Newsletter - May 2025
Welcome to the May edition of our newsletter. To say that the Loriners have been ‘out-and-about’ would be an understatement. All the key events have been ably written up and I hope you enjoy reading about them.
In this edition, we feature the Treloar’s Gala evening in London and the RAF leg of the Loriners’ Cup in Hampshire. We also have the London Harness Horse Parade in West Sussex and the hugely successful informal lunch at the Café du Marché in the City.
By attending these events, members of our Company have been able to support some of our chosen charities and military affiliations and, at the same time, enjoy the fellowship of our livery. May promises to be a busy month once again and I look forward to seeing many of you at our annual banquet at Mansion House.
Nick Bensted-Smith, Master 2025/26
Tribute to Past Master Glen Neville Smith
On 20th March 2025 the Master, accompanied by the IPM, joined family and friends at the funeral of Past Master Glen Neville Smith at the West Suffolk Crematorium, Bury St Edmunds.
Heartfelt tributes paid to Glen during the service mentioned his long commitment to our Worshipful Company.
Glen who was Master of our Company in 2003, enjoyed a long and varied professional flying career, flying a large range of aircraft and logging over 22000 hours across the globe. Glen will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Immediate Past Master, Colin Gurley
Lord Mayor's Annual Gala Dinner raises much needed funds for Treloar's Charity
On 2nd April, the Master, Wardens, IPM, PM Chris Walton and their wives attended the Treloar's Annual Fundraising Gala Charity Dinner, which was held at Mansion House. The Lord Mayor is an Honorary Trustee of Treloar's and our Company has, for many years, been a steadfast supporter of the charity.
Treloar's is a special residential, day school and college for disabled children and young people aged 2-25, situated near Alton in Hampshire. It was founded in 1907 by Sir William Purdie Treloar, himself a Loriner (a fact of which we are justly proud) and also the Lord Mayor at that time. Treloar's currently has 130 pupils who are supported by more than 800 expert staff, teachers, physiotherapists, nurses and more. Collectively, they provide round-the-clock healthcare and support for its students, all of whom have a wide variety of physical and / or medical needs.
Treloar's needs to raise more than £2 million each year to fund its incredible work. Profits from ticket sales, live and silent auctions held at their Gala Dinner each year raise much needed funds to support their vital work. This year's event raised £135,000.
The evening also featured video presentations of two of its students, Robyn and Freddie, both of which highlighted the exceptional work undertaken by this incredible organisation. With kind permission given by Treloar's, you can see the heart touching presentation featuring Robyn here and Freddie here. They are both well worth watching.
This was a truly memorable evening and a special Loriners' visit to Treloar's is currently being planned for later this year. Places will be extremely limited - please watch out for further information in due course.
Immediate Past Master, Colin Gurley
Two More Loriners Receive their City Freedom!
On Thursday 3rd April, Freemen Loriners Lindsay Nicholson (below left) and Christina Grieve (below right) attended the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall to receive the Freedom of the City of London. They were accompanied by family members and our Company was represented by our IPM, Colin Gurley. The historic ceremony was conducted by the Clerk to the Chamberlain’s Court, Laura Miller, and it was greatly enjoyed by all present.
Following the ceremony, the party enjoyed a private family lunch to celebrate this memorable occasion. Our Master looks forward to Enclothing them both with the Livery upon their return to the Court in due course. Congratulations Lindsay and Christina!
Immediate Past Master, Colin Gurley
Loriner Focus
This month, we have pleasure in introducing Donald Fleming. Donald has professional trustee and strategic advisory roles. He became a Liveryman of the Company in 2014, having been introduced by a friend who he worked with at a broking firm in the City.
"I knew little about Lorinery or the wider activities of the livery companies, although I had ridden on and off since childhood and was interested to join a livery company which was part of the fabric of the City’s history.
'As a Liveryman, I have enjoyed a wide range of visits and events, including the splendid annual Banquet at Mansion House and various sporting events, as well as a behind the scenes visit to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment to see the immense hard work for the major ceremonial events. I have also attended informal lunches and drinks - these are a great way to get to know fellow Loriners.
'The Company offers opportunities for those who want to get involved in any way and I value being a member of the Livery Committee, which organises such events. I have seen first-hand the contribution and support made by the Company’s activities to equine welfare and how the livery companies are still today an integral part of the City of London.
'There is a real sense that, while imbued with centuries of history and tradition, this is a living organisation which wants to be relevant to the interests of the members across all age groups. In an era of remote working, this is still an excellent way to make friends and establish links across the City of London and to appeal to anyone with equine affiliations."
Liveryman, Donald Fleming
RAF Clinch the First Round of the UKAFEA Loriners’ Cup
Tuesday 15th April saw the opening competition of this year’s UKAFEA Loriners’ Cup, with the RAF holding the dressage round at Sparsholt Equestrian Centre near Winchester. The Master and Mistress were accompanied by the Upper and Under Wardens, the Loriners’ UKAFEA Steward PM Chris Walton and their consorts.
The Loriners’ party arrived at the centre at 10.00am and were given a very welcome coffee before moving down to the magnificent indoor arena to watch the dressage. The RAF, Army and RN entered four riders each in what was an extremely high standard of riding and horsemanship.
3rd respectively. This was a very good start for the riders representing the RAF, who won the Loriners’ Cup at the end of the tournament in October last year. The Master was invited to present prizes to all the riders, accompanied by Brigadier Stuart Nasse OBE, Chair of the UKAFEA.
