Guild News

Court Activities | Court Appointments | News Archive


[View larger image]


[View larger image]

Regents Canal Boat Trip and Dinner

21 July 2010

The Master, Mr Anthony Woodhead and his wife Katy greeted the Guild members and their guests on the Edwardian styled boat 'The Prince Regent' at Sheldon Square, Paddington, before embarking on a dinner cruise near Little Venice, then sailing through the awe inspiring Maida Hill Tunnel, past Regents Park, London Zoo, Lord Snowdon's Aviary, the floating Chinese restaurant, up to Camden Lock before returning to Paddington after a very happy evening. Due to the popularity of this event four canal trips have been organised.


[View larger image]

Presentation of the Guild's Silver Cup at City of London Academy Speech Day

15 July 2010

City of London Academy Past Master Mr Gordon Gentry attended the Annual Prize giving on Thursday 15th July 2010 in the Main Hall at the City of London Academy and met the two students, Pia Smithers and Feyisetan Coker, who were presented the Guild of Freemen Award for greatest improvement during the academic year.


[View larger image]


[View larger image]

Tallow Chandlers' Hall

23 June 2010

The Master, Mr Anthony Woodhead with his wife Katy, greeted the Guild members and their guests at a reception in the pretty courtyard of Tallow Chandlers' Hall before dinner. After dinner the Guest Speaker, Mr Richard Morris, a Verderer of Epping Forest gave a fascinating talk about being a Verderer, a position that goes back to 1189 and the Norman Conquest. The evening finished on a happy note as England had won the football match against Slovenia earlier that afternoon.


[View larger image]

City Walk and light Supper

17 June 2010

Peter Tompkins, a past Chairman of the Society of Young Freemen, led the City Walk once again. The theme for his walk this year was 'The City's River and its History'. As always this was an over subscribed event and after a fascinating walk and talk the Guild ended up in the Mughouse under London Bridge where refreshments were provided by Davies Wine bar. As always a satisfying evening had been enjoyed by everyone.


[View larger image]


[View larger image]

Second meeting of the Golf Society 2010

15 June 2010

West Byfleet Golf Club was the venue (sadly the first venue at Brooke Hill Golf Club, Halstead, Kent in April was cancelled due to lack of support) yesterday for seventeen Guild members and their guests to play in a friendly competition together.

The Hon. Sec. Philip Stickings organised a successful day, supper was in the Golf Club with the Clerk and his wife giving their support by attending. The Hon. Captain David Moscrop gave the prizes. The winner was Lee Jones, who won six bottles of wine, followed by Cyril Davy who came second and won four bottles of wine and Tracy Jones came third and won two bottles of wine.

The Hon. Sec. then told everyone that the next venue would be on Monday 27th September at the Army Golf Club Aldershot. If anyone is interested in joining the Society for this meeting they are welcome to get in touch with the Hon. Sec. Philip Stickings whose contact details are on the Golf Society page of this website, accessed through the members' area.


[View larger image]


[View larger image]

Sandown Races

12 June 2010

With the sun shining through out the day the Master, Mr Anthony Woodhead greeted the Guild and their guests for a day at the races, in the prestigious Solario Suite, before lunch at 12:30 pm.

Everyone was able to make full use of the integral tote and bar facilities that were available in the Suite. There was also a wonderful panoramic view of the race course, with open access to the stands.

The first race started at 1:45 pm and around the fourth race afternoon tea was served. The day finished after the seventh race with most people feeling reasonably happy with their winnings.


[View larger image]


[View larger image]

Beating Retreat and Dinner in the Reform Club

9 June 2010

The Guild members and their guests enjoyed dinner in the Reform Club, (established in 1836 in the wake of the political activity and ideas of that time) in the magnificent library, which is almost 120 feet in length and overlooks Carlton Gardens. The Master, Mr Anthony Woodhead, welcomed everyone at the start of the evening. Mr Ivor Hockman, a member of the Reform Club, kindly sponsored the dinner. By eight fifteen it was time for everyone to walk the short distance to St James' Park to take their seats for the Beating Retreat by the Mounted Bands, Trumpeters, Massed Bands, Corp of Drums, and Pipes and Drums of the Household Division in the presence of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, Senior Colonel, who took the salute at the Household Division Beating Retreat on Horse Guards Parade. The evening finished at ten fifteen after an amazing and spectacular performance.


[View larger image]

Malcolm Sargent Festival Choir Concert and Supper

27 May 2010

The Master, Mr Anthony Woodhead CBE, greeted the Guild and their guests in Plaisterers' Hall at 5.45 pm, before the concert. Tea and Coffee were served before everyone sat down in the Great Hall to listen to the Malcolm Sargent Festival Choir, conducted by Simon Over, under the arrangements made by the Chairman, Sylvia Darley.

