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Fanmakers Court Dinner: Skinners' Hall

Thursday 20th October 2016

We have enjoyed a long association with the WC Fanmakers and it's always a pleasure to attend their functions as I've known several of them for many years. This years was at the lovely Skinners Hall on Dowgate Hill and they were supported by some of the officers and crew from HMS Westminster with whom they're affiliated. Having enjoyed a drink, we were clapped in and I sat between two past Masters, one of whom was now serving as Clerk to the Gunmakers Company, and very interesting too. At the stirrup cup afterwards I struck up conversation with a liveryman and mentioned in passing that the company seemed well stocked for High Court Judges - "why is that" he asked, " couldn't say, but suppose they're like migrating birds and flock together" I replied.. he was of course Mr Justice Cooke! I also saw IPM Painter Stainer Tony Ward, now feeling underdressed in his PM's badge, but bearing up nicely all considered. The Clerk and I left with last of them including our genial host, the Master, Rear Admiral Paul Hoddinott CB OBE.