News from the Guild

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Court Activities | Court Appointments | News Archive

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Visit to St John's Gate

12 June 2013

At 11am the Master Mr Anthony Fleming with his wife Ann, Guild Members and their guests assembled in the Priory Church, where the Museum Curator Mr Tom Foakes gave an introductory briefing, before organized tours were conducted by guides of the Priory Church, its crypts and the Museum of the Order of St John, St John's Gate. At the end of the tours lunch was served in the Chapter Hall. Before the end of the event the Master stood up and thanked the guides and everyone for coming, and then presented a cheque to the Curator.

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Christ's Hospital Presentee

5 June 2013

The Guild of Freemen of the City of London Charity contributes to a number of schools in including a presentee at Christ's Hospital who this year was Isotta Reichenbach, who is a gifted artist and is about to commence a year's study at St Martin's Art College, before hopefully going to Oxbridge.

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Day Visit - RNLI Selsey

4 June 2013

Senior Representatives of RNLI Selsey Branch, Clive Cockayne, Colvin Rae and Bruce Jenkins along with other members of the branch and crew, greeted the Master Anthony Fleming and his wife Ann, Guild Members and their guests before the Master with his wife Ann, and ten other keen volunteers climbed into full lifeboat rigs and boarded the lifeboat. Assembled, the klaxon sounded and a hammer knocked the restrainer away, and with the engines running the boat accelerated down the slip and the coxswain, Martin Rudwick had full control of 'Voluntary Worker', as the boat made contact with the water. The unique experience for everyone lasted about forty minutes, before the lifeboat returned to the boat house. A fish lunch followed in the nearby inn before everyone strolled back to the beach in glorious sunshine to watch an exercise that showed the Inshore Lifeboat 'Betty and Thomas Moore' with 3 crew members rescuing a man in difficulties; the afternoon finished with a presentation about the new Shannon Class Lifeboat that Selsey Branch hope will replace the current boat in December 2014.

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Caledonian Club

16 May 2013

The Master Anthony Fleming and his wife Ann greeted Guild Members and their guests to a reception in the Morrison Room, before dinner in the Johnnie Walker Room. After dinner the Master introduced Terry Neason, a Scottish caberet artiste, and Diva from Glasgow, who entertained everyone brilliantly with a medley of songs, before the Master thanked everyone for coming.

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Visit to RMA Sandhurst

9 May 2013

Guild Members of their guests arrived at Sandhurst mid morning where coffee was served in the Johnson Bar, before an initial briefing and history of the College was given by one of the tour leaders, John Sandy. People were divided into four groups before being taken on a tour of the College which included the Catholic Chapel, the Memorial Chapel, Le Marchant Room, the History Room, the Grand Entrance and Sovereigns Parade. Lunch was later served in the prestigious and impressive Indian Army Memorial Room, when the Master Anthony Fleming thanked Giles Orpen-Smellie, Director of the Sandhurst Foundation, and the four tour leaders, before a coach tour of the grounds of Sandhurst was taken before everyone departed.

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Reception & Supper - Cutlers' Hall

25 April 2013

The Master, Mr Anthony Fleming with his wife Ann greeted Guild Members and their guests to a reception in Cutlers' Hall, after the church service. Before dinner, the Master presented a cheque to the Headmaster of King Edward's School Witley, John Attwater, for the school. After dinner the Master welcomed and thanked The Very Revd Dr David Ison, Dean of St Paul's and his wife, The Revd Hilary Ison, together with The Revd Canon David Parrott and his wife Sue, and King Edward's School Witley's Headmaster John Attwater and his wife Victoria.

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Annual Service at St Lawrence Jewry next Guildhall

25 April 2013

The Guild's Annual Service was held on Thursday 25th April 2013 at St Lawrence Jewry next Guildhall, and was taken by the Guild Vicar, The Revd Canon David Parrott. The Choir of King Edward's School Witley sang throughout the service, by kind permission of the Headmaster John Attwater, and was conducted by Edward Moore, Assistant Director of Music. The organ was played by Catherine Ennis, Organist St Lawrence Jewry next Guildhall. The Senior warden Dr John Smail, JP read the first lesson and the second lesson was read by the Master, Mr Anthony Fleming. The Sermon was given by the Guild's own Honorary Chaplain, The Very Revd Dr David Ison, Dean of St Paul's.