The soloists during the concert were Peter Allanson, bass baritone and Caroline Taunt, soprano. Kate Walter played the flute and Nicholas O'Neill played the piano throughout.

A buffet supper was enjoyed by everyone at the end of the evening, before the Master stood up and thanked the choir for their wonderful renditions.


[View larger image]


[View larger image]

Wentworth Woodhouse

16 May 2010

The Master, Mr Anthony Woodhead took the Guild to South Yorkshire for a fascinating few days on Thursday 13th May, visiting Wentworth Woodhouse, a Grade I listed country house belonging to Past Master Clifford Newbold.

A Gala black tie dinner was held in the magnificent Marble Hall in Wentworth Woodhouse on the first night, with a display from the South Yorkshire Police dogs and their handlers, and a tour of the interior and exterior of the house and grounds the following day.

The day after that there was a visit to the National Coal Mining Museum with access underground to the Caphouse Colliery, with later a black tie reception and dinner in Sheffield's Cutlers' Hall. The principal speaker was Past Master of the Cutlers, Mr Gordon Bridge.

The trip finished after breakfast on Sunday 16th May.

The Master presenting a cheque to Mr Steven Pedlar with the Choir of King Edward's School, Witley

The Master presenting a cheque to Mr Steven Pedlar with the Choir of King Edward's School, Witley
[View larger image]

Annual Service at St Paul's

5 May 2010

The Annual Service was held in the Crypt of St Paul's at six pm. The Honorary Chaplain the Right Reverend Graeme Knowles, Dean of St Paul's, took the Service and preached the Sermon. The Choir of King Edward's School, Witley sang through out the service, which was conducted by the Precentor of the school, Steven Pedlar.

Afterwards the Master, Mr Anthony Woodhead and his Lady greeted everyone at a reception followed by supper in Saddlers' Hall. The guest speaker was Mr Allan Packwood, Director of Churchill Archive Centre, Churchill College, Cambridge who spoke about Churchill and the Battle of Britain as it is the 70th Anniversary this year.


[View larger image]

Watermen's Hall - Reception and Dinner

26 April 2010

The first event for this year's master, Mr Anthony Woodhead, a chartered accountant, was at Watermen's Hall. The Master and his wife greeted Guild Members and their guests at a reception before dinner, which was catered for by Mr Mark Groves.

The guest speaker was Mr Mark Spofforth, Past master of the Horners and Vice-President (Elect) of the institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.


[View larger image]


[View larger image]

Syria 3rd - 12th March

12 March 2010

The Master, Sir Gavyn Arthur, took the Guild to Syria where the tour began in Damascus staying at the Four Seasons Hotel for three nights. Mr Mohamed Haykal and his wife hosted the first night's dinner in an old Damascene house after a reception at the British Ambassador's residence.

The following morning the Guild was taken to Bosra, one of the cities of the Decapolis, located 2 hours south of Damascus. Later that evening, the Master and the Guild hosted a gala dinner at Khan Asaad Pasha in Damascus.

The next day entailed a long journey to the oasis city of Palmyra where everyone stayed for two nights at the Zenobia Cham Hotel.

From Palmyra the journey continued to Aleppo (the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world) for three nights staying at the Sheraton. On the third night a Gala dinner was hosted by Mr and Mrs Mohamed Sabbagh Sharabati.

On returning to Damascus a fascinating tour of the Crac des Chevaliers Citadel was taken after lunch.

Back at the Four Seasons hotel a farewell dinner was enjoyed before an early start to London the following morning.


[View larger image]

Fishmongers' Hall Black Tie Dinner & Reception

25 February 2010

A glittering evening was enjoyed by the Guild Members and their guests at Fishmongers' Hall, the final event of the Master Sir Gavyn Arthur, and the Guild's Mistress Miss Carole Blackshaw.

The Guest Speaker, the Rt Hon Admiral The Lord West of Spithead GCB, DSC, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Security and Counter Terrorism, gave an amusing and humorous speech.

The Master thanked Lord West and wished everyone a safe journey home.


[View larger image]

Old Bailey Visit and Supper

10 February 2010

As always this is a very popular event. Two evenings were booked for the Old Bailey.

The Master, Sir Gavyn Arthur welcomed the Guild Members and their guests in Court No.1 at the Old Bailey. Before the lecture tour began the Master presented a cheque to the Secondary of London and the Under Sheriff of the City and the Bailiff of Southwark, Charles Henty.

The tour finished with a visit to the cells below the courtrooms.

Afterwards the party retired to the City Pipe for a three course supper with wine.


