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St George's Banquet, HQS Wellington

Front Row, from right: Master Bowyer Tony Kench with his wife Enid and Beadle Paul Tredgett; 2nd Row: Upper Warden Ian Spring with his wife Theo; 3rd Row: Master Cutler Colin Evans with his wife Penny; Back Row: Master Fletcher Dr Roger Watson, Cdr Ally Pollard, Commanding Officer HMS Northumberland, and Bowyers' Clerk Lt Col Tony Marinos. Photo: Jake Sugden.

On Tuesday 24 April the Bowyers' Charitable Trust hosted the Bowyers' annual St George's Guest Banquet, and it was one of the most lively and convivial anyone could remember. With 112 present, it was held aboard HQS Wellington, the former Royal Navy convoy escort ship acquired in 1948 by the Master Mariners' Company and splendidly converted to become their floating Livery Hall, moored on the Thames by Temple station. Sparkling music for the evening was provided by the Champagne Swing Jazz Quartet playing the music of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli.

After dinner, following the ceremony of the Loving Cup, the toast to Our Guests was proposed by our Charity Committee Chairman John Ellery, who welcomed our principal guests: the Master of the Cutlers' Company, Colin Evans and his wife Penny, the Master of the Fletchers' Company, Dr Roger Watson accompanied by the Fletchers' Clerk, Kate Pink, and Commander Ally Pollard, Commanding Officer of our affiliated Royal Navy frigate, HMS Northumberland. The Master Cutler responded to the toast with warmth and charm.

In the final speech of the evening, the Master emphasised the work of the Bowyers' Charitable Trust, as set out in the booklet that had been specially prepared for the occasion.

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