Newsletter - November 2023
Dear Fellow Loriners,
I am pleased to introduce yet another bumper newsletter featuring a few of the special events that have taken place recently. There are further articles you may wish to read, together with pictures to view, available on our LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook websites, for which links appear below.
It was a pleasure to meet so many Loriners at our Autumn Court Dinner and I thank those who attended for their kind support. Anne and I look forward to the Loriners' Christmas Carol service on 30th November 2023, which we hope will prove very special as we have our Military connections in attendance.
Finally, my thanks to our hardworking Communications and Website team for their tireless commitment to bringing you news of our many activities.
With my kindest regards to you all,
Colin
Master, Colin Gurley
Open Day and Prize Giving at Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre
On Saturday 30th September, the Master Loriner accompanied by Christopher Walton, Immediate Past Master and Dr Ian Wingfield, Senior Court Assistant, visited the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre (WSPC) in Tottenham. The centre was holding an open day and annual prize giving that was very well attended, with several riding demonstrations taking place. There was also a parade featuring new additions to its stables, which currently house a total of 22 horses and ponies.
VIP guests included James Hicks, CEO of the British Horse Society and Martin Clunes, WSPC Patron and Honorary Member of the Loriners' Company.
Loriners' New Affiliation with The Royal Navy
We are very excited to announce that the Worshipful Company of Loriners has agreed an affiliation with HMS Agamemnon, the first of three of the Royal Navy’s latest nuclear-powered submarines currently under construction. The affiliation will enable both the Company and HMS Agamemnon to share expertise, extend hospitality and fellowship and provide inspiration and support.
The affiliation came about when Commodore Robert Bellfield RN expressed a keen interest in working with the Livery companies and Immediate Past Master, Chris Walton, met him to introduce him to the Loriners. On 11th October, the Master and Immediate Past Master travelled to BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria to see the submarine and to present Commander David Crosby with the Loriners’ Silver Coin. The coin will be placed on permanent display in the submarine, when it is launched early next year. The Memorandum of Understanding will be signed at the reception after the Christmas Carol Service on 30th November.
Master, Colin Gurley
Celebrating our Autumn Court Dinner by Candlelight
On Wednesday 18th October, the Master and Mistress Anne hosted more than 200 Loriners and guests at Goldsmiths’ Hall for the occasion of the Autumn Court Dinner.
The candlelit dinner was held in the historic Livery Hall, where 192 individually lit candles hung from four stunning chandeliers. Members and their guests were treated to an exquisite three-course dinner, which was followed by traditional toasts to Their Majesties The King and Queen, members of the Royal Family, the Lord Mayor and the New Livery.
As the Autumn Court Dinner was the final formal occasion for the Master, he took the opportunity to record his sincere thanks and deep appreciation to all those who had supported and assisted him throughout the year. "This year', he said, 'has flown by and the Mistress and I will look back on it with great fondness. My thanks must go to all our loyal members who have ensured that every single event this year has been a resounding success."
Liveryman, Sarah Lloyd
Announcing our new Master for 2024
We are very pleased to announce that, at our Company Court meeting, which was held at Goldsmiths’ Hall on Wednesday 18th October, Past Master Dr George Anderson BDS (Lond) was unanimously elected Master for the ensuing year.
Dr Anderson, pictured with current Master Loriner Colin Gurley, was Master of the Company in 2017 and will take office again on 25th January 2024 at the Installation Court Meeting and Dinner, to be held at Vintners' Hall. Tickets for the Installation Dinner have just been released, so please be sure you book yours as soon as possible.
Master, Colin Gurley
Bit fitting presentations for British Dressage at Addington
On 28th October, the Master, together with Carla Humphrey our equine bitting consultant and I, travelled to the Addington Equestrian Centre in Bedfordshire at the request of British Dressage (South and East). Three groups of senior dressage riders attended presentations, which were sponsored by the Loriners.
The Master introduced the sessions and spoke about the Loriners’ history, our charity work and the education programmes we support. Carla then gave a talk on correct bit and bridle fitting. Lively discussions and questions followed each session and Carla’s information and technical expertise were obviously very much appreciated by everyone there. The talks were also enhanced by slides on our new projector, superbly operated by the Master.
Our thanks go to Carla for making the very long journey to attend this British Dressage camp and for delivering her lectures on behalf of the Loriners’ Company. It was a very successful day.
Past Master, Mary-Jane Atkinson