On 21 September, the Master, Wardens and Members of the Court were delighted to honour five Members whose combined service to the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London represents an extraordinary chapter in our Company’s history.
Four Liverymen, each of whom has achieved more than 60 years in Livery, have between them given some 280 years of service to the Glass Sellers. They were joined by a Past Clerk, now Clerk Emeritus, who has himself been a Member of the Company for more than 40 years.
Five remarkable individuals whose combined membership spans almost the entire modern history of our Company — a truly remarkable achievement and one worthy of celebration.
From Left to Right
Master Matthew Demmon, Honorary Liveryman, Past Master; Clerk Emeritus Brian Rawles, Honorary Liveryman, Past Master, Clerk Emeritus; Vincent Emms, Honorary Liveryman, Past Master; David Williams Thomas, Honorary Liveryman, Father of the Company, Past Master; Philip Feather, Honorary Liveryman, Past Master; Simon Gray, Past Lord Mayor, Past Master; Sir Andrew Parmley
To mark their outstanding contribution, we held a special Celebration of Service luncheon at Innholders’ Hall, bringing together our long-serving veterans with newer Members of the Company, as well as Past Lord Mayor of the City of London and Past Master Glass Seller, Sir Andrew Parmley, who gave the address.
It was an occasion not only to look back with pride, but also to look forward with enthusiasm.
The Livery movement has a very real and important role in today’s world. While its origins lie in regulating and supporting the ancient trades, its modern purpose is much broader—encompassing service, fellowship, professional and industry connections, education, charity, civic engagement, and the preservation of traditions that give people a sense of belonging and purpose.
Across the Livery movement, Companies continue to support trade, education, charity and fellowship, with charitable activity now exceeding £82 million each year. Liverymen also contribute more than 143,000 hours annually through voluntary and pro bono work.
But statistics only tell part of the story.
A Livery Company is ultimately its Members. The ceremonies, history and traditions are important, but they only have meaning because people give them life. Members participate, contribute, support one another and, importantly, pass the values and traditions of the Company from one generation to the next.
This is particularly relevant to the Glass Sellers. Our Company maintains relationships within the Company, the City and the wider Glass Industry; encourages interest in Glass; supports charitable causes; maintains our traditions; provides pastoral care for Members; and plays its part in the life of the City of London.
All of this depends upon Members being prepared to get involved.
There is also an important lesson in our Celebration of Service. When Members give their time to organise events, serve on committees, welcome new Members, support charitable activities, represent the Company, promote the Glass Industry or simply turn up and participate, that contribution matters.
It deserves to be recognised and celebrated. Recognition is not simply about awards or formal honours. Sometimes a sincere thank-you and the knowledge that one’s contribution is appreciated can be just as meaningful.
The five Members honoured on 21 September demonstrate this beautifully. Their service has helped shape the Company we enjoy today, and their commitment provides an example to those who have joined more recently.
The Livery Company of the future must build upon what it has inherited while continuing to make it relevant and useful.
For the Glass Sellers, there is a wonderful opportunity to connect our historic identity with the extraordinary modern world of Glass — from Artistic Glass and Craftsmanship to Manufacturing, Sustainability, Science, Technology and Fibre Optics.
Our growing engagement with the wider Glass Industry, including bringing the Industry’s voice to Westminster, demonstrates how a Company founded centuries ago can continue to have a contemporary purpose.
Camaraderie, Fellowship and Recognition are not peripheral to the life of the Company — they are central to its health and future.
Charity and Industry engagement demonstrate what the Company does. Fellowship, friendship and participation help explain why people want to belong to it. Perhaps the simplest way of putting it is this:
A Livery Company is not kept alive by its history. It is kept alive by the people who give their time, enthusiasm, friendship and service to it today.
Our five honoured Members have given us a magnificent example of that commitment.
Their service is part of our history.
Their fellowship is part of our present.
And their example helps inspire our future.
We thank them, we celebrate them, and we look forward to continuing the journey together.
