It arrived !! Months of planning all culminated on Friday 25th October 2024 at Mansion House in our Great City of London. The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London Annual Banquet.
The menu was chosen, the wines procured, 100 Cyclamen, 12 Azaleas and baskets, 200 miniature crystal trees ribboned and placed in red velvet pouches. Musical entertainment booked, 20 Cadets for the Stair Guard booked. Menu Cards printed, table plans marked and glued, place cards printed. Guests invited, schedules drafted, security lists drawn up, protocols advised, orders of procedures drafted and so the day started.
Tables Dressed
Arrival at the House was mid-afternoon. The Egyptian Room was in midst of being laid – cutlery, glasses, napkins and candelabra – we were to add – flowers, place cards, and Masters’ Gift.
The afternoon passed as the Master and Wardens arrived. Donning their gowns and badges of office preparing to greet early arriving guests for photographs. Then the arrival of our Affiliates, members from RAF Leeming and HMS Artful. City of London NE Sector Army Cadets arrived to prepare, providing the Stair Guard and the London Banqueting Ensemble set up their music stands for playing during the reception. The Beadle and Clerk moved everywhere checking that everything was falling into place.
Master, Consort and Guests
The Beadle called the throng to order and requested the Master, Wardens, and Consorts to take their places for the receiving line. So, it began. Members and guests arrived, collecting their personalised menu and table plan. They were greeted before collecting a glass of sparkling wine to cheer on the evening. The conversation was vibrant as friends and guests greeted each other.
Suddenly the chatter was broken by the burst of the fanfare announcing the arrival of the Civic Party. The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Two Sheriffs and Consorts. They were greeted by the Master and Wardens before entering into the crowded rooms.
City of London NE Sector Army Cadets
The Beadle called and summoned all to take their places for dinner. The Civic Party, Master and Wardens gathered and joined others in the North Parlour for further photographs. Just as suddenly it was time to form the procession. Places taken the Beadle lead to the vast open doors of the Egyptian Room – signalling the band, they struck up the Radetzky March for the procession to enter and were clapped as they proceeded to their places. The Cadets followed and lined the back wall.
HMS Artful
The Honorary Chaplain said Grace and the Master thanked the Cadets for their Stair Guard. He summoned Cadet Macie Crandle who was presented with the Annual Cadet of the Year Award. The Wardens then assisted the Master to remove his robe, dinner commenced accompanied by the London Banqueting Ensemble who played music from Musicals and Films.
RAF Leeming
The fare of the night. Burrata, Castel Franco, Clementine, Roasted Fennel, Figs with a Muscatel and Basil Dressing served with Klippenkop Chenin Blanc, 2023 South Africa. Then Confit of Creedy Carver Duck, Red Cabbage Jam, Pommes Anna, Cavolo Nero and a Duck Jus. Brookford Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon 2021,
Australia. A selection of British Cheeses from Neal’s Yard, House Chutney and Sourdough Crackers. Glazed Pear Frangipane Tart, Ginger Crumb, Pear William Jelly, Vanilla Mascarpone with Campbell’s Rutherglen, Muscat NV. Australia.
As the evening progressed, we sang Grace and passed the Loving Cup. The Toasts were made. The Rt Hon. The Lord Mayor, Michael Mainelli responded to the toast to the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation and the Sheriffs.
The Annual Awards were made. HMS Artful – Tankard Winner – Leading Hand Sam Hildreth -RAF Leeming Award – Squadron Leader Robert Scothern Biennale 2024 – Glass Sellers Arts and Crafts Award First Prize – Vic Bamforth and Darren Weed Joint Runners Up – Tim Rawlinson & Charlie Burke – Student Prize Winner – Aria Kiani – Runner Up – Dr Anthony Amoaka Attah.
The Master, Lord Mayor, Sheriffs, Award Winners – Biennale 2024 Arts & Crafts
The Prime Warden, James Armitage rose to welcome the Guests. Masters Distiller, Glover and Actuary. Our Affiliates, HMS Artful and RAF Leeming and numerous guests of the Master. The response proposed by Alderman Sir Andrew Parmley who proposed and the Toast to The Glass Sellers Company – May it flourish root and branch forever and Good Health to the Master.
The Master then rose to address the gathering outlining how he was enjoying his year and how much he had learnt. The room was invited to rise once more and to raise glasses. The Toast TO GLASS.
Master, Prime Warden and Renter Warden
The Beadle then escorted the Master, Wardens and principle guests from the room to the customary clapping. The night had gone by at a pace and it was time to depart. Members and guests gathered up bags of Cyclamen, Master’s Gifts and made their way down the staircase, chatting and laughing having had yet another splendid Glass Sellers Banquet. Time to head for tube stations, stations and awaiting cars to wend the way home.
Time to go home
