As is the usual practice and according to the Book of Ordinances written when the Company was formed, the Clerk called the Master, Wardens, Members of the Court and Livery to gather for the third Quarter of the Year and immediately before the feast of St Michael the Archangel (29th September) So it was that we gathered at the premises of the Worshipful Company of Girdlers at Girdlers’ Hall, Basinghall Avenue on Tuesday 27th September 2022.
As a ‘wandering Company’ – (a Livery company without its own premises) we have a choice of all the Halls in the City and gatherings are arranged enabling members to experience and see some of the magnificent premises that hide amongst the tall
office towers of the City. We of course return to many of the Halls regularly but in each year, we do try and visit a Hall that we have not been too for some time or indeed have never been to. In the 358 years of the Company’s existence, we have never gathered at Girdlers’ Hall before. Indeed, it is not usually available for hire. Thanks to the tenacity of the Clerk and Immediate Past Master Col. Bill Chesshyre we were granted permission to gather at the Hall.
The Girdlers Company, was involved with the making of girdles (or belts), received its Letters Patent from Edward III in 1327. While it no longer practises its craft – although it has the honour of presenting the girdle and stole worn by the Sovereign at each coronation – it remains a Company closely connected with the government and Livery Companies of the City of London, the fellowship of its members and various charitable works. The Hall stands alone tucked behind London Wall surrounded by Office blocks though has a delightful, secluded garden and water feature transporting you into a haven of calm and peace away from the hustle and bustle of the City.
The Court gathered in the afternoon to discuss the business of the Company and adjourned for some refreshment prior to reconvening to admit three new Freeman, Sharon Boyse-Smith, Richard Gundle and Jim Edwards. Then to clothing three new Liverymen – Jing Aarons, Peter Crispin, and Dr Helen Beadman. All were heartily welcomed by the Court having made their declarations.
A reception of vintage sparkling wine saw the arrival of Members of the Company and Guests before being summoned to the Great Hall for dinner. Grace was said by Chaplain Rev. Stephen Baxter and the New Liverymen and Freeman were presented to the gathered throng. The Fare included, Smoked Trout, Braised Lamb, and an Autumnal Fruit Crumble with Hedgerow Ice cream all lubricated with a Roussanne Pays D’OC from Southern France, a Bouchard Aine Et Fils Pinot Noir and a Sparkling Rose Spumante.
The customary toasts were followed by rousing rendition of Grace that was followed by the affirmation of fellowship and camaraderie by passing our more recent version of the ‘Loving Cup’
Our guests were welcomed by Past Master Michael Wallis and included, the Master Plumber and Clerk, Sue Martin from the Primary Schools Teaching Trust (PSTT), Paul Woodward and the Masters’ guest Speaker Claire Spooner accompanied by her husband Michael.
The final toast ‘To Glass’ proposed by the Master whereupon an invitation to partake of a Stirrup Cup was pronounced.
Nightfall had descended and an autumnal chill in the air hit us as we left the Hall with merry mirth and friendship, till we were to meet once more.