The impressive panorama from the penthouse suite

The Feltmakers’ Livery Society met for their annual dinner on 27th February in the new and elegant surroundings of the penthouse suite of the Grange City Hotel. With fantastic panoramic views of the soon to be completed Shard, the evening was enjoyed by a good number of new liverymen, others of slightly longer standing, Wardens, and our guests including the Master, our Gallant Clerk and the Chaplain.

Diners enjoy the Grange chefs' fare

After dining on a Rack of Lamb and other excellent fare prepared by the Grange chefs, we were reminded by Past Master Geoffrey Farr, exactly what was the purpose of the Livery Society.

Geoffrey Farr

Having proposed the idea originally to have a body within the Company where liverymen of up to ten years standing could meet in less formal surroundings than the normal dinners, to promote the fellowship that the company is widely known for, he was encouraged to see its continued good health.

Assistant Simon Wilkinson then said a few words regarding Wear a Hat day on 30th March. This day has been organised by an umbrella of charities concerned with fighting brain tumours, and details of this very worthy, and for Feltmakers, topical, cause can be found at http://www.braintumourresearch.org/wear-a-hat-day .

The Renter Warden, Simon Bartley, took the opportunity mention the work of Providence Row, the Charity of which he is Chairman, and to which  the Feltmakers’ Charitable Foundation makes a donation. Continuing the charitable theme of the night, Assistant Gilly Yarrow told the assembled diners about an evening of ballet followed by drinks at the Old Bailey, all in aid of the Sheriffs and Recorders Fund. Details of the evening have been circulated.

The Master in full flow entertains us all

Finally, we got to hear from the Master, Eda Rose-Lawson, who urged everyone to support her Charity Day at Ascot on 2nd May. With over 300 guests already confirmed, it promises to be a huge success, but as the Master pointed out, there is plenty of room for more people! In addition a visit to the State Rooms at Windsor Castle has been arranged on 29^th March, which is an interesting addition to the Feltmakers’ calendar for the year. The Master finished with an anecdote about the French idea of happiness, which rounded off a thoroughly enjoyable dinner.

Simon Millar who gallantly stepped in as host at the last moment in the absence of Sarah McLeod

The only sad part of the evening was the non-attendance through illness of Assistant Sarah Mcleod, who had put so much time and effort into making the dinner the undoubted success that it was. Our thanks must go out to her for pulling together a fantastic evening, and also to Assistant Simon Wood for arranging such a wonderful venue.

The next Livery Society dinner will take place on Monday 19th November, 2012, slightly earlier in the livery year than usual. Full details of the event will follow in the Summer, but please save the date in your diary now.

Simon Millar