Newsletter - November 2025
Dear Loriner,
Whilst Autumn may be upon us, events within our Company have continued apace. As you will read below, I had the great pleasure of driving a flock of sheep across Southwark Bridge. I had observed this ancient tradition many times. But, when it came to actually driving the sheep myself, I will admit to being a complete novice. Thankfully, the sheep seemed to know what they were doing.
Our annual visit to Treloar's School and College in Hampshire was inspiring beyond measure. The lengths that this organisation goes to in order to help those far less fortunate than us lead independent and fulfilling lives is quite staggering.
As many will know, Sir William Treloar launched a fund in 1907 to build a hospital and school for children with tuberculosis. It has gone from strength to strength. Its motto: ‘We know no limits’ is an understatement and we felt deeply honoured to have been able to observe and learn from what they do.
Our Autumn Dinner was, as ever, a great occasion and the Mistress and I were delighted to meet and speak to so many of you during the evening. Goldsmiths’ Hall is a most magnificent and impressive venue and I would like to thank everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make it such a success.
Finally, may I draw your attention to another special and imminent event; The Lady Mayor’s Show, which is this Saturday 8th November. Parading with members of more than 100 other Livery Companies, John Morton (Upper Warden), Oliver Bensted-Smith, Suzi Skinner and I will be flying the Loriners’ banner in what is known to be the oldest, largest and unrehearsed civic procession. Not to be missed!
Nick Bensted-Smith, Master 2025/26
Livery Companies showcase their trades at the Annual Sheep Drive
On Sunday 28th September, a small group of Loriners, including the Master and Mistress, gathered on Southwark Bridge for the Annual Sheep Drive.
The whole atmosphere was one of a country fair, with sheep being sheared, craftsmen demonstrating their skills, such as basket weaving, spinning and fletching, as well as a mouth-watering selection of food stalls.
There was even a nascent distillery from Skye plying us with free samples of their young single malts, while we waited for our time slot to drive our small herd of sheep.
More than 1200 people from the Worshipful Companies participated in the Sheep Drive and it was very busy on the bridge, with plenty of onlookers.
We were expertly herded to our muster point by some young army cadets.
Then it was our turn and, although we were not sure what to expect, the sheep seemed confident in our herding ability as we made sedate progress over the bridge, assisted by their shepherdess and helpers.
The Master did confess that the sheep were surprisingly heavy when they trod on his foot. But, no animals were harmed in this endeavour.
Liveryman, Christina Grieve
Livery Companies elect the City of London's third Lady Mayor
On 29th September, members of the City Livery Companies gathered for Common Hall to elect the new Lord Mayor for the coming year. To give a very brief history, the term 'Common Hall' originated from an early assembly of citizens known as a Congregation, which itself is understood to come from the ancient name 'Folkmoot'.
The Master was gowned and badged in the Crypt of Guildhall and processed across Guildhall Yard, with all the other Livery Company Masters, to the Church of St Lawrence Jewry, for a service prior to Common Hall. After the service, the Masters then made their way into Guildhall's Great Hall, following the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen where, with the Livery of the City, the Lord Mayor for the following year was elected. You can see details of the full procession, ceremony and election here.
The election itself followed a traditional procession into the Great Hall, with Aldermen, Sheriffs past and present, Officers involved in the proceedings and, of course, the current Lord Mayor taking their seats on the dias.
There are two rounds of voting; the first involving all Liverymen and the second involving the Lord Mayor and Aldermen who proceed out of the Great Hall to the Print Room, where they cast the final vote.
This year, Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE was elected as the 697th Lord Mayor of the City of London. A Freeman of the Goldsmiths' Company, she is the third woman in the City of London Corporation's history to hold the office and the first to use the title Lady Mayor.
Following the election, Common Hall was dissolved. The Master, together with a party of Loriners, then made their way to Barber Surgeons' Hall, where they enjoyed a delicious lunch by kind invitation from the Master Barber Surgeon, Dr. Antony Julian Michalski. Also present were the Actuaries, International Bankers and Spectacle Makers.
At the end, the Master Loriner gave a short speech, in which he thanked the Master Barber Surgeon and Wardens for their generous hospitality. Emphasising the need to fully appreciate the 'good things' in life, he said that the invitation extended by the Barber Surgeons to the Loriners for more than 50 years is one of the 'good things' that the Loriners never take for granted.
