My message to you all is one of hope, fortitude, and reassurance. The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers is in a great place. We are securing and increasing our membership, admitting Freemen, supporting Freedom ceremonies, and clothing Liverymen at a pace not seen for many years. Our Liverymen and Committees are working hard at maintaining the high presence we have in the Square Mile and in the Glass Industry, and there is a support network within the Company second to none. Friendships are being forged that will last decades, and there is support for each and every one of us when things don’t go according to plan.
A growing Livery, working well both internally and externally, and growing; something we can all be proud of. The pillars of our livery commitment: tradition, charity, fellowship, and pastoral care, support for the glass sector, and Lady Mayor, are well served.
There is a lot to look forward to this year. Clerk Paul and his team are working hard behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the company and events. There are numerous opportunities in the pipeline for fun and fellowship. To mention just a few: The Dinners and New Members evenings – please come, bring your friends and encourage them to join; the inter-livery events – the Lady Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch, Brigantes Breakfast, the pétanque, cask race and sailing competition give us opportunities to meet our counterparts from other Liveries, something that I am keen to encourage; and the Jolly.
Many of you have signed up to our Jolly. My list is full this year, and 70 of us will be travelling to Luxembourg in May to experience the delightful country and city. The Jolly is the event at which we are able to spend the most time together and where deep friendships are forged. I am grateful for the support this year, and strongly urge newer liverymen, freemen, and those who have not been on a Jolly to support next year’s Master David Hinton when the opportunity arises. You will not regret it.
Our Master’s event in the summer is family-friendly for up to 40 people and will offer a visit to Chester Zoo for those who want to, and a Mad Hatter’s BBQ in our garden on the 26th of August. Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland, was born and lived at Daresbury, just 20 minutes away. Tickets to the BBQ will be £40, and all revenues will be donated to the Charity. Please come with your children and grandchildren and support the Charity. A proper announcement will follow in due course.
There are lots of opportunities to contribute to, or just to enjoy, the Glass Sellers Livery. We are a great Team; together, everyone achieves more.
Master Matthew and Mistress Karen
