Newsletter - April 2025
March has been enormously varied for your Master. I am most grateful to our stewards for writing up many of the events the Company has supported or attended. The month started with the colour and enthusiasm, if not a little trepidation, of the Inter Livery Pancake races in Guildhall Yard. We then supported and relished in the atmosphere of the Household Cavalry Foundation fundraising concert and dinner.
The Mistress and I were warmly welcomed to the National Shire Horse Show in Stafford to see these gentle giants. What a contrast in size between the Shires and some of the (very) junior handlers. It brought back memories of Thelwell!
The annual Reserve Forces and Cadets Association Awards Ceremony was well attended by a number of livery companies and it was a joy to see Staff Sergeant Instructor Tim Kellman from 216 Tottenham Cadets Detachment receive his Long-Service and Meritorious Award from the His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Greater London, Sir Ken Olisa OBE.
Finally, a number of Loriners were able to join the annual United Guilds' Service at St Paul’s Cathedral, to mark the contribution by the Livery Companies of the City of London, first held in 1943. For any Loriners who have not experienced this powerful service before, I strongly recommend it. For now, preparations are well advanced for our annual Mansion House Banquet and I hope to welcome a great many of you to this special Civic occasion. Please don’t delay in booking your places.
Nick Bensted-Smith, Master 2025/26
BHS Stable Mates Day receives Royal Visitor
In recognition of her expertise, Carla Humphrey, a Journeyman of the Loriners, was invited by The British Horse Society (BHS) to Lower Stockland Farm Competition and Livery Centre near Cardiff on 24th February to participate in one of their renowned Stable Mates Days. These special days are designed to educate grassroots riders on crucial aspects of horse care, including bitting, saddle fitting, nutrition and overall equine welfare. Carla had the honour of working alongside a distinguished team of BHS Fellows; globally recognised mentors, advisors and leaders in the equestrian industry.
This particular day was even more special as it marked a visit from HRH The Princess Royal to a BHS-accredited equestrian centre in Cardiff.
The anticipation was palpable, with a buzz of excitement surrounding the preparations for Her Royal Highness's arrival.
During her visit, Her Royal Highness spent several hours at the centre, engaging with livery owners and instructors and interacting with the horses.
She made her way into the indoor school, where professionals from various disciplines, including Carla, had the opportunity to introduce the horses to Her Royal Highness and share their expertise. Her Royal Highness showed great enthusiasm, taking the time to converse with the team and showing particular interest in the latest developments regarding the tightness of nosebands and the FEI measuring device used to assess them. She also took a keen interest in the recent changes to British Dressage rules concerning bitting.
For Carla, it was a truly memorable experience to converse with Her Royal Highness about her expertise in bit-fitting. As an Honorary Past Master of The Worshipful Company of Loriners, not only has Her Royal Highness reached the pinnacle of her sport in representing her country in Eventing at the Olympics, but she has an unwavering passion for horse welfare. This event was a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge and contribute to the ongoing conversation about the care and welfare of horses.
Photo credits: Simon Rees and Carla Humphrey.
Journeyman, Carla Humphrey
Trained to the Peak of their Pancake Game!
Shove Tuesday - 4th March 2025 - thankfully dawned a bright sunny day over the Guildhall Yard in the City for the 21st Annual Inter Livery Pancake Race. With more than 50 Livery Companies taking part, fierce competition was expected! Team ‘Loriner' comprised our Master, Court Assistant John O’Malley, Liveryman Gill Sainsbury and Liveryman Suzi Skinner, who sported racing colours for the fancy dress heat. The team is pictured with the IPM acting as roving reporter and Team Coach.
Sheriff David Chalk opened the race proceedings by welcoming everyone to the Guildhall Yard. The crowd was boosted by numerous Livery supporters and bemused tourists, who cheered the contestants on in their race to the finishing line. Needless to say our team trained to the peak of their game, did the Loriners proud and a great time was had by all. More photos of the event can be seen here.
Next year’s event will be held on 17th February 2026 and our team coach is already on the look out for talented superstars for next year to begin training!
