Opera Gala – 15th June
The Master led a party of Liverymen to attend the Opera Gala hosted at The Grange in Hampshire. The group took a picnic to be consumed in the open air before the performance. Lay Assistant, Mark Holford and his wife Sarah were behind the organisation raising funds for the The Meath Epilepsy Charity.
We all arrived to a glorious afternoon of sunshine and gathered in a reserved gazebo to consume our picnic. The bell sounded for us to attend the theatre for the first half. Refreshments were served during the interval and after the second half a reception was held with the artists and organisers. Glass Sellers then adjourned to their gazebo for a final libation before heading home. A splendid evening and murmurs of doing something similar again as the opportunity presented itself.
Evensong, Court & Livery Dinner at Painters Hall, 23rd June 2025
Members of the company paraded to St James’s Garlickhythe for the Annual Evensong conducted by the Chaplain Rev. Stephen Baxter and also The Rector, Rev. Anthony Howe. At the organ Alderman Dr Sir Andrew Parmley. Scriptures read by The Master James Armitage and Prime Warden, Matthew Demmon.
Returning members paraded back to Painters’ Hall for a sparkling reception before being called to dinner upstairs in the Great Hall. At the piano Chloe Dumoulin, Beethoven Piano Prize Runner Up 2023.
Artisan Freeman – Purnima Patel with Daughter
The Welcome to the Guests delivered by Liveryman and Court Lay Assistant, Jason Stephenson, the response delivered by Clerk to the Chamberlains Court, Laura Dobbie Miller. Glass Artist on display, Artisan Freeman, Purnima Patel. Company Guests included the Master Waterman and Lighterman, Ted Manning and Mr Andrew Dobbie.
Court Lay Assistant – Jason Stephenson
Clerk Emeritus – Brian Rawles
At the Court Meeting earlier in the day, the Court unanimously elected to recognise the 40 years’ service that Liveryman, Past Clerk, Past Master, Brian Rawles had given to the Company by declaring him ‘Clerk Emeritus’ giving him the rights of an Honorary Liveryman. Brian was dressed in his new ribbon and badge of office at the beginning of the dinner before the assembled gathering of members and was greeted with a rousing round of applause and hearty congratulations.
Election of the Sheriffs – Tuesday 24th June
The Master, Prime Warden, Clerk and Liverymen attended the Annual Common Hall at Guildhall for the Election of the Sheriffs to be installed later in September before the Election of the Lord Mayor for the ensuing year. The Guildhall as usual was packed with Liverymen from all 113 Livery Company’s. Proceedings lead by the Cryer and reports delivered by the Assistant Town Clerk all in the presence of The Rt Hon. The Lord Mayor, Sheriffs, Past Lord Mayors, Aldermen and Members of the Livery.
Lunch with the Master at Stationers Hall – Tuesday 24th June
After the Election of the Sheriff’s, The Master hosted a table of Glass Sellers at Stationers’ Hall amid several other Livery Company’s. A traditional role call was hailed announcing each Company present. A rousing response was delivered in many forms – The Glass Sellers clinking their glasses !
Freedom of the City of London -Friday 4th July
The Master, Clerk, Immediate Past Master and other guests attended the Chamberlain’s Court to witness Freeman Emma Polehill receive her Freedom of the City of London Toasted as the youngest Freeman with Rose Port the gathered guests retired to The Savile Club for Lunch to celebrate.
Informal Supper Night for Members & Guests at L’Escargot, Wednesday 9th July
Members gathered in the Salon Vert at L’Escargot, Soho to hear tales delivered by Past Master Clockmaker, Keith Scobie Young about servicing the World’s most famous clock in the Elizabeth Tower of the Houses of Parliament, Palace of Westminster, often referred to as ‘Big Ben’ which is actually the name of the bell that strikes the hour. The clock mechanism was removed from the tower for the first time since its installation in 1859. It was transported to Cumbria for the refurbishment in strict secrecy. The project took 5 years and we were entertained to stories and anecdotes pertaining to the complexity of the project and all delivered in 35 minutes. Keith accepted questions and we all then settled to a delightful supper over which vibrant conversations were had enhanced by varying libations
Freedom of the City of London – Wednesday 16th July
The Clerk, Past Master Leigh Baildham and Liveryman, Assistant to the Court, Richard Gundle and guests attended the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall to witness Freeman Simon Esner receive the Freedom of the City of London. After the ceremony the toast to ‘The Youngest Freeman’ was made with the traditional Rose Port. The title would be held until the following morning as there were no further ceremonies that day. Retiring to Soho the party enjoyed and early evening celebratory supper at L’Escargot.
