A message from the Master: The United Kingdom Armed Forces Equestrian Association

On 23rd June Immediate Past Master Sue and I travelled to Melton Mowbray for the first leg of the Loriners’ Cup.

Equestrian teams from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force compete in a variety of disciplines for our magnificent trophy at four different venues over the course of the summer. We were warmly greeted by Brigadier Simon Stockley and then taken on a tour of the stables and met the riders.

After a buffet lunch we settled down to watch the competition and were treated to an entertaining - but highly competitive - display of showjumping. With no clear winner after the first round, a jump off was necessary. This was most exciting, and the eventual victor was the Army team with the Royal Air force team second and a mixed Royal Navy team third. Sue and I then presented Loriner rosettes and gift vouchers to some happy contestants and there were large bags of minty treats for the horses!

 We were made most welcome by the service personnel present and it was clear how much they value their links with our Company. Likewise, we are extremely proud of our long-standing support to our Armed Forces.

Election of Sheriffs: a report by the Upper Warden

The election of the Sheriffs took place on 24 June. Alderman Alison Gowman and Alderman Nick Lyons were elected. They will take office on 28 September.

While attendance at Common Hall was severely restricted, I am delighted to report that, together with 5 other members, I was able to represent The Loriners at a lunch hosted by The Barbers Company at their splendid Barber-Surgeons Hall.

For many, this was the first formal face to face function for some 18 months, and the strict Covid protocols didn’t dampen at all, the enjoyment of the day. We were joined by The Master and Consort of both The Horners and Spectacle Makers and members of their Companies and a total of 55 attended the lunch. The day was made even more enjoyable when the Clerk to the Barbers announced that his Master and Consort were celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary that day. 

Although discourse was restricted to our tables of 6, everyone I spoke to felt that life will slowly, but surely return to the City. Lets sincerely hope so!

A tour through the alleyways of the City

On the 8th June, Loriners and family members were entertained for a second evening by award winning London Blue Badge tourist Guide, Fiona Lukas. This time she led a large and enthusiastic group through the ancient alleyways of the City of London.  

Using zoom and her own pre prepared films and 

photographs of areas of the City, she fed our imaginations and enlightened us as to the history of many of these passage ways. Some famous, such as Pudding Lane, where the Great Fire of London started; others that nurtured the origins of the City, such as Change Alley, which takes its name from the formation and early dealings of the Stock Exchange at Jonathan’s and Garraway’s coffee houses.

Fiona also highlighted some hostelries that Loriners may wish to visit, such as Simpsons in Ball Court and the George and Vulture, a favourite of Charles Dickens, in Castle Court.

Thanks to Alexandra Maule for this write-up.

Future events

13 July 2021: Meet and Greet - details to follow

20 July 2021: Visit to Vauxhall City Farm - see email on 18 June for full details

1-3 October 2021: Loriners' weekend away

30 November 2021: Mansion House Banquet

8 December 2021: Our Christmas Party 

Members' Area on the website

A reminder that the Members' Area is now available for use and contains much more intimation than the "public pages". A personal email was sent to you around 18 March so please do log in if you have not done so already. Please let the Clerk know if you need another copy of the instructions.

Communications Committee

28 June 2021