Autumn Court
27th September 2023Watermen’s Hall
Traditionally our Autumn Court dinner takes place on the Thames on HMS Wellington. This year our only association with water was the name of the Hall: Watermen’s Hall. However, while the view and venue were different, the conviviality remained the same.
Our most intimate Court Dinner, the Autumn Court afforded our new Freemen Sean Croley and Kenelm Mark Johnson-Hill and newly gowned Liverymen Hugo Charles Camps-Harris and Neal Eric Neilinger an opportunity to truly get to know the members of the Court. We heralded in the 4th generation of the Harris family: Hugo was gowned as a Liveryman while proud grandfather, IPM Derek Harris, beamed.
David Parrot gave one of his memorable prayers (see below). Master of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen and the IPM HCM Mariners proved engaging guests, making the evening even more special and nautical!
The Autumn Court also marked the first engagement of our new Beadle, Wayne Glenn. Wayne was ably trained by Mark Anderson. Wayne has recently returned with his wife and children from Washington DC, my birthplace. Wayne and his wife, Carla both worked at the British Embassy for a little less than five years. We are Wayne’s first Company and he came prepared, already owning his own snuff box.
In a bittersweet moment, this meant saying farewell to Mark Anderson. Mark has recently been promoted to Sergeant at the Tower of London, which requires approximately 70 nights a year of safeguarding His Majesty’s fortress, making it impossible to continue as our Beadle. Over the years Mark’s support for our Livery Company and the industry in general has included inviting the Company, WIT Members and the GTNF to the Ceremony of the Keys as well as sharing his words of wisdom and vast experiences. While we may lose him as a Beadle, we look forward to continuing our partnership and will be cheering from the sidelines at many important events!
As always Sandra steadied the ship! No more so than when she and Court Assistant Sue Curran had to figure out how to print the menu cards after our computer printer gave up the ghost!!!
Mark Grove and his team provided a delicious meal, including some fish!
As we departed this glorious hall, which was built in 1780, it was easy to absorb the rich history held within. It was also important to remember that this Company is a working Guild and is actively involved with the life of the River and those who work on it. A memorable evening by the River, with friends who protect the River, and our Freemen and Liverymen who treasure the River all without needing a rain plan!!!
Grace
Praise God tonight for food and wine
Our business done and time to dine
September Court is always hip
With dinner on a stranded ship,
But, no,
Elise found out she can’t afford
To call us all to come aboard.
We dine inland with just the oars.
Instead of views of Thames and shores
Amen