Newsletter - July 2023

Dear Fellow Loriners,

As the midway point of my year as Master rapidly approaches, I have pleasure in presenting our July newsletter.

Following the Coronation, it has undoubtedly been a very busy period for the Mistress and me, which included representing the Company at the Colonel's Review of the King's Birthday Parade and, of course, hosting the Company's highly successful Coronation Banquet at Mansion House - the details of which you will read below.

I hope you enjoy this edition and would like to thank all those involved in its production for their tireless efforts each month and to all those members who support our growing number of varied events.

Enjoy your summer! 

Colin Gurley, Master 2023/24

Colonel's Review of the King's Birthday Parade

On Saturday 10th June and at the personal invitation of the Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, the Mistress and I attended The Colonel’s Review of the King’s Birthday Parade, where HRH Prince William took the salute. Being an extremely hot day, we were thankful to find our seats were in the shade!

Also in attendance were the Prime Warden Saddler and Master Farrier, reflecting the important relationship between our various Livery Companies and the Regiment. Following a very impressive military display, we were all welcomed to the Officers’ Mess at Hyde Park Barracks for a private lunch, where the Commanding Officer thanked us all for the support that the various Livery Companies continue to give to the Regiment.

Master Colin Gurley

Loriners' Coronation Banquet at Mansion House

A night which those present will never forget - the glittering Loriners’ Coronation Banquet at Mansion House on 13th June, which was attended by nearly 240 guests.

It really was a truly marvellous event, with four State Trumpeters in gold state livery, Honour Guards from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and a detachment from 216 Tottenham Cadets all adding to the spectacle.

Sir Andrew Parmley attended on behalf of the Lord Mayor and complimented the Loriners on an outstanding number of attendees. Marcus Capel, CEO of the Pony Club, was our Guest Speaker and spoke of the valued relationship with the Loriners.

Words heard to describe the evening included - outstanding, incredible, tremendous and truly memorable. As Master, my sincere thanks to all who attended and supported, as well as those who worked so hard to ensure the evening was such a success.

Master Colin Gurley

Bits, Bit Fitting and Bridles

On 25th June, Carla Humphrey, our Journeyman and bit fitting expert, and I visited Hartpury College and University in Gloucestershire at the request of British Dressage South and West.

Carla gave an excellent presentation on bits, bit fitting and bridles to three groups of adult dressage riders, who were attending a summer camp over the weekend. Questions and Answer sessions followed each presentation and Carla’s expertise was much appreciated by the experienced riders, who contributed many in-depth questions and discussions.

This burgeoning connection with British Dressage is an excellent opportunity to promote the Loriners’ Company and to focus on our educational remit. 

Whilst I was at Hartpury, I was delighted to see the Loriners’ banner prominently displayed in the indoor ring at the Equine Centre; one of the most prestigious equine centres in the world.

Past Master Mary-Jane Atkinson

Summer Court Lunch with Presentation of Prizes

Our annual Summer Court Lunch with Presentation of Prizes took place at Barber Surgeons' Hall on 13th July. It was celebratory in many ways. Not only did we welcome celebrity actor Martin Clunes who is an Honorary Freeman of The Company, but we also celebrated the appointment of three new Freemen, the enclothing of two Liveryman and, of course, the success of our well-deserving annual prize winners, who received cheques, medals and certificates.

We were vey pleased to welcome Monika Tyler, Chief Executive of Vauxhall City Farm as our guest speaker, who kindly gave us an enlightening and heartfelt insight into the work of the farm. The highlight was undoubtedly a presentation to Sister Mary-Joy, founder of the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, with a donation to mark the King's Coronation and recognise the centre's involvement in the 'Changing Lives through Horses Programme'. 

Bogdan Zaha, our Social Media Specialist

We are thrilled to welcome Liveryman Bogdan Zaha to the Communications Committee, as our Social Media Specialist. Bogdan is a London-based architect and researcher and is currently writing his PhD for an extensive research project at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. He has extensive experience in social media platforms and is looking forward to bringing a wider audience to The Company. 

Messages from The Clerk

I would like to start by echoing the vote of thanks from the Master in his update to all of those who helped deliver the Loriners’ Coronation Banquet at Mansion House. I, too, have received many kind words and, with each of those, have felt that it was only made possible by those who supported the whole effort – thank you.

Furthermore, by the time you get to this point of the newsletter, you will have read about the Summer Court Awards Lunch, which was yet another ‘sell out’. Another great day with representatives from our military affiliations and the chance to catch up with students from Capel Manor. It also gave the chance for the Master to introduce ‘The Master’s Award’, which he hopes will become an annual presentation given to someone in the Company who has gone above and beyond on behalf of The Loriners.

With one more Company event this year, I hope that we can get another ‘full house’ for the Autumn Court Dinner. This year, it is being held at Goldsmiths’ Hall and it will be held by candlelight. So it will be a most special event.

Communications Committee - July 2023