David Arthur Savory

David Arthur Savory was born in Hampstead, London on 28th September 1919, the second child of Dr Charles Harley and Aileen Savory. Through his mother Aileen, he was descended from Garrard, the Royal Jewellers.

The family lived at 17 Watts Avenue, Rochester, Kent. He went to Emsworth House Preparatory School in Hampshire and, in September 1933, followed his father and uncles to boarding school at Uppingham in Rutland. By coincidence his desk happened to have his father’s initials carved on it. He left in July 1937. He was a member of the House Boxing Team in 1934, with a match report stating “Savory put up a good fight although beaten in the first round, and showed plenty of guts.” David also played cricket, hockey and rugby at school with one match report stating: “Savory at wing forward played keenly and intelligently. At present he is handicapped by lack of weight.” He was awarded his School Colours for Hockey. David was a member of the school Corps and was L/C in Term 1 1937.

While at school it was his parents decision that he would study business in his last years at school, and on leaving school join the family firm of Savory & Moore, which he did so in 1937.

In 1940, he joined the Royal Marines. After the war he was granted a commission in the Royal Fusiliers and served with the regiment until 1952. In that year he re-joined Savory & Moore, with one of his first tasks being to travel around the world to reconnect with customers that had been lost during World War 2. He become Director of the company in 1956.

David and Sheila had use of the apartments at the Chapel Street, Belgravia shops.

He remained with the company until retiring in 1982. In the year before he retired, the famous shop at 143 New Bond Street ceased to trade as Savory & Moore. He was the last member of the family to be associated with Savory & Moore.

On retirement he and Sheila moved to St Helens on the Isle of Wight, where he became a Councillor on Medina Borough Council.

David was known for his good humour and story telling, he was an accomplished golfer playing off a single figure handicap for much of his life. He was also a keen and experienced sailor and had many boats over the years and was a member of Sea View Yacht Club, Brading Haven Yacht Club and The Royal London Yacht Club, among others, a owning Sea View One Design and a 26ft yacht, Debonair.

He was a member of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries and a Freeman of the City of London.

He married Sheila Fothergill on 19th October 1946, at Christ Church, Mayfair, whom he met in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) where she was serving in the W.R.N.S.

Through his mother’s, Aileen Sutherland, he was descended from the three leading and wealthy families, Sutherland (of Skibo Castle), Garrard (Royal Silver makers) and Walker (land owner and textile manufacturers).

They had two children, Nicholas Samuel (1947-2010) and Susan Elizabeth (b. 1950).

David died suddenly at home, in the garden, St Helens on 23rd February 1990, at the age of 70.

After his death, he was posthumously named Councillor of the Year; and it was said about him:

“He was liked by everyone the council – whatever their politics.”

“He was what a local councillor should be and it is a pity there are not more like him. He kept a clear head and never put political considerations above what was best for the people of the Island”.