After the service at St Pauls it was a quick walk down
Cheapside for the Mistress and I to attend a fund-raising dinner for the Clergy
Support Trust held at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall. It was a lovely May evening
so it was a joy to stretch one’s legs after those hard cathedral chairs!
Joining over 200 other members of the Livery, of the Trust
and their supporters and senior London clergy, a drinks reception was held in
the delightful courtyard inside the Hall. This gave a chance to speak to some
of those who had been assisted by the work of the Trust and to hear at first
hand their stories. It was very uplifting to learn how their lives had been
transformed and that their families could at last enjoy a small luxury or two
(like a holiday!). Most clergy are woefully underpaid and every little helps!
We were then called into dinner in the splendid Great Hall where
a magnificent meal awaited us. Grace was said by the Revd Dr Jack Dunn and the
in-house caterers waited on us with silver-service – a real treat and very much
appreciated.
After the Loyal Toast proposed by The Lord Mayor Locum
Tenens, Sheriff the Hon Liz Green and the Civic Toast by the Bishop of London. A
very kind toast to all the guests was proposed by the Treasurer, the Venerable
Christine Allsopp and she made us all feel most welcome.
Responding on behalf of the guests was the former BBC
Political Correspondent, Mr John Sergeant. He explained that as the son of a
vicar brought up in the Home Counties, he had had first-hand experience of the
Trust and the support it is able to give. Whilst he had a very happy childhood,
he did recall that money was always tight and he was personally grateful for
the work of the Trust.
He then went on to give a most amusing speech about his life
as a political journalist and the various trials and tribulations that he had endured
(including the famous ‘hand-bagging’ incident outside the British Embassy in
Paris!). He also recounted stories about his brief time on Strictly Come Dancing
- it all seems like a long time ago now. But he was very funny!
In conclusion, Mr Sergeant proposed a toast to the Clergy
Support Trust and thanked them for all their hard work. A resounding round of applause
from the guests ensued.
And then it was time to leave after a very uplifting and
memorable day. Our thanks to the Master Merchant Taylor and his team for
hosting the event and to all those at the Trust who organised the day. A lot of
money was raised and it was a delight to be part of that. Thank you.
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