Masters and Clerks Lunch on 28 April
A Lunch Worth its Weight in Gold!
Our Masters and Clerks Lunch on 28 April featured a new attraction. Our guest speaker at lunch, John Benjamin, held a surgery in the morning during which he examined over 20 pieces of jewellery that many you had brought in.
John, as many of you will know, spent some 30 years on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow doing just that. He took the time to examine and comment on every item on the table. Many of course were not surprised that their treasured items were not that rare and unique piece they hoped might be worth a fortune.
However, he did come across a couple of items of great interest and significant value.
Jewellery Surgery with John Benjamin
Jewellery Surgery with John Benjamin
Whilst all that was taking place, upstairs in the Court meeting we clothed five new liverymen, before joining everyone at reception and lunch in the fabulous Grocers’ Livery Hall. We had 18 visiting Masters, many joined by their Clerks who had been allowed out for the day. John’s speech after lunch again showed his enthusiasm for antique jewellery as he described the excitement experienced when he has come across those rare and special items.
Our New Liverymen
Visiting Masters
For our Beadle, Peter, this was his last formal event before he retires from the role he has carried out calmly and magnificently for the last 16 years. The Master was delighted to announce that, in recognition of that service, the Court had unanimously agreed to make him an Honorary Liveryman. She presented him with a special lead shield, crafted by Lvy. Peter Cheeseman at our Amberley Workshop. We hope he will continue to join us at our events, where he will be able to fully enjoy the social side without the pressure of his formal duties and having to keep everything on track.
Presentation to our Beadle
Photos by Andy Sillett