Celebrating our 450thCharter Anniversary
On All Hallows Eve, Tylers and Bricklayers and their guests dined at Tallow Chandlers Hall as part of the 450thCharter Anniversary celebrations.
It is particularly appropriate that this dinner was held at Tallow Chandlers Hall. The Tylers and Bricklayers coat of arms in the window in the Livery Hall demonstrated the connection between the two Companies. The Hall was built by Master Tyler and Bricklayer Master Captain John Caine in the late seventeenth century and from 1948 to 1960 the Tylers and Bricklayers used Tallow Chandlers as a refuge whilst post war rebuilding of the City was undertaken.
During the Evening we welcomed a new Companion to the Company, Diana Christopher. Five years ago, it had been agreed that widows and widowers of Past Masters and Wardens should be invited to become Companions to continue their association with the Tylers and Bricklayers. Diana Christopher had been a part of the Tylers and Bricklayers family for many years supporting Michael. Sadly Michael had passed away earlier this year Diana had accepted our invitation to become a Companion and it gave me great pleasure in presenting a Certificate to her.
Much research had been undertaken into the food eaten at Elizabethan banquets and whilst it was not appropriate to have a boar’s head on the table, we dined on Ham Hock Terrine, Quenelle of Pike, Venison and Lemon Posset, and enjoyed some superb wines arranged by the Wine Committee.
After the meal the Loving Cup was passed round and speeches were given by Liveryman Professor John Schofield and the Master.
This was the final element of the Anniversary Celebrations and all Liverymen who attended thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
Off to the Reform Club
The Consort and I attended a Livery Banquet at the Reform Club as guests of Liveryman Professor John Schofield, who is Chairman of the Reform Club. Guests of honour for the evening were the two Sheriffs of the City of London, Alderman Vincent Keaveny and Non-aldermanic Sheriff Liz Green along with her consort Peter.
The Reform Club is one of the most beautiful buildings on Pall Mall, having survived the London Blitz intact. The Library was the perfect situation for the diners and we had a wonderful evening chatting with guests. Liz Green gave a most entertaining speech explaining the role of the City and the work the Sheriffs in the modern era.
Professor Schofield presented Liz with gifts to mark the occasion.