A visit by the Master to the Household Cavalry

In July the Under Warden and myself were invited by the Commanding Officer to visit the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment at their summer camp at Bodney in Norfolk. 

On a blazing hot summer’s day we were introduced to the farrier, the saddler and the riding master and many of the colleagues of Capt. Emma Peal, the vet, who showed us around. We were taken to watch a group of riders and horses being put through their paces learning to jump. We even had a preview of some new choreography for the musical ride. Then on to meet a beautiful grey Clydesdale – one of the four famous drum horses. 

Later we were hosted to a delicious lunch by the Officers which was held outside under the trees with the silver and accoutrements brought all the way from the barracks in Knightsbridge.

How ever does man and beast cope with returning to the bustle of Knightsbridge after a holiday in such a rural and idyllic setting?

United Kingdom Armed Forces Equestrian Association (UKAFEA) - Loriners Cup Dressage Event

On the 21st July the Master, accompanied by the Under Warden, attended the second leg (of four) of the 2021 UKAFEA Loriners Cup held at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre near Leighton Buzzard.

 Teams of four, representing the Army, Navy and RAF, gave outstanding performances in the dressage arena hosted by the Chair of the UKAFEA Brig Matthew Jackson seen here with our Master.

 There was an opportunity for the Master and Under Warden to meet many of the competitors over lunch following which Brig Jackson expressed the gratitude and thanks of the UKAFEA for the valued and long standing support given by the Worshipful Company of Loriners in sponsoring the Loriners Cup. 

In a close run and undoubtedly highly competitive event it was the Royal Navy who eventually triumphed with the Army in second place and RAF in third.

The next leg of the Loriners Cup is to be held later this month in Chepstow and the results will be reported in next month's newsletter.

A visit to Vauxhall City Farm 

On the evening of 20th July, the Loriners visited Vauxhall City Farm (VCF). We were greeted by VCF staff, who took us on a tour of the Farm, starting with the paddocks and arena, situated in Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. Over the past couple of years, the Loriners Charitable Trust have provided grants to enable the much-needed resurfacing of the arena; and we were able to view new superb surface. 

We moved onto the chickens and bunnies, before meeting Trevor, the turkey – in fact, his 'nickname' is Henry VIII because many of his female partners have lost their lives at his claws. We, then, got the chance to feed the Alpacas - Tom, Ben and Jerry; the more adventurous Loriners (including the Master) went into the enclosure to feed not only the Alpacas, but also the goats – who were so excited that they jumped on the visitors. Some more cautious Loriners stayed outside the pen, missing the chance for a bit of goat therapy!

Some Loriners cooed over the two new Kune piglets, Bonnie and Clyde – though others were less struck by their “beauty”! After some critical handwashing, we were provided with drinks in the café and an inspiring talk about the Farm from its CEO, Monica Tyler – whose mission and commitment impressed everyone. The Loriners were thanked for their support and the Master thanked VCF for hosting the visit. Overall, the tour was much enjoyed, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to the Farm – in short, a great success and, perhaps, a model for some future visits to other organisations we support.

A virtual tour of public art and street art

At our July Meet and Greet – the last before a short summer break - we were taken on a virtual tour of public art and street art by the excellent guide Ian Swankie. 

We travelled west to east across London marveling at the serious and the amusing. From the magnificent Burghers of Calais in Victoria Gardens to the imposing statue of Boudicca and her chariot at Westminster Bridge cheekily adorned by Banksy with a personally signed wheel clamp. On to a cast of a nose bonded to a wall watched over by a cctv camera to prove how nosy we are and then, via Shoreditch and Stik art to a final view of the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square topped by a huge swirl of cream, a cherry and a fly!

Just a few examples of the art visited, but so much to enjoy and to smile at in an hour that flew by.

British Open Eventing Championship

Each year The Loriners’ Company presents a Claret Jug and a bridle to the youngest horse finishing in the top ten at the British Open Championships.

This event is usually held at Gatcombe. However, due to Covid this year it was held at Burgham in Northumberland.

Past Master Lady Milnes Coates kindly represented the Master and made the presentation to Kitty King, who was third on nine-year-old Christal Fontaine. 

Loriners' Charity Golf Day 

80 golfers took to the course at Sundridge Park in July in support of the Loriners’ Charity Golf Day. Ten of our fellow livery companies were represented at the event – support that is most welcome and appreciated. A team raised by a host club member took the team prize on the day, but the winner of the trophy for the best Loriner’s score was Richard Sharp - pictured receiving his trophy

and prizes from the senior Past Master present, John Bischoff. 

Many thanks to all of the Loriners who brought teams to play – we raised a little over £2000 on the day. 

If there are any more Loriner golfers out there, please let Peter Long know as we regularly receive invitations from other Companies and it would be good to be able to support other worthwhile causes.

Future events

8 September 2021 – Meet and Greet Social

29 September 2021 – Election of the Lord Mayor followed by lunch at Barber Surgeons’ Hall

1 – 3 October 2021 – Master’s Weekend in the Isle of Wight

19 October 2021 – Reception and tour of the Old Bailey 

30 November 2021 – Mansion House Banquet - see website

8 December 2021 – Christmas Party at Guildhall

15 December 2021 – Zoom Christmas Party

25 December 2021 – Christmas Day zoom drinks

20 January 2022 – Installation Dinner

More details on the above will follow in due course.

Some sad news...

Emeritus Past Master John Walker-Arnott, Master in 1989, died on 1 August 2021

Mrs Anne Beaumont, Mistress Loriner in 2014, died on 26 July 2021

Our condolences go to both families.

Communications Committee

11 August 2021