The Master’s Plough Monday Dinner for 2008 was held at The Armourers’ Hall.  The Armourers’ Company has had a hall on the same site since 1346.

At the Court Meeting held before the Dinner, Liverymen Mr William Gammell and Mrs Sarah McLeod were sworn in as Assistants, and Liveryman Mr Brian Minnighan was sworn in as the new Steward.

Following the traditional Plough Monday Grace by our Chaplain, The Very Reverend Colin Semper, and a hearty response by all present of God Speed the Plough, seventy six Liverymen and guests sat down to dinner in the Livery Dining Hall surrounded by a rich display of 16^th and 17^th century arms and armour.  The Hall also has three George 11 brass chandeliers which were made in the mid-1700s and have been in constant use ever since.

After an excellent meal of red mullet, pan fried duck breast and chocolate pudding, all washed down by equally excellent wine, the Civic Toast was most ably proposed by Assistant Neil Edwards.  In keeping with a long tradition, we were delighted to welcome the two City Sheriffs as our guests.  Mr Alderman and Sheriff Ian Luder and Mr Alderman and Sheriff Michael Bear both responded to the Civic Toast.

The Master proposed the toast to all of the Guests.  Continuing his theme for the year of Scholarship, Service and Sport or, in golfing terms, SSS – Standard Scratch Score, the Master’s principal guest was Mr Peter Dawson, Secretary of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.  Mr Dawson then responded on behalf of the Guests with a very amusing and entertaining speech containing, not surprisingly, several golfing anecdotes.

A wonderful evening was enjoyed by all in truly marvellous surroundings.

John Ray