Newsletter - November 2024

Welcome to the November newsletter. You will see that it has been a quieter month for me, I’m pleased to say, with fewer visits but a lot more travel. The big event of October was of course the Autumn Court Meeting and Dinner, where I was very pleased to admit three new Freemen and three new Liverymen. It shows that our company is thriving due to our hardworking Livery Committee. In addition, the Master and Wardens for next year were elected. 

Further afield, I attended the UKAFEA final of the Loriners’ Cup at Leighton Buzzard, which was won by the RAF, and I presented the trophy to their team of riders. This was especially pleasing as they had not won it outright for 14 years. 

Later on, with two other Past Masters, I was invited to the Trafalgar Night Dinner by Commander David 'Bing' Crosby, Commanding Officer of HMS Agamemnon, our naval link in Barrow-in-Furness. A long way to travel, but very enjoyable. 

Enjoy the newsletter and the run-up to Christmas!

George - Master, 2024

Cleared for Take Off!

We are pleased to announce that, at the Loriners' Autumn Court Meeting on 17th October, Mr Nicholas Bensted-Smith JP CC was unanimously elected to the office of Master for the ensuing year.

Nick, pictured above following his recent flight in a spitfire, will become the Company’s 764th Master when he takes office on the 30th January next year. He was delighted to accept the appointment and advises that he intends to keep his feet firmly on the ground.

Our current Master, Dr George Anderson, congratulated Nick on his election and wished him a very happy and memorable year in office. Also elected at yesterday's Court Meeting to take office next January were:

Mr John Morton - Upper Warden

Mr Nicholas Athienitis - Under Warden

Immediate Past Master, Colin Gurley

Important Announcement for 1st January 2025

We are also pleased to announce that The Court has agreed to the introduction of an offer to encourage Younger Members to join the Company.

As of 1st January 2025, anyone under 35 years old on the day of joining will be required to pay half of the current fine. Furthermore, this payment can be spread over the year and can be paid quarterly. There will be no change to the Quarterage charge, which will be the same applied to all those who currently pay.

We are looking to introduce this incentive with a specific event to which potential members will be invited and we also hope to collectively invite the Guild of Young Freemen. Please look out for further details in due course. Any immediate queries should be addressed to the clerk@loriner.co.uk

Gallant Clerk, Crispin Lockhart

BHS presents 'Changing Lives through Horses' Programme

On Friday 4th October, the Master attended a presentation at Saddlers’ Hall given by the British Horse Society on its 'Changing Lives through Horses' programme. The event was attended by HRH The Princess Royal, who has been Vice-Patron of the BHS since 2017, and Martin Clunes, who is an Honorary Freeman of the Company. 

The BHS is the largest and most influential equestrian charity in the UK, which aims to make a real impact to the lives of horses and people who care about them, by working to improve education, welfare, access and safety. 'Changing Lives through Horses' is an educational character-building programme, which has been developed specifically to reach young people who have fallen out of the education system or who have special needs and to bring them into an equine environment to encourage them to engage and obtain qualifications. 

James Hick, CEO of BHS, opened the symposium and we then heard directly from HRH The Princess Royal, followed by presentations from teachers, riding centre owners, parents and pupils, who talked about the benefits that this programme had brought. It was a truly inspiring event. 

Photos by kind permission of David Cotter.

Master, George Anderson

Steward's Visit to WHW Glenda Spoon Farm

In July last year, my wife Sandy and I visited Glenda Spooner Farm, near Somerton in Somerset. The farm is one of the World Horse Welfare’s (WHW) four rescue centres in UK. On 19th September this year, we were delighted to revisit the farm, this time accompanied by Court Assistant Tricia Nassau-Williams, who will be taking over as Steward for WHW from me next year.

We were met by centre manager Claire Dickie, who escorted us throughout and guided us through the farm’s impressive facilities.

