Author: Poulter

Just before the Livery world entered its annual summer slumber, the Poulters’ Company enjoyed its Midsummer Court lunch at the end of June. Sadly our guest speaker, Dame Fiona Woolf, current Master Wax Chandler and a former Lord Mayor, was unwell, but her very entertaining speech was delivered by the Master, who then handed over to another eminent guest, Lt Gen Sir Ralph Woodddise (currently Commander, Allied Rapid Reaction Force). Lt Gen Wooddisse supplied a fascinating precis of the primary threats faced by NATO in these uncertain times. The Company dined on whole roasted poussin, accompanied by some excellent wines, and we are as ever most grateful to The Cook & The Butler for their excellent catering.

On Wednesday 27th March, the Company enjoyed its Lady Day Court lunch at Armourers’ Hall, with guests enjoying a hearty menu of grilled sea trout followed by slow-cooked leg of duck. Our Guest Speaker was Dr Doug Gurr, Director of The Natural History Museum, who gave a thought-provoking and wide-ranging talk which, among other things, reminded those attending of the fragility of our existence in the planet’s complex web of interdependence (plus the fact that birds are modern-day dinosaurs!). Among our other distinguished guests were the Master Butcher and the Master Farmer. The Company stood for a minute’s silence in memory of two recently deceased Past Masters. Three new Freemen and a new Liveryman were welcomed, as were two newly appointed Assistants to the Court of the Company.

On Wednesday 14^th February, the Ash Wednesday Election Court saw Mr Mark Goodwin, Mr Paul Kelly and Mr Terry Thurley elected as Master, Upper Warden and Renter Warden respectively. At the well-attended lunch which followed, the Company and guests dined on grass-fed lamb from the Yorkshire North Riding and enjoyed excellent speeches from the incoming Master and his guest speaker Mr Michael Oke. A heartfelt toast was offered for the outgoing Master, Mr Peter Hill, whose ill health meant that he was unable to attend. The Clerk was especially grateful to Past Master Mr Rowland Hughes for stepping in to oversee proceedings at short notice on account of a pressing engagement preventing his attendance. The table setting was enhanced by an abundance of red roses to mark St Valentine’s Day, a thoughtful touch from our new Master!

The 20^th Inter-Livery Pancake Races were unfortunately driven indoors by rain. However, the usual fun and a fiercely competitive spirit prevailed throughout the revised event in Guildhall Crypts, which was followed by a delicious Buffet Lunch catered by The Clink Charity.

The Poulters’ Team was led by PM James Cross and Liveryman Lionel Correya once again gamely donned the chicken outfit for the Fancy Dress category. Both Sheriffs and the Chief Commoner joined us as guests. Congratulations go to the Tylers & Bricklayers for fielding the overall winner and the Plaisterers for some very innovative fancy dress.

On Wednesday 10^th January, the Company enjoyed its traditional Christmas Court lunch at Armourers’ Hall, which was full to capacity for the occasion. Our Guest Speaker was Lt Col Adrian Thompson MBE, Commanding Officer of 1^st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment, and the Poulters’ Plate (awarded each year to a Royal Anglian soldier who has excelled in regimental life) was presented to Private Christopher Webb. The Chief Commoner, Deputy Ann Holmes, was among our distinguished guests, together with the outgoing Royal Anglian Regimental Secretary, Lt Col Robert Goodin OBE, to whom we wish a long and happy retirement.

On Wed 22^nd November, Assistant Benjamin Browning presented the incoming Lord Mayor, American-born Professor Michael Mainelli, with a prize-winning turkey in time for his family’s Thanksgiving celebrations at Mansion House. Many thanks to Benjamin for this timely gesture, which earned the Poulters’ Company an honourable mention in the ‘Lord Mayor’s Address to the Livery’ that took place later that same day!

On 11^th Nov, IPM Liz Garner led a small group of Poulters in the Lord Mayor’s Show.

Representing the Poulters as part of float 17 –  The Ancient Livery Companies, were the Immediate Past Master, Elizabeth Garner, her consort, Mr Martyn Buttery, The Clerk Emeritus, Julie Pearce, and Liverymen Katherine Oldridge, Ivor Cook & Chris James.

The morning started freshly, but the weather held and was dry and a very pleasant temperature for walking.  

The streets were well lined with people, many scout and brownie groups lined the way for Hi-5’s. 

A fabulous finger buffet lunch was provided at Carmen’s Hall, which was also a great location to be able to celebrate the new Lord Mayor as he passed in his golden coach.  He spotted our banner and did call out “The Poulters” as he doffed his cap.  At one point on the walk, we did hear one mother talking to her children, on reading our banner, she asked her children “do you know what poulters do?” it was lovely to hear that we were educating the young and getting people engaged in the Livery.

A great time was had by all.  If you didn’t manage to attend, have a watch on iPlayer as you will see us walk past the front of the screen just after 27 minutes in.

On Monday 6^th November, the annual Court & Livery dinner was held amid the 18^th Century splendour of Trinity House by the Tower of London. Excellent food and wines were followed by an inspiring speech from our principal guest, Mr Roland Martin, Headmaster of the City of London Freemen’s School. Other distinguished guest included the Master Distiller and the Commanding Officer of 1^st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment. The absence of piano accompaniment did not diminish the enthusiasm with which Sung Grace was tackled and it was a particular pleasure that our Honorary Chaplain was able to join us after recuperating from his accident abroad earlier this year. Many thanks to the IPM, who despite having had a very busy day stood in for the Master on the night (ill health prevented him from attending, but he sent his best wishes and he was heartily toasted by the Company towards the end of proceedings).