Tuesday the 23^rd January saw the much anticipated visit by members of the Company to the College of Arms with the attendees having booked places early in 2023.

Our hosts for the evening were William Hunt TD BA FCA, formerly the Windsor Herald and currently a Research Assistant to John Petrie, the current Windsor Herald. William is a Liveryman and Past Master (2000–2001) of the Playing-Card Makers’ Company. William was heavily involved in the design of our Crest as we progressed from being a Guild to Company and then a full Worshipful Company.  At all three stages William worked closely with First lady of the Company, Honorary Liveryman Una Riley who oversaw the development on behalf of the Company. William was supported by Mark Scott MA (Oxford), Bluemantle Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary.

Marks role is that of overseeing the Archive Department which is responsible for the preservation, ordering, and cataloguing of the archive and library, and the accession of new acquisitions.

The presentation was in three parts. A general introduction to the history and the development of the College of Arms which was followed by a more detailed presentation on the how the College operates and how the current building has developed over the years and the third and final part was a voyage into the archives to show the group some of the fantastic treasurers held by the College.

Of particular interest in this part of the presentation was the chance to see the original designs for the Company including the full Company crest that is in use today.

After the presentations the group retired back to the meeting area where the Stewards had prepared a great supper for the group who were able to enjoy the food and wine provided while William and Mark continued to talk about aspects of the College and its work.

It was truly a unique experience and one that those attending felt privileged to have been part of.

As a Company we are incredibly grateful to William Hunt for facilitating the visit and then for William and Mark for hosting us and making the event as special as it was.

Andrew Knights, Honorary Court Assistant