“Good Judgement and Practical Deeds”

 

The last Court Meeting of what has been a very special and exciting year for Past Master Jenny Rolls started on the 2 October with the announcement of the new Master Alan Dodd, Upper Warden David White and Renter Warden Tom Christopherson for the year ensuing.  

 

 

Other appointments followed; two Court Assistants, Jason Wright and Piers Wigan, and three new Stewards including Roger Booth, David Hulin and yours truly Debby Burman, who will be looking after the Silver – more about that later.

 

Jason Wright

 

Piers Wigan

 

David Hulin, Debby Burman & Roger Booth

 

With Liveryman Simon Holland carrying the Company banner, the entire Court processed to St Margaret Lothbury for the Installation of Officers and Annual Service.  

 

 

During the first part of the ceremony, having firstly been confirmed by the Clerk, the Master-elect Alan Dodd, made his oath to govern the company.  He was clothed in the Master’s robes and the chain of office placed around his neck.  It was then his first task as Master to install the Upper Warden and Renter Warden.  Installation complete, it was then time for the Annual Service.

 

 

The Lothbury Singers sang the introit Almighty and Everlasting God by Orlando Gibbons, the anthem Laudate Dominum by Mozart, and the anthem And I saw a new heaven by Edgar Bainton, also leading the congregation in the singing of hymns.  The Master read the lesson, The Letter of St James Ch2 v1-8 and 14-17 which reminded us that it is not enough to have faith without charity and putting faith into action on a daily basis is the responsibility of all.

 

 

This theme of generosity was emphasised by the Company Chaplain, the Venerable Dr Jonathan Smith in his address.  He drew on memories of his beloved grandmother, who put her strong Christian faith into practice by helping those who had very little in the way of possessions or food.  The governing text from the Master’s reading was "Faith without works is dead".    His address sought to show how only true generosity may lead to true contentment.

 

Drawing on the history of the Company and many other City of London institutions which had welfare and almsgiving as a prime motivation for their foundation and existence, the Honorary Chaplain suggested that in our present day, both as individuals and members of the Company, we might examine ways in which we exercise charitable giving and so be worthy inheritors of a good and gracious heritage.

 

He gave as an example of the transformation which a generous spirit may effect, the change in heart of one of Charles Dickens' most enduring characters, Ebenezer Scrooge, who brought joy in place of despair and practical kindness in place of condemnation. His address concluded in commending generosity and charitable endeavour which richly blesses both donor and recipient.

 

At the end of the service we made our way back to Carpenters’ Hall and the reception. 

 

 

On entering the banqueting room for lunch, members and guests would, one hopes, not fail to have been impressed by the magnificent display of silver.  I cannot take all the credit for its shininess as we had a dedicated team buffing and polishing a few weeks ago.  Under the expert eye of immediate past Silver Steward, Martin Reading, items of silver were carefully located near to a family member attending whose family was involved in the original donation.    As well as our own rose bowls, cups and ewers, the Worshipful Company of Carpenters, whose Master Lawrence Mallinson was a guest, also displayed their silver on a shelf behind the top table which was an honour not afforded to all events.  

 

 

After a hearty luncheon the Master, Alan Dodd, proposed the toasts to The King, Royal Family and the Lord Mayor.  Court Assistant, Tony Yianni flawlessly introduced the guests which included the Master Carpenter and principal guest, Lindsay Boswell CBE.  

 

 

After a career in the army, Lindsay Boswell hit upon an imaginative response to channelling food waste.  He transformed the FareShare charity which is now a nationally recognised food charity and earned the title of Charity CEO of the year in 2023.  He is now the Chief Executive of the Air Ambulance UK.   In his speech he said that fundraising was all about asking for money.  The Air Ambulance needed £300 million per year to run and flies out to around 135 people per day across the UK – the London Air Ambulance is capable of performing open heart surgery and other life-saving interventions at the side of a road where time is a crucial factor for critically injured patients.  Mr Boswell had previously worked with the Master and gave all good wishes for his coming year in office.  

 

Liveryman Paul Gregory proposed the Toast to the Company, and wished “Good Health to the Master” and to warm applause the Master responded.  The Master started his address with a thank you to Immediate Past Master Jenny Rolls for leading the company through an amazing and memorable year.  He also explained that one Thomas White took on the role of Master of the Tylers’ mistery on 12 September 1416 and the ceremony which had taken place earlier in the day had changed very little since those days – he observed that he was, in fact, the 444th Master!    He introduced the theme to his year which was to be Continuity and briefly set out the programme for the year ahead.   He ended by thanking the caterers for a splendid lunch and the Clerk for her efficient organisation. 

 

 

The Master led the Company’s guests from the Hall accompanied on the piano by Honorary Freeman Richard Townend.  

 

Footnote:  

With Carpenters’ Hall undergoing a planned refurbishment, the Tylers and Bricklayers are having to be on the lookout for a new location for the Silver which is currently stored in the vault in the depths of the hall. More work for the Silver Steward!  

 

Debby Burman - Liveryman and Silver Steward