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Court Activities | Court Appointments | News Archive


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Burns Nights Supper Chartered Accountants' Hall

25 January 2012

The 253rd anniversary of the birth of Robbie Burns was celebrated by the Guild. The master, Mr Don Lunn gave the Selkirk Grace before dinner, and an address to the Haggis after the haggis was piped in by Pipe major Angus Ingram. The Immortal memory was given by Warden Dr John Smail after dinner, and The Lassies was proposed by Mr Roger Mallindine with the response from Mrs Doreen Lunn. The evening ended with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.


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Visit to Old Bailey & Supper in the City Pipe

11 January 2012

The evening started at No 1 Criminal Court and ended in the cells below the Court Rooms. The Clerk then presented a cheque to the Secondary of London and the Under Sheriff of the City and the Bailiff of Southwark, Charles Henty in recognition and thanks for hosting the evening. The evening finished in the City Pipe with a convivial supper.

The Master with HRH Crown Princess Margarita and HRH Prince Radu of Romania

The Master with HRH Crown Princess Margarita and HRH Prince Radu of Romania
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The Master, Mr Don Lunn with Mrs Doreen Lunn and The Right Honourable the Viscount Dilhorne

The Master, Mr Don Lunn with Mrs Doreen Lunn and The Right Honourable the Viscount Dilhorne
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The Master and his family

The Master and his family
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The Master and the VIP Guests

The Master and the VIP Guests
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Annual Banquet - Guildhall

12 December 2011

The Master, Mr Don Lunn and his wife Doreen greeted Guild Members and their guests to a glittering banquet in the Great Hall of the Guildhall. The speeches were given by HRH Prince Radu of Romania, The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor, Alderman David Wootton, and the Right Honourable The Baroness Manningham-Buller, who proposed a toast to the Guild and its Master.

In his turn the Master welcomed the guests, especially the Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress, Sheriffs and their consorts, and HRH The Crown Princess Margarita of Romania, and other members of the Romania Royal family; and finally he brought the evening to a close by thanking all those who had helped plan and organize the banquet.

Throughout the evening the programme of music was provided by the Militaire Orchestra under the directorship of Walter Appleton.

The Honour Guard was provided by 253 Provost Company Royal Military Police (Volunteers) of the 4th Regiment RMP by kind permission of Major Nathan Bray.


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Carol Service, St Martin-within-Ludgate

8 December 2011

The choir of the City of London Freemen's School, Ashtead, with Mr Paul Dodds, Director of Music, sang traditional carols along with the congregation. Lessons were read by the Master and Guild Members, Mr Stephen Haylock, Mrs Anne Lofts, Mr Michael Bustard and Justin Chow, pupil of the City school. The service was conducted by Guild Member Revd Esther McCafferty. At the end of the Service the Master, Mr Don Lunn presented a cheque to the Headmaster of City of London Freemen's School, Mr Philip MacDonald. The evening finished with refreshments before everyone departed.


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Whisky Tasting - Tallow Chandlers' Hall

23 November 2011

Former Court Member, Roger Mallindine laid on and hosted a special Whisky Tasting evening of Dewar's Blended, Single Malt and Liqueuer Whiskies. The Master, Mr Don Lunn stood up after the tasting and thanked Roger for the Whiskies he had brought. The Master then welcomed the President of the Society of Young Freemen, Govind Ratnam and their members to the event. The President of the SYF, Govind Ratnam thanked the Master on behalf of the Young Freemen for the evening. Snacks and Wine were served before everyone left.


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Lord Mayor's Show

12 November 2011

Guild Members and their guests watched as the new Lord Mayor, Alderman David Wootton, the 684th Lord Mayor of London rode by in his 254 year old gold state coach, from seats on the stands erected on the South side of St Paul's Cathedral. They cheered and waved their flags as the Master, Mr Don Lunn passed by later in his landau in the parade of 153 floats and carriages.

After the parade (those who had booked) went to the nearby City Pipe for a traditional lunch.

The day finished with a fantastic firework display on the Thames.

GSMD Sings Mozart

GSMD Sings Mozart
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The Master and his Lady

The Master and his Lady
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Mrs Hawley, Court Asst Liz Thornborough and Mrs Huggins

Mrs Hawley, Court Asst Liz Thornborough and Mrs Huggins
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Black Tie Dinner in the Vintners' Hall

2 November 2011

At 6.30pm the receiving line opened with the Guild Members and their guests invited to go up the fine 17th Century staircase to the first floor where the Master, Mr Don Lunn and his wife Doreen greeted everyone in the Perruquiers' Room before going into the Drawing Room for the Champagne Reception.

