One of the many joys of being a Feltmaker is the freedom to visit the various Livery Halls in the City, each with their own unique beauty and heritage. A narrow-cobbled lane leads to the Apothecaries’ Hall and the handsome but restrained façade belies the beautiful and intimate spaces that lie within this ancient building where the Spring Livery Dinner was held.

In contrast to the generous spaces at the Haberdashers’ Hall, the Spring Dinner was held within the ancient and historic panelled Apothecaries’ Hall that is lined with magnificent full-length portraits of our forebears.

After the procession into the hall, the evening’s speeches began with a short time of silent reflection to mark the untimely passing of our popular gallant clerk, Maj.Gen. Aidan Smyth.

The sumptuous banquet followed featuring a wild sea bass ceviche followed by the main course of seared aged bavette with herb and olive salsa and finally, a delightful rhubarb pavlova. This was accompanied by a selection of fine Italian wines.

Renter Warden, Peter Winfield, commenced the formalities by proposing the toast to welcome the many distinguished guests that included a number of Masters of other Livery Companies.

The guest speaker was The Rt. Hon. Lord Andrew Lansley CBE PC DL, who fascinated all present with his recollections of being a senior civil servant, then perhaps uniquely, abruptly changing career course to stand in the 1997 election for the South Cambridgeshire constituency where he was duly elected as MP. Lord Andrew served on the opposition front benches up to the May 2010 election when he was appointed Secretary of State for Health until he became Leader of the House of Commons in 2012 before being elevated to the House of Lords in 2015 as a Life Peer. Lord Andrew proposed the toast to the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers.

Master Jeremy Bedford responded, by first paying tribute to the unobtrusively efficient work of Emma Whitaker, our Pro-Tem Clerk, who has stepped in at short notice to fulfil a most difficult task, then warmly welcomed four new members to the Company.

Acknowledgment was made to the Masters of other Livery Companies present, particularly Master Haberdasher, Sir William Russell, who is also an elected member on the Feltmakers’ Court.

The Master then proposed a toast to the health of the guests, before it was time to retire and join the Master for a final Stirrup Cup following a most delightful evening filled with enjoyable fellowship and delicious food.

Graham Peart