Newsletter - July 2025

Welcome to the July edition of our newsletter. The highlight, this month, has been the visit to the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre and the presentation of 40 hard hats, a gift from the Loriners. This is well written up by Assistant Alex Maule and you can read about the visit later in the newsletter. 

Fortunately, there are no photos (that I know about!) of the Master attempting a Ceilidh, along with 220 others, at the Lord Mayor’s weekend for Masters in Aberdeen. By the time this is published, we will also have had our Mudlarking Day on the shores of the River Thames, kindly organised by Assistant Tricia Nassau Williams. This will be covered in the next edition.

I look forward to seeing many fellow Loriners and their guests at our sold-out Summer Lunch at Barber-Surgeons' Hall on July 9th. Happily, there is still much in the Company diary for us all to share over the coming months.

Nick Bensted-Smith, Master 2025/26

Unique Tie Pin Presented to His Majesty The King

On 17th May, The Master and Mistress represented the Company for the presentation of a unique Tie Pin to His Majesty King Charles III at the Royal Windsor Horse Show (details of their visit were featured in the previous edition of Loriners' Latest News).

The Tie Pin was commissioned by the Officers of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in conjunction with the Worshipful Company of Loriners and other supporters of the KTRHA Foundation. The photo shows the Pin in a specially created presentation box with engraving by the Troop’s Master Saddler.

Nick Bensted-Smith, Master 2025/26

Riding for the Disabled Association and The Pony Club Thrive at the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre 

On 14th June, Master Nick and Mistress Sarah Bensted-Smith, accompanied by Steward Alexandra Maule and her consort Hugh, visited the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre (WSPC) in west London. The Master had been invited to present 40 riding hats that had been funded by the most recent Loriners’ charitable grant to the WSPC.

After a very informative tour of the stables and turning out area and meeting the resident ponies, horses and donkeys, we were treated to a wonderful parade of riders and ponies/donkeys led by the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). This was followed by a well-rehearsed and performed Bond-themed Musical Ride by Pony Club riders. All riders and equine participants were excellently turned out and good use was made of the new riding hats.

The WSPC sits on what was originally common land and is now in amongst many tall and impressive London buildings. We were informed that the riding hats had mistakenly been delivered to the nearby prison and had to be redirected to the WSPC! It is certainly tucked away on its site.

Not far away is Grenfell Tower and our visit coincided with the anniversary of the terrible fire. Representatives of Kids on the Green, a charity which focuses on the wellbeing of children and young people who survived the fire and which has an association with the WSPC, were also in attendance.

We very much enjoyed the powerful and beautiful singing of their young soloist. We were able to celebrate the achievements of the children at the WSPC and held a minute’s silence to respect and remember all those who had died at Grenfell in 2017.

The WSPC focuses on inner city children with special needs and provides a remarkable facility in this area. The Loriners have been supporting this charity for many years and have seen it grow and thrive. Its founder, Sister Mary Joy Langdon, recently stepped down as Chief Executive after many years of inspiring leadership. The new Chief Executive, Tonya Ellis, has now taken the reins and there is no doubt that she will lead the WSPC forward with great enthusiasm and knowledge.

Court Assistant and WSPC Steward, Alexandra Maule

Master attends the annual Election of Sheriffs

On 24th June, the Master represented the Company at the Election of Sheriffs at Guildhall. Great Hall was packed with a capacity of about 700 liverymen, including a number of Loriners. Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney and Keith Bottomley were duly elected ‘for the year ensuing’. Both newly elected sheriffs are colleagues of mine on Common Council and I have no doubt that they will serve our great City very well indeed. They take up residence in the Old Bailey in late September. 

Pictured below are: The Master with Sheriff-elect Robert Hughes-Penney, Mrs Elspeth Hughes-Penney and Beadle for the Ward of Cheap, Mr Bob Lovell.

