At the kind invitation of the Master Fueller, the Clerk and
I attended the Worshipful Company of Fuellers Election Court Luncheon at the
Mercers Hall. It was a very impressive affair calling as it did for Morning
Dress. We were joined by several other Masters and their Clerks and a wide
cross section of members of the Fuellers and very smart we looked too.
This was my first visit to the Mercers’ Hall and what a
splendid building it is. The present Hall is the third to occupy the site. The
first Hall, built on land purchased from on an adjacent monastery, was
completed in 1524. When Henry VIII dissolved the monastery in 1538 the Company
purchased all its properties. The first Hall was lost in 1666 in the Great Fire
of London. The second Hall was destroyed by enemy action in 1941. Today it
boasts a magnificent Livery Hall with stained glass windows, panelled wood
walls, minstrel’s gallery and splendid mid-19th century chandeliers (see
picture). This is reached via the Ceremonial Stairs and Hallway which the assembled
guests climbed to be received by the Master and his Wardens. We were made to
feel very welcome and a drinks reception was provided.
Before taking our places at Top Table, us visiting Masters
and other distinguished guests had a photocall which included the Master Elect,
HRH The Duke of Wessex. He is a charming man and it was a pleasure to meet him.
Lunch was then served by the in-house catering team in their
burgundy livery. Thankfully beef was not on the menu (after yesterday!) but a
light spring lamb was offered. Delicious.
After the Loyal and Civic toasts, the Senior Warden,
Professor Averil Macdonald gave a warm welcome to the guests with an amusing
speech. In response, the Lord Mayor thanked the Company for a splendid luncheon
and went on to describe the work thus far in realising his mayoral theme of
Creating Tomorrows City Today and the fight against digital poverty. He rounded
off with a small gift each to the Master, Mistress and the Clerk. Very
generous.
In his speech, the Master Fueller, Shravan Joshi CC set out
some of the achievements of the Company in the last six month and some of the
challenges that remain. To help meet these he was delighted to welcome six new freemen
to the Company and to confirm the Master Elect and the other Wardens. It is
good to see the Fuellers in such good shape.
A wonderful afternoon and thank you to the Master Fueller
and his team for making it all possible.
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