Not only is she an expert in managing the many and varied conditions which affect the horses and ponies that come into her care (up to 100 at any one time), but she also has responsibility for managing the 14 permanent staff and the many volunteers who carry out the farm’s vital work. She is also responsible for the 220-acre estate which it occupies. 

Claire’s passion for her work was evident when discussing her equine responsibilities, but even more so when she talked about the psychological and emotional impact that having to surrender damaged, distressed or neglected horses has on their former owners. She spoke movingly about the often challenging work carried out by the charity’s Field Officers, who deal at first hand with the sensitive issues involved in rescuing distressed horses and ponies - and their owners. 

While viewing the farm’s facilities, we were introduced to ‘Earl of Wisdom’ (aka Earl), a retired race horse. Soon after his arrival at the centre, the staff were concerned that he reacted badly to having a bridle put on. They discovered that, in addition to his other problems, he had an inflamed bursar at the back of his head - exactly where a strap on the headcollar rested.

The centre’s saddler designed a bespoke bridle and headcollar that avoided the sensitive area, at a cost of just under £200, which was paid for out of the Loriners’ annual grant to WHW.

Now free from pain, the new bridle, together with hours of training and reassurance from Earl’s groom, has enabled him to respond to his handler’s gentle cues. It was good to see a practical example of the benefits of our donation. 

Claire also reminded us that WHW, as the name implies, is not limited to operations within UK, but works in 16 overseas countries, where the education of owners and users of horses, as well as the horses’ welfare, is seen as a priority. Our thanks go to Claire for such an interesting visit and for the opportunity to see the excellent work carried out by WHW, supported by our Company.    

Court Assistant, Graham Pattenden

HMS Agamemnon Visit to Saint Olave’s Grammar School

On 8th October, IPM Colin Gurley visited St Olave's Grammar School in Orpington, Kent to observe two crew members of HMS Agamemnon give a presentation in morning assembly. HMS Agamemnon, Britain's newest nuclear attack submarine, was launched in Barrow-In-Furness on 3rd October and The Worshipful Company of Loriners has a strong affiliation with the ship. 

For the past two years, St Olave's has held an annual poetry competition for the whole school, which follows the theme of 'The Horse' and which the Master Loriner has taken great pleasure in judging. Liveryman Mrs Sezgin Kamal was responsible for connecting the two together. 

LT RN Daniel Moore and PO John MacFarlane gave a fascinating and highly educational presentation to showcase HMS Agamemnon and its crew to more than 800 students.

Following assembly, two 2-hour workshops were held, where Dan and John answered questions from Year 10 students, who showed great engagement and interest in the subject. 

As a result of this presentation, this year's poetry competition will be based on HMS Agamemnon, covering cross-curricular knowledge and skills.

The project will also combine the three relationships: The Loriners, HMS Agamemnon and Saint Olave’s. The resulting anthology will then be sent to Commander David Crosby and the submarine's crew. 

Before departing, the IPM recorded the Loriners' thanks to Andrew Rees - Head of School, Alexandra Wilkie - Head of English and Drama, Elizabeth Goodman and Liveryman Mrs Sezgin Kamal for their kind invitation and hospitality.

Liveryman, Mrs Sezgin Kamal 

Loriner Focus - Liveryman Marcus Capel

This month, we are delighted to introduce Marcus Capel, who is CEO of The Pony Club. Marcus was a guest speaker at last year's annual Mansion House Banquet and has been a regular attendee at a number of Loriners' events. 

"I live on a small farm near Minehead with my wife Bella and have two grown-up sons, all of us still riding and competing. A former Executive Headteacher and event rider, I was proud to become the Chief Executive of The Pony Club in 2019, having been a volunteer at local and national level for over 30 years.

'My role is to lead our youth development charity, supported by a small team of staff and an army of on-the-ground volunteers, who organise training and competitive activity for thousands of members in the UK and around the world. During my first year in the role, I was delighted to welcome the Loriners to our annual JCB National Championships in Warwickshire, escort them around, introduce them to members and volunteers and see our nine sports and competitions in action, including an adventurous buggy ride around the cross-country course.

