Newsletter - August 2025
Dear Loriner,
We have had a wide variety of things going on in the Company this last month. Assistant Tricia Nassau-Williams led a fun day out on the north bank of the Thames with an assembled team of Loriners going Mudlarking. The Immediate Past Master covered for the Master at Capel Manor, the Summer Court lunch saw four new Freemen and one new Liveryman welcomed, as well as one new Assistant, Donald Fleming, coming on to the Court. The Master and Mistress were also joined by the Immediate Past Master and Mrs Anne Gurley at the RDA National Championships at Hartpury.
August is typically a quiet month in the Livery world. Not so, however, for our Company, with the Pony Club Polo at Cowdray and Summer Camp in Warwickshire, the Royal Navy Leg of the Loriners' Cup in Chepstow and the affiliated cadets camp in Somerset coming up. We hope you enjoy yet another packed Loriners' newsletter.
Nick Bensted-Smith, Master 2025/26
Mudlarking Around on the Thames
Sunday 29th June saw 22 bold Loriners sally forth on one of the hottest days of the year for our first Mudlarking experience on the Thames foreshore.
We gathered underneath the north side of the Millennium Bridge for a detailed presentation on Mudlarking and the river Thames given by Christine, our guide from the Thames Explorer Trust. She gave us a lot of detail on the river’s history, the people who would have lived by and worked on it, as well as Mudlarking and possible finds.
We then carefully scrambled over and down the embankment to search for any items of interest. These were restricted to what we found on the surface of the foreshore, so no digging or metal detectors allowed! We soon had our eyes peeled and were amazed by the range of items that we found. These have been known to span a period of around 2000 years.
We concluded by gathering with our finds together as a group, while Christine gave us an explanation of them all. I was a little disappointed to find that, what l had thought was a section of a Tudor jug, was in fact just a bit of Victorian drainpipe! It was a really enjoyable and fun experience that captured the imagination and interest of everyone in our group, which ranged from eight to 70 years old.
The event was followed by a well deserved lunch at Café Rouge near St Paul’s, where everyone agreed that it had been a terrific morning. Thank you to all who came and made it such fun.
Court Assistant, Tricia Nassau-Williams
Immediate Past Master Presents Capel Manor Awards
On 2nd July, Immediate Past Master (IPM) Colin Gurley represented the Master at the Annual Awards Ceremony at Capel Manor College, Enfield. The Worshipful Company of Loriners has been involved with Capel Manor College over many years, financially supporting the module on the Saddlery Course, which covers all aspects of bits and Lorinery. This year, the Loriners sponsored three awards for Lorinery Course Work, plus the Master Lorinery Achievement Award for Best Overall Student. The IPM can be seen here presenting awards to (left to right) Victoria Jacobs and Olivia Howard.
Also presenting awards were the Prime Warden Saddler and Masters of the Worshipful Companies of Farriers, Coach and Harness Makers and Cordwainers.
Immediate Past Master, Colin Gurley
Loriner Focus - Lauren Morton
This month, our focus is on Liveryman Lauren Morton. Lauren is the daughter of Upper Warden John Morton and Freeman Rebecca Morton and, as you will read, her knowledge and experience of the equine world is vast. Lauren also serves on the Loriners' Communications Committee, using her highly valued skills in Digital Marketing to promote and raise our Company's profile.
"From a young age, I was a keen horse rider and I had my first horse when I was a teenager. This was where my love of horses became a deep rooted passion and the family often found themselves travelling the country to yet another show jumping competition each weekend!
'During my late teens, I was involved with the racehorse training and breeding operation at home, whilst completing my education, which culminated in a Computer Science and Business degree from Newcastle University.
'Upon graduating, I moved to Newmarket and took up the role of Pedigree Assistant to Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum at Shadwell, one of racing's largest operations that has a legacy of breeding and racing excellence.
'At Shadwell, I learned a great deal about thoroughbred breeding and gained an insight into the operational side of the business. Along with pedigree research, I would assist on the yard with foaling down. For those not familiar with the breeding side of the equine world, this is helping the mares give birth and looking after the foals in the first few minutes of their life. My year at Shadwell is something I will never forget and an experience I cherish.
'I worked at The Jockey Club for six years and my work there fired my interest in Digital Marketing. I then traded racecourses for skyscrapers and took a different career turn. I am now Associate Director of Digital Marketing at RBC BlueBay Asset Management, based in Bishopsgate.
'My family history with the Company, together with my own personal experience of the equine industry enabled me to join the Loriners and I was enclothed as a Liveryman in 2019. Working in the City means I can also be far more involved with the Loriners, joining many of the impressive dinners and events and using my knowledge of both Digital Marketing and all things equine to help drive The Company forwards."
Celebrations mark the weddings of Mr and Mrs Bensted-Smith
Liveryman Oliver Bensted-Smith (eldest son of the Master) married Miss Zoe Durran on 5th July - and celebrated again on 19th July. Whilst their church wedding in Berkshire included close family and friends, the second ceremony took place at a 16th century Chateau in Normandy in France. Here, a larger gathering of the couple's wider families, friends from university and beyond, wined, dined and danced the night away.