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Titanic Dinner - Trinity House

8 April 2013

The Master MR Anthony Fleming with his wife Ann greeted the Guild Members and their guests at a reception in the Court Room of Trinity House to commemorate the Titanic's 101st anniversary, prior to dinner in the Library. Dinner was a four course feast which reflected parts of the menu served on the night when the Titanic sank. After the Loving Cup Ceremony, the Royal, Loyal and Civic Toasts, the Master introduced his guest speaker Patrick Mylon, a renowned expert on the White Star Line, who then spoke about the 'Titanic - sinking the myths' which gave a fascinating insight into what happened on the night of the Titanics tragic loss. The Master then thanked Patrick before the evening finished.

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Annual General Meeting and Installation Ceremony

12 March 2013

The Master, Mrs Anne Holden opened the 103rd AGM of the Guild of Freemen of the City of London at 5pm. The Directors Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 31st July 2012 were presented. Once the AGM business had been concluded the Master presented her successor Mr Tony Fleming with the Guild's Inventory Book and the Key to the Company Seal as symbols of high office of Master. The new Master thanked the Immediate Past Master and undertook to maintain the traditions and high standards of the Court. He then installed his Wardens. The Master presented an Illuminated Address to the Immediate Past Master and invested her with a Past Masters Badge. The meeting closed at 6.00pm.

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Reception & Dinner Grocers' Hall

27 February 2013

The Master, Mrs Anne Holden chose Grocers' Hall as the venue for her final dinner.

Founded in 1345 by 22 members of the ancient Guild of Pepperers, the Grocers' Company is ranked Number 2 in order of precedence of the City Livery Companies.

The Master with her husband Bob greeted Guild Members and their guests before the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, The Hon Fabian Picardo, MP, accompanied by his Private Secretary, Mr Gareth Flower, and the UK Representative of the Government of Gibraltar, Mr Albert Poggio arrived for the reception before dinner.

Throughout the evening Ivan Kiwuwa played the piano, and later as a special arrangement, in recognition of the presence of The Chief Minister of Gibraltar, the National Song was sung.

The Guest Speaker Deputy Wendy Mead gave an amusing and entertaining speech, followed by the Master who thanked everyone for their support throughout her year.

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Mansion House Art & House Tour

20 February 2013

The Art Tour began with looking at the 17th Century collection of Dutch and Flemish art, bequeathed by the late Lord Harold Samuelson of Wych Cross to the Mansion House in 1987. At the end of the morning the Master, Mrs Anne Holden thanked Rosaleen McEwan, a registered City Guide for an interesting knowledgeable and illuminating visit. John Davies, the Mansion House Hall Keeper, acted as the Guild's guide for the afternoon Mansion House Tour. This was an amusing and informative look at the Mansion House's architecture, furniture, and treasures, including the magnificent silver and gold vaults. The Master thanked John at the end of the afternoon for his fascinating, enlightening and unmissable tour.

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House of Lords Reception & Dinner

8 February 2013

The Baroness Floella Benjamin of Beckenham, OBE DL, kindly hosted the Guild's Annual Dinner at the House of Lords this year. Before the evening started those who wished were able to go on guided tours of the Palace of Westminster. The Master, Mrs Anne Holden with the Baroness, greeted Guild Members and their guests in the Peer's Guest Room, to a reception before dinner in the Peer's Dining Room. After dinner Baroness Florella Benjamin gave an enlightened and compassionate speech, before the evening finished, when the Master thanked the Baroness.

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Armourers' Hall Reception & Dinner

23 January 2013

The Armourers' and Braziers Company is ranked number 22 in order of precedence of the City Livery Companies. This beautiful hall survived the great fire in 1666, and was undamaged in the Second World War; it also houses a wonderful collection of 16th and 17th Century armour and paintings. The Master, Mrs Anne Holden greeted Guild Members and their guests before dinner in the Livery Hall. Two students from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama played the flute and guitar throughout dinner. The guest speaker was Richard Regan, who is a member of the Common Council, was Sheriff in 2006/7 and more recently served as Chief Commoner. The evening finished with the Master thanking Richard and wishing everyone a safe journey home.