[View larger image]

House of Lords

5 February 2010

Field Marshall The Lord Vincent of Coleshill once again kindly hosted this very popular event. The Master, Sir Gavyn Arthur and the Mistress of the Guild, Miss Carole Blackshaw received the Guild Members and their guests.

During the reception professional guides took those who wished on a fascinating tour of the Palace of Westminster.

Dinner was served in the Peers' Dining Room and after the toasts, the Master introduced Baroness James of Holland Park (the eminent authoress P. D. James) who gave an amusing and light hearted after dinner speech.


[View larger image]

Salter's Hall - Reception and Black Tie Dinner

27 January 2010

The Master, Sir Arthur Gavyn and the Mistress of the Guild, Miss Carole Blackshaw received the Guild Members and their guests to a champagne reception before dinner in Salters' Hall.

After dinner a trio of musicians introduced a programme of musical hall songs, including old favourites such as Champagne Charlie, After the Ball and Daisy, Daisy.

A wonderful evening which sadly all too soon drew to an end.


[View larger image]


[View larger image]

Mansion House Art Tour and House Tour

15 January 2010

Before the Art tour began, a cheque for the Lord Mayor's Charity was presented by the Warden Professor Joe Herzberg on behalf of the Master Sir Gavyn Arthur to the Lady Mayoress.

The City of London Guide Lecturer and also Art Historian Karen Chester then talked about and showed the Mansion House collection of Dutch and Flemish 17th Century paintings bequeathed by Lord Samuel of Wych Cross in 1987. The collection included important works by Frans Hals, Jacob van Ruisdael, Jan Steen and Jan Breughel.

Later some Guild members had lunch in the University Club in Cornhill, before the afternoon tour of the Mansion House led by the Hall Keeper, John Davies, who gave a comprehensive tour of the state rooms and the silver and gold vaults.

At the end of the afternoon the Guild were very privileged with the Master present as he arranged to show the private rooms of the Mansion House, before thanking and making a presentation of a Centenary Plate to John Davies.


[View larger image]

Guild of Freemen of the City of London - Annual Banquet

16 December 2009

The Master, Sir Gavyn Arthur and the Mistress of the Guild, Miss Carole Blackshaw, received the guests at the Guildhall for the Guild's Annual Banquet.

The principal guests were Princess Michael of Kent, General Lord Guthrie and Lady Guthrie, The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of the City of London.

The State Trumpeters, the Pikemen and Musketeers, the RMP and the Red Cross were in attendance and the Militaire Orchestra played throughout the evening.

Mr Mark Groves provided the catering for the banquet.

At the end of the dinner, a sung Grace was followed by the Loving Cup Ceremony. The Loyal Toasts came next before the coffee; the Militaire Orchestra played their finale (the Post Horn Galop) and then the speeches started. The Master introduced the Lord Mayor and proposed the Civic Toast. The Lord Mayor responded. The Master welcomed the guests and proposed a toast to them. General Lord Guthrie responded and proposed a toast to the Master and the Guild.

The Master then closed the evening, and escorted the principal guests to the Porch and bade them farewell.

Carol Service at St Martin-within-Ludgate

10 December 2009

The Guild's Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols took place in the Church of St Martin-within-Ludgate. The Revd Susan Gent conducted the service, assisted by the Verger Jonathan MacNearey.

The Musicians and Choir of 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, Philip MacDonald Esq played throughout.

The first two lessons were read by Guild members Mr David Fulcher and Mrs Elizabeth Thornborough. Samuel Mathey of the City of London Freemen's School read the third lesson, followed by the Chairman of the Society of Young Freemen, Miss Georgina Hajdu who read the fourth lesson. The Master, Sir Gavyn Arthur read the final and fifth lesson.

Afterwards refreshments were served and later the Master presented the Headmaster Mr Philip MacDonald with a cheque.


[View larger image]


[View larger image]


[View larger image]

European Tour - Vienna 2 - 6 December 2009

2 December 2009

A party of over sixty Guild Members enjoyed a stunning tour to the capital of Austria, Vienna, led by the Master Sir Gavyn Arthur and Countess Stephanie Waldburg-Zeil.

A fascinating time was spent from seeing the various festive Christmas markets to watching the Lipizzaners (young stallions) performing classical dressage to music at the famous Spanish Riding School. Dining at the world renowned Hotel Sacher, coffeeing in the Cafe Central and hosting a glittering gala dinner in the Palais Pallavicini. Also visiting the Liechtenstein Museum and the porcelain factory of Augarten.

The Austrian countryside was on the agenda too, with an intriguing visit to Schloss Rohrau, and later Schloss Halbturn for a little wine tasting and eating a typical Advent lunch of goose and red cabbage.

But all too soon the tour was over and it was time to board the various aeroplanes back to London taking a wealth of memories of an unforgettable Viennese tour.

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.

Next»

Top