Newsletter - February 2026

Dear Loriner

I was extremely honoured to be installed as the 765th Master of our Worshipful Company on Thursday 22nd January at our Annual Installation Court, which was held at Vintners' Hall, and to have the pleasure of Installing Mr Nick Athienitis as Upper Warden and Dr Richard Forster as Under Warden. 

I very much look forward to working with my Wardens, the Court and all members of the Company, to ensure the coming year continues to see the Company grow in numbers and continues to offer a wide range of activities that all our members can enjoy.

Our recently appointed Gallant Clerk, Simon Ovens DL, has picked the reins up very quickly and I am sure he will be a great assistance to me in the coming year.

The Installation Dinner followed the Court meeting and was attended by over 150 Liverymen, Freeman and their guests. The atmosphere was very upbeat and everybody appeared to have an enjoyable evening. Our guest speaker was Lord Sharpe of Epsom OBE, who was happy to remind us of the importance of the House of Lords as the Second Chamber. It was also my pleasure to welcome seven new Liverymen who joined the Company. 

As I mentioned in my Master’s speech, significant progress has been made in attracting new members to our Company and, over the last year, 16 new members have be admitted. However, we must not be complacent and all of us should consider if anybody we know would be interested in being introduced to the Company informally or at one of our formal functions. We have a collective responsibility to ensure that the Loriners thrive in the future and adapt to the changing world in which we live.

One of my first duties as Master was to enclothe my wife, Rebecca, into the Company. She is very much looking forward to supporting the Company as Mistress and Loriner over the coming years.

Our children, Lauren and James, are also Liverymen and, as you will read later, Rebecca's Freedom of the City Ceremony featured no fewer than three generations of Mortons. 

My ambition for the year ahead is quite simple; to serve the Company in any way possible. I am determined that we honour our traditions, whilst ensuring we remain relevant, outward looking and welcoming to future generations. That will include supporting our charitable work and strengthening fellowship within the Company

The Company calendar is filling up quickly and I would encourage you to keep an eye on the website for up coming events. I very much hope you will be able to attend as of them many as possible. Our next major event is our annual Mansion House Banquet on Tuesday 12th May. All members of the Company, together with their family and friends, are most welcome. 

John Morton, Master 2025/26

Freedom Ceremony attended by three generations

On Tuesday 9th January, Freeman Rebecca Morton attended the Chamberlain's Court at Guildhall to receive the Freedom of the City of London. The Ceremony was conducted by Laura Miller, Clerk to the Court, who is pictured (right) with Rebecca and the Chamberlain’s Court Beadle.

There were no fewer than three generations Mortons attending the ceremony. Pictured below are Master Loriner John Morton, their daughter, Loriner Lauren Jones, and the newest arrival into the Morton family, young Freddy, who will doubtless be Apprenticed to the Company in due course. They were also accompanied by Past Master Colin Gurley and his wife Anne. 

Having been enclothed at the Installation Ceremony last month, Rebecca is now looking forward to taking on the challenge of Mistress Loriner for the ensuing year. We wish them both by happy, successful and enjoyable year in office.

Past Master, Colin Gurley

Loriner Focus

We start off the year's Loriner Focus with a feature on Theo Athienitis. Theo is the son of Upper Warden Nick Athienitis and, as you will read below, his association with City companies and the equine industry go back a long way. 

"Having been involved with the Loriners from a young age through my father’s association, I have always been interested in becoming a fully-fledged member when I came of age.

'I had thought about becoming an apprentice but felt that I was not quite ready as I was still at the University of Bristol and wanted to join when I could commit to attending more events and being involved more closely with the Company.

'I am the youngest son of a longstanding Loriner and, having attended a Drapers’ School, Bancroft’s School in Woodford Green, I was always surrounded by Worshipful Companies of the City. Growing up in Wanstead, I found the City intoxicating. I dreamed of working in one of the many skyscrapers and being part of the hustle and bustle that makes the City feel alive.

'I worked as a portfolio manager for a challenger bank in the Walkie Talkie building and loved spending my time in Bank - whether as a member of The Ned or frequenting one of the many pubs that my colleagues had recommended. I am now a property finance professional with my own consultancy business. As a mortgage advisor, I assist people in buying residential properties and aid businesses in securing finance for their developments and real estate investments.

'I got involved with the Loriners through my father’s connection. However, I am also a keen rider and so is my fiancée Ella. I grew up riding Connemara ponies at my Grandfather’s estate in Donegal, Ireland. Ella was a member of the Pony Club as a child and was raised in Berkshire, which is, as I understand, very much horsey country. I genuinely believe that we would have gravitated towards the Company even if we had no family connection as we long to be involved in worthwhile causes and to get out for lovely evenings with kind hearted people.

'I would strongly recommend joining the Loriners to other young people as a way to involve themselves in a vibrant community with an earnest interest in helping others and in broadening their horizons. If you love horses, helping and having great fun, then I would implore you to get your friends and family involved!"

