The final dinner of the Master's year took place on September 3rd at the Apothecaries' Hall.
We were delighted to be joined for the meal by Mrs Helen Esmonde the Master Stationer, Mr Raymond Layard the Master Horner, Mr Michael Felton the Deputy Master Carpenter, and Miss Onyinye Udokporo the Company's Presentee at Christ's Hospital.
Apothecaries' Hall has changed little in appearance since the late eighteenth century, in spite of major redevelopment in the 1980's. It is the oldest extant livery company Hall in the City, with the first floor structure and arrangement of the Great Hall, Court Room and Parlour remaining as re-built between 1668 and 1670.
After a champagne reception, we had a delicious meal and plenty of wine, which led to an extremely convivial and relaxed atmosphere.
We were delighted that in a break from tradition, Onyinye not only proposed a Toast to the Company and Master, but said a few words about what the Tylers meant to her. This was very well received and much appreciated. It was also noted that she was wearing the badge given to her at last year's Dinner, although hidden under her jabot.
Earlier in the year, the Master set a competition, using a photo of himself with the Lord Mayor and the Master Horner. Members were invited to think of a caption which best suited the obvious great hilarity caused by the Master. The winning caption was anonymous, but read 'Did you hear that the Master Plumber has broken his leg tap-dancing'.
The prize was donated to The Charitable Trust.
We were very ably entertained by Mr Simon Sturgeon-Clegg on the trumpet and Mr William Townend, a baritone, and son of one of our Freemen, Mr Richard Townend.
The Tylers' choral talents were called in to use, as we all joined in with a couple of songs with a great deal of enthusiasm and ability.
The Master closed his final Dinner, to much acclaim, with an unforgettable rendition of 'The Embassy Blues', which he wrote himself to mark his retirement from the post of Her Majesty's Ambassador to Portugal'.