The Worshipful Company of Loriners sends Oliver and Zoe every good wish for their future happiness!
Liveryman, Sarah Lloyd
Summer Court Welcomes New Liveryman
The Summer Court and Lunch took place on 9th July. During the Court Meeting, the Master took great pleasure in enclothing Liveryman Wing Commander Alec Hurley. Many of you will remember Liveryman Hurley in the newsletter's Loriner Focus last October.
The lunch was held at Barber Surgeons' Hall and, once again, it was sold out. The guest speaker was Mr Philip Jordan QPM, former City Marshal. Mr Jordan retired in December 2024, having spent 42 years working in the public sector.
Assistant to the Clerk, Georgy Armitage
Time to look at our Smaller Equine Charities
In this edition of the Loriners' Newsletter, we are taking a look at our Smaller Equine Charities. We may not hear of them as regularly as the larger ones supported by the Company. But they are all just as important. Liveryman Graham Pattenden is Steward for the Loriners’ Smaller Equine Charities and here are reports of two of his visits: the first on Cobbes Meadow Riding and Driving for the Disabled and the second on Ride High.
Cobbes Meadow
Liveryman Graham, accompanied by his sister Janet, visited Cobbes Meadow on 23rd April this year. Cobbes Meadow is a small but extremely well-run equestrian facility situated in the Kent countryside, to which the Company makes an annual grant.
The main purpose of the Centre is to provide equestrian experience, not only for the physically disabled but also for children and adults with mental and emotional difficulties and those affected by disturbing domestic circumstances. Graham's visit coincided with a session being held for a small group of young children living with autism and other complications, which have left them unable to communicate verbally. The look of sheer delight on their faces as they rode their ponies, expertly guided by the Centre's volunteers, showed more clearly than any words the true value of using horses for therapy. Indeed, such is the power of equine connection that one little girl, non-verbal remember, when prompted by her guide, said, 'Walk on’, which her pony dutifully obeyed! Quite an achievement.
The Centre has its own ponies and horses which, because of limited space at Cobbes Meadow, are housed at a supporter’s stables nearby. The Centre also offers carriage driving and has several carriages, one of which has been specially adapted to carry a wheelchair; a facility much appreciated by disabled users. It must be said, though, that the stars of the show are the volunteers, who give up many hours of their time to ensure that the ponies, horses and indeed the Centre itself are prepared and available for their essential contribution to those whose lives leave little room for enjoyment.
During his visit, Graham was introduced to David Hall, Chair of Trustees and to Mary Mustafa, Chair of the Management Team, as well as some of the dedicated and long-serving volunteers who turn their hand to whatever is required to provide a safe and memorable visit for those fortunate to use their services. This very enjoyable visit, which was enhanced by some delicious home-baked cakes, was an excellent opportunity to see the use to which the Company’s grant is awarded.
Ride High
On 21st May, Liveryman Graham visited the Ride High charity, based in Milton Keynes. Ride High is a small charity to which the Loriners make an annual grant. With more than 40 horses stabled at the facility, Ride High is a thriving establishment that has supported more than 2,400 local children since it opened in 2009.
The charity uses the therapeutic effects of horses and ponies to support vulnerable children and young people, many of whom live with mental health issues. Ride High’s well-respected courses are designed to overcome their clients’ mental, emotional and welfare challenges by developing their emotional resilience, their ability to communicate, their self-esteem and self-confidence, as well as their ability to engage in relationships. These in turn enhance self-awareness and personal control.
Whilst this begins with the horses, a lot of progress is made in the clubroom sessions that follow. Projects are chosen to support the needs seen in each group, so the focus might be on resilience for one group and teamwork for another.
Courses run from six to 36 weeks, depending on requirements. During his visit, Graham observed a weekly session involving teenagers approaching the end of their two-term course. Their session was divided into three supervised activities: stable yard tasks involving mucking-out, feeding and grooming the horses; then a variety of riding activities and, finally, a group discussion session in Ride High’s clubroom.
After their session, the children relax with drinks and snacks and reflect on their achievements, their feelings and overall progress. They then update their detailed personal folders, which provide a session-by-session record of their progress.
It was significant that members of the group, never having met each other before the start of their course, had established supportive relationships; they were clearly at ease with one another, exchanging conflicting views with understanding and acceptance. Truly an achievement in itself and the 99.9% success rate in achieving one or more of the children’s targets speaks for itself.
As with all charities, it is the dedication and commitment of the staff and volunteers that underscores the organisation’s success; Ride High employs just ten paid staff, but has 50 regular volunteers of whom 40% have volunteered for more than four years.
Significantly, almost all volunteers say that their work has enhanced their own mental health and wellbeing. Clearly, working with horses and helping those less fortunate has a rewarding and beneficial effect on all involved. The courses have been so successful that plans are in hand to open two more sites; one in north west England and one in the south. It is a tribute, indeed, to the efforts of staff and volunteers in changing the lives of vulnerable young people.
