Held in the magnificent surroundings of Goldsmith’s Hall on 16 January 2023, the Annual Banquet was indeed a feast for all the senses. Our Clerk Graham Bamford, ably assisted by his dashing assistant, Duncan Couper, pulled out all the stops on the night. A sparkling champagne reception accompanied by a string quartet was followed by a delicious dinner with a selection of delectable wines. Ted Prior, our Beadle, kept things ticking along in his usual authoritative fashion (accompanied by a knowing glint), ably assisted by stewards from the Westminster Dragoons.
Eminent explorer Sir David Hempleman-Adams enjoys the reception with Liveryman Chris Philpot
Senior Warden Guy Brogden welcomed the guests and gave a fascinating summary of the somewhat chequered history of the Hall over the centuries.
In his toast to the Guests, the Master described the events of his year so far – astonishingly already a third of the way through – and announced the Company’s support for the ‘Chefs in Schools’ initiative.
Henry Dimbleby makes his point
In reply, Henry Dimbleby MBE, adviser to Government on food policy issues and proprietor of the ‘Leon’ restaurant chain, emphasised the effect on the nation’s health, and finances, of diet, giving the frightening explosion of type-2 diabetes as a graphic example. He went on to describe how important school meals can be for the less well-off, and the work of ‘Chefs in Schools’, which he co-founded. He described how his children wouldn’t believe the pageantry of the evening, and so took a ‘selfie’ in front of the gathering to prove the fact!
Henry Dimbleby takes a cheeky selfie to prove to his children he was really there!
The ceremony of the ‘Loving Cup, the Post Horn Gallop competition by our two buglers, the rendering of ‘To Be a Farmers Boy’ and a superb solo performance by soprano Hilary Cronin made for a wonderful, memorable evening, enjoyed by all.
The Master proffers the Loving Cup to his guest speaker
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