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The St George's Day Banquet 16th April 2007

Trinity House on Tower Hill was the location for the Company's Annual St George's Day Banquet. The Master, Wardens and their ladies having been presented with flowers received their guests in the Court Room with its magnificent carpet and pictures.

After the champagne reception, on the command of the Beadle, the members of the Livery and their guests moved into the Library. Once in place the Beadle announced the Master, Wardens, the Principal guest, the Chaplain and their Ladies accompanied by the Clerk. They processed into the Library and were greeted in the traditional manner.

A magnificent meal of wild mushroom risotto, tournedos of beef, mandarin mousse in a chocolate cup, and scotch woodcock washed down with excellent wine was enjoyed by all.

After the Company had sung grace and the loving cup had been passed the traditional toasts were made. This was followed by a short performance from a wind trio from the Guildhall School of Music who played a selection of music by Mozart and in a lighter theme pieces of Rag Time.

Court Assistant Tony Kench then welcomed the guests with an amusing and informative speech; his theme revolved around livery companies who still had an active trade and those, such as the Bowyers, whose trade had become obsolete. He complemented the principal guest Mr Alderman David Mauleverer who is deeply involved with the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators a livery company very much at the forefront in the world of aviation to-day. He also welcomed Dr Ann Hudson the Head Teacher of the Central Foundation School for Girls and the Master Stationer Mr Neville Cusworth.

In his reply the Alderman on a serious note warned the Livery of the effect of the new appraisal system involved in the selection of Lord Mayor to-day. All were to be aware that it was seen as a grave infringement on the traditions and customs of the City of London and its distinctive form of democracy. The results would lead to a narrowing down of the pool of talent available for election to the office of Lord Mayor at a time when there was a need for diversity.

The Clerk then proposed the toast to the Company.

The Master then courteously acknowledged the Alderman's speech, and bade a particular welcome to the ladies. He also reiterated his aim that the Company's capital base needed to increase to ensure that the level of the Company's charitable giving could be maintained. To this end he thanked all for contributing to the funds by the charitable element in the ticket price.

Afterwards the Master, Wardens, the Principal guests with their ladies accompanied by the Clerk retired to the Court Room where they were joined by all those attending for a stirrup cup.

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