On a very sunny spring morning, the masses assembled at the Guildhall for the Annual Livery Pancake Race. Last year, it was rained off, but this year, not a chance. We were able to field a team this year, of me, Rachel Malpass-Brown, Brendan McMillan and Ed Renwick. Ed very sportingly wore the Company Fancy Dress of a wall; at least I think it was that. It was discovered after much searching in the depths of Carpenters’ Hall. There were numerous heats, and we all did well. No-one fell or dropped pancake or hat. However the first prize eluded the Tylers and Bricklayers this year. We’ll be back. Many thanks to the many members of the Company who came to support us. There were about 30 in all. It made a huge difference to us to have your support, so thank you. Again, Liveryman Michael Ash offered a donation to the Company for everyone wearing a red flower, yellow scarf or competing. The magnificent sum of £450 was raised, so many thanks to Michael for that. A great day was had by all.

 

 

The Upper Warden, Alan Dodd, CA Martin Reading and I were invited by Jon Ward to join him and his friends and family for his Freedom of the City ceremony. It was the first time I had been back since my son Edward’s ceremony many years ago. Nothing had really changed, and it was still as special as ever. Jon had many supporters and I know that we felt very privileged to be there. We retired to have drinks and delicious food afterwards and met Jon’s delightful friends and family.

 

 

The following week was a Court meeting followed by the Craft Awards Luncheon. At the meeting, we welcomed three new Freemen; Michael Hallé, Simon Holland and Andrew Gibson, and two new Liverymen; Jon Ward and Rupert Ford. You can learn more about our new Freemen by visiting our website HERE

 

The lunch was held in the magnificent Goldsmiths’ Hall once again- with 160 present. A wonderful show of support for our craft and the prize winners. We were lucky to have Deborah Pocock, CEO of QEST as our speaker. She spoke about the importance of crafts and encouraging future generations to continue all crafts. Again, the award ceremony was organised and hosted by CA Ian Wilson, and many thanks go to him for such a huge amount of work. The full report can be found on our website, HERE

 

 

The following day, my Consort and I were invited to the Worshipful Company of Carpenters’ Livery Spring Dinner, courtesy of the Master, now Sir Loyd Grosman. As you may imagine, it was a wonderful affair, with delicious food, wine and music. Sir Nicholas Coleridge was the principal speaker and regaled us with stories of his time at the V&A and the Royal Palaces.

 

 

The following evening, Col. Ian Ogden and I went to the Lord Lieutenant and Greater London Royal Forces and Cadets Association award ceremony at Handel St. For me, getting there was a trip down memory lane. I walked past my old halls of residence from my time as a student nurse at Great Ormond St, and through the Brunswick Centre. The only change was that the centre has gone rather upmarket; is now Grade 2 listed and boasts a Waitrose. We only managed a Safeways. The award ceremony was very moving. There were so many young people who gave up their time to take part in all the many and varied activities throughout the year. In order for them to take part, of course, there were the instructors, who also gave up their time to teach the young Cadets. The Lord Lieutenant Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE presented the prizes. The theme of his speech was inclusion and values - a thought to take home. Interestingly, all four of the recipients of the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet award this year were young women. Col. Ian Denison oversaw the proceedings with great panache. The Worshipful Company of Constructors invited the Consort and me to a fascinating evening of forensic science and exploration. We were very much hands on, fingerprints were taken, suits were donned and a murderer was discovered. It was great fun, and a good way to get to know everyone!

 

Earlier in my year, I was privileged to attend the Youthbuild finals at the House of Commons. This time CA Ian Wilson and I were invited to a reception of the Sponsors and Patrons at the House of Lords. It was really lovely to meet the prize winners again and to hear how their lives had changed since the finals. Three spoke about their experiences, their childhoods and what it meant to them to receive the awards. It was very humbling, and I think everyone present was most touched and wished them well for their futures. The Rt. Hon Lord Lingfield spoke of the importance of Youthbuild and the work it does. “Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.” It may be that this organisation goes some way to making those opportunities.

 

 

Again in a magnificent setting, but very different from the previous event, was the Lord Mayor’s Dinner for Masters, Prime Wardens and Upper Bailiff of the Livery Companies of the City of London. I think almost every Master and Consort were there, which made a rather splendid show. All in their very best attire. As you may imagine, the evening was excellent, with music, delicious food and wine, and speeches by the Lord Mayor Alistair King and the Masters of the Grocers’ and Mercers’ Companies. The cover of our menus was a copy of a limited edition print of all the Livery Halls, crests and whereabouts. After much searching, we are in the top left hand corner. Everyone was up early the next morning for the United Guilds of the City of London Service. I was joined by my Consort, the Renter Warden and 13 other members of our Company. If you have not ever been to this service, it is well worth going. The choir was magnificent, and the Very Reverend Dr Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark, gave the address. You may remember he was one of our speakers last year and was excellent then. He did not disappoint this time either. Some of us went back to the Carpenters’ Hall for a buffet lunch, which was much enjoyed by everyone who went. A rather good way to finish the month!

 

Just a reminder for the Consorts’ trip on April 24th to the Brand Museum. There are a couple of places left. Also our Annual Banquet is on May 15th. Tickets are £140. Details for both events are on the Calling Notices.

 

Finally, the Consort and I are minded to participate in the Worshipful Company of Woolmen’s Annual Sheep Drive on Sunday 28 September. Livery priority booking for this is open for a few weeks in April after which, the tickets go public and are apparently sold out within a few hours. We can book in groups of up to ten. The cost per person is £70 and there is more information on this link HERE

 

At this stage I am seeking expressions of interest; if we have enough interest, we will then sort out booking before the deadline. Payment can be made later. So if you are interested , please email the Clerk quickly and by no later than 9 April.

 

Jenny Rolls - Master