The long unmeasured pulse of time moves everything. Just as we are hanging up our white tie apparel and the ladies their fine dresses after the Annual Banquet the clock ticks and out comes the black tie and dresses for the last Court and Livery Dinner of the Year – dubbed as the Installation Dinner. The baton is handed over from the outgoing Master David Wilkinson to the newly elected Master, James Armitage.
The Company gathered this year at Grocers Hall, Princes Street the entrance hidden behind draped scaffolding hiding the renovation works being undertaken on the road facing office block. Once in the Courtyard the Hall stands resplendent as always.
The first part of the day was the Court Meeting, conducting the affairs of the Company and ending with declarations being made by 7 New Freeman
Behind the Master and Wardens
Rob Woodmansey – Emma Polhill – Elaine Cross – Hannah Gibson – Tony Cross – Peter Hazeldean – Steve Wood
and followed by 5 Freeman being ‘clothed’ in Livery.
Allister Malcolm – Stuart Hakes – Pete McLain – John Agnew – Alastair Cormack
A more than fitting end to the Masters spectacular year supported so well by his, Mistress Mandy.
Past Master David Wilkinson and Mistress Mandy Wilkinson
The Court adjourned for tea and then the Company gathered for Common Hall for the Installation Ceremonies of the New Master and Officers for the coming year 2024 – 2025.
The Officers are:
Common Hall was closed and the room was re-arranged for the Reception before Dinner. We were delighted to welcome Keith Bottomley (Guest Speaker) Master Patten Maker, Consort Kevin Bradford and Clerk Claire Hobson. Col. Wendy Adams and Major Tony Adams. Master Clockmaker, Keith Scobie- Youngs and Clerk Simon Gray. The new Master Glazier John Reyntiens MBE and Master Hackney Carriage Driver, Dan Heath.
Jeremy Chan
At the Piano the Glass Sellers Beethoven Piano Prize Winner 2023, Jeremy Chan and Stair Guard provided by City of London & North East Sector Army Cadet Force.
ACF Cadets
Time arrived – the Beadle summoned the gathering to take their places for Dinner in the Dining Hall. Once assembled the Master and Wardens paraded to their places as the room clapped as Jeremy Chan played the Schubert Military March. The Master welcomed all and presented the new Liverymen and Freemen to the Members. The Company Chaplain, Rev Stephen Baxter said Grace.
Our Fare. A trio of Chalk Stream Trout Gravadlax, Croquette and Hot Smoked compressed Cucumber, piccolo peppers with a Citrus Dressing accompanied by a Casa Silva Family Chardonnay Semillon, Chile. Then a Seared Guinea Fowl Fillet with Confit Leg Croquette, Truffle Celeriac Puree, Seasonal Vegetables a a reduced jus. – Casa Silva Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chile. Dessert of Apple and Blackberry Crumble Strudel with Vanilla Custard. Chateau Villefranche Sauternes, France. Coffee and Gourmandises – Dows LBV Port.
Grace was sung – Loving Cup passed – Traditional Toasts were called and glasses raised. Liveryman Ron Reid declared the winners of the 200 Club and Membership Chairman Ed Adshead Grant announced the winner of the new Masters Award 2024. The guests were welcomed by newly installed Prime Warden Matthew Demmon the response by Keith Bottomley who finished by calling a toast to the Glass Sellers Company. Then the turn of the Immediate Past Master David Wilkinson to briefly reflect on his past year of office and call a toast and good Health to the Master.
The Master rose to address the room. Outlining his intention to continue the camaraderie and friendship that had ensued over the past year and called the room to toast ‘GLASS’. Leaving the room members were invited to partake of a stirrup cup before leaving and heading homeward bound with exclamations and greetings for a Happy Christmas and New Year.
