Court Lunch for the Fletchers
18th July 2023Farmers and Fletchers’ Hall
I never wrote a diary as a girl. Year after year I would receive a notebook with an impenetrable lock and vow to disclose my deepest secrets. But, like most New Year’s resolutions, the January snow wouldn’t have melted before my resolve had. So it was with some trepidation that I accepted that writing a blog was part of the Master’s purview and would forever mark the year in office. It isn’t easy! A Master’s year is a whirlwind tour of amazing companies and activities. Writing about these privileged, fascinating opportunities is daunting. However, like the diary with the magical key, you begin to think that these innermost expressions will, like a time capsule, be opened and revealed in many years time. So fast forward to present day and a wonderful invitation to attend a Court Lunch at Farmers’ and Fletchers’ Hall as the guest of my dear friends Master Fletcher, Andrew Trapnell and his consort, Melanie. I arrived early. Thanks to ‘British Rail’, I am never precisely on time. I am either early or embarrassing late. Having never visited the Farmers’ and Fletchers’ Hall, I made my way downstairs to the ladies to put on heels and my badge. I met the lovely Anne, who had just been gowned as a Liveryman. Anne graciously complimented me on my heels and we made a pack that if she heard a crash, she would come and literally pick me up. We all need a friend like Anne! Once upstairs - without a crash, I saw Will’s friend, Ollie. Ollie is Andrew and Melanie’s son who had doubled in height since we last met. Once the photo session was complete, a wonderful, effusive woman named Celia introduced herself to me with a handshake and a hug and proclaimed: I love your blog! I did a double take, you have seen my blog I asked incredulously? Yes, and it is great! I agree seconded their wonderful Learned Clerk, Debs. So you see that is two of us Celia said. Will we be featured in your blog? As if writing a ‘time capsule’ is not challenging enough, my mind cannot quite digest the fact that the prerequisite 30 years won’t pass before someone actually reads about my experiences. I am not sure if gratitude or fear is the prevailing emotion; but, the conversation flowed effortlessly giving me lots of material!
US universities are easily identifiable by their school colours. I spent my youth draped in Carolina blue and white supporting my beloved Tar Heels of UNC Chapel Hill. When Will joined Wake Forest University, the far more flattering black and gold became my wardrobe staple. The Fletchers’ Colours are black and gold. Their ribbons and badges are magnificent! Celia was wearing a special arrow that marked their 650th anniversary. Fingers crossed I remembered that correctly!
I certainly learned 650 years worth of history as Mr William Hunt TD BA FCA spoke on behalf of the guests. William is synonymous with The College of Arms. Immediately upon being introduced he eyed me and stated you changed your supporters recently. Yes we did, I replied rhetorically. William is a walking encyclopaedia of Livery Companies and Guilds who have passed before him and his colleagues weaving history, heritage, and heraldry into coats of arms. His stories are incredible. He names and shames with a glint in his eye. The College of Arms was founded in 1484 and advised central and local governments, corporate bodies and private individuals on all aspects of heraldry not just livery companies. Drapers by the way was the first Livery Company to receive a coat of arms. The Fletchers recently added supporters to their coat of arms - officially that is! The College of Arms provided a grant of arms that was displayed. The coat of arms included in the seating card was an original from the Coda 1H7 visitations book. The Fletchers provided a donation towards its restoration. Coda 1H7 covers arms of Livery Companies from cora 1550-1580. Also included in the booklet was the Trapnell Coat of Arms: 3 Traps and 3 Nells supported by two elephants. What a magnificent way to recognise your year as Master and the 60th year of your birth, than with a Coat of Arms recognising The Armorial Ensigns of Andrew Graham Trapnell of Ascot in the Royal County of Berkshire. Congratulations Master! My thanks to the Fletchers for the warm welcome and hospitality. It was also nice to be reacquainted with Master Farmer since Glasgow. When my blogs are read both now and in years to come, I hope they will serve as a reminder of our own coat of arms and history as well as the ancient companies that precede us and the new companies that represent the future. Past, present and future all sealed with a bow! A black and gold one no less.