Annual Livery Halls Walk
4th September 2023Hosted by the Environmental Cleaners
Some say over 13, others 9 and a half, even if you split the difference walking to, around and in some cases through 40 Livery Halls during an unprecedented heatwave in a Livery gown with a gold chain and badge is a momentous task!! Fortunately IPM Paul Taberer’s skill at walking an 18 hole golf course put him in good stead. I was just plain hot!!! A lovely member of the Environmental Cleaners’ Company, our hosts for the day, loaned me a battery operated fan. I would gladly nominate her for an award!
The tour was amazing and it was enlightening to learn so much about each Hall. It was wonderful to meet fellow Masters and Consorts again after a few weeks break. Some new Masters have joined our ranks and Paul and I appreciated the opportunity to welcome them!!! They definitely experienced a Baptism by fire!
The Ironmongers, Glaziers, Furniture Makers and Leather Sellers provided a welcome respite from the heat - along with much needed refreshments. A sneak peak into these Halls was an added bonus! The Pewterers catered a fabulous lunch and an opportunity to de-robe for a blissful hour. Their Clerk, Commodore Mike Walliker CBE RN, gave a lovely speech and our time there proved all too short.
The Environmental Cleaners did an incredible job of herding cats - and wayward Masters. Their reconnaissance proved inspired as we discovered hidden pathways that, if remembered, will shortlen our future journeys. Given that I am logistically challenged, I may need to do it all again in order to remember. Next time with a pedometer!!!