Grateful thanks are due to Children’s Manager Hannah Thompson and Grants Officer Sarah Mash for taking the time to show Graham around and explain the intricacies of the charity’s work. More information and a deeper insight into Ride High’s achievements are available in the 2024 Ride High Impact Report, which can be found here.
Steward for Smaller Equine Charities, Graham Pattenden
Master, Mistress and Immediate Past Master attend the RDA Championships
On 11th July, the Master and Mistress, accompanied by the Immediate Past Master, attended the first day of the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Championships at Hartpury University and College in Gloucester.
The RDA’s National Championships, which form the biggest equestrian event for disabled competitors of its kind, take place over three days, with classes ranging from dressage and show jumping to carriage driving and vaulting.
Michael Bishop, RDA CEO, welcomed our Master and thanked him for the ongoing support of our Company.
The visit included a tour of the events, arenas and stables, which accommodate more than 170 horses from all over the UK. There was also a very impressive carriage driving display in the main arena.
The day concluded with the presentation of the RDA’s annual awards, recognising not only the competitors but also a number of exceptional volunteers.
Pictured above are the Master, Mistress and Immediate Past Master, together with the Master Farrier and Past Prime Warden Saddler. Other guests also included our own Liveryman Marcus Capel, CEO of the Pony Club UK, which has extensive connections working with the RDA.
Immediate Past Master, Colin Gurley
Social Media - on a Personal Front...
The summer months of July and August inevitably see people taking time away from work and focusing on family and personal interests. That's not to say, though, that nothing is going on in the equine world. Whilst The Royal International Horse Show took place at Hickstead at the end of last month, the British Showjumping National Championships, the International Hartpury Horse Trials and British Eventing Championships and the 2025 Polo Festival at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club all take place this month.
These, plus many more, offer great opportunities to watch, enjoy, learn and even participate in all things equine.
Our social member following for July was:
LinkedIn - 1708
Facebook - 567
Instagram - 601
Please keep posting, sharing, liking and commenting, so we can continue to raise awareness of the Loriner trade and our contributions to equestrianism and the City of London.
Liveryman and Social Media Lead, Bogdan Zaha
Messages from The Gallant Clerk
My final Clerk’s Noticeboard, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the friendship, kindness and help that you have shown me over the last two and a half years. After the long haul that my predecessor put in, I knew I had my hands full and a hard act to follow. The support that I have received in helping me during my tenure has been immeasurable. Thank you.
As some may know, I am not moving far and therefore I hope to bump into some/many of you in due course - maybe even during the visit to the Honourable Artillery Company in September. Now to the routine updates:
Court
Summer Court and Lunch were held on 9th July, with a sell-out lunch and Mr Philip Jordan QPM giving a wonderful overview of his time as City Marshal, including when he was confident that the Civic Party was following him into a formal event only to turn around for there to be no-one behind him! We were blessed with good weather, which meant that all those attending could experience the delights of the garden at Barber Surgeons’ Hall.
During a straightforward Court meeting, the following were admitted:
Liveryman Donald Fleming as Court Assistant
Wing Commander Alec Hurley as our New Liveryman
And as Freemen, the following:
Mr David Lister
Mrs Rebecca Morton
Wing Commander Haley Norris as an affiliate
Brigadier Simon Stockley also an affiliate
Unfortunately, Mr Leigh Middleton Ross could not make the Court meeting and will hopefully be admitted and enclothed at Autumn Court
Diary
Whilst there is now a gap between Company events, the diary remains full, with a treasure trove of visits and events as follows:
Early Sep - Guards Polo Club. Currently full, with a waiting list
Early Sep - Honourable Artillery Company. Currently full, with a long waiting list
Mid Sep - Guild of Young Freemen evening at Saddlers’ Hall. Details to follow
Late Sep - Sheep drive, with limited spaces available to join the Master. A separate email has already been sent out with details
Late Sep - Lord Mayor Election and Lunch at Barber Surgeons’ Hall. Details out soon
Early Oct - Visit to Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Details out soon
Mid Oct - Visit to Treloar’s. Details out soon
Late Oct - Autumn Court and Dinner at Goldsmiths’ Hall. Bookings are now open
Late Oct - Informal lunch. Details will be out via WhatsApp. If you are keen to join this lunch and are not already on the Loriners’ WhatsApp Group, then I urge you to join soonest. This lunch tends to fill up very quickly, so look out for the bookings when Liveryman Gillian Sainsbury opens them up.
Wider Items
Livery Impact Report 2025.
A show of hands at Common Hall showed the majority of attendees had not seen a copy of the report and hence it is included here. All members are encouraged to read it so that they can understand what their support means.
Guildhall Christmas Market - Early Bird Tickets
Early Bird Tickets for this year’s Guildhall Christmas Market are now on sale. The Christmas Market starts on 8th December, with an Early Bird discount of £5 off for the opening night, market day festive lunch and market day afternoon tea tickets. It’s a great chance for individuals and groups to save by planning their trip early. All proceeds from the market will fund vital work supporting people in crisis in the UK and overseas. The Early Bird discount applies until 31st August, with general ticket sales (including market day entry without a dining experience) launch on 1st September.
Communications Committee
August 2025