Newsletter - July 2022

Dear Fellow Loriners

A message from the Master

Welcome to the latest edition of the Loriners Newsletter, and I hope this finds you all well.

Since my last newsletter Helen and I have been kept busy with Livery events. Early May we both joined Leather Livery Masters and Consorts in York. A wonderful few days and the chance to meet other Masters and Consorts in a relaxed environment. 12th May we made a visit to the Vauxhall City Farm, and 19th I had the pleasure of supporting our team in the Inter-Livery shooting competition at the Holland and Holland ground.

Liverymen at the shooting competition Liverymen at the shooting competition
The Loriners shooting team

The highlight of the period must be our Platinum Jubilee Banquet at the Mansion House 27th May. Some 185 people joined us on the evening, including Sir David Wootton, representing the Lord Mayor and Alderman Sheriff Alison Gowman. We received an enlightening speech by the Principle of the Royal Vetinary College, Professor Stuart Reid.

The Mistress and I were up very early the following morning, to meet others at Whitehall to watch the final rehearsal for Trooping the Colour. What a treat and privilege. On the 8th June, we were joined by other Loriners, at the thanksgiving service for Emeritus Past Master John Northcott MBE. And on the 14th June I attended the funeral of Past Master John’s brother Monty Northcott.

On the Weekend of 10th-12thJune, Helen and I joined all the other Masters and Consorts, and The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress at the weekend in Sheffield, organised by the Cutlers in Sheffield. A very busy and well organised weekend.

On Monday 20thJune, I joined several other Masters at Trelaors College in Hampshire. A day that both inspired and humbled us all. The dedication and courage of students and teachers was nothing more than extraordinary. 

I am grateful to the Upper Warden and Assistant John Morton, who deputised for me at the Army leg of the UKAFEC at Melton Mowbray. As you will see, the Upper Warden is born to the task!

I am delighted to confirm that, at the beginning of July we appointed Col. Crispin Lockhart MBE as our new Clerk.

Crispin will officially join us at the start of October and will effect a smooth handover from Honor, who retires after over 11 years service at the end of the year. A very warm welcome to Crispin from everyone associated with the Loriners.

Please do keep safe and well, and Helen and I look forward to seeing you again very soon

Chris Walton

Master

Loriners' Cup 2nd Leg - The Royal Tournament

The Upper Warden Colin Gurley- representing our Master, accompanied by John Morton, Court Assistant and Steward for the United Kingdom Armed Forces Equestrian Association ( UKAFEA) attended the second leg of the 2022 Loriners Cup held on 23rd June at the Animal Defence Training Centre near Melton Mowbray.

The party of guests included the Master Farrier and a representative from the Saddlers Company were given a warm welcome from their host Brigadier Simon Stockley who once again expressed his sincere gratitude for the valued support that the Loriners Company has given to the UKAFEA over many years.

The competition which was a mixture of show jumping and cross country jumping presented a challenge for some horses having to adapt to the two disciplines in one arena. After an extremely competitive event by all three services - Army, Navy and RAF, the Army were declared overall winners of the 2nd leg.

The winning team on their horses The winning team on their horses
The winning team

The third leg will be held in Chepstow, South Wales in August with the 4th and final leg to be held in October near Winchester. There remains everything to be played for!

Sheep Drive across London Bridge - Sunday 25th September 2022

The annual sheep drive across London Bridge will take lace again this year. There will also be a Livery Fair near the Monument and the Loriners will have a stall at the Fair. 

Livery dinner on 20th October 2022

Please make a note of this date, when we will dine at Ironmongers' Hall. More details to follow to Members in due course.

Vauxhall City Farm update

As you know, our charitable trust is a keen supporter of the farm. An update and a letter of thanks from them is contained here.

And finally.....

Don't forget the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park on Sunday 7th August 2022. Details were supplied to you all recently.

On August Bank Holiday Monday, 29th August 2022, we have a family racing day at Epsom. Note the date, and details to follow.

The Feltmakers' Company are organising an inter livery tennis tournament on Tuesday 13th September 2022.

Communications Committee

13th July 2022