The Winter Court combined with Masters‘ and Clerks‘ Lunch

Unusually this year it was decided to dispense with an Award to Industry dinner in January, but instead to hold a morning Winter Court meeting followed by a Masters‘ & Clerks’ lunch. This occasion effectively combined two events into one by retaining the Court meeting and moving the now traditional Masters & Clerks event away from Carol Service day in December.

At the morning Court meeting we clothed two new liverymen – Hugh Griffiths and David Louzado, and also elected eight new Freemen, which passed and exceeded our Aiming Points’ 500-member target for our 350th anniversary.

The Court also made the key decision to move the 2025 banquet to Mansion House where the Company has not attended for a few years. The iconic home of the Lord Mayor, the house will provide a more intimate and convivial venue to hold our annual charity fundraising banquet. Details and the date of the banquet will be announced shortly.

At our ensuing lunch we enjoyed the magnificent ambience of Armourers’ Hall adorned with armour and weapons of yesteryear. Seventy-four attended the lunch which included no less than 18 Masters of other companies with whom we regularly enjoy fellowship, most accompanied by their Clerks.

Guest speaker Master Keith Bottomley

Our guest speaker was Deputy Keith Bottomley, Deputy Chair of the Policy & Resources Committee of the City of London (effectively the Deputy Leader) and also current Master Patternmaker. The Master’s theme for this lunch was to gain a greater understanding of the works of the Corporation of the City of London; Keith was able to explain much of how the City is governed.

It should be noted that this year’s Award to Industry will be presented at the banquet.