Newsletter - March 2023

Dear Fellow Loriners,

February, my first full month as Master, has proved to be incredibly busy and full on. As you will see in this edition, I have had the privilege of attending three very different events, celebrating equine education, pancake races and military cadets. I am sure you will enjoy reading about each one. 

I am greatly looking forward to the next major events in the Livery calendar, namely the United Guilds Service next week, the Spring Court Lunch in April and, of course, our spectacular annual banquet at Mansion House in June.  I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at these and other events throughout the year.

Colin Gurley, Master 2023/24

Visit to Hartpury College and University

Past Master Sue Douthwaite accompanied the Master to Hartpury College and University near Gloucester on 20th February to meet the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor of Equestrian Performance Research and the Head of the Equine Department together with the Prime Warden Saddler and Master Farrier. 

Hartpury has about 850 students studying Equine, Agriculture and Sports. Some 200 are aged between 18-21. The college offers three levels of qualification, which means that students start their education with about a third staying on to further their education.

In the morning we received a presentation relating to the welfare of the horse and rider and improving the equine welfare in sport and work. The presentation detailed the results of a 20-question research survey of Equestrian Professionals (partly funded by The Loriners) into saddle, bridle and bit fit for the horse and saddle fit for the rider and provided some very interesting results. 

In the afternoon, we toured the extensive facilities and were shown some of the new and innovative equipment Hartpury now boasts, including two Dry Treadmills, each of which was demonstrated with a live horse! 

The Dry Treadmill allowed us to see the horse walk and then move into a trot. The brand new state of the art Water Treadmill gives the horse a better experience, as the head is free and it can walk out forward. We also toured the ‘Horse Simulator’ suite and two outdoor arenas.

Our visit concluded at the indoor arena, which is used regularly for international competitions and, at one end, is the Loriners’ Banner, which was presented to the college in 2019.

Past Master Sue Douthwaite

The 19th Inter Livery Shrove Tuesday Pancake Race

The 19th Inter Livery Pancake Race took place on Tuesday 21st February in the Guildhall Yard of Guildhall and was hosted by The Worshipful Company of Poulters. It was a most splendid fun event, with more than 36 Livery Companies taking part over 32 races in nine different heats.

The race featured five categories: Masters; Liverymen; Ladies; Novelty; Masters’ Qualifying Race. In all categories (except fancy dress) the participants were required to wear livery gowns, with chef’s hat apron and gloves provided.

Our Past Master Chris Walton entered both the Masters and the Liveryman race categories and performed in a most credible manner. Liveryman Gillian Sainsbury entered the Ladies race and steamed through what looked to be first in her heat. However, victory was closely denied her!

Court Assistant Simon S Walsh entered the novelty race dressed as a horse and jockey. Unfortunately he did not trot to victory. The novelty race saw the most amazing variety of outfits, from a clock tower to a large pineapple, all thoroughly enjoying by everyone attending.

Sadly, none of the Loriners made it to the finals. But, it was great fun just taking part in the races and the event was rounded off by a splendid buffet in the Guildhall Crypt.

Simon S Walsh, Court Assistant & Chairman of the Livery Committee

Visit to the 216 Tottenham (The Blues and Royals), Middlesex and North West London, Army Cadet Force

On Thursday 23rd February the Master, accompanied by Court Assistant & 216 Steward Richard Forster and our Clerk Col. Crispin Lockhart, visited the 216 Tottenham Cadets for their annual Prize Giving where, despite the cold evening, they were warmly welcomed by the officer commanding, Captain David Cawrey and some 20 cadets and their parents. The 216 Tottenham Cadets meet twice a week and currently comprise 30 cadets, aged between 12 and 18.  

On arrival, the Master was invited to inspect the cadets on their parade ground before going indoors to award prizes to the Top Shot, Best Cadet and Best Athlete. 

Capt. Cawrey spoke of the much valued association with the Loriners Company and the Master responded, complimenting the cadets on their achievements and work on the parade ground, adding that he looks forward to welcoming the cadets to our annual Mansion House Banquet, where they will form a Guard of Honour. During the evening, the cadets also demonstrated some of the various skills they had been taught, including first aid.

The Loriners have supported the 216 Tottenham Cadets since 2008 by funding some of their general activities, including transport for summer camp. This year's support has provided funds to assist two of their senior cadets to join a 24-strong UK cadet force of specially selected cadets visiting Australia and New Zealand for a two week period in July.  

Dr Richard Foster, Court Assistant & Steward for 216 Tottenham Cadets

Communications Committee March 2023