Newsletter - December 2022

Dear Fellow Loriners

Visit to Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre's Christmas Fair on 3rd December

Steward Ian Wingfield spent a thoroughly enjoyable morning at the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre on Saturday 3rd December 2022, attending its Christmas Fair. It was a festive occasion with various donkeys, ponies and horses all decked out in Christmas hats and costumes along with the Centre's core volunteers.

The most notable aspect that struck him was both the very impressive Loriners banner hanging high on the wall proclaiming our 750 years and then turning the corner to see the Loriners Yard prominently positioned sign where all the horses and ponies are stabled.  

It was a hive of activity with many children and parents visiting buying raffle tickets, listing to the DJ and live young singers present, watching the various parades and demonstrations, along with cakes of all sizes and descriptions to purchase - all washed down with a Gaelic coffee.

The central point of all this was naturally Sister Mary Joy. A redoubtable woman with a great passion for the benefits of riding for those young people with either physical or mental challenges. This has been also recognised with the support of the local authority Brent Council. 

As many Loriners know the Centre was Sister Mary Joy's conception over 30 years ago and has been going from strength to strength since. The Princess Royal as Master and Past Master has visited on numerous occasions. At the moment it is open 6 days a week and had over 300 students on its books with at least 50 visiting every Saturday. Besides the riding itself instruction is given on many practical issues such as health & safety, fire safety, and comparisons of human and horse biology. 

Sister Mary Joy is extremely thankful and appreciative of all the support the Loriners has given and continues to give to Pony Centre which allows her to meet the extensive running costs in providing such a facility. She is very keen that our relationship with the Centre continues to blossom. 

The Loriners Visit the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery

On the 6th December 2022 the Master accompanied by the Mistress and a party of 20 Loriners visited the King’s Troop at their home in Woolwich on what has now become an annual full day event in our calendar.

The visit was planned, as usual, to coincide with the King’s Troop - Loriners Riding Event which the Troops very much look forward to.

We witnessed several different interesting rounds including one in fancy dress and a “Horse and Hound“ completion in which the the dogs appeared to have as much fun as their owners!

A light buffet lunch was held in the Museum Room, which had been largely funded as part of our 750th anniversary, and afforded those present the opportunity to view the interesting array of exhibits up close.

This was followed by a tour of the barracks with visits to the foundry, stables, leather workshop and of course a visit to see the famous guns.

The afternoons proceedings concluded with the Master presenting numerous prizes and rosettes - the most important of which was the “Loriners' Bit” plaque awarded to the most improved rider.

This plaque originally presented by the Loriners in 1988, has recently been totally refurbished (funded by our Company) to mark the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the King’s Troop by King George VI in October 1947.

This year the plaque was won by Gunner Kieron Lucas, pictured with the Master.

 Addressing the Troops and visitors the Commanding Officer - Major Fran Sykes RHA spoke warmly of the valuable continued support given by our Company to the Troop which enables this completion to take place. The Master responded stressing the importance of the relationship and thanking all those involved in making the event an undoubted success.

A goodbye from our Clerk Honor Page

Dear Loriners

The time has come for me to hang up my quill pen after nearly 12 years as your Clerk. Very many thanks to all the Members of the Company who have supported me during this time and who have become friends.

I will miss you!

I leave you with a reminder that you are a member of a Livery Company for three main reasons – to do good, to support the City and to have fun!

And please look after Crispin – the Company is very lucky to have him.

Best wishes

Honor

Communications Committee

13th December 2022