On 9 May, together with several other members of the Company, I attended the Festival Service of the Clergy Support Trust at St Paul’s Cathedral. Afterwards many of us enjoyed a lovely buffet supper at Merchant Taylors’ Hall. The Clergy Support Trust supports member of the clergy and their families who are in need, providing both financial and personal assistance. 

The next day, on 10 May I was at St Paul’s Cathedral again for the “Bart’s 900 charity” Service of Thanksgiving, celebrating the 900^th anniversary of the foundation of St Bartholomew’s Hospital. The service was followed by a Bart’s 900 Anniversary drinks reception at Guildhall, with over 1000 guests attending. Funds are being raised for new breast cancer and clinical research units, and I am delighted to confirm that we have made a special donation to the Bart’s 900 appeal, courtesy of the Charity trustees. 

A highlight of the Company year is always the Annual Guest Banquet, this year held at the spectacular Drapers’ Hall on 11 May. The Mistress and I were delighted that over 170 members and guests attended the banquet, one of the largest gatherings for some years. It was a very memorable event, with guest of honour Sheriff Andrew Marsden and his Consort, music from the London Banqueting Ensemble, and a most wonderful setting. 

The staircase “carpet guard” of Army Cadets were particularly welcome. After an entertaining welcome to our guests by Court Assistant Col Ian Ogden, Sheriff Marsden made an excellent speech stressing the importance and relevance of our Company in the City today. 

I presented the Sheriff with a copy of “They Built London”, the history of our Company by Dr Penny Hunting. A highlight of the evening was the horn players’ very amusing rendition of the “Post horn gallop”. 

It really was a most spectacular event, which I will remember fondly for many years!