Liveryman, Theo Athienitis

Triple Freedom Celebrations at Guildhall

Following swiftly on from the Freedom ceremony for Freeman Rebecca Morton, three more Freemen of our Company attended the Chamberlain’s Court to receive their Freedom of the City of London.

On Tuesday 13th January, Freemen Loriners Jack Day, Wing Commander Haley Norris and Brigadier (Rtd) Simon Stockley received their Freedom from the Deputy Clerk of the Chamberlain's Court, Dave Hollander. The Company was represented by the Past Master, Colin Gurley (all pictured above). While Jack Day was enclothed at the Installation Court Meeting, Wing Commander Norris and Brigadier (Rtd) Stockley will look forward to their Enclothing Ceremony and attaining full membership of our Worshipful Company in due course.

Past Master, Colin Gurley

A Packed House for the Occasion of the Installation Dinner

The Worshipful Company of Loriners' Installation Dinner was held at Vintners' Hall on Tuesday 22nd January. Celebrating the Installation of Mr John Morton as the new Master Loriner was, of course, the focus of the evening and the Master thanked Immediate Past Master, Mr. Nicholas Bensted-Smith, for all that had previously been achieved under his Mastership. 

It was a delightful evening, filled with the traditions one would expect at such an event. The hall was filled to capacity. Everyone enjoyed a sumptuous dinner of wild mushroom tart, short rib of beef and espresso brûlée, accompanied by a selection of fine wines.

During the proceedings, the Loriners took pleasure in welcoming no fewer than seven new Liverymen who had been enclothed at the Court Meeting that afternoon. One particular Liveryman was the new Mistress, Mrs Rebecca Morton, who gave the response on behalf of the new Livery. Also attending the dinner were four new Freemen and a new Apprentice.

The guest speaker for the evening was Lord Sharpe of Epsom OBE, who gave some very entertaining insights into the workings of the House of Lords. Judging by the number of ongoing conversations during The Stirrup Cup at the end of the evening, many would have been happy to continue mingling for quite a while longer.

With such a joyful evening, let’s wish the new Master and Mistress a happy and successful year. Please note, once the official photos are ready, you will be able to view and download them here.

Liveryman, Sarah Lloyd

Social Media Update

Our social media presence continues to grow, helping us share the history, traditions, and activities of the Company with wider audiences. In 2026, we will focus our efforts more clearly: LinkedIn will support recruitment and external engagement, while Instagram will strengthen connections with existing members and support retention.

You can help by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook; liking and sharing posts and encouraging others to connect with our channels. Your engagement plays an important role in promoting the Loriners’ legacy. Thank you for your support.

Court Assistant and Head of Communications, Mark Skelton

Messages from the Clerk

Dear Loriner,

I begin by paying tribute to my predecessor, Mrs Honor Page, who died last month. I was lucky enough to meet Honor a couple of times in person; she was also kind enough to undertake a long zoom meeting with me following my appointment to pass on some of her expertise. I have had many messages from Loriners expressing their profound sadness at her death. She was much respected and will be greatly missed.

Please contact me for details of Honor's funeral and memorial service should you wish to attend.

Court

The Installation Court Meeting took place at Vintners' Hall on Thursday 22nd January, which saw Mr John Morton installed as The Master of the Company. Mr Nick Athienitis was appointed Upper Warden and Dr Richard Forster made his declaration and was appointed Under Warden. Mr Paul Dowsey made his declaration and joined the Court as an Assistant.

The following were enclothed as Liveryman:

·   Mr David Lister

·   Mr Neville Fourie

·   Mr David Stuart-Monteith

·   Mr Jack Day

·   Mr Marius Telespan

·   Mrs Charlotte Warman

·   Mrs Rebecca Morton

The following made their declarations and joined The Company as Freeman:

·   Major Christopher Pyman

·   Mr Matthew Stone

·   Mr Barry Bloomfield

·   Mrs Julia Horning

We were also especially pleased to see Miss Abigail Lane bound as an Apprentice to Court Assistant Mrs Debra Moorby-Connolly.

The Court meeting was followed by a wonderful dinner in the beautiful surroundings of Vintners' Hall. There were 150 diners, with the guest speaker being Lord Sharpe of Epsom OBE, who gave an entertaining speech on the vagaries of The House of Lords.

The Master received a rapturous response to his appointment and I have received a great many messages expressing how much the dinner was enjoyed and what a wonderful atmosphere was invoked.

I know from the many guests I spoke to that evening just how much they enjoyed the friendly Loriners' reception. The dinner also saw the first appearance of the new Company Beadle, Mr Craig Haslam, who looked after us all admirably.

Diary

Loriners' Annual Banquet:

The Loriners' Banquet will be held at Mansion House in May. Please make sure you book early once the details appear on the ‘MyMembers’ site.

Summer Lunch:

The Summer Lunch will be mid-July at Sadlers’ Hall.

Autumn Dinner:

The Autumn Dinner will be on in October at Drapers’ Hall.

Simon N. Ovens DL, Clerk

Communications Committee

February 2026