Liverymen and their guests enjoy the pre-dinner reception in the Fishmongers' Hall in a room which overlooks the Thames at London Bridge

The Spring Livery Dinner

This year’s Spring Livery Dinner was held in Fishmongers’ Hall, close to London Bridge.  The current Hall, designed by Henry Roberts, dates from 1835, a unique coalition of both the Roman and Greek styles, overlooking the River.

At the reception, we were pleased to greet old friends, and meet some new ones. These included new Liverymen Ian Thomas and Richard Brumby, together with our new Honorary Liveryman (and old friend) Captain James Morley RN, who captained HMS Lancaster from 2004 to 2006, and Master Ned Wontner, our newly indentured Apprentice, carrying forward a fine family tradition.

The top table

At dinner, we were delighted to be joined by Mrs. Patricia Hunt, High Sheriff of Somerset, Mr. Oliver Holmes- Master Glover, Mr. John Turner- Master Framework Knitter and Mr. Brian Porritt- Master Maker of Playing Cards as well as Alderman Alan Yarrow and Deputy William Fraser, the Chief Commoner. An excellent dinner was preceded by an unusual Grace for two voices, the voices being those of the Reverend Canon Dr. James Rosenthal, and our own Colin Semper

Edward Winfield proposes the toast to the guests

Edward Winfield proposed the toast to our Guests most eloquently, and we were honoured to hear from Major General Geoffrey Field, formerly Governor of the Tower of London, who spoke very compellingly about his work in relation to the War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Tribunal, and the long struggle to seek adequate compensation for those injured in the service of their country.

The Master

Finally, we had a rare and much welcomed treat in the singing, by the Choir of St. Stephen Walbrook, whom we last heard at the carol service, of the Feltmakers’ Anthem ‘A Crown of Glory’, originally commissioned by Past Master Patrick Burgess for our 400th. anniversary.

This made a wonderful end to a truly memorable evening.

Judy George

Major General Field proposes the toast to the livery

The choir of St. Stephen Walbrook