In-house communications, all out at Lords, the Charitable Trust, thigh pads, dragons and sheep ! What more could you want?
Welcome to the latest Speed Read. It’s our way of keeping you up to date with Livery Company and City of London life, initiatives and events.
If you would like to receive Speed Read by email, please contact Sean Canty.
Communications comes back in-house!
After a short break since the last edition at the end of May, we return with the first speed read of the summer. And what a summer it’s already been with June temperatures reaching a 41 year high not seen since the scorching summer of 76.
This is the first Speed Read since the Company brought its communications programme back in-house and, after a short delay, its packed full of details on a number of different events, initiatives and future activities.
Not least of which, The Membership & Communications Committee hosted an event at Lords in the famous Pavilion Writing Room to warm up prospective members and introduce them to the Company.
We feature more on this later and we hope you continue to enjoy the Speed Reads.
Ashley Hoadley Chairman, Membership & Communications Committee
Howzat! for Lords’ Prospective Members event?
Having held its inaugural event at The Tower of London, followed the next year by an evening at The Bucks Club, finding a venue to even come close was always going to be a challenge.
Nevertheless, and due in no small part to the tremendous support of Court Assistant Matt Johnson once again, the Membership & Communications Committee’s prospective members event took place at the home of cricket; the Marylebone Cricket Club; the MCC. Lords!
Following a short tour for the cricket fanatics in attendance, a glorious Summer’s evening saw almost 60 assorted guests dine in the magnificent and historic Pavilion where 3 courses of fine dining were followed by after dinner speeches our host, longstanding MCC member, Howard Cohen JP and a moving insight into the work of the MCC’s charity, the East Africa Cricket & Educational Foundation. The event was rounded off with thanks and a parting toast from Senior Warden Darren Marston.
The event is held annually to provide prospective members with an opportunity to meet members of the Company and to enjoy an informal evening highlighting the social side of the Livery movement.
Should you have connections who would be interested in joining the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, please contact Sean Canty.
Fancy a knock?
Following on in a cricketing theme, the Company is planning its first ever Inter-Livery Cricket Tournament. The brainchild of Liverymen Jon Horton and Phil Smith – one a talented current cricketer, the other not so much – the tournament will follow a 6-a-side short game format.
Supported by Deputy Master Philip Morrish and to be held on Friday 8th September at Dulwich Cricket Club, the competition will see 4 livery teams take part in a knock-out tournament and promises to be both entertaining and spectacular – one way or another!
The aim is to make the day an event for all to enjoy and spectators will be treated to a rolling BBQ and other refreshments throughout.
Anyone who would like further details – or would like to be a part of Team WCEC – should contact either Jon Horton or Phil Smith
There be dragons!
Yes, yes, in Wales maybe, but surely not in Docklands?
Each year the DSWC – Docklands Sailing & Watersports Centre – holds its spectacular Charity Dragon Boat Challenge. This year, the event takes place on Friday 18th August on the Isle of Dogs and is open to everyone in London.
They say you don’t actually need to be fit, a paddle-maestro or an ex-Olympian. You just need sense-of-adventure, team-playing attitude and a preference for fun!
The Company has previously supported the work of the DSWC with young people through a donation to their charity fund but maybe this year is an opportunity to go that next step further and enter a team?
So, if you walk to work humming the theme tune from Hawaii-5-0 (and who doesn’t?) click here and find out all you need to know about entering.
And there be sheep too!
Those of you who have exercised your rights in previous years will already know what an excellent experience the Worshipful Company of Woolman’s Sheep Drive is. Those of you who haven’t…read on.
This year’s Sheep Drive and Wool Fair will take place on Sunday 24th September and the Woolmen are delighted to announce their special guest and celebrity freeman Mary Berry!
All Liverymen will be welcome to take part in these events and details will be available later in the year. In the meantime, please visit the Worshipful Company of Woolman’s website for a flavour of what’s to come.
Out of darkness cometh light
Past Master Emeritus Michael O’Connor, Chairman of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners’ Charitable Trust, says that it’s time to make more of the help we give to others. His report gives an insight into exactly what the Charitable Trust stands for, what it supports and who are its beneficiaries.
Click here to read Michael’s full report on our website.
And finally…some dates for your diary
Planning is well underway for this year’s Charity & Ladies’ Banquet, which will take place on 24th November at the Merchant Taylor’s Hall. Although much of the evening’s content is shrouded in appropriate mystery, we can reveal that our guest host will be none other than former politician-cum TV regular Giles Brandreth. This alone should guarantee that tickets will be highly sought after! Basic details for all forthcoming events are listed below with more information available by clicking the links.
3 July – Marketors Ryder Cup Challenge
19 July – Court Luncheon at Barbers’ Hall
8 September – Inter Livery Cricket Tournament
20 September – General Meeting, Military Awards and Luncheon at Haberdasher’s Hall
24 September – Woolmen’s Sheep Drive and Wool Fair
29 September – Common Hall – Election of Lord Mayor and Luncheon
If you have any feedback on member communications or any Livery company stories or pictures to share, please email or check us out on Twitter and Instagram.