Simon Esner
Chief Steward
Liveryman and Steward, Trevor Jones is promoted to Chief Steward and takes over form Liveryman, Linda Raven who has held the post for several years.
The Company also welcomes the promotion of Freeman, Karen Demmon and Freeman Lucy Demmon to role of Steward.
Lucy Demmon
Karen Demmon
Ceremonial
The Company is delighted that Liveryman Past Chief Steward, Linda Raven will be taking over the role of Head of Ceremonial from Clerk Emeritus, Brian Rawles.
Linda Raven
New Members
Artisan Freeman – Debbie Timperley
Debbie met us at the ‘Just Glass’ exhibition organised by Artisan Freeman Jane Vincent earlier this year. She was unaware of the Livery movement and became instantly curious with her 27-year career in glass making. Based in Horsham, UK, she originally trained in hospitality to work in hotels, restaurants, caterers and a number of years running the members enclosure at Wimbledon – including the famous year Cliff Richard decide to sing in the rain on Centre Court. Debbie pivoted to glass in 1998 after studying Three-Dimensional Design in Glass and Ceramics at Middlesex University. This year she showed at Collect 2025 at Somerset House, the leading international art fair for contemporary craft and design. She specialises in glass casting creating unique hand-made sculptures and beautiful bowls. She has shown in Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, China and Lithuania as well as the UK in prestigious exhibitions such as the British Glass Biennale. Her work is carried by over 20 galleries across the UK and Europe.
Liveryman – Antony Cross
Tony is a retired police officer from the City of London Police with awards for long service and the Queens Jubilee medal, so knows the City well. He has chaired various charity organisations in the Croydon area and is active on his home Parish Council in Kent. He works two days a week as a trained Counsellor.
Inter-Livery Pétanque Competition – 31 Jul 25
There is limited on-street parking nearby and the closest tube station is Vauxhall. Allow a little extra time as our event coincides with the final Test Match at the Oval so Vauxhall station and surrounding area is expected to be extremely busy.
Time: 17.30 practice time and welcome drinks. 18.00 First Ball. 20.30 Prize Giving.
Boules: There is a very limited supply of boules available which can be provided by the LPC. It would however be greatly appreciated if you could bring your own sets of boules.
Dress code: Relaxed/informal. Please come dressed appropriately for the weather. No Livery badges or robes! Fancy dress encouraged. There is a prize for the best dressed team.
Food & drink: Picnics in the park are encouraged. Please bring your own food and drink and we encourage the sharing our any home-cooked delicacies between teams. There is no seating in the competition area but plenty of grass areas around it on which to pitch your picnic. The welcome drinks are all alcoholic so anything non-alcoholic you will need to bring yourself. Once again, we are very grateful to Stephen Cronk and Maison Mirabeau for generously supplying their wonderful rose wine for us to enjoy upon arrival.
Prizes: The Coopers Cask for the overall winning team plus a bottle of Distillers Master’s Choice. Prizes for the runners up and the best dressed team. The current holders are the Spectacle Makers – the team to beat!
Spectators: Are welcome to attend in support of teams.
Security & conduct: Please be aware we are in a public park and the public footpath runs alongside the competition area. Please ensure you and others and your property are safe and that all teams and spectators represent the Livery movement well.
Dates for the Diary
September 2025
9th September – Consort’s trip to Kew Gardens
9th September – Members’ Informal Night – Visit to Dr Johnson’s House
13th September – Master’s Summer Luncheon at Strand on the Green
16th September – Visit to Stourbridge Glass Museum
19th – 20th September – Inter Livery Boat Race – Isle of Wight
23rd Court & Livery Dinner – Armourers & Brasiers Hall
28th – Annual Sheep Drive
29th September – Election of Lord Mayor – Luncheon
October 2025
1st October – Musicians Evensong
14th October – Visit and Supper –
28th October – Mansion House Banquet
November 2025
7th November – Admission of Lord Mayor
8th November – Lord Mayors Show
11th November Members Supper Night