After watching a victory gallop around the external arena, the Loriners were treated to a splendid lunch and were joined by riders and support teams from all three services. The Master and Brig. Nasse also signed this year’s formal agreement between the Loriners and the UKAFEA (below). The Loriners departed mid-afternoon, with everyone very much looking forward to the next leg at Melton Mowbray in June.
UKAFEA Steward and Past Master, Chris Walton
Launch of the Equine Fitters Directory
In February this year, the Equine Fitters Council, an independent and not-for-profit company established by the Worshipful Company of Loriners and the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, launched the official online Equine Fitters Directory (EFD). Past Master Sue Douthwaite is Vice Chair of the Council and the directory was created to be a trusted online resource, where horse owners and professionals can find a qualified and insured saddle, bit, bridle or harness fitter for their horse. Liveryman Olivia Turner, who took part in the making of the directory's launch film, provides more details:
"I registered as a bit fitter in the directory when it was launched and am proud to have supported it since then. I believe a directory like this is so important in informing owners who they can trust and who will safeguard the welfare of their horses when it comes to fitting.
'I was incredibly proud to be asked to be a part of their film, which was shot over two days last December. A number of other highly recognised fitting specialists were part of the filming, which included action shots of fitting saddles, bits and bridles, and interviews about our professions and the benefits of the directory. Sizzle Studios produced the film and treated us all like movie stars, complete with hair and makeup. It really was a 'Lights, camera, action' set up! My personal highlight was day two, which took place at the Household Cavalry Barracks in Knightsbridge, where I fitted two horses with bits and bridles for the film. It was very special working with such beautiful horses and seeing life at the barracks from behind the scenes.
'The finished film was released at an evening celebration at Saddlers' Hall in February, where former Olympic and World Championship rider William Fox-Pitt MBE was the guest of honour. Different media teams were present and the news of the directory has gained some excellent publicity. The Master, Nick Bensted-Smith, attended the event, along with myself and Freeman Jack Day. Freeman Charlotte Warman was also there to collect her Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) qualification.
'It was an honour to be a part of this launch. To be able to work closely with both the EFD and the Loriners enables me to put horse welfare first and to continue supporting Lorinery education."
Liveryman, Olivia Turner
Easter Monday sees London Harness Horses out on Parade
On April 21st (Easter Monday Bank Holiday), the Master and Mistress attended the London Harness Horse Parade, which is held annually at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex. This year’s parade, which dates back as far as 1886, featured more than 70 horse drawn carriages, vans and carts producing an interesting and varied display, with all of them immaculately turned out with drivers and grooms of all ages.
Our Master was joined by Master Farrier, John Chilman and Master Coachmaker & Coach Harness-Maker, Stephen Fitz-Gerald. The three Livery Masters were welcomed on behalf of the London Harness Horse Parade Society by our own Immediate Past Master, Colin Gurley, who is permanent Livery Company Steward to the parade’s committee.
Although the day began with a chill in the air, it was dry - much to the relief of the parade competitors, who had spent many hours grooming, polishing and detailing to perfection. Following veterinary and farrier inspections, the judging took place, followed by a parade of motorised vehicles. Finally the London Harness Horse Parade itself moved around the circuit and the Masters presented countless rosettes, awards and certificates.
The day included lunch, at which the Society’s Chairman, John Peacock, welcomed the Livery Masters and spoke warmly of the valued sponsorship and support given by their respective Livery Companys over a long period of time. The parade, which is open to the general public by ticket admission, will be held again next Easter Monday on 6th April 2026.
Immediate Past Master, Colin Gurley
Loriners celebrate St. George's Day with Informal Lunch
On 23rd April - St. George’s Day - a group of 22 Loriners and guests (many marking the occasion with red rose button holes) met for an informal lunch at Le Café du Marché in Farringdon.
The menu was excellent, with dishes of duck, beef steak and fine fish followed by a selection of delicious desserts. Many Loriners came from far and wide and much mirth and merriment was had by all. Addressing those present, Immediate Past Master Colin Gurley sincerely thanked Liveryman Gill Sainsbury for organising a very enjoyable event.
Another informal lunch is planned for later in the year.
Liveryman, Suzi Skinner
Messages from The Gallant Clerk
A busy month in terms of preparation for the Spring Court meeting (an update from this will appear in the next newsletter) and the Banquet just afterwards. We have strong numbers for the Banquet and look forward to seeing those who have booked in for what will, I am sure, be a memorable occasion. In terms of looking forward beyond the Banquet we have the following planned events:
June: Common Hall for Election of Sheriffs and lunch afterwards at Barber Surgeons’ Hall. Please do book in just for the lunch if you cannot make the Common Hall. We are treated exceptionally well by the Barbers’ Company, it is very good value and a good chance to catch up with fellow Loriners and members from other Companies.
June: A Mudlarking Day on the Thames. Flier will be sent out shortly.
July: Summer Court and Lunch at Barber Surgeons’ Hall. Flier will be out shortly after the Banquet.
September: A day out at Guards Polo Club.
Late Summer: A visit to the Honourable Artillery Company.
My one word of advice is to book early for each event. If any member wishes to organise a fun day out for fellow Loriners then do please discuss this with the Clerk who can put you in touch with the Chair of the Livery Committee. New and unique ideas are always very welcome.
Communications Committee
May 2025