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The Installation Dinner was held at the Haberdashers Hall on October 3rd. 2008. Prior to the Dinner our new Master for 2008/9 Nicholas Heal had been elected at the Court meeting prior to the Reception and Dinner. In excess of 128 Liverymen and guests (a full house) attended the Dinner and the menu had been planned with great care with roast partridge being the main attraction and of course a splendid selection of wines! This year grace, the Laudi Spirituali was sung, being lead by Thomas Herford, the principle tenor from the choir of St Bartholomew the Great. The principal guest was David Levin who has been Headmaster of the City of London School since 1999. The Master’s wife Ruth and their family were also present for this great occasion. Senior Assistant, Simon Bartley welcomed the guests and in his speech referred to the previous occasions at which he had the privilege of speaking and hoped that he was making progress! In welcoming the Masters of other Livery companies he gave a brief synopsis of their careers and positions held. Of course in welcoming the Master Haberdasher it was to his “home” Hall for which the Feltmakers are very grateful for its use each year for our Installation Dinner. The visiting Masters included the Tallow Chandlers, Woolmen, Watermen & Lightermen and the Upper Bailiff of the Weavers.  David Levin
David Levin, The Master’s Principal Guest, started by describing how he had taken over as the head master of the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe from Liveryman Roland Brown.  Master Feltmaker, Nick Heal The Master in his response thanked David Levin for proposing the Toast to the Company so eloquently, and for the insight into the life of the City of London School. He also thanked the Court for his election and the support of fellow Liverymen.  The Chaplain prepares the Company for the sung grace.
He described his entry into the company with Past Master Geoffrey Vero and the Chaplin, Colin Semper, being interviewed by Past Masters John Elliott, Martin Harper and Pip Wright. He congratulated Past Master Geoffrey Vero for presiding over a very successful year as Master in which he displayed valued judgement and intuitive leadership. This was also blessed with boundless enthusiasm and good humour!  Past Master Geoffrey Farr accompanies the sung grace.
The Master intends to involve the Company further into education with a better understanding of the Livery Schools Link and the involvement of Liverymen in working with and mentoring young people. The initiative to investigate ways of supporting units of the Army Cadet Association will also be pursued. The Master then turned to congratulating those involved in raising money for charity particularly Simon Curtis and his son who raised over £3500 by successfully completing an 87 mile trek along the Ridgway. The Clerk is building a boat to row the Thames from the Cotswolds to the City of London in the Summer 2009. And lastly he congratulated Past Master Peter Keens in celebrating the 30th.anniversary since becoming Master. The Loving Cup ceremony In all a very entertaining and enjoyable evening! Anthony Phillips
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Hat Competition