Carol service and supper, Thursday 15 December 2022

St Margaret Lothbury looked spectacular with its Christmas tree and crib and, as always, we were made very welcome by the Rector, the Reverend Prebendary Jeremy Crossley. The church was radiant with infrared heaters, as the boiler had decided that enough was enough. Despite the snow laying round about, deep and crisp and even, the church was filled with warm music courtesy of the wonderful Lothbury singers and the congregation. The Company and guests packed the church and there were some wonderful moments. A Ukrainian folk song “Carol of the Bells (Little Swallow)” with a setting by honorary Freeman Richard Townend, and a hauntingly beautiful Stille Nacht were just two. There followed a thoughtful and uplifting address by the Company’s Chaplain, the Venerable Dr Jonathan Smith, with a theme of the baby, vulnerability, trust and love. A spectacular service, and one I will long remember.

We then had a short walk to Armourers’ Hall for the reception and buffet supper in the remarkable surroundings of the Livery Hall. Fine food, fine wine and fine conversation flowed, and it was a wonderfully relaxed and warming event. I was able to introduce two new Freeman to the assembled company, and we also clothed six freemen in the livery during the Court meeting earlier in the day.

It was so nice to catch up with many members of the Company old and new, and to meet their guests at this special festive occasion. I was delighted that so many people had made the effort to come to the carol service and supper, despite the adverse weather conditions and the train strikes, and I hope that those who attended enjoyed the evening as much as Helen and I did.

It now just remains for me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!