Dear Fellow Loriners

A message from the Master: Virtual Visit to Treloar School and College on 5th May 2021

So many of my predecessors have said that one of the highlights of their year as Master Loriner was the visit to Treloar’s, the school for children with disabilities in Alton, Hampshire. Along with a number of other Masters, a day in Spring was always spent being welcomed and entertained by the amazing staff and pupils of this inspiring place.

Sadly, due to the current restrictions, my visit took place virtually, but it was in no way less special. The school has had a few difficulties over the last twelve months. Their fund- raising programme has been severely curtailed, but they have managed to carry on thanks to the dedicated support of their staff. In fact, despite the considerable challenges involved, the doors never closed and the students were able to continue with their learning and development as normal.

During the afternoon we visited TreloarPrint, a fully functioning printing business, run and managed by staff and pupils with specially adapted computers and machinery where they print booklets, business cards, menus, leaflets and much more. Several Livery Companies use TreloarPrint for their own requirements and the students gain language, technical and customer-facing skills. This first-hand work experience helps them develop their confidence and increases their employability for the future.

Our next stop was with the sixth formers who have set up T – Flix, an in- house film company. They were busy trying to persuade us all to have another look at the work of Charles Dickens and we were entertained with a clip from their film “What the Dickens”. Based on “Oliver”, the narrative was interspersed with the well-known songs “Where is Love”, “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two” and “As Long as He Needs Me”.  

The young people were clearly enjoying themselves and provided us with a very entertaining interlude. A preview of the show is available by clicking here - it is certainly worth watching.

There are big fund-raising plans for the near future at the school. The dated Florence Treloar Hall needs refurbishing to provide better accessibility and the ventilation urgently needs improvement, but the students and the dedicated staff are a true inspiration to us all. 

Hopefully one day I will be able to make a visit in person. We Loriners are very proud of our long-term support of this outstanding school.

A message from the Under Warden

As we gradually emerge from a long period of restrictions why not consider a short cruise?

All Loriners and their partners are invited to join us on the beautiful Isle of Wight for our first “Loriners’ Away Weekend" to be held on the 1st - 3rd October 2021 at the Royal Hotel, Ventnor.

We have indeed been fortunate to secure exclusive use of this highly rated 4 star hotel for the entire weekend at a package cost of £275.00 per person (including the Red Funnel ferry crossing) which undoubtedly represents outstanding value.

Whilst this event is already heavily subscribed there are still a small number of rooms available and as Under Warden I will be delighted to personally assist you in making a reservation.

Full details appear on our website and booking forms can be obtained by emailing me directly.

I look forward to the pleasure of your Company.

The Dicken Medal

On Tuesday this week the "Meet and Greet" audience were treated to an excellent talk from Mark Smith of Antiques Road Show fame.

We learnt about the Dickin Medal, the animal VC awarded to creatures ranging from Winkle the pigeon to Hercules the horse. Started by Maria Dickin, the founder of the PDSA, the medal recognizes the incredible bravery of animals during wartime. The latest recipient is Kuno the dog who tackled an Al Qaeda gunman and saved the lives of his army comrades.

Mark traced the history of the medal and recounted many stories of animal bravery. 

He concluded by showing us the Dickin Medal itself – a bronze medallion bearing the words “For Galantry” and “We Also Serve” with a laurel wreath and carried on a ribbon of green, dark brown and pale blue.

It was a fascinating talk much enjoyed by an appreciative Loriner audience. Thank you Mark.

Observations from Apprentice Gabriella Westcott

I found out about the company in 2018 while I was doing a project on bits and bridles for school.

I was invited to join as an apprentice Loriner by Past Master Peter English after attending the Cheltenham conference. I became a part of a very friendly and welcoming community filled with the broadest range of knowledge and expertise on horses, giving me an opportunity to meet new people and learn more about something I love (which has helped me a great deal with my application to university to study vet med.) I have enjoyed the formal events and the recent zoom meetings where I’m understanding more about how the Company works and the great charity work that goes on. I’m very much looking forward to seeing everyone in person again when that is allowed.

A briefing to all Livery members

The Livery Committee provides a regular briefing to Company members. The latest copy is available here.

Future events

8 June 2021: A virtual tour around the alleyways of the City

13 July 2021: Meet and Greet - details to follow

1-3 October 2021: Loriners' weekend away (see above)

30 November 2021: Mansion House Banquet

8 December 2021: Our Christmas Party (note change of date)

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

14 May 2021