The 209th Anniversary Banquet of the Walbrook
Ward Club was this year held in the Saddlers’ Hall on Gutter Lane and as a
member, I was pleased to attend along with the Mistress. We were delighted to
be joined by Past Masters Peter Hall and Mike Williamson and their Consorts and
by our Fleet Warden Rob Casey, all of whom are also members of the Club.
Together with approximately 150 other guests, we filled the Great Hall to
capacity and made for a very pleasant evening.
Founded in 1809, the Walbrook is one of the oldest Ward
Clubs in the City. The ward of Walbrook itself covers an area broadly situated
around Bank Underground Station and membership of it was originally for those
who either worked or lived within its precinct. However, membership nowadays is
open much more widely and comprises a diverse and thriving network of people
from the business world as well as the Livery.
The Alderman of Walbrook Ward John Garbutt KFO JP is also the Clubs’
President and was the principle speaker on the night.
After a short drinks’ reception in the Court Room we were
called to dinner by the Beadle and awaited the Presidents procession. Catering
was courtesy of Party Ingredients who put on a wonderful dinner which was
expertly served. A Loving Cup was offered and the musical interlude was given by
the London Banqueting Ensemble who treated us to some amazing trumpet playing –
where do they get their energy from?!
The Loyal Toasts were proposed by the Chairman Stuart Graves
and the President made a speech of welcome to all the guests. Responding on
their behalf, Brigadier Peter Sharpe gave a most amusing speech about the
perils of living in “deepest Wiltshire” and the trials of owning sheep! A good
way to end the dinner and a memorable evening.
Our thanks must therefore go to the Master Saddler for the
use of his Hall and also to the catering staff and the officers of the Walbrook
Ward Club. Thank you.
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