This edition covers the last two months’ activities, mainly because there were fewer Company or Livery events in December to report and most of us were preparing for the festive holidays with family and friends. On that note, I will take this opportunity to wish you a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year. Thank you for the many cards and kind words Pat and I received, including some lovely comments about the photo on the Master and Consort’s Christmas card. It’s based on a photo of Guildhall taken in 2014, which was edited by my sister to create the winter snow scene complete with Christmas tree. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to represent the Company at so many Livery, City and civic events. These include:

 

Thursday 11th December started with a meeting of the Court of Assistants. This was held at Armourers’ Hall where we were joined by both Fathers of the Company, Nicholas Carter and Nicholas Ward. It was my first Court Meeting as Master. During the meeting the Court unanimously approved that Richard Bullock, Kevin Lee and Ben Rowlands be admitted as Freemen of the Company. Once they had each taken the Admission Oath, I had the pleasure of presenting Richard, Kevin and Ben with their Freeman’s Medals, when each Medal had been attached to its distinctive yellow ribbon, I was assisted by the Beadle in placing it around the recipient’s neck. There was a spontaneous round of applause from the Court and photos were taken. The Clerk then introduced the new Freemen to each member of the Court in turn to receive a hearty welcome and congratulations.

 

A few moments later I had the pleasure of Clothing Michael Hallé in the Livery of the Company. To another round of applause and congratulations from the Court, Michael received his Liveryman’s burgundy ribbon along with the rights, privileges and responsibilities it bestows. The Court meeting concluded shortly after, leaving time for members to catch up with family and guests before the evening continued.

 

Once the Court meeting had concluded there was a short break before members of the Nominations Committee convened for their meeting. It was another ‘first’ for me as the Master is not only a participant but also chairs the meeting.

 

Annual Christmas Carol Service, St Margaret Lothbury 11th December 2025 With the Company’s last formal business meeting of 2025 completed it was just a short walk for the Master and Wardens, still in our gowns, from Armourers’ Hall to St Margaret Lothbury for the Annual Christmas Carol Service. We were warmly greeted by the Company Stewards who had already ensured that members, their families and guests were comfortably seated. Collecting a copy of the Order of Service and guided by the Beadle, Stephen Henderson and with the Clerk we joined the Honorary Chaplain the Venerable Dr Jonathan Smith in the vestry for a moment of quiet reflection and prayer. Thanks to Cliff Radmore the Church Manager, St Margaret Lothbury was comfortably warm and welcoming and enhanced, in my opinion and that of many others, by being lit with real wax candles. The Annual Carol Service is a firm favourite in the Company calendar. For me it is when I really get into the Christmas spirit and can start celebrating. Under the baton of Director of Music and Honorary Freeman Richard Townend, the amazing Lothbury Singers began the Service with the soprano soloist singing the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City then, led by the Beadle, the Master and Wardens processed to their places. The Honorary Chaplain officiated and the Lessons were read by: the Clerk, Court Assistant David Williams, the Almoner Diana Malzer, Renter Warden Tom Christopherson, Upper Warden David White and myself. Following the

 

Blessing, and with the church lit only by the glow of the candles, from the gallery above and behind the congregation came the sound of the choir as voices of the Lothbury Singers singing Franz Grüber’s very poignant and moving hymn Stille Nacht. Everyone joined in the final hymn “Hark! The herald angels sing”. The Service ended to the sound of the Festival Voluntary played on the organ by Richard Townend as we left the church.

 

The Christmas Supper – Armourers’ Hall 11th December 2025 On leaving St Margaret Lothbury, members of the Company and guests made the short walk to Armourers’ Hall for our customary Christmas Supper. The Hall is one of my favourites and the Christmas Supper is less formal than some of our other events there being no seating plan for the hot buffet. Pat and I enjoyed selecting the menu from

a choice provided by caterers, Cook & Butler. As always, Past Master Philip Parris and the Wine Committee came up trumps with some excellent wines to accompany the meal. As Master I had two very pleasant duties to perform. It was a real pleasure to present Mrs Pat Fuller with her Companion’s Certificate. As a member of the Fuller family, Pat has a long association with the Company. She was a staunch supporter of her late husband Peter, Past Master (1981-82) and Father of the Company (2016-24) who joined the Livery in 1954.

Elected a Companion by the Court of Assistants, Pat joins the small but important group of current Companions who are still active in the Company.

