Peter Thomas receives the Master's Medal Award 2021

Peter Thomas, boss of Prescott Thomas Ltd at New Spitalfields Market, was the recipient of the prestigious Master’s Medal at the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers’ first virtual banquet.
The award is presented at the discretion of the Master in recognition of a life’s work and contribution to the fruit industry. This year’s Master David Simmons presented the award to Peter online and delivered a tribute to more than 120 attendees.
“It gives me great pleasure to announce that the recipient of the Master’s Medal award for 2021 is Liveryman Peter Thomas,” he said.
“At the age of 16, Peter entered the fruit industry initially working with his father supplying potatoes to fish and chip shops and restaurants. Now more than 50 years later based in New Spitalfields Market, Peter’s business “Prescott Thomas Ltd” is a well-established and successful enterprise supplying schools and restaurants big and small.
“Peter was admitted to the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers in 2014 where he soon became very much involved in the joint venture participation of the New Spitalfields Market Tenants’ Association and the Fruiterers Company at the British Red Cross Christmas Fair. In 2016 the Fruiterers Company again working with New Spitalfields Market Tenants’ Association participated in the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch where Peter’s amazing displays of produce were built on an original “Market Barrow”. [In that year and those that followed, they] have brought much credit to the Fruiterers Company and have been admired by members of the Royal Family and remembered by everyone who attends the Lunch.”
It is also Peter’s company which provides fresh produce and also make deliveries on behalf of the Fruiterers to homes for the less fortunate in and around the City of London, the Master continued. “Since 2018 Peter has built the fruit display for the “Ancient Ceremony” of Presentation of Fruit to the Lord Mayor, which this year by kind arrangements with the Lord Mayor’s Office was able to continue despite the restrictions imposed by the Coronavirus pandemic and took place outside on the “Doorstep” of the Mansion House!
“The Coronavirus pandemic has seen over 30 Livery Companies join forces and, spearheaded by the Drapers Company, create the Livery Kitchens Initiative. From the outset Peter’s Company was involved, with the Fruiterers Company contributing 1,400 pieces of fruit, which has now increased to 2,400 pieces of fruit on a weekly basis to this huge operation that provides meals for the NHS Frontline Workers in the three Barts Health NHS Trust Hospitals and supports communities in North and East London.
“Peter’s charitable approach together with his enthusiasm and generosity make him a most worthy recipient of this year’s Master’s Medal.”