The Guild of Freemen of the City of London

Mr & Mrs Rates and the Jakes family
[View larger image]

The Master cuts the cake
[View larger image]

Queen's 80th Birthday Celebration Dinner at Watermen's Hall

8 June 2006

On Thursday 8th June 80 members of the Guild and their guests gathered at Watermen's Hall for a 'family' dinner party to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen's 80th birthday. Guests were greeted at the door by a Doggett, wearing his famous scarlet uniform, before proceeding upstairs to a champagne reception and delightful dinner.

When the empty plates had been cleared away and the Loving Cup ceremony had taken place, the chefs brought in a wonderful birthday cake bearing 8 candles for the Master to cut. The Master then invited everyone to rise and drink a toast to Her Majesty, followed by a toast to the Royal Family and the Civic Toast. Then the cake was handed round, accompanied by coffee and a dram of Knockando, the 12-year-old Speyside single malt whisky chosen by the Guild to celebrate its Centenary.

Finally the Master rounded off a very happy and enjoyable evening by sharing many of her brightest memories of Her Majesty's reign, showing a remarkable ability to recall the detail of the colours and styles of the clothes Her Majesty had worn on various important occasions over the past 50 years or so.