 

Companion Mrs Pat Fuller and the Master Alan Dodd

 

Cliff Radmore, as Church Manager at St Margaret Lothbury has overseen many Tylers and Bricklayers’ events. Cliff has always provided a warm welcome. He has been on hand, opening the church for rehearsals, ensuring our Services run smoothly and, as I’ve mentioned previously, thanks to Cliff the Ts and Bs have always had wax candles at our Installations and Carol Services. Sadly, Cliff is retiring. As this would be one of his very last events, I invited Cliff to join me to receive a small gift from the Company as a mark of our appreciation and to wish him a long, healthy and happy retirement.

 

Cliff Radmore and the Master Alan Dodd

 

On the whole, I believe it was a very successful day with the conclusion of the formal business of the Company at the Court meeting, the real joy of the Carol Service and the convivial and friendly atmosphere of the Christmas Supper. Thank you to members of the Company who brought guests along. I hope you and they had a wonderful evening.

 

The Brigantes* – City of London Liverymen in the North – A Winter Gathering Friday 12th December 2025 (at Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Gardens) The next morning Pat and I drove to Buxton, Derbyshire for the Brigantes Winter Gathering. The event, attended by two hundred Liverymen and guests, began at 2.30pm with the AGM held in the Octagon Room in the Pavilion Gardens where badges of office were “de rigueur”! This was followed shortly afterwards by a lecture from historian Mike Higginbottom, “Taking the Waters, the History of Spas and Hydros.” Later there would be a drinks reception and an early evening supper followed by a concert by the award-winning Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band in the famous Buxton Opera House. This was a lovely event for us for several reasons. Firstly, our daughter Kate, husband Richard and two grandchildren live in Buxton and, as we don’t get to see them often enough, staying with them was a bonus. Secondly, Brigantes’ events are both interesting and good fun and, last but not least, we get to meet up with other Tylers and Bricklayers. We joined David Williams and June Warren, and Jenny and Nigel Rolls for drinks during the reception and it’s always a pleasure to see Mike and Ros Gee with whom we shared a table at supper. The Principal Guests were Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, HM Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire and Councillor Barbara Hastings- Asatourian, Deputy Mayor of High Peak. Livery Masters -there were ten of us – were listed in order of precedence; this put the Tylers and Bricklayers first at 37th immediately followed by Sir David Wootton CBE DL, Master Bowyer at 38th. The Deputy Mayor opened with a welcome to the High Peak.

 

Sir David proposed a toast to the guests to which Mrs Fothergill responded. The Brigantes Chairman and Tribal Chieftain Adrian Waddingham CBE closed the formal part of the evening with a brief presentation. It was then time to take our excellent seats in the stalls of the Buxton Opera House where, incidentally, son-in-law Richard was chief operating officer and deputy CEO a couple of years ago. The Brighouse & Rastrick Band, under the baton of David Thorton didn’t disappoint, playing an impressive mix of Christmas pieces, medleys and carols.

 

Thursday 18th December – Meeting Alderman Canon Alison Gowman CBE at Guildhall Alderman Alison Gowman is someone I have wanted meet for some time, so I was delighted when she agreed to a meeting and suggested a coffee at Guildhall. Alison has represented the Ward of Dowgate as an Alderman for almost 25 years. She is a Lay Canon and member of Chapter and charity trustee at St Paul’s Cathedral. Lawyer, author, philanthropist, diplomat, environmentalist and non-executive director, Alison is well known and respected in the City Corporation, - where she leads on Climate Action, Biodiversity and Urban Greening - and in the Livery movement where most recently she was Master of the Plaisterers’ Company (2019-20). We had a really good conversation about the Ts and Bs’ crafts and heritage; charity and philanthropy, and the built environment. Alison was pleased to hear that the Court had approved a Climate Action Plan as she regards the TsandBs to be front runners in this respect. This is due, in no small part, to the work of the Livery Climate Action Group (LCAG) under the Chairmanship of Freeman Kate Oldridge who sadly is retiring from that role in the near future. Any member wishing to join the LCAG or wanting more information should speak to a member of the Committee. Alison is proud of the Climate Action plans and initiatives in the City. These include the development of a City wide district heating system; the proposed installation of air sourced heat pumps at Mansion House and the fact that the church of St Andrew by the Wardrobe has already achieved net-zero, becoming the first carbon neutral Church in the City and is probably one of the first Grade 1 Listed Churches in the country to do so. Before leaving I invited Alison to be the Principal Guest of the Company at the Court and Livery Luncheon with Masters and Clerks in June. I am pleased to say she accepted the invitation! I highly recommend “The City of London: WHO, WHAT, WHY?”, a collection of articles curated and edited by Alison Gowman explaining the City of London, its civic traditions, historic offices, people and current purpose. Copies are available at the Guildhall Art Gallery.