Nick Bensted-Smith, Master 2025/26

Loriner Focus - Sister Mary Joy Langdon   

This month, we are excited to focus on Sister Mary Joy Langdon. Sister Mary Joy has featured in many editions of Loriners’ News in her role as CEO of Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre (WSPC). Here’s what she has to say…

“My journey with the Worshipful Company of Loriners started in the early 1990s. In 1989, the WSPC had no stables, office, toilets, electricity or telephone. Just a rough patch of land with a stand pipe for water. A few months later, a Loriner called John Davies visited the centre, told me about the Worshipful Company and said he might be able to source a small grant to help WSPC. That first visit then became an annual visit, with confirmation of a donation. 

‘In 2009, when the centre celebrated its 20th Anniversary, Her Royal Highness, together with a group of Loriners, observed some RDA riders showcasing their skills. 

'The Loriners also helped raise funds to build the centre’s stable yard, with a special Loriner Plaque unveiled to mark the occasion. When I hear people say the Loriners don’t have their own Hall, I like to remind them that the Loriners are the only Company to have a stable yard! 

‘In 2011, I was invited to attend the Lord Mayor’s Parade with the Loriners, who were celebrating their 750th anniversary. I brought some of the children from the centre and we rode in an open-top bus, which was extremely exciting for them. Lady Harriet Milnes Coates was Master and she bravely led the parade, riding a military horse which was very much on its toes.

‘In 2014, the Loriners raised considerable funds to buy new bridles, breast plates and saddle cloths for our Dancing White Horses display team. The bridles, cloths and Loriner medals were presented by The Princess Royal to riders at an evening reception. To my great surprise and delight, the Master Peter Beaumont also announced I was to be made an Honorary Loriner. 

‘In 2017, I took part in the annual Inter-Livery Pancake Races, held at Guildhall Yard. Such a fun event, with everyone dressed up on their livery robes. However, on the day, I discovered that the only robe available for me was the Master’s. I didn’t win my race, but felt very privileged to be taking part wearing the Master’s gown! I also attended the United Guilds’ Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral. This was indeed special, as the Bishop of London spoke about all the charitable works that the Worshipful Companies undertake. To my surprise, he mentioned the WSPC. Sitting next to strangers who listened with interest, I felt very proud. 

‘In February last year, the Princess Royal, the Master and several Loriners attended the raising of the centre’s 35th Anniversary flag, ‘Looking to the Future’.

This was the first event of our anniversary year, which also saw the Loriners sponsoring the 35 Steps; a photographic display showing the development of the centre over 35 years. 

The following May, I attended the spectacular Mansion House Banquet, which was an extraordinary evening, full of surprises. Loriners are gifted at springing surprises! The banquet was a truly amazing event and having so many friends unexpectedly in attendance made it very special.

'I have known the Loriners for more than 30 years and the Company’s support has been unwavering. The annual grants have enabled the centre to obtain a wide range of equipment, from special reins for RDA riders and riding helmets to dressage markers and even an outdoor classroom for use during Covid. The Loriners have also provided non-grant items including new stables, bridles, Loriner sweat shirts and medals. 

The following May, I attended the spectacular Mansion House Banquet, which was an extraordinary evening, full of surprises. Loriners are gifted at springing surprises! The banquet was a truly amazing event and having so many friends unexpectedly in attendance made it very special.

'I have known the Loriners for more than 30 years and the Company’s support has been unwavering. The annual grants have enabled the centre to obtain a wide range of equipment, from special reins for RDA riders and riding helmets to dressage markers and even an outdoor classroom for use during Covid. The Loriners have also provided non-grant items including new stables, bridles, Loriner sweat shirts and medals. 

‘I would like to sincerely thank all the Loriners who have supported me and my work at the centre. I am truly grateful for all you have done and given.

I have always had a passion for correctness for anything relating to equestrian tack and horses. My father was a Londoner and had a deep love and respect for the ancient London traditions. Hence, I feel very privileged to be part of this ancient Company. Whilst I am now fully retired, my journey with the Loriners will continue, albeit in a slightly different way.”