'I was subsequently very honoured to be invited by The Master to speak at The annual Banquet at Mansion House. An incredible occasion, with state trumpeters, excellent company and fabulous food and drink, it was an opportunity to highlight the charitable links between The Company and The Pony Club. Our collaborative projects support young riders and coaches, enabling them to access training and activities that support their riding and equestrian careers.

Having made lots of friends within the Company, I was exceedingly proud to be proposed to become a Loriner. It is an honour to follow in the footsteps of so many illustrious members through the process of being made a Freeman, being awarded the Freedom of the City of London and then becoming a Liveryman. I am very much looking forward to being part of such an active and friendly group of people!"

Liveryman, Marcus Capel

RAF Triumph to win Loriners' Cup Trophy

On 15th October, the Master and Mistress were joined by 15 other Loriners and guests at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre in Bucks for the final leg of The Loriner’s Cup. The event followed three other competitions held throughout the year and combined dressage and showjumping, with each hosted by The Army, The Royal Air Force and The Royal Navy. It also forms part of the United Kingdom Armed Forces Equestrian Association (UKAFEA) competition. After the first three events, the RAF had won two and the Army had secured one.

The Loriners all met at 10.00am in the main building and were welcomed by representatives of all three services with coffee, tea and pastries. The group then ventured outside to watch the dressage element of the day. The scoring being somewhat of a mystery to most, experts were on hand to guide the Loriners on the results.

At 11.30am, everyone returned to the main building and internal showjumping arena to watch the final part of the year’s competition. After each service had completed four rounds each, the best three of the four were analysed. The scores remained close but, when everything was added up, it was The RAF that triumphed to win the Loriner’s Cup Trophy. 

The Master had great pleasure in giving prizes and rosettes to all competitors and, of course, presenting the magnificent Loriners' Cup to the RAF. The Army secured 2nd place (having won the Cup at least four years previously) and the RN came in a credible 3rd.

Brigadier Stuart Nasse, Chair UKAFEA, thanked the Loriners for attending the final leg and for their continued sponsorship and expressly hoped it will continue. After a fine lunch, the Loriners departed, having had a splendid day as guests of the UKAFEA.

Past Master, Chris Walton 

Loriners Celebrate Autumn Court Dinner at Saddlers' Hall

This year's Autumn Court Meeting and Dinner were held at Saddlers' Hall. It was the first time in well over two years that the Company has been back with our close friends, the Saddlers. The Hall is tailor made for such occasions and we were extremely well looked after.

The dinner itself was full and a lovely evening was had by all. The Guest Speaker was Mrs Suzi Fletcher, who, as some may already know, can be seen on the BBC programme 'The Repair Shop'. Being a Master Saddler and a member of the Saddlers' Company, she was very much at home and she gave, amongst other musings, a lovely whistle stop tour of how she ended up on the Repair Shop, which was more by accident than any long term planning. 

Along with our Livery Company Guests, we also had Mrs Margaret Forbes, who was Mistress to Mr Graham Forbes in 1998. She was the last of four Past Master Widows to receive the Companion's Brooch, which is a sign of the Company's gratitude for their support given before, during and after the year that they accompanied the Master as Consort.

A prompt dinner allowed time afterwards to share a Stirrup Cup, which was enjoyed by all who chose to partake.

Gallant Clerk, Crispin Lockhart

Masters Raise a Toast to Trafalgar Night

The Master, IPM Colin Gurley and PM Chris Walton were the guests of HMS Agamemnon at the Joint Mess Battle of Trafalgar Night Dinner, which was held on 22nd October at the Abbey House Hotel in Barrow-in-Furness. 

The evening commenced with a drinks reception, hosted by the ship’s crew, and was followed by a formal dinner. The room layout comprised a long top table named, of course, HMS Victory. There was then a horseshoe-shaped layout in front of Victory, formed of six round tables, each named after ships that were part of the British Fleet: Agamemnon, Temeraire, Bellerophon, Colossus, Sovereign and Belleisle. The Loriners were privileged to sit at the top table and were joined by senior officers, the Master and Mistress Horner and other non-RN guests.