 

Alderman Canon Alison Gowman CBE and Alan Dodd

 

Thursday 18th December 2025 – Duke of Gloucester Awards – Worshipful Company of Masons at Mercers’ Hall Weatherwise it was a miserable evening with “that fine rain” but as I made my way to Mercers’ Hall who should I bump into but our very own Jeremy Crossley. He was as friendly and cheerful as ever and having had what he told me was a busy week in London he was now on his way home to Oxford to relax before preparing for Christmas. On arriving at Mercers’ Hall, I received a very warm welcome from Master Mason Peter Blincow. One of the major craft events in their calendar, the Duke of Gloucester Awards recognise and reward craft skills in masonry at the highest level. There are two categories. The first is awarded to individual masons from 2 up to 10 years’ experience post-qualification (Level 3 or equivalent) who demonstrate high craft skills overall and the potential to grow as their careers progress. In this category there were three prize-winners. Category 2 is awarded to individual masons, or small teams of masons working together, with no time limits on experience post-qualification (Level 3 or equivalent), who have demonstrated high craft skills in one or more masonry specialisms. There were two recipients in this category. Following a welcome and introduction from the Master Mason, His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, himself a long-serving Liveryman in the Masons’ Company, took his place centre stage before presenting the awards. A former architect by profession, His Royal Highness gave a short and knowledgeable closing address before joining the prize-winners, their families, and members and guests in the Court Room, where drinks were served.

 

Christmas Day and Boxing Day in the Lake District

Beacon Fell. The Master in training for the Pancake Races!

 

Tuesday 6th January 2026 – The Worshipful Company of Masons Epiphany Court Luncheon for Masters & Clerks at Mercers’ Hall This is the day when traditionally the Christmas decorations are taken down and packed away for another year, but for me it was a relatively early start following an invitation from the Master and Wardens of the Worshipful Company of Masons to join them at their Epiphany Court Luncheon. As it follows a Court Meeting, the guests enjoyed a warm welcome not only from the Master and Wardens but also from members of the Court and Company. It was a pleasure to be greeted by fellow Tyler and Bricklayer Dr Christine Rigden, a Past Master Mason, who also introduced me to the guest speaker Paul Herbage DL. We enjoyed a brief conversation during which I learned that Paul was a friend of Past Master Sir Idris Pearce (1999-2000). Lunch was announced and so the Clerk and I took our places at the dining table. A top table with just the Master Mason and two guests on each side then two sprigs with a Warden seated at each end was a perfect arrangement for the 40 diners. While I was seated at one end of a table between Christine and one of her colleagues, Heather was at the other end next to the Upper Warden and another Past Master Mason. After an excellent lunch Peter Blincow, Master Mason introduced the guest speaker. Now retired, Paul Herbage has been associated with St John Ambulance since he joined as a cadet when he was 11 years old. He gave an interesting and informative presentation about the history and origin of St John Ambulance. Its first uniformed first-aiders were founded in June 1887 as the St John Ambulance Brigade. On 14 May 1888, the Order of St John was granted royal charter by Queen Victoria. The very first ‘official’ event was providing first-aid at that year’s Lord Mayor’s Show.

 

Wednesday 7th January 2026 – Farewell Reception for the Bishop of London Dame Sarah Mullally DBE at the Guildhall Art Gallery It was a pleasure to accept an invitation from the City of London Corporation to attend the Farewell Reception for Bishop Sarah. Starting at 6.00pm the reception was attended by the majority of Livery Company Masters and representatives from different faiths in the City of London. A former Chief Nursing Officer for England before entering the church, she was the first woman to be appointed Bishop of London and the first to be Archbishop of Canterbury.

 

Many members will recall Past Master Simon Martin’s Installation Service at St Margaret Lothbury in October 2021 when Bishop Sarah gave the address, and was then a guest at the lunch. After the welcome speech and her introduction, the Lady Mayor Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE took to the podium to extend her thanks for the eight years’ service Bishop Sarah had given to the City. The Lady Mayor then presented Sarah Mullally with a gift of a unique paperweight from the City of London Corporation. Following her acceptance, thanks and closing remarks, later in the less formal setting of the reception, I took the opportunity to speak to Bishop Sarah and on behalf of the Tylers and Bricklayers wish her happiness and success in her new and very challenging role.