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Old Bailey Visit & Supper

9 January 2013

The Under-Sheriff and Secondary of London Charles Henty kindly hosted the Guild's visit to the Old Bailey, which started in No 1 Criminal Court and ended in the cells below the courtrooms. Later the Master, Mrs Anne Holden thanked the Secondary on behalf of the Guild with a cheque, before the evening finished with supper in the City Pipe.

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Carol Service at St Martin-within-Ludgate

13 December 2012

The Service of Lessons and carols was taken by Guild Member, The Revd Esther McCafferty and Assistant Priest, The Revd Aidan Smith. The Choir was provided by the City of London Freemen's School directed by Paul Dodds, the school's Director of Music and provided by kind permission of the Headmaster of The City of London Freemen's School, Mr Philip MacDonald, and the organist was Michael Bird. Guild Members, Beryl Fergusson, Jonathan Lewin and Ronald Wilson read lessons one, two and four, and Tim Peters, City of London Freemen's School read the third lesson. The Master Mrs Anne Holden read the fifth lesson before the Revd Esther McCafferty gave the Christmas Message. At the end of the Service the Master presented the Headmaster of the City of London Freemen's School, Mr Philip MacDonald with a cheque. Everyone was then invited to remain in the Church as refreshments were served.

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Diamond Jubilee Banquet - Guildhall

10 December 2012

The Guild's glittering prestigious Annual Banquet was held in the Guildhall and attended by 571 Guild Members, who on arrival received an Honour Guard provided by 253 Provost Company Royal Military Police, The Master, Mrs Anne Holden and her husband Bob welcomed everyone to a champagne reception before the start of the Banquet. The Guild's principal guests included the Honorable Fabian Picardo, MP, The Chief Minister of Gibraltar, The Lord Moynihan of Leeds, Chairman of the British Olympic Association 2007-2012, and The Right Honorable The Lord Mayor, Alderman Roger Gifford, The City of London Corporation and the two Sheriffs. A superb programme of music was provided by the Militaire Orchestra under the directorship of Walter Appleton, and was concluded traditionally with the 'Post Horn Gallop'. Mark Grove of The Cook and the Butler provided the excellent catering throughout with a fine four course dinner served to Guild Members and their guests. The Master brought the evening to a close by thanking all those who helped to plan and organize the Banquet and wishing everyone present the compliments of the season.

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Wine Tasting - Tallow Chandlers' Hall

21 November 2012

The Master, Mrs Anne Holden welcomed Tim Hartley of the Jurade de Saint Emilion, and the Guild members and their guests, to this annual tasting event. A variety of excellent wines were presented during a fascinating description of its vineyards and its wine producers, before the evening finished with snacks and Tallow Chandlers' house wine.

Hilton in the Community Foundation Ball 2012

17 November 2012

22 Guild members and their guests joined over 600 other supporters at this year's ball at the London Park Lane Hilton. Stunning food, fabulous prizes and amazing entertainment including a performance from the West End cast of Let it Be ensured that this was perhaps the best ball so far. The event raised more than £335,000 for disadvantaged young people and is a great result. Thanks to those who helped raise this fabulous sum of money to make a positive difference to young people's lives.

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Lord Mayor's Show & Lunch

10 November 2012

Guild Members and their guests watched the Lord Mayor's Show from seats on the stands erected on the Southside of St Paul's Cathedral; they cheered the Master Mrs Anne Holden as she passed by in her coach in the parade. Later those members who had booked in enjoyed a hot three course lunch at the City Pipe in Foster Lane.

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Carpenters' Hall Reception & Dinner

25 October 2012

The Master Mrs Anne Holden with her husband Bob greeted Guild Members and their guests to a Champagne reception before dinner in Carpenters' Hall. An ensemble called 'Oopsie Mamushka Strings' played entertainingly and amusingly after dinner, before the Master thanked the group and wished everyone a safe journey home.