The CO, Commander David ‘Bing’ Crosby, gave a welcome speech and explained that the evening was to remember and salute the victory of the Battle of Trafalgar and Admiral Lord Nelson. He also told us that HMS Agamemnon (1781) was Nelson’s first command and Nelson was always very fond of her. Being affiliated with the latest HMS Agamemnon is something very special for the Loriners.

Throughout the dinner, members of all ranks of the crew were called upon to read out dispatches that were written before, during and after the battle. The first was 1st October 1805 from HMS Pickle which, having travelled some 1000 miles from Plymouth in eight days to join Nelson’s fleet, kept vigil on the combined French and Spanish fleet in Cadiz Harbour. 

Various other dispatches were read out; the third recording being not only the decisive victory, but also the news that Nelson had been mortality wounded. Admiral Collingwood had taken command and shifted his flag from HMS Sovereign to HMS Euryalus. Other dispatches recorded HMS Pickle returning to Britain with reports advising the Admiralty of the victory as well as the loss of Nelson.

When dinner was finished and port served, there were loyal toasts; a toast to ‘Our Sailors’ and a toast to the ‘Immortal Memory of Lord Nelson’. After a short speech from Commodore Perks RN (Retd), there followed, as is tradition, the singing of sea shanties, which included Hearts of Oak and Rule Britannia. A wonderful evening and a real treat to experience this Royal Navy tradition.

Past Master. Christopher Walton

Messages from The Clerk

Dear Loriner,

As I hope most of you will be aware, the Autumn Court Meeting and Dinner were held in October at Saddlers’ Hall. The Dinner was full; just shy of the hall's capacity and a great evening was had by all. As previously promised, I write to give you an update on some Court and Company matters.

Membership

Firstly, the encouraging numbers of new members continues and we were privileged to welcome a number of new Freemen as well as enclothing three members of the Company. The details of recent admission are as follows:

Three members of the Company were enclothed as follows:

Mr Michael Bacon. Michael has been involved in the wider equine industry for 35 years. After a quick stint in the Life Guards, he decided to pursue a career in the equestrian industry that resulted in him becoming a director of Saracen Horse Feeds in 2013.

Mr Marcus Capel. Marcus is currently Chief Executive Officer of the Pony Club and was our guest speaker at the Mansion House last year. You can read more about Marcus in this edition of the newsletter.

Mr David Quirke-Thornton. In his professional life, David has a strong connection with the City of London and is responsible for social services and education. In that capacity, he works with and supports the City of London schools and Alms-houses.

We also welcomed three new Freemen:

Mrs Christine Grieve, who gives a lot of time helping the RDA.

Ms Selma Hassabu, who, as a Trustee of the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, will be known to many.

Dr Helen Williams was an Apprentice and is now a Freeman which, given her family history with the Company, is wonderful news

It is also worth touching on the Election of Officers and Wardens:

The Upper Warden, Mr Nicholas Bensted-Smith JP CC, was elected to be Master 2025.

The Under Warden, Mr John Morton, was elected to be Upper Warden for 2025.

Mr Nick Athienitis was elected to be Under Warden for next year.

Forecast of Events:

Looking forward, we have the Carol Service on 10th December and the Installation Dinner in January 2025. Please book early for both to avoid disappointment.

Wider News:

I have been asked to include this in the Newsletter:

City of London Elections 2025: City Workers can Register by 30th November. 

Next March, we will elect 100 councillors to run the City of London. Uniquely, both City residents and workers are able to vote and stand for election, if registered by the 30th November deadline. Workplaces are responsible for submitting the registration forms. You can request a vote and find out more at www.speakforthecity.com. It is important that everyone is made aware of their right to register and that no-one loses their right to vote because they weren’t aware they had one.

Communications Committee - November 2024