Our ties to the armed forces
At its root, foundry and metallurgy has always had a link to the armed forces, whether it be from the making of swords to the use of metal for the barrels of muskets, onwards to the rifles we see our own army use today. That is why we as a livery company have always keenly kept in contact with parts of all three sectors of the armed forces, further through us being a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring that we help those who serve/have served our country wherever we can.
The London Irish Pipers
Since 1938(1), we have maintained especially good ties with the London Irish Rifles, now No. 15 (Loos) Company, Irish Guards. This originally began as the company helping members of the regiment with their family problems whilst they were on active service, with its Commanding Officer being a principal guest at the Livery dinners paired with an appearance of the London Irish Pipers on occasion, with donations having been made to the regimental welfare fund in the past. As well as regularly inviting members of the regiment to various dinners and functions, we ourselves are regularly invited to their annual St. Patrick's Day dinner and their Loos Dinner, a symbol of the special relationship our two organisations hold.
Correspondence between the Founders and the new Wing Commander of 33 Sqn. in 2016
Since the 1990s we've also taken care to maintain yet another armed forces relationship, in this case with 33 Squadron R.A.F. Similar to No. 15 Company we have been making charitable donations, such as donations to their anniversary fund and invitations to Court Dinners, as well as a delivery of bottles of port for 33 Squadron's centenary parade to mark the occasion. In recent times, we have presented a young engineer with a Founder's Loyalty Award Certificate as well as a cheque for £250 from our anniversaries fund. Naturally, they have returned the favour by giving various members of the founders the occasional ride in a military helicopter.
We have also been fond friends of H.M.S. Iron Duke, a ship with a name that holds a very long lineage stemming back to the 19th century, a reference to the Duke of Wellington while also having been the name of 2 ships before it. The relationship first began in 1991, when we made the bell which would be used on the ship. Since then, the Founders have been given amazing opportunities to gain insight into the daily workings of the crew through tours, with us having returned the favour through many invitations to a plethora of functions.
On top of this all, we used to hold a combined services dinner, a way for members from all three branches to come together and socialise. However, this did not happen for a period, but plans are underway to perhaps hold another one in 2025/26
Sources:
(1) ALL FOUND, A History of the Worshipful Company of Founders 1880-2021 by Dr A. Tanner
Author:
Billy, work experience student, February 2025