 

(L) Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE the Lady Mayor and (R) Dame Sarah Mullally DBE Bishop of London

 

Noon Friday 9th January 2026 – City New Year Service at St Michael Cornhill and Reception at Drapers’ Hall The invitation to the Master, Consort and Learned Clerk from the Vestry Clerk of the Church of St Michael, Cornhill reads as follows, “For more than half a century this service has been a key occasion for senior figures in civic and business life to gather, to renew institutional ties, and to look ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the coming year…” Whether it’s motorway traffic, Network Rail or Avanti West Coast trains, the journey to London and back often presents challenges – however, I remain hopeful of discovering opportunities! As we live about an hour’s drive north of Manchester Pat and I set off in good time only to have a puncture less than half a mile down the road. We slowly returned to the house and transferred to Pat’s car. With no further vehicle or traffic related incidents we arrive at Piccadilly Station at around 8.15am in good time for the 8.54am train, only to find it was delayed until 9.20am. This train then arrived earlier than expected and departed almost immediately, leaving us and several other passengers on the other side of the barrier feeling very disgruntled. However, we were quickly gruntled again when a very apologetic and kindly staff member told us to take the next (and also delayed) 9.14am train which, as well as being delayed would also make an unscheduled stop at Nuneaton. Train arrived, everyone got on. Plenty of seats. No drama. Arrive London Euston. Northern Line to Bank Station. We made it to the very full church a few minutes late and squeezed in. Heather had tried to save a couple of seats but St Michael’s really was at capacity. It was a rousing service with the Lady Mayor, (who read the first lesson), the Sheriffs, Aldermen, Livery Masters and Consorts, and City of London Corporation and business representatives in attendance. The second lesson was read by the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey and the sermon was given by Mr Akeel Sachak, Partner and Global Head of Consumer – Rothschild & Co. The service closed with the congregation singing the national anthem and the clergy leading the procession. It was then a short walk to Drapers’ Hall where, courtesy of the Master Draper and Wardens, we enjoyed a hot buffet lunch. Pat and I had a very pleasant afternoon and, after saying goodbye make our way to Euston for the journey home. Oh dear! Text alert from Avanti West Coast, 5.13pm train cancelled, so instructed to take the one before, due to leave at 4.43pm. We boarded, found seats and settled down with a good book and a sudoku puzzle. After a bit of delay, we were off.

 

We were then joined in our carriage by a couple of Millwall fans, a brother and sister who were travelling to Burnley for the away game at Turf Moor. They had a carrier bag each holding several cans of Budweiser which they offer to share but, as I was driving later, we politely declined. They kept us entertained the whole journey. After more delays we reached Stockport station which is exactly seven minutes from Manchester Piccadilly. The train manager announces that as a lorry had hit a bridge between us and our destination, the train couldn’t move until Network Rail had inspected the damage. Passengers are given a choice. Wait on the train – it’s warm, comfortable etc. Or, get off and take your chances with some other means of transport. The Millwall couple ask the train manager how long the delay might be. He’s a bit vague but says as it’s Friday evening it could be at least an hour. Declaring they’re up for an adventure, the couple scoop up their belongings, leaving the unopened cans as a “gift for the cleaners”! Pat and I decide to wait a little longer. Ten minutes or so, no update and the train isn’t going anywhere soon. We know that lots of buses go to Manchester, but as it’s bitterly cold we decide to take an Uber. Uber doesn’t come. Pat tries again while the original Uber driver cancels. An angry Pat also cancels and we walk to Stockport’s new “Interchange” i.e., bus station. Fortunately, we manage to walk straight onto a bus stopping at Piccadilly station, where the car was parked. Unfortunately, it was the bus that took the scenic route, stopping at every chippy, paper shop and supermarket on the way. We finally got home about 10 o’ clock. A very long day but well worth it!

