Installation Court and Luncheon
7th June 2023Vintners’ Hall
This year’s Installation took place in Vintners’ Hall. Vintners’ Company, received its first charter in 1363 and is one of the 12 great Livery Company of the city of London. Swans play an important role in company life, when they are marked in the swan upping week in July. Their magnificent hall is a tribute to their heritage. Resplendent with swans, Vintners’ Hall was an idyllic location to be gowned Master by the indomitable Paul Taberer. It is an honour to follow Paul and Sharon, who led our company so masterfully this past year.
Vintners’ Hall holds a special place in my heart as it was where I gave the Installation speech when Andrew Golding became Master. My thanks to the Master Vintner, Mr Edward Berry for allowing us to use this wonderful hall.
The Court was full of members and guests for the Installation making the occasion even more memorable. It was a distinct honour to have Past Master Rolf Christopherson in attendance. I had the privilege of installing Henry Tuck as Senior Warden, Tony Scanlon as Renter Warden, Jacqueline Burrows as Third Warden and Mallory Factor as Fourth Warden. Breaking with tradition and recognising my daughter, Courtney Lambert and son, William Rasmussen as my consorts was a privilege. Presenting Courtney with the badge was a highlight.
After the Installation, photographs were taken followed by the drinks reception and more photos, before being ‘called’ to lunch by the Beadle. Honorary Chaplain, David Parrott gave the following extraordinary grace before lunch:
We come today with great acclaim
To greet our Master; such a dame.
Within this hall of drinking fame
Give thanks to God who we acclaim.
The Master has to take the blame:
This grace, which she has tried to main.
On this fine a day, it’s such a shame
That nothing rhymes the Master name
Amen
Searcys provided a delightful lunch before Fourth Warden, Mallory Factor delivered a witty introduction to our special guests: Master Vintner Mr Edward Berry, Master Pewterer Wendy Joseph KC, the Pewterers Gallant Clerk Commodore Mike Walliker CBE and my principal speaker, Major Niall Hall MVO.
Major Niall Hall MVO delivered an engaging speech where he linked my American heritage with the Livery Company and the Irish Guards Association all thanks to Sir Walter Raleigh’s association with tobacco and potatoes!
I was very happy to recognise two new Liverymen Mike de la Fargue and Nikesh Madhvani and two new Freemen and special friends Marie Polet and Ryan Selby as well as Honorary Freeman, Sharon Taberer.
I was pleased to present Immediate Past Master (IPM), Paul Taberer with his Past Master’s Badge, Pipe and smoking cap. Niall Hall received a churchwarden pipe as a token of our appreciation.
Paul concluded the luncheon by sharing some highlights of his memorable year. The Beadle led the procession out to enjoy the stirrup cup that was promised in the poem below.
My fellow countryman, Mark Twain once said: history never repeats itself but it does often rhyme.
It was nineteen hundred fifty four
Pipe making reverted to the fore.
No longer lost in ancient lore
The liv’ry’s fame returned to soar
Making pipes grew quick and strong
Cigars and more soon came along
Producat Terra remained our song
“Out of the earth” we’d e’er prolong
Of obligations we have no dearth
We care for them, but still we birth
Humor, laughter, and things of worth
And over all no end of mirth
And so I stand before you now
A master here to bow
With humble thanks if you’ll allow
That I this honor here avow
So gather round and now prepare
The stirrup cup we soon shall share
It was a wonderful occasion and a great opportunity to share some engaging conversations. Special thanks to our clerk: Sandra Stocker, Beadle: Mark Anderson and Treasurer: Ian Venters for their support.
It was a day I will never forget and a great way to begin what promises to be an extraordinary year! My thanks to each of you for this honour