Newsletter - June 2024
This has been a month of two halves. The first was busy and then we had a period of quiet at the end of the month, as you will see below.
On 9th May, the Gallant Clerk and I attended the 'Trial of the Pyx' at Goldsmiths' Hall. This is an ancient ceremony at which the jury, comprised of 12 Goldsmiths, report on the test of the coinage to the King’s Remembracer. These days, of course, the verdict is always good!
On 10th-12th May, the Mistress and I travelled to York for the Charter, or Installation Dinner, of the Cordwainers of York. Whilst we don't hear much about them in London, there is surprisingly quite a number of medieval guilds still active in other cities.
The big event of the month was, not surprisingly, the Mansion House Banquet on 15th May. This was a great success and I am grateful to everyone who helped both 'on stage' and behind the scenes for their hard work in making it so enjoyable. Following the Banquet, the Mistress and I were most grateful for a period of quiet and some time to recover!
I hope you enjoy reading the newsletter and I am very thankful for the hard work put into producing it by the editors.
George Anderson, Master 2024/25
Master and Mistress attend Annual Treloar's Dinner at Mansion House
The Master and Mistress together, with other members of the Court and their partners, attended the Annual Treloar's Dinner at Mansion House on 30th April.
Treloar’s started in 1907 when the then Lord Mayor of the City of London, Sir William Purdie Treloar, set up a ‘Cripples’ Fund’ as his mayoral appeal. In 1908, Sir William opened his school and hospital in Alton, Hampshire. Since then, Treloar’s has steadily grown and developed, becoming one of the country’s leading providers of education, care, therapy, medical support and independence training for disabled young people.
It was an evening of dining and fund raising, together with auctions and entertainment. All profits from this annual event go to the college.
Master, George Anderson
Goldsmiths' The 'Trial of the Pyx’ Ceremony
On 9th May, the Master and Gallant Clerk attended Goldsmiths' Hall for lunch at the conclusion of the Trial of the Pyx.
The Trial of the Pyx a very ancient ceremony, where a jury of 12 Liverymen of the Goldsmiths' Company test the metal of the coinage to ensure it is correct. In the days of gold and silver coins, this was very important to make certain that the coins were not being debased. The Goldsmiths are in charge of the London Assay Office, so this duty falls to them.
After testing, the jury make their report to the King's Remembrancer who attends in knee breeches and full-bottomed wig with tricorn hat on top. He accepts their report, thanks them and lets us go to lunch in their magnificent hall.
Master, George Anderson
Cordwainers of York Charter Weekend, 10-12 May
The Cordwainers of York are one of various Guilds from cities outside London and they invite some of the London Masters to their Installation or Charter Weekend. The Mistress and I, accompanied by our Gallant Clerk, travelled up by train on the Friday evening to meet the other Masters and Clerks from London.
On Saturday morning, we were taken on a tour of York Minster and then given the afternoon to walk around York and see the sights of the city. In the evening, we attended a dinner at Merchant Adventurers Hall, another of the ancient companies, where we had a filling Yorkshire meal and were addressed by the Lord Mayor of York and York Herald from the College of Arms.
Prestigious guests hosted at Annual Mansion House Banquet
About 175 guests dined in the magnificent Egyptian Hall at the home of the Lord Mayor. The Lord Mayor himself was unable to attend, but the Lord Mayor Representative, Sir Andrew Parmley, was a very acceptable substitute. The other prestigious members of the Civic Party were Alderwoman and Sheriff Dame Susan Langley and her consort and Lady Parmley. Both Sir Andrew and my guest speaker, Lord Lingfield, gave excellent speeches, which were much enjoyed by everyone present.
Members of some of our military affiliations: HMS Agamemnon, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, No.1 Squadron RAF Regiment and 226 Tottenham Cadet Detachment were also present. Music was played by the London Banquet Ensemble, along with the traditional Post Horn Galop at the end of dinner. Company guests were the Prime Warden Saddler and the Master Currier.
During the meal, wine was taken by the Master with Sister Mary Joy Langdon to acknowledge her 35 years as CEO of Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre. This was greeted with loud applause by all present. The food was very good and the wines to match. My thanks to the Gallant Clerk’s organising skills, as everything went off according to plan and on time.
Master, George Anderson
Messages from The Clerk
Dear Loriner,
Thank you to all those who supported the Banquet on 15th May. From the messages I have received it is clear that everyone enjoyed themselves, helped in no small part to the healthy turn out. It was also a great event to share with the CEO of Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, Sister Mary Joy, who was surprised by seeing 20 of her Trustees and volunteers of the centre sitting down the sprig leading away from her. Thank you to all who made the surprise possible.
We now have a bit of a gap in Company events, with the next one being the Autumn Court Dinner on 17th October at Saddlers’ Hall. The flier will go out shortly after 11th July, so do please look out for it and book in sooner rather than later. But the diary will still be filled with other great events and I list some of them here. Again, please look out for the fliers which will advertise them and book in. Numbers are limited so please book early:
Visit to Badminton Stables and West Kington Stud
Attend the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London
Informal Lunch in the City – Being organised on the Loriners’ WhatsApp Group
Carriage Driving Day around Woburn Abbey
Lunch at Guards Polo Club and watching some polo
I mention above that an informal lunch is being arranged using the Loriners’ WhatsApp Group. Please can I encourage as many members to join this group as the aim will be to use such means to arrange more informal events in due course. So, if you are keen to take part, then please join up.
Communications Committee
June 2024