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Soldier of the Year 2012

24 October 2012

The Soldier of the Year 2012 Award was presented to Corporal Bianca Campbell by the Master of the Guild of Freemen of the City of London, Mrs Anne Holden, on Wednesday 24th October 2012, during a visit to the unit's HQ in Tulse Hill.

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Visit, Supper and Ceremony of the Keys, Tower of London

17 October 2012

Due to popular demand these three identical events (4th October, 17th October and 7th November) were made possible by private invitation of one of the Yeoman Warders, Colin Smith, MBE of the Tower of London. Guild Members and their guests met at the West Gate at 7pm. Colin Smith then gave a guided tour round the external buildings of the complex, before he finished at the Yeoman Warders' Club, where a cold buffet with wine was served. Before everyone went to Traitors' Gate to watch and witness the Ceremony of the Keys, the Master, Mrs Anne Holden thanked Colin for the evening and made a presentation of Guild Cufflinks.

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Visit & Buffet Supper - College of Arms

17 October 2012

A fascinating tour of the College of Arms was arranged by Windsor Herald. Guild members and their guests view some of the most spectacular examples of the College's work over the past seven centuries, before a light supper was served.

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Reception and Dinner at Tallow Chandler's Hall

26 September 2012

The Master Mrs Anne Holden greeted members and their guests to a reception before the first dinner of the Autumn in the Guild's 'home base'. The guest speaker was Brigadier Roy Wilde, CBE, the Clerk of Tallow Chandlers' Company who gave a fascinating talk into the history of the Hall, which has served as the Guild's home base for the last 70 years. Music was provided by Ivan, who played the piano throughout.

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Visit to the Queen's Gallery & Supper

19 September 2012

The Master Mrs Anne Holden with Guild Members and their guests assembled forstr at the Queen's Gallery for a private view of Leonardo Da Vinci's studies of the human body; a unique visit to see priceless material on display. A short walk later took everyone to the prestigious Edwardian Suite in the nearby St James' Crowne Plaza Hotel in Buckingham Gate for Dinner.

The Guild of Freemen Golf Society

17 September 2012

Phil Stickings the Guild's Golf Society secretary once again organized a successful day at the Army Golf Club Aldershot on Monday 17th September 2012, where 15 players took part in the last tournament of the season. The winner of the Ronald Ward Salver was Len Tutt, followed by Richard Gambold, and then Mervyn Piper who came third. The Master Mrs Anne Holden and her husband Bob joined the golf players for dinner, and later the Master presented the prizes to the winners of the day; plus the prizes for the 2012 season which included The Secretary's Cup won by Tony Latham, The Kenneth Honey Cup won by George Elwood and the Septuagenarian Salver won by our Golf Society Captain David Moscrop. David then presented a special memento prize to the Master for being the first Master to attend and present prizes at all three tournaments of the season. The Golf Society will play the end of season match against the City Livery Club on 24th October 2012 at North Hants Golf Club.

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4 Day Trip to Gibraltar

11 September 2012

The Master, Mrs Anne Holden with a party of Guild Members flew to Gibraltar for a busy and full 4 day programme which included Gibraltar's National Day, dinner in St Michael's Cave hosted by the Chief Minister of the Government of Gibraltar, The Hon. Fabian Picardo MP; a reception in The Convent, hosted by HE Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johne KCB CBE ADC, the Governor of Gibraltar, and a reception hosted by Mr Albert Poggio, OBE, UK representative of the Government of Gibraltar in the Rock Hotel which preceded a spectacular National Day Firework Display which marked the end of the festivities.

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Visit to Dulwich Picture Gallery & Supper at Rocca di Papa Restaurant

18 July 2012

The master Mrs Anne Holden with her husband Bob and the Guild members assembled at the entrance to the Dulwich Art Gallery at 3.30pm for a guided one hour tour of the static exhibition. There was also an optional visit to the Andy Warhol Exhibition, as well as the opportunity to view Giuseppe Arcimboldo's legendary paintings of the Four Seasons displayed in the Gallery's gardens, created by the American Artist and film maker, Philip Haas. A five minute walk after the Gallery closed took the party to the Rocca di Papa Restaurant situated in Dulwich Village for drinks and supper. Before the evening finished the Master stood up, and gave a few words of welcome to everyone.

