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New Master and Wardens -
Outgoing Master Tony Scanlan -
Donning the Master's Hat -
Four Lady Masters -
Past Master Elise Rasmsussen, Principal Guest -
Fourth Warden Rae Maile welcomes the guests -
Saddlers' Hall
New Master's First Blog
2nd June 2026Installation Court and Lunch, Saddlers' Hall
Installation Day 2026: Tube Strikes, Rain, Fire Alarms ... and comfy PJs!
Our Installation Court is planned a year ahead, but if ever there was a day to remind us that planning and reality are only loosely acquainted, it was Tuesday 2 June 2026!
Members and guests had already battled tube strikes and rain before an unexpected fire alarm at historic Saddlers’ Hall added a little extra jeopardy ahead of the meeting at which I was to be installed as 73rd Master since our Company's revival in 1954.
A large group of family and friends jostled into the Court room in best frocks and suits to witness the ceremony. Past Master Derek Harris (1988-9), rose to confirm the Court's approval before outgoing Master Tony Scanlan carried out his final duties, installing me as Master and taking the Immediate Past Master’s chair. The three existing Wardens - Mallory Factor, Terry Fenner-Leitao and Stephan von Schilling - each moved up and Rae Maile was installed as our new Fourth Warden. Perhaps my favourite moment was when I installed Simon, my ever-supportive husband, as Consort for the year. I am lucky to have such a brilliant team to help me during the year, as well as having the wisdom of all the Past Masters and the Clerk on hand.
A champagne reception was the opportunity for hugs, congratulations and photographs. The Wardens joined the receiving line to welcome guests; among them three current Lady Masters, representing the Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers, Nurses and Welsh Livery Companies.
Lunch in magnificent Saddlers' Hall was fabulous: good food by Searcys, plenty of conversation and a room full of noisy, happy people. Rae welcomed the guests and then Principal Guest, Past Master Elise Rasmussen, delivered a wonderful speech that was warm, witty and frighteningly well researched! A hard act to follow with my own response! (speeches attached)
No Pipe Makers’ event would be complete without our unique traditions. The Clerk processed the Master's special hat, three snuff mulls were passed around and the resulting combination of laughter and sneezing ensured that everyone knew exactly which Company they were dining with!
Afterwards, many of us crossed the road to the Lord Raglan to continue the celebrations before eventually dispersing into the London evening, navigating crowded tube stations and more transport disruption.
For me and for Simon it was a memorable, joyful and slightly surreal day - another reminder of what makes our Company so special: good friends, family, enduring traditions, much fun and the ability to carry on regardless.
Thank you to everyone who worked so hard and made the day so special - our Clerk Sandra, Clerk's Assistant Bill, Beadle Dan and Court Assistant Susan in particular; also Father Jack for his thoughtful prayers and for the Grace and the Master Saddler for allowing us to use the Company's wonderful hall and courtyard. Destroyed by the Great Fire of London and then bombed during the Blitz, the original Saddlers’ Hall dates back to the 14th Century and has been rebuilt several times. I think it just about survived another Pipe Makers' Court Meeting and Lunch!
Finally, there was only one thing left to do after the train back to Bath: feet up, a plate of scrambled eggs, and a moment to reflect on a truly wonderful occasion. Mastery, it turns out, is best enjoyed in a pair of comfortable pyjamas.