Civic Dinner 2024
From the Upper Warden -
The Civic Dinner has for decades been the principal dining event in the Founders’ calendar and this year’s Dinner on Wednesday the 21st February was certainly no exception. We were honoured by the presence of the Lord Mayor, Professor Michael Mainelli, and Lady Mayoress, Mrs Elisabeth Mainelli, as our principal guests.
For the first time since Covid the Hall was filled to capacity which could have been a challenge for lesser caterers, however Life’s Kitchen lived up to their reputation and provided a superb meal with service and wine, to match. An unexpected treat was the return of the Founders’ Savoury which has been absent for too long. Comments of appreciation such as “this is just how it used to be” could be heard amongst the buzz of general conversation.
A “first” was the mixed dress code of White or Black Tie. Although much debated beforehand, in the event it passed off almost unnoticed other than by the Lord Mayor who, apparently, gave it his approval.
Our Master, Nicholas Butterworth, was most warmly greeted as he rose to speak. After pointing out that both he and the Lord Mayor were the same age, but differed in many other particulars, he spoke of our links with the city and its traditions as well as the support that we give to educational and charitable causes. Particular thanks were given to the Thurrock Sea Cadets who provided a welcoming line as we processed in to dinner and in particular their commander, Danny Hodgson, who was presented with a cheque in support of their work with young people.
In his speech The Lord Mayor thanked the Founders for their invitation and welcome and spoke warmly of our place in the fabric of City Life. His ability to weave foundry and metallurgical puns into his speech created much laughter into an already happy atmosphere.
We were reminded that Covid is still with us by the presence of chocolates in the Loving Cup. But then what is there not to like with chocolate?
The happy and relaxed atmosphere extended well into the evening with the Stirrup Cup in the Parlour and with the Lord and Lady Mayoress staying almost to the end. They both declared that they had thoroughly enjoyed the evening and by their continued presence it seems probable that they really did. And for our part we thoroughly enjoyed having them with us.
Alan Hughes
From the Master -
I would like to extend my particular thanks to those Founders who supported our flagship 'home fixture' by attending the Civic Dinner on 21 February and to those who invited guests. A mere month before the event, we only had 20 confirmed bookings but by the evening we had a capacity attendance of 77. A number of stalwart supporters of Company events kindly notified me in advance that they were unable to attend for various reasons and I really appreciated their thought in communicating and the common thread that but for unavoidable issues, they would have attended.
Given that the Lord Mayor's diary is intensively committed and the role involves several overseas visits (the last Lord Mayor visited 14 countries and 23 cities) as an international Ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services' industry, representing both London and the UK’s regional hubs, the opportunity to achieve the Lord Mayor's attendance for a Livery Company dinner is now extremely limited.
As the Lord Mayor had to travel abroad the next day, the Lady Mayoress sent me the most gracious letter within twenty-four hours, thanking the Founders for 'one of the warmest welcomes they had received since taking office', and that was said noting 'stiff competition'! I believe we regard ourselves as being an exceptionally welcoming and friendly Company but such a compliment from Civic quarters is genuine proof.
The tremendous support for what was a truly memorable evening followed a record attendance for the Young Founders (and guests) Dinner and a pleasing attendance at the excellent Warner Lecture and Dinner and the Wardens and I are greatly encouraged that we are moving towards a return to the times when the majority of events had waiting lists. I appreciate that there will always be conflicts and challenges for everyone in committing to functions and I recognise the many challenges in life today but may I urge every Liveryman and Freeman to regularly review the 'Events' section on the website and book as early as possible for events that appeal to you. There are still a great number of members who we have not seen at the Hall for a long while and I am absolutely sure that had you attended recent gatherings you would have seen that the Founders' Company maintains its excellence for friendliness, food (under new first class caters) and wines along with our renowned enjoyment of each other's company.
May I end by thanking The Clerk and Assistant Clerk for the immense amount of thought, time and effort that goes into planning and organising our diverse and tremendous events calendar and the best way of showing our sincere thanks is by supporting their efforts through attendance.
Nicholas Butterworth