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City Walks 9th & 10th July

10 July 2012

Peter Tompkins' theme this year was 'City Churches'. Members with the Master, Mrs Anne Holden, and her husband gathered at Paternoster Square in the shadow of the City's finest Church, St. Paul's Cathedral. From there Peter took everyone through Temple Bar to St. Paul's Graveyard, past St. Augustine's, onto St Mary Aldermary, and then to St Stephen Walbrook (where Henry Moore's Central Altar was installed in 1987). Before the walk finished Peter pointed out St. Mary Le Bow, one of Wren's finest Churches, before going to Christ Church Greyfriars which had originally been built on the site of the Greyfriars Monastery and finally to Foster Lane, past St. Vedast, and into the City Pipe for refreshments. The Master later thanked Peter Tompkins and presented him with a cheque for his chosen charity, the Lord Mayor's Charity Appeal.

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GSMD Gala Evening - Supper and show

2 July 2012

The Master, Mrs Anne Holden with her husband Mr Bob Holden, Guild members and their guests enjoyed a musical evening at the Barbican. The Guildhall School of Music and Drama put on the first gala evening of the London Premiere of the new musical 'Chaplin'. The evening began with drinks in the Barbican's Conservatory with background music played by a GSMD ensemble throughout. A two course supper was then served in the Garden Room, before the show began.

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Skinners' Hall Reception & Black Tie Dinner

27 June 2012

The Master, Mrs Anne Holden with her husband Mr Bob Holden greeted Guild Members and their guests at Skinners' Hall at a reception which was held on the Fountain Roof Terrace before dinner in the Great Hall, which is paneled with paintings by Anglo-Welsh artist, Sir Frank Branwyn.

Skinners' Company ranks either 6 or 7 in order of precedence amongst the City's Livery Companies, alternating annually with the Merchant Taylors over unresolved dispute over which Company was founded first.

The evening concluded with musical entertainment provided by The Moorgate Masters Singers, students at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama by kind permission of the Principal.

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Beating Retreat & Dinner in the RAC Club

14 June 2012

The Master, Mrs Anne Holden with her husband Mr Bob Holden greeted Guild Members and their guests in the prestigious Mountbatten Room of the RAC Club in Pall Mall, where an early dinner was served before everyone walked across St James' Park to Horse Guards Parade for the Beating Retreat. This magnificent pageant involved over 300 soldiers and musicians from the Household Guards Division, guest bands and the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, Joey the Warhorse from the stage production of War Horse, the Mounted Band of Pipers and horses of the Royal Cavalry of Oman, and the Moscow Militia all there to help celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, as they performed the age old ceremony of Beating Retreat under floodlight. The final salute was taken by HRH The Duke of Wessex which brought the evening to a memorable conclusion.

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House of Commons - Reception & Black Tie Dinner

25 May 2012

Dinner in the House of Commons was hosted by Colonel Bob Stewart DSO MP for Beckenham, the Master's constituency. The reception was held in the Terrace Marquee overlooking the Thames, whilst tours of the Palace of Westminster was undertaken by those who wished, and then dinner was served in The Churchill Room. The Guild was delighted to be joined by a large group of Fellows of The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, led by Guild member, Simon Jones. After the toasts, Colonel Bob Stewart gave an interesting speech, before the Master thanked him and presented him with a Guild commemorative Halcyon Days Box.

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Reception & Dinner on Tower Bridge

10 May 2012

The Master, Mrs Anne Holden with her husband Bob Holden greeted Guild members and their guests at a reception in the east gantry of Tower Bridge. A few enjoyed guided tours to visit the engine rooms that drive the mechanism that raises and lowers the bridge, before dinner was served. After the loyal toasts, the Master said a few words before the evening finished.

Please note: the photographs that illustrate these articles are the copyright of Peter Holland, the Guild's photographer, or of the Guild (unless otherwise stated). Anyone wishing to obtain copies should contact the Guild office.