Newsletter - December 2023
My Fellow Loriners,
Welcome to the December edition of our Loriners' Newsletter.
Since our November edition, much has happened and I was delighted to have the opportunity of meeting some of you at our Christmas Carol Service at the end of November and on our visit to the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, just two of the special events that feature below.
As 2023 draws to a close, I would like to record my thanks to all those involved in bringing this newsletter to you each month. Our records show it is widely read and the feedback that I personally receive encourages me to believe that our members find it of interest and a good way to keep in touch with the various 'Loriner' events.
Plans are well advanced for our 2024 programme of events, so please keep an eye on your emails and visit our website for details as they become available.
Anne and I will be hosting the annual Christmas Day zoom at midday on 25th December. It will last no more than 15 minutes and we would be delighted, if you wish, to raise a glass with you and your fellow Loriners. Families will be most welcome and you can even drop in for just a few minutes. A flyer will be circulated shortly with the zoom link invitation attached.
With but a short while to Christmas and the New Year, the Mistress and I welcome this opportunity to send to you and your families our kindest regards and very best wishes. It is our sincere hope that you will all have a most enjoyable festive time, followed by a very Happy New Year.
Yours,
Colin
Colin Gurley
Master, The Worshipful Company of Loriners
What a Weekend Away it Was!
More than 80 Loriners and their guests took over the Isle of Wight’s prestigious Royal Hotel in Ventnor during the first weekend of November to celebrate the Company, its members and the incredible support they all provide.
From the Friday afternoon through to the Sunday morning, the weekend was packed with fun, games, dancing and lots of laughter. The hotel provided the very best in service, outstanding cuisine and superb surroundings.
Of course, the weekend was not without a certain amount of competitive spirit. Intrepid Loriners battled through wind and rain to complete the Crazy Golf course, with Scott Jones winning the coveted Gold Star Trophy. The Auction of Promises at the gala dinner saw some thrilling bidding wars for a vast selection of prizes, including clay pigeon and fly fishing experiences, first class wines and a Christmas Hamper, all kindly donated by members. Collectively, more than £2,500 were raised for the Loriners’ Charitable Trust.
Our sincere thanks got to the Master and Mistress, as well as Past Gallant Clerk Honor Page, for organising this memorable weekend with such precision and detail. It was definitely one to remember for months to come!
Liveryman, Sarah Lloyd
Celebrating the Lord Mayor's Parade
On Saturday 11th November, the Master was joined by the Upper and Under Wardens and the Master Elect to represent The Loriners in The Lord Mayor’s Parade. The weather was perfect, with clear blue skies and bright sunshine, although the temperature was rather chilly.
After meeting at Saddlers’ Hall to pick up the regalia and collect the Loriners' Banner from the Immediate Past Master, the team moved on to Ironmongers’ Hall, where they joined the other Senior Companies which were taking part.
Everything stopped at 11.00am, when the Remembrance two-minute silence was observed, before the Lord Mayor’s Parade started off with the Senior Livery Companies placed 17th in the procession.
This year, the BBC gave a far more detailed description of the City Livery and its charitable giving. As the group paraded past the new Lord Mayor, he waved enthusiastically from Mansion House, whilst our Master, ever respectful, raised his bonnet in salute. The Master and Wardens 'high fived' many spectators en route and gave out numerous Loriners key rings.
Upon reaching the end of the morning parade, a light lunch was taken in Carmens’ Hall in Fleet Street, after which everyone went outside to cheer the Lord Mayor in his splendid gold coach as he passed by on his way to the Royal Courts of Justice. The Companies then reformed on the Embankment for the return parade to Mansion House, where the Lord Mayor’s Parade officially ended.
Our four gallant marchers all agreed that it was an undoubted privilege to take part and to represent The Worshipful Company of Loriners in The 2023 Lord Mayor’s Parade. It was a truly wonderful experience.
Immediate Past Master, Christopher Walton
Loriners’ Carol Service returns to St Lawrence Jewry
On Thursday 30th November, the Loriners held their annual Carol Service at St. Lawrence Jewry, the official church of the Lord Mayor of London and the City of London Corporation. After a two-year hiatus, it was wonderful to hold the service there again, with the church looking so splendid after its refurbishment and knowing that generations of Loriners had gathered there over the centuries.
Father James Titley, Guild Vicar of St. Lawrence Jewry, led the service. The Master, Wardens and Master Elect gave the readings and the choir led the music with traditional carols and resounding descants that were enjoyed by all. Liveryman Tony Sharp stepped in as Beadle for the occasion.
After the service, an informal reception was held in the Main Dining Room at the Guildhall, with plenty of refreshments and delicious canapés. This was a wonderful opportunity to chat to new and familiar faces and to welcome the Royal Navy with the signing of the MOU between the Loriners and the submarine HMS Agamemnon. It was a privilege to welcome the Commanding Officer of ‘Aggie’, Commander David ‘Bing’ Crosby and his wife Amanda and we are very much looking forward to next year, when the ship will be launched. Our thanks must go to those who supported this event and who helped on the day.
Next year, we plan to hold a similar service in early December with a date to be confirmed. The Master Elect and Wardens will look forward to seeing many Loriners there once more.
Administrative Assistant, Georgy Armitage
Christmas Riding Spectacle at the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery
On Friday 8th December, the Master, accompanied by the Wardens, Mistress and a party of Loriners, together with their guests, had the pleasure of visiting the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery at their base in Woolwich. Following a warm welcome from the Commanding Officer, Major John Baileff, they watched the annual Loriners’ Christmas Riding Event and their Fancy Dress Competition, which, as usual, was fiercely competitive.
The Loriners’ group also enjoyed a unique opportunity to tour the stables, saddlers' shop, tailors’ department and forge, meeting soldiers of all ranks, who provided an informative insight into everything that goes on behind the scenes at the King's Troop.
The Master had the pleasure of presenting prizes to the winners of the Fancy Dress competition the ‘Rock & Roll Stars’, as well as presenting The Loriners’ Plaque to the winner of the Best Recruit on Recruits Ride 2023. This annual visit affords a rare opportunity for members of our Company to visit the home of this iconic unit.
Communications Committee
December 2023