Newsletter - October 2022

Dear Fellow Loriners,

A message from the Master

A very warm welcome to the latest edition of The Loriners Newsletter, and Helen and I hope this finds you all well. Since my last newsletter, there is much to report. Of course, this period saw the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on the 8th September and this was one of the saddest days. The Master Mercer wrote to The King, on behalf of all the Livery Companies, offering our sincere condolences. I wrote to Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal and Past Master, offering our own condolences.

We received a letter from HRH’s office, telling us that The Princess Royal sent her thanks and best wishes to all at the Loriners.

This summer has been a busy but enjoyable time. Helen, the Clerk and I attended many receptions and meetings. I had the great pleasure to attend the Graduation Ceremony at Capel Manor College and presented Certificates to students on the Livery Courses. 14th July saw our Summer Court and Lunch at Armourers’ Hall. Again, I had the pleasure to present further prizes to some of our military connections. Our guest speaker, Brigadier Peter Sharp gave a very thought-provoking speech and analysis of the conflict in Ukraine.

Helen and I visited the RDA’s Annual National Championships at Hartbury, Gloucestershire. As always, a very inspiring visit. On the 18th July I was joined by several fellow Loriners at the Thanksgiving Service for PM Richard Walker-Arnott. Richard will be greatly missed. 21st July,Helen and I visited RAF Honington in Suffolk. We were made to feel most welcome and met with officers of No.1 Squadron, RAF Regiment.

Over 20 Loriners and guests joined us at Gatcombe on 7th August. A very hot but enjoyable day. I had the pleasure of presenting the Loriners’ Prize.

15th August was the Loriners’ Golf Day! I joined everyone at the Sundridge Golf Club, Bromley. The day raised £900 for our Charity fund, and the golfer of the day was PM Peter English. Conratualtions to Peter, August also saw visits to the Pony Club Championships at Leamington Spa, and the RN leg of the Loriners Cup at Chepstow. On 23rd August I joined the Middlesex and NW London Cadet Force Annual Camp on Salisbury Plain. Our future will be in safe hands with these fine young people.

29th August saw over 50 Loriners and guests join us at Epsom Race Course for a spendid day. I presented prizes to the connections of the winner of The Loriners’ Handicap Stakes.

On the 11th October, Helen and I joined a small group from other companies, at a visit to the Royal Vetinary College in Hertfordshire. We were shown around the teaching facility, and which focussed on the equestrian element, both teaching and treatment. The photograph below is of yours truly, next to a model horse which , as you can see, is used to reach students on all sorts of conditions. I have called the horse “Lucky”!!

Helen and I were joined by the Upper Warden and Anne, and Assistant Nick Athienitis (Steward) and his wife Cate, for a visit to the head office of the British Horse Society, in Stoneleigh. A very interesting visit and much learnt.

At the Autumn Court Meeting on 20th October I thanked Under Warden Jeremy Mayhew for his work on the Court following Jeremy's decision to stand down from the Court.

The following were elected as officers for 2023:

Master: Colin Gurley

Upper Warden: Nick Bensted-Smith

Under Warden: John Morton 

The are a few more Company events to remind you of, including our Carol Service on 14th December at Mercers’ Hall and the Installation Dinner on Thursday 26th January 2023 at Vintners' Hall. Booking for the dinner will open shortly.

Helen and I wish you a safe and healthy Autumn, and look forward to meeting as many of you as we can.

Lord Mayor’s Show - Saturday 12th November

The new Lord Mayor, Alderman Nicholas Lyons, will be installed on Friday 11th November at the Silent Ceremony at Guildhall. The following day, 12th November, the Lord Mayor’s Show will take place in the City.

Awards made during the Summer 

During the summer, a number of awards were made to members of the Royal Horse Artillery and Capel  Manor Lorinery students for showing excellence. Here are some images: