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Master's Reception

Wednesday 16th May 2018

Honourable Artillery Company Armoury House

This is the last event I am responsible for during my Master's year. I had visited HAC as Senior Warden and thoroughly enjoyed a presentation by the Pikemen & Musketeers. For me, it was a no brainer to book the HAC for the Master's Reception.

We had over 30 members and guests from the Livery attending and, after a drink and top up, we were taken upstairs at Armoury House for a presentation by Richard Jackson, the Pikemen & Musketeers' Commanding Captain. Apparently, you can tell the rank of a pikeman by the amount of lace he wears. Richard wears a lot of lace. Richard also expressed his gratitude to our Benevolent Fund which had supported an appeal for the renewal of uniforms.

It was a delightful presentation on the history of the Honourable Artillery Company (it goes back to Henry VIII), the history of the Pikemen & Musketeers, their current role to provide a guard for the Lord Mayor, their relationship with HM The Queen, the history of the house and some of the most valuable real estate in the world and why lace signifies the rank of the wearer. After the presentation, we were treated to a tour of Armoury House and an opportunity to play with muskets, breastplates, helmets and pikes. The remainder of the evening was spent enjoying canapés and wine. Everyone seemed to enjoy the occasion and I am grateful to Richard Jackson and the staff at HAC.