My personal guests!
What a special Installation, although I’m sure every Master says that.
Over half of the Livery and 70 guests attended the Dinner at Stationers’ Hall.
With 150 in the Great Hall there was a definite buzz in the air.
The Immediate Past Master, Alderman & Sheriff Dr Andrew Parmley played “(Wo)Men of Harlech” as we processed into the Hall and the Hon Chaplain, Philip Need, sang a wonderful Grace.
In the bleak midwinter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron
Water like a stone.
Here is our new Master
Glad and full of cheer,
We ask you, Lord, to guide her
Through the coming year.
Angels and Archangels
May have gathered there,
But now it’s the Glass Sellers
Whose music fills the air.
Bless, O Lord, our table,
All we drink and eat,
As we bring our hopes and
Lay them at your feet.
The Renter Warden continued the Festive theme in his speech welcoming the Guests when he pointed out that on the 11th day of December, there sat down to dine:
10 Other Company Liverymen
9 Livery couples
8 Brace of Past Masters
7 Court Assistants
6 Company Freemen
5 Submariners
4 OBEs
3 Men of the Cloth
2 MBEs
and A Master with a bright chain.
The Master Air Pilot, Dorothy Pooley and Master Painter Stainer, Colin Goodman were both Company guests. Liveryman Raymond Layard’s Guest was the Master Tyler & Bricklayer, Roger Westbrook and the Master Musician, Kathleen Duncan OBE, was a guest of Past Master Philip Feather. I’ve known Kathleen and Dorothy for over 10 years so it was wonderful to see them in the Hall.
My own guests included the Immediate Past Master Plaisterer, De Bradshaw
and Past Master World Trader Mei Sim Lai, OBE DL. Without doubt, there was plenty of “bling” in the way of badges.
The speech of thanks on behalf of the Guests was made by Alistair Telfer, Secretary, Oxford & Cambridge Club who told many amusing anecdote!
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