Members' Area

April 2024

Brigantes Annual Golf Competition – Ganton Golf Club

Monday 22 April

The Brigantes is a club formed specifically for those London Livery members who live in the North and an annual golf competition is held on a rotating basis at Ganton, Royal Liverpool and Lindrick. Following successful wrist surgery 12 months ago to eliminate chronic arthritis I have been able to swing a golf club again and secure a handicap of 22. This allowed me to enter the Brigantes competition. The FWK were well represented by PM George Turner, PM Tony Jarvis and Mary, Liverymen Adrian Keene and Marion, Mike Piper and Janey and John Mawer.

Playing in teams of four, I was partnered with our team captain Dennis (PM Fueller), Richard (Launderer) and Roger (Chartered Accountant). The weather held off and despite a strong northerly wind we managed to all stay dry. The course was in magnificent condition. Ganton is an extremely tough course particularly for high handicappers but our team seemed to score well. Following a delicious and well deserved supper the prize giving was announced and the FWK cleaned up on most of the prizes. Liveryman John Mawer won the nearest the pin competition, Mary Jarvis won the ladies competition AND your Master won the main prize of the day with the Team competition which was presented by The Ganton Ladies Captain.

A great day out and thanks go to David Bentley (PM Baker) and his team for all their hard work. Roll on Royal Liverpool next year!

The Big Curry Lunch at Guildhall

Thursday 18 April

The annual Big Curry lunch is always a splendid occasion. Nettie and I arrived at Guildhall and were ushered into a champagne reception held by the Lord Mayor and his Sheriff’s.

Prior to Princess Annes arrival we went to find our stall manned as ever by Under Warden Jonathan and his sales team consisting of Upper Warden Peter Corah, TheClerk, PM Liz Green, Assistants Janie Martin, Susan Jagelman and steward Susan Shields. The stall was positioned in a prime spot to catch the diners as they left the Great Hall. This included Princess Anne who stopped at our stall where I presented her with a cashmere scarf provided by Jonhstons of Elgin and socks her and her husband provided by Corgi socks. Princess Anne was very well informed about our industry as she represents the UK Fashion and Textile industry with Chairman Nigel Lugg who was the speaker at my Installation dinner.

Finally Nettie and I could partake of an excellent curry in the magnificent Guildhall before setting off for home. It’s been a fabulous first week as Master.

My thank go to Jonathan and his team for all their hard work.


The Master


Installation dinner of The Worshipful Company of Upholders

Wednesday 17 April

An invitation from the newly elected Master Mr Rob Ward to attend his Installation Dinner at Apothecaries Hall. One of our favourite Halls, Nettie and I were entertained extremely well by the Upholders. The Upholders are craftsmen in Upholstery and also pull their membership from the Undertakers. The newly elected Under Warden Stephen Tanner proposed the toast to the guests and Ian Thomas CBE The Town Clerk & Chief Executive of the City of London Corporation responded on behalf of the guests. An excellent evening with superb food and wine as well as a loving Cup which the Upholders have continued throughout although the wine was replaced by chocolates until recently.

The Master

Lunch with the Lord Mayor

Monday 15 April

An invitation from the Lord Mayor to all Masters and Consorts to lunch at The Chartered Accountants Hall to be followed by a Q and A session for the Lord Mayor. Unfortunately, Nettie couldn't make it. A delicious lunch which was followed by the Master Chartered Accountant telling the assembled that the session would be held under "Chatham House Rules" which effectively means that I'm not allowed to tell you what was discussed !! What I can say is that The Lord Mayor bought us up to date with the first 6 months of his tenure and then went on to tell us what his plans were for the next 6 months.

All a bit silly really but thems the rules and definitely no photos, so sorry!

 

The Master

The Installation Dinner

12 April

I am so proud to have been installed as The Master, especially in the same Hall that I was admitted into the Livery 39 years ago by my own father when he was Master. I also had the honour of admitting my son, Max, as a freeman in the Court meeting earlier in the day, keeping up the family tradition. 

It was such a special evening with my mother, daughter, sister and brother in law flying in from Kenya and the rest of the family making their way down from the East Midlands.

Assistant Paul Bonnet introduced our guests and Nigel Lugg OBE was my principal speaker. Ironmongers Hall looked spectacular and the evening went very smoothly and thanks go to The Beadle and The Clerk.

I am looking forward to representing the Company at as many events as I can in the next year. I can’t believe how busy my diary is with three visits down to London next week already planned and I will try to keep this post up to date with diary entries and photos where I can.

The Master