Saturday last, and passed off in an even more than usually pleasant manner, the occasion being the fiftieth anniversary of Mr Beal French’s connexion with the trade.     The chair was taken, as usual, by Mr French, who dispensed the honours of the table with his usual geniality, and was well supported in the vice chair by Mr David French. There were present many gentlemen whose names are well known in connexion with the beer and wine trades, and who are almost necessarily brought into close connexion with the firm whose jubilee they had met to celebrate. All the employés – a larger number than on former occasions – were invited to be present, and the bond of union between employer and employed, always a distinguishing feature of the establishment, seemed to have been more firmly united than ever. The warehouse or shop in which the dinner took place was plentifully hung with flags of all nations, and presented a gay appearance. Mr J. Wright, proprietor of the adjoining hostelry, provided a substantial dinner, and this having been disposed of, the Chairman pledged his guests in the loving cup. He then gave the loyal and patriotic toasts, which were followed by ‘The Health of Mr Alderman Lusk, M.P., and the Representatives of Aldgate Ward,’ Mr W. H. Teulon, C.C. replying. The succeeding toast was ‘The Wine and Beer Trades,’ Mr French mentioning with pardonable pride that his establishment had kept up its connexion with some of the houses in those trades since 1808. Referring to the competition which exists in all branches of business in the present day, and the not seldom unsatisfactory results, he said that he could compete with any one paying 20s. in the pound, but could not with those who paid, say, 4s. 6d. The toast was acknowledged by one of the oldest representatives present, Mr George Hibbert, who spoke in high terms of the firm; and Mr Ward also briefly replied. After an interval, Mr Hibbert again rose, and said it had fallen to his lot to propose a toast which he was sure they would all receive with the greatest heartiness and sincerity. They would know from that what the toast was, ‘The health of the worthy Host.’ (Cheers.) He (Mr Hibbert) rejoiced to be there, to congratulate Mr French on his fiftieth anniversary, and to acknowledge his always courteous, consistent, and upright conduct. He was sure that the ways of all who were connected with him were ways of pleasantness; and he felt the greater pleasure in giving the toast, because Mr French’s family appeared to be following in the course so well marked out for them. Mr Hibbert, in conclusion, expressed an earnest hope that Mr French would yet enjoy many years of happiness, for he had richly earned them. The toast was drunk with the utmost enthusiasm, and was followed by the song of ‘The Fine Old English Gentleman.’ Mr French returned thanks. He said he was thankful to Providence, who had spared him, and to those gentlemen who had been connected with him so long. He had no fear for the future, but believed he would be surrounded by friends whilst he deserved them. (Cheers.) Mr E. Smith, C.C., afterwards gave, in flattering terms, ‘The Firm,’ and the toast was acknowledged in a few will-chosen sentences by Mr David French. The Chairman then gave, ‘The Health of Mr Cordell, the Manager,’ who has been connected with the establishment twenty-seven years; and Mr Cordell replied in an amusing speech. Some other toasts followed, and the company broke up, the evening having been spent in a most agreeable manner.     Some vocal music was given in an exceedingly creditable style by several of the employés, including Messrs. J. Williams, E. Allen, Stillwell, and G. Allen. Abbreviations:         C.C. – Common Councilman elected to serve in the City of London. Transcribed by WhistlerHistory 2021.