CHARTER DINNER 2021
1 JULY 2021
A somewhat belated, and much reduced (in-line with Covid restrictions) Charter Dinner took place on 23 June at Butchers' Hall.
This dinner usually takes place in May to mark the anniversary of the granting of the Company's royal charter. As the Covid regulations were not lifted on 21 June, as had been hoped, it was a somewhat restricted yet joyous event. Careful advance planning by the Clerk, Beadle and Events Manager and stewarding by the Renter Wardens ensured the smooth running of the evening. Incidentally the team of four Renter Wardens from 2020-2021 (when there was almost nothing for them to do) are kindly extending their term of office and three of them can be seen in the photo being briefed by the Beadle and the Clerk.
(From L to R The Beadle, Tim Webb (back to camera) Matthew Payne,
Chris Smith and the Clerk)
The Master, resplendent in his full regalia for one of very few occasions when it has been possible for him to wear it, welcomed as the speakerMike Wooldridge OBE who, in his career as a journalist,
covered many momentous events in Africa , Asia and also in the Middle East including conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kashmir and Lebanon and who was the BBC’s Religious Affairs correspondent for six years.
It is traditional for the Under Warden to deliver the first of the many speeches that will be required over the course of the three years as Under and Upper Warden and then Master and accordingly Moira Sleight addressed the gathering.
Let's hope that by the time the Company marks the Charter's anniversary in 2022 normal service has been resumed but meanwhile we can be grateful that some celebration is now permitted!