Dinner was announced at 7.30pm and held in the magnificent Great Hall on the ground floor. After the City's historic Loving Cup Ceremony with the Loyal and Civic toasts, the Guild was treated to a wonderful medley of musical and opera arias by the 'Silk Street Singers'; a group of students from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

The Master then thanked the group and after an amusing speech bade everyone a safe journey home.

College of Arms Visit and Buffet Supper

25 October 2011

Wednesday 12th October & Tuesday 25th October 2011

Once again the Guild enjoyed a fascinating tour of the College of Arms as arranged by Windsor Herald. Guild Members and their guests were able to view spectacular examples of the colleges work over the past 7 centuries. This was followed by a light buffet supper on both evenings.


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253 Provost Company RMP (V) Soldier of the Year 2011

20 October 2011

The OC, Major Nathan Bray gave an introductory briefing to the Master Mr Don Lunn and his wife Doreen at their base in Tulse Hill.

Later the Master presented Lance Corporal Timothy Chu with a plaque and certificate to commemorate his achievement as Soldier of the Year 2011.


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Reception and Dinner at Trinity House

17 October 2011

The Master, Mr Don Lunn with his wife Doreen greeted the Guild Members and their guests to a Champagne Reception before dinner in the beautiful Great Hall which had wonderful views of the Tower of London.

Captain Duncan Glass (Merchant Seaman), Rental Warden of Trinity House gave an illuminating and fascinating talk about the history of Trinity House, Lighthouses and their role in connection with the sea, and navigation of ships. The Master then thanked the Guest Speaker before the evening drew to an end.


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Mansion House Tours

6 October 2011

The Master, Mr Don Lunn and his wife Doreen greeted Guild members and their guests on arrival at The Mansion House. Following the morning tour which focused on the House's architecture, furniture and treasures, the afternoon tour focused on the fabulous Harold Samuel Collection of 17th Century Dutch paintings. Between tours a lunch for those who wished was held in the City University Club.

The Master with HIllH Countess Stephanie zu Waldburg-Zeil-Hohenems

The Master with HIllH Countess Stephanie zu Waldburg-Zeil-Hohenems
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The Master and his wife thank Senora Barquin

The Master and his wife thank Senora Barquin
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Plaza de Torros de La Maest

Plaza de Torros de La Maest
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Guild members enjoy a carriage ride through the Parque Maria Louisa

Guild members enjoy a carriage ride through the Parque Maria Louisa
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Guild's Tour - A week in Andalusia

28 September 2011

Forty-nine Guild Members arrived at the Hotel Las Casas de La Juderia, in the heart of Seville on Wednesday evening (21st September). The Master, Mr Don Lunn with his wife Doreen greeted everyone, before drinks and tapas were served next door in the Palace of the Duke of Segorbe.

An action packed programme of events was organised for the week ahead; from the tour of the Cathedral, a visit to the Palace of Lebrija and the Real Academia de Bellas Artes owned by the Marquesa de Merito, (who welcomed the Guild), to later an evening of Flamenco dancing full of passion and pathos played out in front of an audience.

Earlier in the week a most marvellous and privileged tour of the bullfight areana (Plaza de Torros de La Maestranza) was organised, and a personal invitation from the Marques of Gramosa was extended to show the Guild round.

A day trip into the Andalusian countryside with lunch at the Finca Los Melonares was hosted by Senor and Senora Pachi Madariaga.

Later in the week a visit to see the young black bulls and horses (Spanish Riding School) at Cortijo Fuenterey (near Jerez de La Frontera) with lunch at Cartijo La Penuela, where the owner, Dona Mercedes Domecq entertained the Guild. The day finished with a visit to 'Bodegas Tradicion' where Senora Elena Rivero welcomed the Guild to a private guided tour of the Spanish art collection of the Rivero family. Tapas and Sherry tasting were served before the Guild departed for Seville.

The last day was a morning ride through the 'Parque Maria Louisa' in horse drawn carriages followed by a visit to the Church La Caridad before lunch at the Oriza Restaurant. A boat trip on the river was organised in the afternoon.

A Gala Black Tie dinner was held that evening in the Palace of the Duchess of Medinaceli (Casa Pilatos), which marked the finale of the Guild's Andalusian Tour.


