Dear Fellow Loriners

Master’s Report - October 2021

As the third quarter of my Master’s year draws to a close, I was delighted last week to be able to hold a Court Meeting face to face at the beautiful Leathersellers’ Hall. This is the first time Wardens, Past Masters and Assistants have got together since January 2020. Here we are!

The summer has been busy. Visits to the United Kingdom Armed Forces Equestrian Association competitions for the Loriners’ Cup, the Household Cavalry, the Kings Troop, the Pony Club Championships and Vauxhall City Farm have been most enjoyable. It has been extremely worthwhile to witness and hear first-hand about the benefit of Loriner support for these organisations. 

Our Stewards have kept a watchful eye on all the charities that they liaise with and our Honorary Charity Secretary is currently receiving the applications for next year’s grants for consideration by the Trustees. It is heartening to know from the reports that even a modest amount of money given to some of the very small charities can make a disproportionately large impact, especially during recent difficult times. It has often enabled some of these establishments to remain open and continue their valuable work for disabled and disadvantaged youngsters particularly during the pandemic.

Central to this are the valued contributions made to the Loriners’ Charitable Trust by our membership and we would encourage everyone to consider making a regular payment to the Trust if they are able. It is very easy to set up a Standing Order - please contact the Clerk if you need further details. 

Our Company finances are still causing some concern and are being watched closely. Although less money has been spent than in previous years due to the pandemic, the Company is still in deficit. A number of ideas have been put forward to raise money including attracting new members. We are aiming for all future events to cover their costs so that the financial position of the Company is sustainable and secured.  

Our trade links are progressing well and our Journeyman and trade professional Carla Humphrey, has given talks to British Dressage Youth Wales and has helped man a joint Loriners - Saddlers stand at the Sheep Drive and Livery Fair in London supplying expert knowledge and technical advice. This event showcased our Company, our work and our charitable objectives at a major event in the City and generated much interest and engagement.

Immediate Past Master Sue Douthwaite and Past Master John Punch continue to work on the establishment of the Equine Fitters Council – a joint venture with the Saddlers’ Company. It is hoped that this will be launched mid 2022.

Events are still somewhat curtailed as people consider the risks of travelling into London or being in an enclosed environment. 

However, the weekend away to the Isle of Wight at the beginning of October was a great success and hugely enjoyed by a large party of Loriners.

The event raised around £3,500 for the Loriners’ Charitable Trust thanks to the amazing generosity of so many.

Later in the month, nearly 70 Liverymen attended a Livery Reception and tour at the Old Bailey during which short presentations were made by Sheriffs Alison Gowman and Nick Lyons. Here I am with Assistant Jeremy Mayhew and the Sheriffs!

For the future, applications for our Banquet at the Mansion House on 30th November should be made without delay - full details below. This will be a golden opportunity to get together and meet up at a very special event.

A Christmas Party is planned for the 8th December at the Guildhall Club and the details are on the webite.  

Mansion House Banquet on Tuesday 30th November 2021 - FINAL REMINDER

This is a reminder about the highlight of the year - the Loriners’ Banquet at the Mansion House on Tuesday 30th November 2021. It will be a marvellous opportunity for us all to meet again after so long and celebrate the great work that our Master Loriner and Company have achieved over the past difficult months.

To make the evening even more special, we are expecting the Lord Mayor to be in attendance.

We will dine in Mansion House’s splendid Egyptian Hall, where we will commence with a fizz reception followed by a wonderful four course dinner, accompanied by the London Banqueting Ensemble throughout the evening. After hearing from our guest speaker we will conclude the evening in traditional fashion with a Stirrup Cup.

We understand that personal circumstances may have changed during the pandemic and are doing our utmost to make the Banquet affordable whilst not breaking the Company budget.

Mary-Jane Atkinson

Master Loriner 2021-22

27 October 2021