Immediate Past Master, Colin Gurley
Loriners Support Charitable Musical Spectacular and Gala Dinner
On Thursday 6th March, the Master and Mistress, accompanied by the Upper Warden and his son Liveryman James Morton, together with the IPM, Paster Masters Chris Walton and George Anderson and their wives, attended a Gala Dinner and Concert in London. The evening was organised by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) to support the Household Cavalry Foundation (HCF) and featured entertainment by The Band of the Household Cavalry.
The HCF is the official charity for the HCMR, raising funds for its soldiers, operational casualties, veterans, horses and heritage. The concert, entitled ‘Through Music We Care’, provided a musical feast, with pieces ranging from military marches to West End and Hollywood hits, led by soloists and State Trumpeters.
The HCMR is already one of the many organisations supported by our Company. However, for this event, the Loriners provided their personal support by purchasing tickets for their own table. The evening also included a charity auction, resulting in a number of bidding wars, which they all entered into with gusto!
Lt Col (Retired) Giles Stibbe, Director of the Foundation, addressed all the guests and spoke of the importance of the work undertaken by the charity. He also mentioned the support that our Worshipful Company continues to give to the HCMR, extending a personal welcome to the Loriners’ party.
Colin Gurley, Immediate Past Master
Behold, the Gentle Giants!
On 9th March, the Master and Mistress were hosted by the President of the Shire Horse Society, Mr Harry Whitbread, at the National Shire Horse Show in Stafford. They attended the third and final day and witnessed a spectacular display, with individual showings, young handlers, agricultural pairs and carriage teams competing.
The contrast in size between these gentle equine giants and some of the young handlers was a sight to behold! The Society is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the Shire Horse and it was a privilege to represent the Loriners at this national event.
Nick Bensted-Smith, Master 2025/26
Master attends Reserve Forces and Cadets Association 2025 Awards Ceremony
As many will know, the Worshipful Company of Loriners has long supported the 216 Tottenham Cadets Detachment with travel grants, including a grant towards the Detachment’s visit to New Zealand. On 13th March, the Master was delighted to attend the Greater London Reserve Forces and Cadets Association Awards Ceremony for 2025 at Yeomanry House in London.
It was a particular pleasure to see Staff Sergeant Instructor Tim Kellman from 216 Tottenham Cadets Detachment receive his Long-Service and Meritorious Award from the His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Greater London Sir Ken Olisa OBE. The Loriners send him many congratulations.
Photos kindly provided by Greater London Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (GL RFCA).
Nick Bensted-Smith, Master 2025/26
Loriner Focus
This month, we are pleased to introduce Liveryman Sophie Lloyd. Aged 23, Sophie is one of the Company's 'younger generation' and she gives an insight into her background, her connections with the Company and her appreciation of all the support and hard work that the Loriners provide for organisations in the equine industry.
"I started riding when I was eight years old, having lessons at Pippin Equestrian in Dorset. I absolutely loved it; learning everything from how to prepare the saddle and bridle to mucking out the stables and then cantering around in Gymkhanas. I had no fear and a lot of fun!
'I knew that my family had close connections with the Loriners, going back many years. My great great uncle and my great uncle were both Liverymen (my great uncle was also a Liveryman of the Vintners). My uncle is currently Master and my mother is a Liveryman. Together with my sister and various cousins, I feel very privileged to be part of quite a clan.
'That said, I didn't fully realise how special the Company was and is until three years ago, when I was invited by my uncle to attend the United Guilds' Service and have lunch afterwards at Barber Surgeons' Hall. I remember very clearly sitting next to Immediate Past Master Colin Gurley, having the most inspiring conversations and being made to feel completely 'at home' by everyone around me. They could not have been more welcoming and I knew immediately that, with its ancient history and traditions, I wanted to be a member of the Company. The service was in March 2022, I became a Freeman the following October and was enclothed as a Liveryman (together with my cousin Bobby Bensted-Smith) in January 2023.
'I am a musician and composer by trade. I obtained my degree in Music Composition at the Royal Welsh Conservatoire and, during that time, composed an anthem for the Company. I am now training to be a Music Teacher and will complete my Post Graduate Certificate in June. Then, it will be time to face the 'big wide world', which as we know, is forever changing.
