Firms helps victims of flood havoc

The donations came in response to an appeal from Master Cutler Alan Reid, who had entertained representatives of many of the Companies at the Cutlers Feast a month earlier.

“The response has been little short of overwhelming," said Mr Reid. "I have now been able to pass on cheques worth around 45,000, with more to come.

"This tremendous response is a more than adequate answer to anyone who questions links between the Cutlers' Company and the Livery Companies, or who is tempted to dismiss such organisations - and, indeed, our own Company - as anachronisms in the 21st century.”

The cash came from companies in London, Bristol and Glasgow.

And the Cutlers Company itself has donated 10,000 to the South Yorkshire Community Foundation, which is running the Flood Disaster Relief Fund.

That means Livery Company donations make up about a tenth of the total donated to the fund, says Mr Reid.

South Yorkshire Community Foundation chief executive Pauline Grice said: "We are enormously grateful for the efforts the Master Cutler and the Livery Companies have made to raise awareness of the plight of the flood victims, and to raise such an enormous sum in such a small timeframe is nothing short of miraculous.

“We are indebted to them for their generosity, and will ensure that the monies they have raised will be put to good use, quickly.

"Flood victims in many areas of South Yorkshire are living their lives in limbo at the moment.

“And any relief that can be put their way is a much needed boost, to buy shoes, clothes and other necessities that have been lost.

“Recent weeks have been a nightmare for them, and it is important to remember that as many will not get back into their homes this side of Christmas, the need for funds is still acute.”FACTFILE

Livery Companies date back to before the Norman Conquest in 1066

They came to prominence as craft guilds, responsible for regulating their trades, controlling wages, conditions, apprenticeships, training standards and the quality of products made by guild members

The word Livery refers to the distinctive dress worn by members of each guild.

Today's Livery Companies are self-contained societies of professional and business people.

A number have retained a degree of control over their original trade or profession and all have a strong commitment to supporting charitable causes.