Newsletter - September 2022

Dear Fellow Loriners

The summer has passed in a flash. We all hope you made the most of the glorious weather and, as you will see below, the Master and others have had a busy time!

Before you go further, the Master wrote to us all last week about the very sad death of Her Majesty The Queen and mentioned that the Master Mercer was writing to His Majesty The King on behalf of all Livery Companies.

Gatcombe Park 2022 - Equestrian Fun Under a Very Hot Sun!

After two years of enforced absence a party of 27 Loriners and their guests attended the British Festival of Eventing at Gatcombe Park on Sunday 7th of August at the height of the recent heatwave!

We were undoubtedly treated in “Royal style” to the very best that British Eventing has to offer on what could only be described as very firm ground. The Master and Upper Warden spoke with the Princess Royal who was most pleased to see the Loriners well represented in strength at Gatcombe once again.

The Master together with HRH presented Oliver Townsend, this years winner of the Loriners bridle and Claret Jug 

A great day out - in good company, as evidenced by the happy faces shown below, especially when the Master confirmed that gentlemen may remove their jackets!

And finally a vote of thanks to our hard working Gatcombe Steward - David Hodges - for coordinating our visit so successfully as usual.

Pony Club Championships - Offchurch, Leamington Spa

On 17th August 2022, the Master together with the Mistress, Court Assistant Alexandra Maule (Steward for the Pony Club) and Mr Hugh Maule, attended a day of the Pony Club Championships just outside Leamington Spa.

The Championships take place over a period of 9 days, and cover the Pony Club sports comprising Tetrathlon, Mounted Games, Polocrosse, Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing and Polo, as well as Horse and Pony Care. Participants range from children as young as 5 years of age to more experienced riders up to age of 25 years. A large number of volunteers were involved in the running of the Championships, as well as the Pony Club’s Senior Management Team.

The Master and the Loriners' party were warmly welcomed by the Pony Club Chief Executive Marcus Capel, Chairman Tim Vestey, Vice Chairman Clare Valori and Trustee Pleasance Jewitt.

The dedication of the experienced Pony Club team was matched by the enthusiasm, joy, hard work and perseverance of the young participants in the Championships, whose boundless energy never ceases to impress.

Marcus Capel provided a tour of the carefully designed, but challenging, Cross Country Course in an open buggy, which coped well with the undulating terrain.

We were also able to watch Dressage and Show Jumping events. Lunch was taken with our hosts who were able to provide further information on the Pony Club’s work. This afforded the Loriners' party further understanding of all that the Pony Club achieves and completed what was a very enjoyable and rewarding day.

This year the Loriners' Charitable Trust awarded a grant to the Pony Club to assist with its Riding for Schools Project, with a focus on urban schools. This project brings opportunities to young people who may never have seen or come close to a horse before.

United Kingdom Armed Forces Equestrian Association (UKAFEA) Loriners' Cup 2022 - Royal Navy Leg

On Friday 19th August 2022 the Master, accompanied by the Mistress, Court Assistant John Morton (Steward for the UKAFEA) and Mrs Rebecca Morton attended the third leg of the 2022 Loriners' Cup held at The David Broome Event Centre near Chepstow in Wales.

This round consisted a mixture of dressage and showjumping and, as ever, the competition was intense but good hearted between each of the Armed Forces teams. 

Lunch was hosted by Capt Sean Moore RN who spoke warmly of the valued and important support the Loriners have given to this championship for many years. The Master responded thanking all those who had assisted in making his visit so memorable. Also in attendance was Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, President of the Royal Navy Equestrian Association

The third round was won by the Army team, with the Royal Navy in 2nd place followed by the Royal Air Force in 3rd.

The Master presented winners rosettes to the Army team (pictured below).

The Army now appear to be in a commanding position, entering the 4th and final leg of the competition which will be held on the 28th October 2022, hosted by the RAF.

Epsom Race Day - 29th August 2022

A splendid day, enjoyed by all, was the setting for a Family Fun Day with an exciting flat race meeting for thoroughbred horses held at the magnificent Epsom Downs Racecourse which consisted of an afternoon of thrilling racing combined with free entertainment for children and adults alike, including a Mascot Race and several races for children of different age groups. 

A party totalling of over 50 comprising Loriners and their guests were treated in a right royal style having exclusive use of the “Royal Box” for the days racing. 

Following a warm welcome from the Master, who also explained how a small donation and any loosing betting slips could be used to raise funds for our charities, as well as making one ticket holder very happy, the party settled down to a relaxing pre-race lunch.

Our very own Tipster, Lauren Morton, gave a well-researched overview of all the runners, jockeys and race conditions.

Thrilling action unfolded during the afternoon with each race greeted with elation or a little disappointment dependent on which horse won and how much was lost in bets! 

A “Question and Answer” session with Professional Jockey, Jack Mitchell who provided a down to earth insight into being a professional jockey was most enjoyable and met with much applause from all present.

The highlight of the day was the Sixth Race, “The Worshipful Company of Loriners Handicap Stakes” with the Master Loriner presenting Champagne to the Winning Owner and Trainer in the winner's enclosure following which the Master & Mistress, with others, were invited to the Jockey Club “Hall of Fame” where the winning Jockey, William Carver gave a step by step commentary on the race that his horse “Sly Madam” had won to TV Sports presenter Clare Balding.

After the seventh and final race, the Master thanked all who had attended, as well as those who had assisted in the event planning and stewardship throughout the day.

Particular thanks was reserved for the Morton family who in conjunction with Epsom Racecourse made the event possible.

This exclusive event concluded with the Master announcing that a total of £660 had been raised in the sweepstake, from which the Loriners' Charitable Trust was to benefit by £330.He then drew the winner of the lucky loosing ticket which was owned by none other than Lauren Morton

A truly splendid day out undoubtedly enjoyed by all so do come and join us next year!

Loriners' annual golf day at Sundridge Park Golf Club

We held our annual golf day at Sundridge Park Golf Club on 15th August. 

Over 50 people played and we had an additional number join us for diners. It was good that the Master took time out to join us on the course in the afternoon, for dinner and to present the prizes.

The Loriners' Cup was won by Past Master, Peter English. The team prize was taken by Peter Long's team who just pipped a team from the Butchers' Company, which was one of four other liveries who supported our event. 

The day raised nearly £900 for the local branch of Riding for the Disabled. We are grateful to all Loriners, Sundridge Park members and fellow liveries for their generosity and participation. 

Communications Committee

15th September 2022