 

Tuesday 13th January – Ts and Bs Finance Committee – Away Day at NFRC offices London I have always maintained that the Company’s Committees are the lifeblood of its organisation, prosperity and persistence. One of the ways that Liverymen who have more than one year of membership can become more informed and engaged is by joining a committee. You will have an opportunity to contribute to the Company’s future and its success while learning much more about its history and traditions. I have served on the Finance Committee for some time and, while I don’t have a financial background, I have found it both extremely interesting and enjoyable. I had the opportunity to be involved in the major strategic review in 2020, and was heavily involved in the process of identifying and selecting new investment advisers, and in setting up WCTB Events Limited. As Chairman, Past Master Michel Saminaden ensures the Committee members maintain a regular and critical eye on the income and expenditure budgets, long-term investments, our tax position and liabilities, and donations from the Company to the charitable trusts. There have been a number of fiscal changes recently such as tax thresholds being frozen, e.g., VAT; significant increases in costs of goods and services especially in the City of London; a desire to maintain cost-effectiveness and efficiency; an often-turbulent stock market; and the uncertainty of US politics. With so much to consider it was deemed by all concerned that an ‘away day’ was a good idea. The meeting reviewed key aspects of the company’s financial position and agreed an approach to managing the finances going forward to ensure long-term robustness and sustainability. Various areas of expenditure and income were examined with a view to optimising each. The meeting was highly productive and has prompted further discussions and analysis, which will be explored in more detail prior to reporting to the Court.

 

Tuesday 13th January – Plaisterers’ Company Annual Dinner for Masters, Prime Wardens, Upper Bailiffs and Clerks at Plaisterers’ Hall, One London Wall It was a pleasure to visit Plaisterers’ Hall again. It’s a modern Hall with a very large dining room and spacious reception rooms. They were certainly needed this evening! Opened in November 1972, the Hall reflects the grandeur of a bygone era in an ultra-modern setting. Its décor is in the neo-classical style created by Robert Adam in the 18th century with various Robert Adam designs having been faithfully reproduced in great detail both on plaster and wood, some being taken from his original moulds. Set within One London Wall and designed by Foster + Partners, it backs on to the remains of the original Roman London Wall, which dates back to the 3rd century. As I made my way along London Wall I wondered if it rained as heavily back in Roman times. This is a big event in the Master Plaisterer’s Year, and he certainly rose to the occasion as he hosted almost 300 guests at this sumptuous dinner. Despite the heavy rain, Hall cloakroom staff dealt with raincoats and umbrellas efficiently and courteously. On entering the very crowded reception I spied the Master Mason and Master Musician whom I joined for a very welcome glass of sparkling wine. It was a pleasure to see a fellow Tyler and Bricklayer, Court Assistant Piers Wigan who was also a guest. Following a fine four-course dinner, the Master Plaisterer John Telling proposed the toast to the guests. The responses were very witty and proposed on behalf of the guests and visiting Clerks by the Master Draper Patrick Beddows TD, and the Plaisterers’ Company the Gallant Clerk Colonel Garth Manger OBE RM respectively. In his closing response the Master Plaisterer was equally humorous but also very informative about the recent history of the Company, their craft, and the generosity of the Plaisterers’ Charity. Music from pianist Edward Dye accompanied the dinner. Having worked underground in a previous life, I am no stranger to a snuff box. So, it was delightful to take a pinch from an extremely ornate silver-chased ram’s horn generously provided on the table by the Master of the Worshipful Company of Tobacco Pipe Makers, who was also a guest. All in all, it was an excellent evening and, thankfully, on leaving the Hall, the rain had stopped!

 

Thursday 22nd January 2026 – Freedom of the City of London at the Chamberlain’s Court, Guildhall This was a unique event not only for the Freemen and their friends and family but for me personally and, I believe, in the Company’s recent history. As far as I can determine, there hasn’t been a such a large group of Freemen of the Company being admitted to the Freedom of the City of London in a single ceremony - at all! It was a genuine pleasure to attend the Chamberlain’s Court to witness seven Tylers and Bricklayers take the Oath of a Freeman and sign their name in the Declaration Book. They are now a part of the long and illustrious history of London as the Declaration Book, once full, will be kept in the City of London Archive in perpetuity. Wearing my Master’s gown and badge of office, the Beadle invited me to lead Guy Armitage, Stuart Black, Robert Coutts, Colonel Ian Denison OBE, Ashley Digweed-Francis, Danny Lyon and Shahab Mossavat into the Chamberlain’s Court. Here they were greeted by the Clerk of the Court Dave Hollander who went on to perform the ceremony. Once the formalities were over the ‘youngest’ Freemen and their guests were invited to inspect some of the treasures of the Court and learn about some of the famous people who have gone before them. In the spirit of the ceremony and on behalf of the Company, I extended the right hand of fellowship to each new Freeman. Final photos were taken and with that we left the Chamberlain’s Court.

 

L-R Dave Hollander, Danny Lyon, Ashley Digweed-Francis, Shahab Mossavat, Alan Dodd (Master), Colonel Ian Denison OBE, Guy Armitage, Stuart Black, Robert Coutts.

 

Sunday 25th January 2026 – Burn’s Night Supper This was another first for Pat and me as neither of us had been to a Burn’s Night Supper before. To celebrate the anniversary of the birth in 1759 of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns, over 100 Masters, Consorts and their guests gathered at the City of London Club for this traditional supper. Organised by the Master Architect, Chris Bicknell it was a wonderfully entertaining evening that included bagpipes, wee drams, poetry, wee drams, a ceilidh band and haggis (there were more ‘wee drams’ but I won’t dwell on that!) oh, and dancing including highland reels. As it was a Sunday the evening started at 5.00pm, a little earlier than usual, with a champagne reception in the Drawing Room. The principal guests were the Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley and Consort Gary. The ticket price (very reasonable, in my opinion) included a donation to the Lady Mayor’s charity. Uniquely, the champagne – a very quaffable Jean Dumangin Héritage Premier-Cru - also contributed as it was provided by Champagne for Charity, “…a not for profit organisation supporting charitable giving through champagne appreciation.” www.champagneforcharity.org . The wee dram, a “Cotswolds Signature Single Malt Whisky” was very kindly donated by the Cotswold Distillery and Master Distiller. Many of the guests had adopted a tartan theme, while a small number were in full highland dress. At 6.00pm the Beadle announced the Burn’s Night Supper was about to be served. To the skirl of the bagpipes, a piper in full highland regalia led the Master Architect and Consort Sara, the Lady Mayor and Consort Gary and all guests down the grand staircase to process into the Dining Room. Here we were treated to the ritual ‘piping in’ of the haggis and the Burns poetic address accompanied by a violinist. On the menu was an Arbroath Smokie, a Macsween Haggis with Neeps & Tatties, a Wee Dram, and a Cranachan dessert. Each course was accompanied by a couple of fine wines. Following the “Pipes, Poetry, Music and Toasts”, the Beadle announced a short break before the Ceilidh Band struck and the Consort and I joined others on the dance floor for the Gay Gordons and other Scottish reels! That was another first! I have photographs but in order to maintain the dignity of the office of Master and to avoid the embarrassment of all concerned, I will not post them here.

 

Tuesday 27th January 2026 – Membership Committee meeting Renter Warden in Nomination Colonel Ian Ogden RE chaired a meeting of the Membership Committee. All of the members attended the early evening Zoom meeting to discuss a number of relevant items on a very full agenda. The Membership Committee is an integral and important part of the management of the Company.

 

Wednesday 28th January 2026 – New Member interviews Although it was almost the end of a busy month, I was pleased to join the Clerk, Upper Warden David White and Renter Warden Tom Christopherson on Zoom when we interviewed two excellent candidates for membership, both having been properly proposed and seconded by members in good standing and meeting our eligibility criteria. I am pleased to say that Lee Campbell and Tony Ingram, both of whom have a great deal of experience in the construction industry, will be recommended to the Court and installed as Freemen at the next Court meeting on 12th March 2026, ahead of the Craft Awards.

 

Future events:

 

Tuesday 17th February Inter-Livery Pancake Races in Guildhall Yard Please come and support Team Ts and Bs as the Master, Freemen Rachel Malpass-Brown and Danny Lyon, and Liveryman Simon Holland attempt to retain our annual place in this event by winning what is, in my opinion, equivalent to a place in the Champions League! Please see the calling notice about lunch and Michael Ash’s very generous offer of a donation to the Charitable Trust if supporters and guests wear an appropriate adornment.

 

Thursday 12th March 2026 The Craft Awards Luncheon at Saddlers’ Hall This is one of the Company’s most popular events. There are a handful of tickets left, so please book via the Clerk place at the earliest opportunity.

 

Friday 20th March 2026 The United Guilds Service and lunch at Carpenters Hall Applications for tickets to the Clerk by 20 February

 

The Lord Mayors Big Curry Lunch Thursday 16th April 2-26 Calling Notice coming soon

 

The Consort’s Outing to Stephens House and Gardens on Thursday 30th April 2026 Pat has advised me that there are still places available and she can now extend the invitation to Consorts’ partners and guests, including those who have already expressed an interest. Contact details are on the Calling Notice.

 

Alan Dodd  - Master