On Wednesday 24 July 2019, one of the hottest days of the year, the Company held its Summer Service and Royal Charter Luncheon. The Summer Service was held at the beautiful and intimate church of St. Vedast in Foster Lane, established circa. 1170. Guests were greeted by the Master, Christina Parry, before being led into the welcoming cool of the church for a service comprising song, thanksgiving and time for reflection as well as an uplifting sermon from the Reverend Jeremy Crossley, Chaplain to the Lord Mayor.

After the service we had a short walk to Pewterers’ Hall where we enjoyed refreshments in the garden before retreating from the midday heat into the stunning and very welcomed air-conditioned interior for a delicious lunch. Toasts and speeches from both the Master and our guest speaker, Mr. Timothy Dolby, followed. Mr. Dolby, Artistic Director of Dolby London, had worked on the restoration and refurbishment of The Livery and Court Rooms at Pewterers’ Hall and his speech provided us with a wonderful history of and insight to Livery buildings.

Our thanks to the Master and her team (Keith and Karen) for organising such a splendid and well attended event. Additional thanks must also be extended to the Priest-in-charge of St Vedast, the Reverend Paul Kennedy, for allowing us to use the Church; the Reverend Jeremy Crossley for his enjoyable sermon; the team at Pewterers’ Hall who looked after us splendidly and had catered to our every need; to our guest speaker, Mr. Timothy Dolby for his enlightening speech; and last but by no means least to the ladies of the livery for a beautiful display of millinery on the day!

Fiona Boyce
Liveryman