Leslie J Walshaw-Smith  1898-1983

Past Master Leslie J W Walshaw-Smith was born on Feb 9th 1898 in Stoke Newington which was then in Middlesex. 

His parents were : father, Joseph George Walshaw-Smith, mother Elizabeth Scavington. 

Both were born in in the area of Stoke Newington. The family lived in Islington for most of Leslie's early years. 

In 1925 he went to South Africa and met his future wife on one of these trips. For some time he travelled extensively in South Africa and surrounding areas. He went also to India 1931/32. This was his last trip for the company.

Upon returning to England he joined his uncle, Edward Scavington in the company John Lovegrove, which at that time was in Red Cross Street, Cripplegate, just opposite St Giles Church. John Lovegrove was a relative, but we have no further information about him. When 
Edward died Leslie bought the Company and from that time he became interested in the City of London, the Corporation and the Court of Common Council. He took a cousin, Ronald Buckingham into the company who in his turn bought the Company upon the retirement of Leslie Walshaw-Smith.

 Unfortunately for some reason, now unknown, the company shortly stopped trading. (The family still hold share certificates) Memory indicates that the business moved from Red Cross Street to St Bartholomew's Mews and later from there to somewhere near to the present day Barbican.

Leslie Walshaw-Smith was elected a member of Cripplegate Ward Club in 1953. In due course he progressed through the various Offices and was elected Master in 1973.

He was also a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Girdlers.

He died in 1983 still maintaining his Club Membership.

(Mr Ronald Buckingham was also a member of Cripplegate Ward Club for many years)

These notes are compiled by Sylvester Crowley in September 2010 following information and the photograph sent to us by Leslie's daughter together with his grandson Mr Dean Ford. The Club is most grateful for this addition to our history.