A Pharmacist Becomes a Feltmaker at the Apothecaries’ Hall

My first experience of the Feltmakers was about 15 years ago when Liveryman Robin Shirley, my future father in law, invited myself and Alison, now my wife, to a Ladies’ Banquet, together with the rest of the Shirley clan, including John Shirley his late father, also a Feltmaker. We had a really enjoyable time and finished off the evening at Peter Shirley’s house steadily working our way through his whisky stocks.

It was after Robin died tragically, two years ago, that Peter Shirley, by then a Feltmaker as well, and Renter Warden, Nick Heal, approached me to ask if I had considered becoming a Liveryman. Being a guest at several more functions made me realise that this was an entertaining and civilised way of meeting interesting and amusing people, as part of a company that still has an important role in the modern City of London.

I was interviewed by Nick Heal over a fantastic lunch in the garden of his local pub, after which he agreed to propose my nomination, and this was seconded by Senior Assistant Eda Rose-Lawson.

Having been interviewed by the Master and Wardens, granted the Freedom of the City of London, all that remained was my induction ceremony.

Feltmakers Admire the Apothecaries' Hall Courtyard

I am honoured to have been accepted as a Liveryman and look forward to my future within the company.

Peter Alvey