53 January Dinner at Trinity House
Trinity House was the magnificant venue for the January Dinner, with the floodlit Tower of London visible through the windows of the Dining Hall. Filled to capacity, the toast to the guests was proposed by Liveryman David Moss, Consort of Sheriff and Past Master Fiona Adler. David gave a fascinating and fun tour around the world via the careers of the guest Masters from the Companies of Merchant Venturers of Bristol, Musicians, Fan Makers and Scientific Instrument Makers. The response on behalf of the guests was given by the Rt Rev Jack Nicholls, formerly Bishop of Sheffield, and currently Prelate of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jersusalem. A natural racontour, Jack's humorous stories from his life kept us all laughing throughout his speech. At the Court meeting prior to the dinner, Colin Ritchie was clothed with the Livery and Cain Hayward-Hughes, Daniel Hayward-Hughes, Beverley Spencer-Obatoyinbo and Nicholas Wing were granted the freedom of the Company. All were welcomed during the dinner. An evening to remember.