A message from The Master

A message from Mary-Jane Atkinson

By the time that you read this month’s newsletter, my year of office will have come to an end and our new Master for 2022 will have been installed. I wish Chris and his wife Helen a happy and enjoyable twelve months.

My year has been very topsy turvy. Covid put an embargo on the first six months, but I hope that in that time you enjoyed the variety of Meet and Greets and the monthly newsletters. I certainly missed the face to face events which are so much part of the Loriner tradition.

Once July was here, getting out and about representing the Company at various equine gatherings was a joy. The Isle of Wight weekend and the splendid Mansion House banquet seemed to indicate that we would soon be back to our old ways only to be knocked back again in December – our usual Christmas celebration having to be sacrificed.

It has been such a privilege to be your Master.  I have enjoyed meeting up with you whether by Zoom or in person and I thank you all most sincerely for your support.

I send everyone my very best wishes and I hope that you all keep safe and well and that 2022 will a better one for us all.

Mary-Jane Atkinson

Immediate Past Master

The Installation of our new Master

On the 20thJanuary I had the honour and privilege of being installed as Master Loriner for the forthcoming year, and I delighted to be joined by our Upper Warden Colin Gurley, and our Under Warden Jeremy Mayhew. The ceremony was held at our Court meeting at Vintner’s Hall and was followed by dinner attended by some 114 Liverymen and guests. A wonderful turnout in the current circumstances, and of course we completely understand those who were unsure or unable to attend.

I have been a Liveryman with the Company for 27 years, being enclothed by Sir Francis McWilliams in 1995. I joined the Court in 2013 and have acted as steward for the RDA and Ebony Horse Club before chairing the Livery, Resourcing, Trade, and Finance Committees.  

I’m married to Helen (40 years this April) and we have two daughters, Sarah and Hester.

These past two years have been the most difficult of times for all, with thepandemic affecting so many people in so many ways. However, under theleadership of our past two Masters, Immediate Past Master Mary-Jane and Past Master Sue, and assisted by our Gallant Clerk Honor, we have maintained the Company’s activities via the wonders of Zoom. Our thanks go to Mary-Jane, Sue, and the various committees and their Chairs.

Helen and I both very much look forward to representing the Loriners, supporting our charities and developing our initiatives. We have a full formal calendar planned and we will do our best to arrange some social events whenever possible. Particularly can I remind you all that this year’s Mansion House banquet will be held on the 27th May (last year’s was a huge success) and our Charity Ball held jointly with the Curriers Company on the 17th September. As before, theCharity Ball will be held to support the London Air Ambulance. 

Helen and I look forward to meeting as many Loriners as we can at as many functions as will be possible in 2022.

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2022.

Chris Walton

Master 2022/23