On 15th September liverymen, eighteen company masters and their consorts together with fifty-six guests gathered at Plaisterers’ Hall for the Company’s Annual Banquet, which is usually held in May or June.

Among the guests were Air Commodore Adrian Burns, the recently appointed head of RAF administration, Councillor Karen Tweedale, The Mayor of Daventry, and members of the Mulberry Shoreditch Academy Sheriffs’ Challenge 2021 team.

A Carpet Guard formed by cadets from TS Thunderer, West Ham Sea Cadets, unusually parading in mufti as most of the cadets had outgrown their uniforms during lockdown and had been unable to parade for replacement uniforms. The Master complimented them on their dedication to the unit, their support of the Company, and their continued smart turnout.

The assembly’s view on being out of lockdown and being back in the City was obvious by the enthusiasm with which they greeted the Master’s welcome to guests with the words, “Rejoice! At last, we’re back in the City and back to holding events!”

During his address, the Master thanked all members of the Company who had contributed to the variety of on -line events during the pandemic and announced that the Charity would be donating £1,000 to each of Rokeby and Mulberry to be used for an enrichment project, of their choice, for their Year 7 pupils. The Master’s reasoning being that these youngsters had probably been the most affected during the pandemic as the months in lockdown for an 11-year-old would be similar to 10 years in the life of the average Company member.

The Guest Speaker was Steve Norris, businessman and ex-member of parliament. Mr Norris informed and entertained the diners with stories of his life in politics and his praise for the role of the Chartered Secretary, based on his own business experience.

The music was provided by the Hendo Washboard Kings with their unique jazz presentation. At the end of the banquet the Master and principal guests almost danced out to ‘When the saints go marching in.’

Comments received after the event included:

‘My thanks to the Master and Angela for hosting such a wonderful Breakout Banquet and to the Clerk and Executive Assistant for organising it all.  A very good time was had by all I managed to chat with. The food was excellent, lovely to see the Sea Cadets, The Hendo Washboard Kings were fun and as ever  fellowship and friendship was very evident.  Congratulations on gathering an example of Masters and for making it such an enjoyable event.’
Court Assistant Gabrielle Williams Hamer