The Skinners’ Hall on Dowgate was the setting for the
Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners Ladies Charity Banquet and it was
a great pleasure for the Mistress and I to be invited to attend. We joined some
seventy or so members of the Company and their guests for a black-tie event and
had a wonderful evening.
The present Skinners’ Hall (my first visit) is a charming
hall which dates back to the time of the Fire of London. The original Skinners’
Hall – known in those days as the Copped Hall – has stood on this site since
the 13th century but alas was consumed by fire in 1666. The current
incarnation has a lovely minstrels gallery in the Outer Hall which in turn
leads to the Banqueting Hall, laid up as it was with round tables making for an
intimate dinner.
After processing as usual we were served an excellent meal courtesy
of Party Ingredients and were entertained – not once but three times – by the
Lakeside Singers from the Guildhall School of Music. They performed
magnificently and their range of musicianship was extraordinary. It being near
to Christmas they rounded off with a hearty rendition of the 12 Days of
Christmas, with much audience participation!
The focus of the evening was of course to raise funds for
the Companies extensive list of charities and so a silent action was held with
a range of magnificent prizes. The Mistress and I were lucky to secure a
weekend away in Great Dunmow, Essex and we are looking forward going in the New
Year. All the other prizes were snapped up too – well done for all the support!
After the Loyal Toasts and a speech of welcome from the
Master, the Master Fanmaker, Dr Michael Smith responded on behalf of the
guests. And a very good job he did too! A very amusing speech.
And so the evening drew to a close and we bade our
farewells. Thank you to the Master and her Wardens for making us all so welcome,
for organising the charity auction and for the lovely pewter Christmas Tree
decorations. A great way to herald in the festive season.
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