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Visit and Lunch - The Geffrye Museum

12 September 2011

The Master, Mr Don Lunn and his wife Doreen greeted the Guild Members and their guests as they assembled at Midday outside in the glorious herb gardens of the museum for drinks. The Director of the Museum, Mr David Dewing then gave an introductory talk before a buffet lunch was served inside. After lunch groups of Guild members and their guests were then shown the interior of one of the fully restored 18th Century almshouses (which used to belong to The Worshipful Company of Ironmongers). There was also an opportunity to stroll through the museum which focused on the interiors of homes over the past 400 years. The day finished with afternoon tea at 3.15pm and the master, Mr Don Lunn then thanked everyone for coming.


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Dinner and Cruise on the Elizabethan

12 July 2011

The Master, Mr Don Lunn with his wife Doreen, greeted 140 Guild Members and their guests for an evening on The Elizabethan, a replica of an 1890 Mississippi Stern-Wheeled paddle steamer. During the river cruise and throughout the reception and dinner, an amazing magician David Willmott entertained everyone with his magic. After dinner, the Master gave an amusing speech before everyone disembarked at Tower Pier.


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City Walk and Light Supper (28th and 30th June)

30 June 2011

Peter Tomkins, a Past Chairman of the Society of Young Freemen, once again led two fascinating City Walks. The theme for this years walks was 'The Modern City - Developments over the past 25 years.' Both of the evenings ended with wine and light refreshments in 'Bangers Too' a Davy's Wine Bar in St Mary at Hill.

A cheque for £700 was presented to Peter Tomkins for his chosen charity, The Lord Mayor's Appeal at the end of the second evening.

Summer Reception and Black Tie Dinner, Gibson Hall

22 June 2011

The Master, Mr Don Lunn with his wife Doreen greeted the Guild members and their guests, assisted by the Beadle, Mr John Hollingsworth in the Garden Room of Gibson Hall to a Champagne Reception. Dinner was taken in the classical elegance of the Great Hall with its Corinthian marble columns and beautifully decorated walls and ceilings. Music played throughout the Reception and Dinner from the Cantabile String Quartet. Mr Jock Lowe gave an amusing speech about life as a supersonic pilot on Concorde, with the Master later thanking him with a little presentation before the end of the evening


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Bletchley Park

15 June 2011

A fascinating day ensued for those Guild members and their guests who were lucky enough to be able to participate in a day out at Bletchley Park, home of the code-breakers. The group of 100 Guild Members were divided into two, the expert guides gave an enormously interesting insight into Bletchley Park's code-breaking successes, the most famous being the Enigma machine cipher. It was also Winston Churchill's secret passion, he called its code-breakers his "geese that laid the golden eggs that never cackled." The intensely secretive work carried out during the Second World War by the people at the Park, meant many hundreds of peoples lives were saved and the War shortened by two years.


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Golf day - West Byfleet Golf Club

14 June 2011

The sun shone as Guild Members and their guests convened at 1pm on the 1st tee at West Byfleet Golf Club for a round of 18 holes. Later after an enjoyable dinner in the Clubhouse, the Captain, David Moscrop, thanked the Hon. Secretary Phil Stickings for arranging the day. The Clerk's wife, Belinda Keun was then invited to present the prizes. The winner was David Palmer, followed by guest golfer Chris Hare in second, and George Elwood came third. The evening finished with Chris Hare, who amused everyone with some very clever card tricks.


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Day Visit to RNLI Selsey

8 June 2011

The Guild was delighted to visit RNLI Selsey in their 150th Anniversary, where they were given a very warm welcome by the Branch Chairman, John Light and his colleagues. The Master and 12 brave Guild Members were then invited to board Voluntary Worker (lifeboat) for a launch and short sea voyage. Splashed but feeling exhilarated a fish lunch was enjoyed at the nearby Lifeboat Inn. The Guild finished the day with a visit to the nearby Coastguard Station. Sadly due to health and safety grounds a chance to climb up the watch tower had to be abandoned as there was a force 7/8 wind blowing. The Master having earlier thanked the RNLI and Coastguard for their kindness and hospitality for putting on such a fantastic day for the Guild, gave John Light a Volume II of The History of the Guild in which the RNLI Selsey is featured.


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Christ's Hospital Speech Day

28 May 2011

On Saturday 28th May the Master, Mr Don Lunn and his wife Doreen attended the annual Speech Day at Christ's Hospital. Before the days events started they had the opportunity to meet and talk to the Guild's Presentee, Kitty Wordsworth, who is in her second and last year at Christ's Hospital before going to Sussex University in September.


