The Master Jeremy Finnia, Senior Warden Stephen Watkins, Court Assistant Richard Anscombe and Liveryman Cathy Robinson enjoyed a wonderful bright sunny day at the Annual Pancake Races on Febryary 17th. No prizes but it’s the taking part that counts ………
Remembrance Day 2025
In memory of those who fell in conflict, and in support of our Military Affiliations, The Senior Warden Christopher Day and Major Mike Crofts of the Westminster Dragoons laid wreaths at Fulham War Memorial after the Service of Remembrance.
Farmers put on a show
The Master and Wardens ensured farming is still high on the public agenda with a magnificent display at the Lady Mayor’s show
New Master’s Reign starts
Our new Master, Jeremy Finnis DL was installed, as tradition of the Farmers Livery dictates, at the church of St. Bartholomew the Great on Tuesday 14th October; Christopher Day and Stephen Watkins were installed as Senior and Junior Wardens respectively. 180 Liveryman and guests were there to” see out the old and bring in the new” in a most entertaining and varied service which included some beautiful anthems sung by the choir and the giving of produce to represent harvest thanksgiving. Afterwards a delicious lunch was served a short walk away at the Haberdashers Hall and we all left having had a most enjoyable day.
Charismatic Courteenhall
A group of Alumni enjoyed a fascinating visit to this charismatic estate in early October. Courteenhall is a traditional estate with modern values and we learned all about these values when taken around by Dr Johnny Wake DL, who is Managing Partner of this, his ancestral family home. Regenerative farming is at the heart of plans for the way forward and to ensure the future of this magnificent estate.
Surrey Docks Farm Celebrates 50 Years
On July 17th we celebrated a wonderful 50 years of Surrey Docks Farm. Our livery company first became involved back in 1992, when we donated 2 Gloucester Old Spot pigs, an ark for their accommodation and a supply of feed. That tradition has continued to this day, with a recent donation of calves and piglets, with more calves to come this year.
City Food and Drink Lecture 2025
On 11th March the Master was joined by our current Jubilee Scholars Megan Hall, Beth Williams, Harry Towers and Samuel Sharp for this well established annual event which is an important reminder of the links between the City of London and UK agri-food and drink industry. The audience of over 500 Liverymen and guests appreciated an informative speech from keynote speaker John Shropshire MBE, Chairman of G’s group. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, (PM 2002) once again presented the closing address and at the buffet supper afterwards spent time chatting with attendees, including our Jubilee Scholars.
A Flippin’ Good Day
The Master and Senior Warden were joined by Gemma Hooper, Manager of Surrey Docks Farm and Liveryman Cathy Robinson for the annual Lord Mayor’s Pancake Races on March 4th. These fun races take place in the Guildhall Yard, which was blessed with glorious sunshine and large crowds. The Master led his race until he had to stop and retrieve his chef’s hat, without which he would have incurred penalties. This great event raises money for the Lord Mayor’s Charity and although light hearted it is always competitive.
Annual Banquet
Our Annual Banquet was held on 4th February at Drapers’ Hall with Past Master HRH The Princess Royal as principal guest. Over 240 Liveryman, Freeman and guests enjoyed a convivial evening and our speaker, Rt Hon Sir Mark Spencer delivered a stirring speech. HRH The Princess Royal followed and inspired us all. The Carpet Guard for the evening was provided by cadets from some of our military affiliations: Westminster Dragoons, Royal Yeomanry and Middlesex Wing Air Training Corps
Visit to RAF Waddington
13th November saw us at RAF Waddington for our annual visit. Station Commander, Group Captain ‘Dutch’ Holland welcomed the group, and described the crucial “ISTAR” work of the airbase – Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance. We were then accompanied around the base by Flight Officer Henry Campbell. The highlight was getting up close and personal with the new generation of drone – the “Protector”, being assembled and tested at the base. The group then viewed the airbase’s firefighting equipment and some of the modern airforce’s firearms.