A Christmas message from The Master

With Christmas only a few days away, I wanted to thank you all for your support over the last twelve months. Whether it has been on Zoom or at live events, we have been able to enjoy each other’s company and have relished being back together again. We look forward to 2022 and we hope sincerely that this pattern continues.

I will be spending Christmas at home with Oliver, who has been such a tower of strength during my time as Master, and our energetic young collie who will need lengthy walks and a considerable number of treats.

I do hope that you will all be able to celebrate the festive season with family and friends and make the most of the long weekend.

I will look forward to seeing as many of you as possible via Zoom at 12 noon on Christmas Day to raise a glass or two of your favourite tipple to the festive season and to each other.

I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year.

Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre

On Sunday 7th November the Master and Under Warden, along with other Pony Centre supporters, were invited by Sister Mary Joy Langdon to attend a Special Olympics medal celebration.

When they arrived at the centre the indoor ring was abuzz with excited youngster of all ages, proud parents, volunteers and supporters of the charity. Sister Mary Joy, in her address, insisted that it was a day for the children to celebrate their achievements and to congratulate them on winning their medals.

The star of the day was Anneka Rice who, like the Loriners, has had a long involvement with the centre. The Master Loriners was delighted to be asked to present some of the eighty medals.

All then all tucked in to an amazing chocolate cake which had been cut by Anneka and some of the youngsters.

It was a very happy celebration and highlighted the wonderful work that takes place at the centre for disadvantaged and disabled children.

Visit to the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery

On the 7th December the Master accompanied by her Wardens, 10 Loriners and 7 guests visited the King George VI Lines in Woolwich - home of the iconic Kings Troop.

The Kings Troop has a long and close relationship with the Loriners which was evidenced by the warmth of the welcome we received.

Our visit was timed to coincide with the Kings Troop Loriners Riding Event, held in December each year, and sponsored by the Company. Those present witnessed a great competition, with riders of all levels of ability and ranks, some in Christmas fancy dress, greatly enjoying the opportunity to showcase their riding skills.

After a light buffet lunch in the officers mess, during which the Commanding Officer welcomed us and thanked the Company for its continued support, we were treated to an extensive tour of their facilities including the stables, forge, tailors, saddlers and of course the gun room where we were able to view their historic guns at very close range!

Our visit concluded with the presentation of prizes by the Master and Commanding Officer for which all 40 competitors were assembled in the indoor riding arena together with other members of the Kings Troop.

This included a special presentation to Gunner Thonge - pictured - chosen by the Officers for his commitment to learning to ride and determination to succeed.

Mansion House Banquet on 30th November

We were all delighted to attend the Banquet at Mansion House on 30th November.

The Lord Mayor, Alderman Vincent Keaveny, and the two Sheriffs and their Consorts were present and a wonderful evening was had by all. There was a record turnout - 0ver 280 members and their guests. The Master and Lord Mayor are clearly in good spirits!

Installation Dinner - Vintners' Hall on 20th January 2022

We are pleased to announce that our Installation Dinner will take place at Vintners' Hall on Thursday 20th January 2022.

Vintners' Hall is one of the famous Livery Halls of the City and is situated on the river Thames. We have visited it many times before and it is always enjoyed by all.

Before the Dinner, Upper Warden Chris Walton will have been installed as Master for 2022/23. The ceremony takes place at the Court meeting and the new Master will then be ready to greet us all as we arrive for dinner.

The new Master's principal guest at dinner will be Mr Alan Roberts, a Liveryman of the Coopers' Company. Alan owns a Shire horse called Ajax, who is a FreeHorse of the Worshipful Company of Coopers.

This is a special title given to him due to his breed and connection with the Company's trade. Ajax is now their mascot, championing the trade and charitable activities of the Coopers. Ajax lives in Jersey but commutes to London regularly and stays with the City of London Police Mounted Branch or the Household Cavalry - depending on who offers the best rates!