On Thursday 21th February I was delighted to represent the Company at the Pancake races in Guildhall Yard. Organised by the Poulters’ Company, with gloves from the Glovers’, timekeeping by the Clockmakers’, firing cannon and pistols from the Gunmakers’, and lemons from the Fruiterers’, many Companies are involved.
Running in brick red trousers and a Master’s gown, I competed in the first heat. Despite setting a stonking pace, I somehow managed to lose my chef’s hat, which meant I failed to qualify for the finals. I was somewhat relieved to see I wasn’t the only one, at it was a recurring theme throughout the races!
The high point of the event must be the fancy dress race, which each year brings more extreme and humorous outfits. With the tercentenary of the death of Sir Christopher Wren, there were not one, but two St Paul’s Cathedrals competing, one of which was from the Fuellers’ Company who won the prize for best costume. Another stand-out costume was the pineapple of the Gardeners’ Company, which gained second place. The fancy dress pancake race was won by the Framework Knitters, who also won the Master’s race and the Victor Ludorum – congratulations to them for such a successful showing!
I am very grateful to Liveryman Michael Ash (right) who donated £250 to the Company’s charitable funds. He encouraged members of the Company who attended the pancake races to wear a feathers in their hat, and to carry an umbrella and a handbag, each item scoring points which contributed to the total - a most amusing and generous idea. Thanks also to Upper Warden Chris Causer who took on the role of Team organizer.
Later that day, the Clerk and I were guests of the Master Apothecary, Dr Jonathan Holiday CVO, former Apothecary to the Royal Household at Windsor, for dinner at Apothecary’s Hall in Black Friars. Set on the site of a Franciscan Monastery, the hall dates to 1672 having been rebuilt immediately after the Great Fire. It has remaining largely unchanged since and is a wonderful venue. I was honoured to sit next to the Master Apothecary and his Chaplain, the Reverend Mark Jones, who is in his 34th year as an Eton master. The Master Turner, Matthew Gaved and the Clerk to the Turners’ Company, Niall McNaughton, were also present as Company guests.
Welcome to the guests was given by Dr Julia Neild, Junior Warden, who educated us on the importance of gardens in the history of the Society, and in particular the Wardian case, an early form of mobile garden allowing transportation of rare species of flora across the globe. The principal guest (seated, left) was Clare Matteson, Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society, who spoke of the development of the Society and its current objectives. A wonderful evening which was much enjoyed by myself and the Clerk.