143. Tax Advisers Civic & Charities Luncheon, 04 June 2019

The Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers have two key charities; the Tax Advisers Benevolent Fund and the Tax Advisers Charitable Trust and their work during the year is celebrated at a Civic Luncheon held in the Pewterers’ Hall. It was great privilege therefore to receive an invitation join this formal, but fun, occasion.

After a mad dash across London (see previous Blog) and a quick change into Morning Coat, I joined eight other Livery Masters plus distinguished guests to be received by the Master Tax Adviser, Mr Marcus Fincham (pictured). The Pewterers’ Hall is a marvellous setting for such a luncheon and we were warmly welcomed upstairs in the Court Room for a drinks reception. After a few photographs we took our places in the Livery Room on the ground floor ready to welcome our host and his principle guest, Sheriff the Hon Liz Green.

Grace was said (in Latin) by The Most Revd David Moxon, Archbishop-Emeritus of New Zealand and the meal was duly served. The Master took great pride in providing much of the food we enjoyed from his own farms and had also personally caught the trout served for our main course (five different varieties!). It was all most delicious and expertly presented.

After the Loyal and Civic Toasts from the Master, a charming speech of welcome was given to the visiting Masters by Upper Warden Paul Morton. In response, the Sheriff paid tribute to the charity work of the Company and stated once again what incredible work the whole Livery do on behalf of those less fortunate, both in terms of money and pro-bono support. Her toast to the Worshipful Company was widely applauded.

The Master then presented a number of cheques to representatives of the various charities present. He also presented a mobile defibrillator to Ms Georgina Hayfron, a para-medic from St Johns’ Ambulance. A very inspired choice. The Master also welcomed four new members of the Company installed that morning and asked to ’take wine’ with each. Finally, he thanked all those who had supported the Company over the year and bid us all to join him in a stirrup cup afterwards.

And so ended a most enjoyable occasion. My thanks go to the Master and his Wardens, to the Clerk and Beadle for making the day go so well. And to the various charities that do so much to help others. May you continue to be successful in the future.