The Livery year starts with enthusiasm in December when the New Master is installed. Within the blink of an eye, the first Court and Livery Dinner of the new year is upon us in March.
We gathered once again at the Cutlers’ Hall – our ‘Country House’ in the centre of the City of London. Greeted by the staff, finding that all the preparations had been made. The ground-floor Court Room was laid ready for our Court Meeting, the Livery Hall was being prepared for the dinner which would follow the reception.
Members of the Court, robed as is customary, gathered and took their places as the Master called the Court Meeting to order. After the reports from the numerous committees, the matters of the day were addressed. There was then a small break to prepare for several new applicants to make their declarations to become Freeman of the Company. Alex Dimsdale, Lucy Demmon, Karen Demmon, Simon Esner, Jane Adshead-Grant. We were also delighted to clothe Freeman Darren Lad, to Livery.
Newly elected as Lay Assistants to the Court made their declarations, Liveryman Jason Stephenson, Liveryman and Honorary Almoner, Rev. Barbara Feather, and Liveryman Azad Ayub.
The afternoon passe,d and we moved on to welcoming members to the pre-dinner reception. Sparkling wine and soft drinks were greeted with delight as old friends reunited, now with added enthusiasm for making new ones. Conversations began to rise as more people filled the reception room. The time evaporated, and the Beadle called for all to take their places for Dinner in the Livery Hall upstairs.
At the piano, Glass Sellers, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Beethoven Piano Prize Winner 2024, Luke Maguire and also the Guest Speaker, Claire White, playing Violin. The Beadle heralded ‘Make Way for the Master’ – Claire delighted us as she accompanied the Master’s arrival into the room.
Grace was said by the Chaplain, Rev. Stephen Baxter, and the Master welcomed all. The New Freeman were called to stand and were introduced to the Company. A hearty Glass Sellers’ congratulations were extended to the New Liveryman. Dinner commenced.
The evening’s Fare commenced with a Filo Pastry Envelope of Sea Bass & Aubergine Caviar and a Watercress Sauce or a Roasted Trio of Heritage Tomato Salad, Aubergine Caviar Puree, and a Basil Drizzle, pleasantly accompanied by Boatmans Drift, Chenin Blanc.
Then onto a Confit of Scottish Balmoral Wild Boar with a Gooseberry Jus, Celeriac Potato and Roasted Spring Vegetables, whilst others had a Grilled Baby Aubergine, Lentil Sundried Ragout Casserole and a Coriander Sauce. This was complemented by Rioja Tunante Tempranillo Fincas de Azabache 2022 Fincas de Azabache Rioja;Oriental.
Next a Savoury, Red Onion Chutney & Matured Stilton Cheese Crumble Rocket Salad washed in Raspberry Vinegar.
For Dessert, Choux Buns of caramelized plum and fig mousse, wild honey and lavender drizzle, Gingerbread Ice Cream, nicely paired with a Muskat Ottonel Late Harvest Spätlese 2018, Julius Hafner, Mönchhof, Neusiedlersee.
The evening progressed with the customary singing of Grace, Passing the Loving Cup, Toasts, and the results of the 200 Club. Winners included – Liveryman Richard Gundle, Liveryman Annie Hewes, and Liveryman De Bradshaw.
The guests were welcomed by Master’s Assistant, Oliver Charles. Company Guests included the Master Cooper, Leigh Johnson & Clerk, Stephen Borthwick, Master Distiller, Nicholas Carr & Clerk, James Bryan, Master Innholder, Tom Richardson and Clerk, Dr Rebecca Tomlin, Helen Brough, Charity Fund Cockpit Art Scholar, Luke Maguire, Beethoven Piano Prize Winner 2024, and Rob Armour from Vaughtons.
The reply by Claire White, who regaled us with the delights of the Shetland Isles and proposed the toast to The Master and Company.
The Master rose once more to thank all for their attendance, expounding the merits of Glass and calling for the final toast, ‘To Glass’
The Beadle hailed an invitation to partake of a Stirrup Cup before departing and leading the Master and Party out of the room.
