Annual Banquet at the Mansion House

Monday 5th November 2012

The Mistress and I had the great privilege of welcoming our guests and their ladies to Mansion House for the flagship event of our year. The Clerk's careful planning paid off and we all had a memorable evening in the company of The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor, Adderman David Wooton and the Lady Mayoress, Liz, both of whom were stylishly serenaded in a most accomplished grace by our Honorary Chaplain, the Revd Canon David Parrot. The Lord Mayor was accompanied by the Sheriffs and their Ladies.

Assistant Chris Allen proposed the health of our distinguished guests with fitting eloquence. They included the guest speaker, Sir Martin Broughton, formerly Chairman of British American Tobacco, the Masters of The Society of Merchant Venturers and the Cutlers in Hallamshire and the Commanding Officer, The London Regiment and the Rev Jonathan Woodhouse QHC, Chaplain General.

Sir Martin spoke brilliantly, reflecting on the ironies inherent in a career in the tobacco business and especially on the threat from that alternative livery outfit, the Unworshipful Company of Smugglers.

A fine evening was well rounded off by some lovely music from the Blossom Street Singers.