Dinner at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall
11th October 2023Tallow Chandlers’ Hall
There are dinners and there are dinners… and then there is the dinner of the Parish Clerks. I was lulled into believing I was attending a traditional Livery Dinner where I was privileged to sit on the head table next to Maggi Dawn, the wife of The Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett who was appointed Dean of St Paul's in September 2022. Maggi is a formidable woman who met Andrew while they were both teaching in Durham.
Maggi is a British musician, author, theologian and Anglican priest. She was Principal of St Mary's College at the University of Durham, and remains a professor in the Department of Theology and Religion. Previously she was Associate Professor of Theology and Literature and Associate Dean of Marquand Chapel at Yale Divinity School.
Neither Maggi nor I had attended a Parish Clerk’s dinner before and were ill prepared for the moment of Greetings. At one point the Parish Clerks rose and literally shouted greetings and toasts across the room. I wasn’t sure if I should stand or sit; but, ultimately I sat mesmerised at the interactions. It was fascinating!!!! All at once everyone sat down and resumed their normal demeanour. It was spellbinding. Andrew Tremlett gave a very engaging speech about his time at St Paul’s and some of his amazing experiences. I noticed that Andrew used a notebook to record his notes for his talk and simply turned the pages. I will definitely be putting that concept into practice. After the dinner, we were invited to a stirrup cup, where the toasts and greetings were the subject of conversation. I shall always be grateful to Nigel and Jill for this extraordinary experience!!