Lunch at the Old Bailey with the Judges – Monday 11 May

Each year Masters of Livery Companies are invited by the Sheriffs to have lunch with the Judges at The Old Bailey, which is a great honour.  I joined Alderman & Sheriff Robert Hughes-Penney, his Consort Elspeth and distinguished guests on Monday 11 May for a delightful 2-course lunch with the Judges (who were sitting that day) in their Dining-Room.  It was lovely to sit opposite Judge Mark Lucraft KC, who I admitted as an Honorary Freeman of our Company at my Installation in June 2025.  We all enjoyed a very convivial conversation.  A unique experience – and I always knew my ‘O’ level in Law would come in handy one day!

371st Clergy Support Trust Festival, St Paul’s Cathedral – Tuesday 12 May

I was invited to attend this Service at St Paul’s Cathedral on 12 May which is one of celebration and to give thanks for the Clergy, their families and all those who support them in their lives and ministry.  It’s also one of the oldest choral music events in the world.  After gowning and processing to our seats we awaited the arrival of The Lady Mayor, the Mayoral Consort, the Sheriffs and their Consorts. Throughout the Service we were treated to delightful singing by the Cathedral choirs of Blackburn, St Albans and St Paul’s. 

The Mercers’ Company Livery Concert and Dinner – Wednesday 13 May

The Mercers’ Company is, of course, No 1 in the Livery Order of Precedence and Mercers’ Hall itself is a beautiful building in Ironmongers Lane, near Bank Station.  On Wednesday 13 May I joined other Livery Masters and Consorts (many of the men dressed in Smoking Jackets, the ladies in cocktail dresses) for a Reception, Concert and Dinner.  We were treated to an exceptional musical hour by 2 young men, George Robarts (voice) and Edward Picton-Turbervill (piano), who call themselves ‘George & the Dragon’.  They are an award-winning song and piano duo who combine cabaret with classical music and British humour and who perform both in the UK and overseas.  Their Finale, a magnificent rendition of ‘The Liveries of London’ which they composed, was a tribute to all 114 Livery Companies of London. To see and listen to this amazing performance please do watch at:  https://www.georgeandthedragon.org/   The evening ended with a delicious 2-course dinner which was much enjoyed!