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House of Commons - Reception and Black Tie Dinner

20 May 2011

The Master, Mr Don Lunn with his wife Doreen, welcomed the Guild Members and their guests in the Terrace Marquee, before dinner in the Churchill Room, which was kindly hosted by the Attorney General, the Right Honourable Domonic Grieve, QC MP. Before the reception tours were laid on for those who wished, of the Palace of Westminster.


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Guild Visit to Romania

1 May 2011

The Master, Mr Don Lunn, together with Past Master Sir Gavyn Arthur, led a 12 day Guild Visit to Romania. The tour began in Bucharest at the Athenee Palace (Hilton) Hotel, with dinner at the Hotel Carol Parc, on Sunday 1st May.

After a walking tour and lunch in Bucharest the next day, the Guild departed for the Carpathian Mountains and Brasov and the following day was spent on a guided tour round the ancient Saxon town centre, before going on to Castle Bran (Dracula's Castle) for dinner and where we enjoyed an evening of great amusement and fun in spite of the narrow and treacherous steps within the castle.

An early departure from Brasov the following morning to meet Count Tibor Kalnocky at his estate in Miklosvar was required as activities had been organised throughout the day. The majority of people opted for the traditional horse and cart ride up to the woodland for a barbeque lunch. Sadly rain after lunch forced everyone back to the farmhouse with the horses and carts slipping and sliding in the mud. People then departed to their respective lodgings in Zalanpatak, Hotel Ramada and Vila Trapez in Brasov, and Miklosvar for the next three nights.

The next morning the Guild looked at an Arts and Crafts workplace and a Unitarian Church before a picnic lunch; this was followed in the evening with a black tie dinner hosted by Count and Countess Tibor Kalnocky at their Manor House where they had put on singing, dancing and string instruments played in typical Hungarian fashion.

The third day was a visit to the Saxon Village of Deutschweisskirch where Prince Charles owns two houses. UNESCO have taken an interest too in the upkeep of the Lutherian Church in the Saxon village.

Saturday 7th May meant a two hour journey to Sighisoara, an old historical City built on top of a hill, where everyone stayed at the rustic Hotel Casa Wagner. Lunch was taken at Casa Val Dracul, the birthplace of Dracula in 1431.

The following morning we departed for Biertan and Medias. In Medias we visited the main Lutherian Church 'St Margaret', before lunch at the restaurant Traube. Later the coaches took us to the Hotel Ramada in the centre of Sibiu, a cultural City with a very attractive square.

The next day the Guild travelled through magnificent scenery to the Hurezi Monastery where the Reverend Mother Marina and Baron Jakob Kripp welcomed everyone to a delicious lunch cooked and prepared by the nuns, after a visit to the chapel. That evening Baron Jacob Kripp gave a tour and wine tasting at his family's wine estate, before supper was served.

The following morning we set off for Bucharest and the Hotel Palace Athenee. After lunch at the atmospheric Restaurant Caru Cu Bere and a brief respite to change and for ladies to have their harir done, we set off for the Royal Elisabeta Palace White Tie Dinner graciously hosted by His Majesty King Michael I of Romania. This was preceded by a Ceremony celebrating the granting of the Freedom of the City of London to His Majesty, in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Crown Princess Margarita and His Royal Highness Prince Radu.

The following morning the party went to Sinaia to visit Castle Peles, and after lunch visited Castle Pelesor. Both castles are owned by King Michael. From Sinaia it was back towards Bucharest and dinner en-route at the Stirbey Palace Restaurant, where Baron Jacob Kripp greeted everyone.

On the final day of the trip we visited the Palace of the Parliament built by Ceausescu. This was followed by a visit to the Crown Princess Margarita's Foundation for Children, where the Master Mr Don Lunn presented a donation of 2,500 Euro and a Guild plaque to the Director Mr Mugurel Margurit.

From there we headed for the airport and home. So ended an exhilarating 12 day tour of Romania.


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Guild Golfing Society - Broke Hill Golf Club

12 April 2011

Captain David Moscrop gave a few words after dinner, and thanked the Master, Mr Don Lunn and his wife Doreen for coming. He also thanked Phil Stickings for organizing the days golf and dinner in the clubhouse. The Master's wife, Mrs Doreen Lunn gave the prizes. The winner was Bob Morgan, with Richard Gambold second, and Len Tutt in third. The next Golfing venue will be at the ever popular West Byfleet Golf Club on Thursday 16th June 2011 teeing off at 1pm.

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.

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