January Court and Dinner
18th January 2023Drapers' Hall
The magnificent Drapers’ Hall played host to our January Court & Dinner.
Court successfully voted in favour of 5 new applicants, admitted 6 Freemen and gowned 1 Liveryman – credit to the Membership Committee for continuing to ensure a healthy inflow of new members.
The Senior Warden and I were then positioned to welcome some 185 members and guests for dinner – a number that filled the beautiful Hall and made for a wonderful spectacle! We were honoured to have Masters from Plaisterers, Fan Makers, Actuary’s and Hackney Carriage Drivers, and the IPM Merchant Venturers; as well as the Asst Reg. Adjutant Irish Guards (Assoc) all present, amongst others.
My Principal Guest was Rhidian Llewelyn – a distinguished educationalist who gave an amusing and interesting speech focused on education and schools.
The Hon Chaplain opened proceedings with a wonderfully constructed Grace, after which we were served a delicious meal and copious volumes of wine!
My thanks to PM Mark Gower-Smith for eloquently introducing our official and all guests.
I was delighted to present a cheque from the Company to Major Robbie Wilmont for the IGA.
What followed was an exceptional recital from students of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Emyr Jones (a student we support and crowned best young baritone in the world last year) and Luke Lally Maguire (pianist, member of Irish National Opera) combined to deliver Non piu andrai - The Marriage of Figaro; O sole mio and Some enchanted evening - South Pacific. It all ended far too soon!
We had a full complement for the Stirrup Cup and the first few requests to vacate the Hall seemed to fall on deaf ears!
My thanks to our Clerk Sandra and several others for ensuring the evening succeeded! And to Drapers Hall for allowing our presence.
The Mistress and I had a thoroughly enjoyable time!