Girdlers’ Hall
The Girdlers Hall Monday 7th January 2013
For those within the Feltmakers Livery Company who have attended a Plow Monday Dinner, you will know all too well that it is one of the most convivial evenings of the year. This year was no exception and in many respects, it reached a new level if only for the stunning location.
The Master receives his guests
The Master had clearly pulled some strings to enable the Court Meeting and then Plow Monday Dinner to take place at the Girdlers Hall. Something not achieved in living memory. It is in an exceptionally unusual setting being a 1968 building of a traditional, more or less Queen Anne style, set in its own wonderful garden (do I sound like an Estate Agent?) yet surrounded by skyscrapers!
Simon Wood
Being an old Livery Company – Number 23, it has a rich heritage and many treasures, not least the Lahore Carpet 1635 along the Dining Room wall, a wonderful sight to see. The Dinner commenced with our Chaplain, singing the Plow Monday Grace, followed by the assembled diners’ retort of ‘God speed the plow’ Amen. Always a wonderful and cheery start to the evening.
The guests were welcomed by Assistant Simon Wood in fine and jocular style.
Alderman Sheriff Jeffrey Evans
This is one of the few occasions where the Sheriffs are entertained by us, without the Lord Mayor. On previous occasions the sheriffs have done a double act, but on the night both spoke independently.
Sheriff Nigel Pullman
AldermanSheriff Jeffrey Evans spoke interestingly and amusingly of City Life and the Feltmakers, and then Sherriff Nigel Pullman entertained us with other stories.
Rear Admiral Sir Robert Woodard
The Master’s principal guest, Rear Admiral Sir Robert Woodard, KCVO, DL, spoke without notes and entertained us in fine style, regaling us with stories and also a little of Lancing College , which he attended with the Master.
The Master, Anthony Phillips
Certainly, most, if not all of those in attendance were very satisfied with the wonderful setting, the fine food and wines and of course the Company. A very good evening to remember.
Simon Wilkinson
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