'One thing that is not changing though, is the constant support and commitment that our Company gives to all its associations and affiliations. I have been extremely lucky to be able to walk in the Lord Mayor's Parade, to frequent the Royal Box at the Epsom Races, to meet so many people from such varied backgrounds and, of course, attend the very special dinners and banquets. But, it is what our Company does for others that is most important. Whether it's providing the funds for a new saddle or extra support for equine welfare, that support means everything.
'Would I recommend being a member of the Loriners to others? Without a doubt! I love talking about the Loriners, especially as so many people are unaware of what they do. I love talking about the ancient trades of the City of London and I love talking about the incredible work given by the Loriners to all things 'equine'. It is a privilege I do not take for granted."
Liveryman, Sophie Lloyd
Loriners out in force for the annual United Guilds’ Service
The United Guilds’ Service took place at St Paul’s Cathedral on 28th March. The Master, Nick Bensted-Smith and Mistress Sarah attended, alongside our Wardens, Past Masters, the Gallant Clerk and several other Loriners. This annual ceremony is a powerful celebration of the Guilds' and Livery Companies' contribution to the City, with a colourful procession of The Lord Mayor, Dignitaries and Masters in State attire.
This year marked the 81st service since its inception in February 1943. Originally envisioned to lift the spirits of the City following the Blitz, it was first held under the leadership of Lord Mayor Sir Samuel Joseph, father of former politician Sir Keith Joseph. Over the decades, the service has become a cherished tradition, providing a rare occasion for the City’s Livery Companies and Guilds to gather as one.
Dignitaries in attendance included Alastair John Naisbitt King KStJ DL, The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Sheriffs and Aldermen, as well as The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London and The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark. Nearly 2,000 Freemen of the City of London participated, resplendent in their colourful robes and decorations. The service featured music by the renowned St Paul’s Cathedral Choir and a thought-provoking sermon from the Bishop of Southwark.
Following the service, attendees enjoyed an excellent lunch at Barber Surgeons’ Hall, where we were warmly hosted. The dining room was full, with representatives from livery companies including Actuaries, HR Professionals, Farmers and Barbers, making for a lively and convivial gathering.
Under Warden, Nick Athienitis
Popular Creatives Course to run again in June
Bayes Business School, which is part of City St. George's University of London (based in Bunhill Row EC1) is delivering another ‘Business for Creatives’ programme in 2025. The course is available to many of the livery companies associated with the equine industry, including the Saddlers, Girdlers, Leather Sellers, Coachmakers and, of course, the Loriners.
It will take place on 19th & 20th June at 33 Finsbury Square London, EC2A 1AG and you can find more details here.
Messages from The Gallant Clerk
Dear Loriner,
Another relatively quiet month, but with plenty of planning for future events. The annual United Guilds' Service was held on 28th March with a strong showing of Loriners in attendance. This was followed by lunch at Barber Surgeons’ Hall, where it was possible to mix with a host of members from other Livery Companies. We are always extremely well looked after by the Barbers’ Company and, with the Sheriff and Lord Mayor elections later in the year, I would encourage any Loriner who has not attended to take the opportunity to do so. Looking further ahead, we have a number of events coming up:
April - an informal lunch being organised by Liveryman Gillian Sainsbury. This is being done through the Company WhatsApp group. So, if you are interested and have yet to book, then please do so and, equally, if you wish to be added to the WhatsApp group, then please let me know.
May - a Company booking to Badminton Horse Trials with lunch in a members' area and a course walk given by Mr Alex Bragg. If you have not booked, then I would encourage you to do so, although I fear it will be very popular and might therefore be sold out. There are only 10 places available, so it will be strictly first come first served.
May - Banquet at Mansion House. Numbers are rising steadily, with 200 people attending easily within reach. So, whilst there may still be time to book, please do so sooner rather than later.
June - Common Hall with Election of Sheriffs and lunch at Barber Surgeons’ Hall afterwards.
June - Mudlarking on the River Thames. More details to follow, but a great day out is being planned, with some mudlarking followed by lunch in a nearby pub.
Communications Committee - April 2025