Sister Mary Joy Langdon

Photos relating to the 2011 Lord Mayor's Parade kindly given with permission provided by Harald Joergens Photography

Master and Mistress attend Sunset Ceremony at RAF Honington

The Master and Mistress were honoured to be invited to attend the Sunset Ceremony at RAF Honington on Wednesday 25th June. Unfortunately, Assistant Stephen Macklow-Smith, Steward for our military affiliations, was unable to join us, due to a prior commitment. 

We were hosted by the Station Commander, Wing Commander Max Hayward and Group Captain Sam Wiseman, the Commander of Combat Readiness Force. The new Commanding Officer of No 1 Squadron, our affiliate unit, has yet to start his tour. 

As we have come to find with so many of the charities and affiliates we support, the RAF Regiment is proud of its association with the Loriners and keen to develop it further. To round off the very moving sunset ceremony, when the colours are lowered and the National Anthem was played by the marching band, we were treated to a fly past by a Typhoon. Very special!

Nick Bensted-Smith, Master 2025/26

Messages from The Gallant Clerk

A few parish notices as usual, so here goes:

Diary

The diary continues to fill up and the following events are planned:

July: Summer Court and Lunch (sold out)

September: Guards Polo Club Lunch - flier coming out shortly. Cost will be about £80

September: Visit to the Honourable Artillery Company - flier coming out shortly

September: Sheep Drive. In a change from previous years, the Company has booked 5 x tickets to take part in the Sheep Drive itself. The Master will take one and therefore there will be 4 additional places for other Liverymen to book. So, if you want the opportunity to celebrate the ancient ‘right’ of Freemen to ‘bring your sheep to market’ over the River Thames, then please look out for the flier in due course.

September: Election of Lord Mayor and lunch at Barber-Surgeons’ Hall

October: Company visit to Treloars College. A unique visit to a very special place. Flier out shortly. Cost will be lunch at a local pub

October: Autumn Court and Dinner at Goldsmiths’ Hall

October: Informal lunch at Le Café du Marche again. Organised on the WhatsApp group. If you want the chance to be included in this event, please ensure you are signed up to the group. Contact the clerk@loriner.co.uk if you need to be added. 

There is also a planned visit to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in late September/early October being planned. Please look out for details of this. Date will be confirmed shortly.

Inter-Livery

Calling any tennis players. The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers invite all Companies to participate in the 2025 Inter-Livery Tennis Competition, to be held at The Queen’s Club on Thursday 18th September. Each Livery Company may enter one or two mixed doubles teams. Each pair must include at least one member of the Livery (either a Liveryman or Freeman). Please note that a maximum of 48 players can be accommodated. Successful entry will be notified by 14th July.

The day will begin with registration and morning coffee at 11:00am, with play commencing promptly at 11:30am. Teams will be divided into six groups of four pairs, playing in a round-robin format until 3:00pm. Matches will take place on clay courts, with indoor courts available in case of inclement weather. A buffet lunch will be served throughout the afternoon.

Following the tennis, a cash bar will open at 6:00pm, with dinner served at 7:30pm in the President’s Room. The evening includes a three-course meal with half a bottle of wine per person. Masters, Liverymen and supporters are warmly encouraged to join the teams for dinner. The prize-giving will be conducted by the Master of the Feltmakers’ Company and the evening will conclude at approximately 9:30pm. Dress code: Players are required to wear predominantly white tennis attire. For dinner, jacket and tie are required for gentlemen and appropriate equivalent attire for ladies.

The entry fee is £567 per pair (inclusive of VAT), covering tennis, match balls, refreshments, lunch and dinner. Additional dinner guests are welcome at £105 per person, including wine.

If you wish to lead a Loriner team, then please contact the clerk@loriner.co.uk

Communications Committee

July 2025