Liveryman, Sarah Lloyd
Loriners out in force at the 2025 BETA Exhibition
The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) held its 2025 International Trade Show at the NEC in Birmingham on 28th and 29th September and, once again, the Loriners were out in full force. BETA International is the UK’s leading tradeshow for the equestrian and country sectors, bringing together top brands and industry professionals for two days of product discovery.
The Immediate Past Master, Colin Gurley, together with Past Masters George Anderson and Sue Douthwaite, as well as Liveryman BETA Steward Michael Bacon and Liveryman Olivia Turner, represented the Company. The event was an outstanding success for BETA, with more than 3000 people attending over two days.
The Loriners group toured the exhibition, meeting Claire Williams, CEO of BETA and calling on many trade friends, including Abbey England and Neue Schule, where they tried out their skills with a lasso! At the Roeckl Riding Gloves stand, they were welcomed by Loriner Freeman David ‘Monty’ Stuart-Montieth.
In the evening, the party of Loriners attended the BETA 2025 Awards Dinner, which recognised those who have gone above and beyond for the benefit of the equestrian industry during the past year.
Immediate Past Master, Colin Gurley
Annual Visit to Treloar's proves, as ever, to be totally awe inspiring
On 14th October, the Master and Mistress, accompanied by a party of Loriners, had the undoubted privilege of a private visit to Treloar's School and College, which is based in Alton, Hampshire. The group was welcomed by CEO Martin Ingram, who provided an invaluable insight into the incredible ground breaking work by more than 800 staff for 180 students.
Following an interesting briefing on the school’s current business incentive, ‘Business without Barriers’, there was a tour of a small part of the impressive and expansive site and facilities, including a visit to a remarkable ‘sensory’ room. The tour guides were very capable and enthusiastic intern students, who clearly enjoyed being at Treloar's and who made everyone feel most welcome.
The Master gave thanks to Nicola Doran, Livery Relationship Manager, who is pictured with the Loriners party and who had co-ordinated what was a most memorable visit. To sum up the work of Treloar’s, it was indeed ‘awe inspiring’.
Treloar's first opened its doors in 1908. It was founded by Sir William Purdie Treloar (pictured), Lord Mayor of London (1906-1907) and Past Master Loriner; a fact of which our Company can be extremely proud. More details about the cutting edge work of Treloar's can be found here.
Immediate Past Master, Colin Gurley
Loriners gather at Goldsmiths’ Hall for candlelit Autumn Dinner
On Tuesday 21st October, more than 140 Loriners and guests attended the Autumn Dinner, kindly hosted by the Master and Mistress. The dinner took place at Goldsmiths’ Hall, which has been home to the Goldsmiths’ Company since 1339. The hall itself was resplendent with exquisite gold and silverware, as well as four magnificent chandeliers, each holding 48 candles which were individually lit with the aid of a cherry picker.
Following a delicious dinner and toasts to HM The King and members of The Royal Family, the Under Warden recognised four new Liverymen who had been enclothed during the Autumn Court Meeting earlier that day. They were: Mrs Christina Grieve, Ms Lindsay Nicolson, Sister Mary-Joy Langdon and Ms Selma Hassabu. The Upper Warden raised a toast to the Master’s guests, specifically principal speaker, Alderman and Sheriff Robert Hughes-Penney, who made an enlightening speech about the City of London’s work to secure Justice for All.
The Master then concluded the speeches by thanking his guests and recognising the Company’s newest Freeman, Mrs Zoë Bensted-Smith. He also acknowledged the work undertaken behind the scenes to keep our Worshipful Company’s membership growing.
The Master finished by raising a special toast to Lord Horatio Nelson, who died on 21st October during the Battle of Trafalgar, exactly 220 years ago to the day.
In keeping with tradition, the evening finished with a stirrup cup in The Drawing Room, which was enjoyed by all. You can see the full range of official photos taken on the night here.
Liveryman, Sarah Lloyd
Social Media Update
This month has seen steady growth across the Worshipful Company of Loriners’ social media channels, reinforcing the importance of our online presence in promoting the Company’s work, heritage and charitable activities.
Our social platforms continue to serve as a vital link between the Company and a wider public audience, helping to raise awareness of the Loriners’ craft and its role within the equestrian world. Through regular updates, event highlights and historical insights, we are not only strengthening engagement with existing members, but also reaching new audiences who share an interest in our traditions and charitable endeavours.
A particular highlight this month has been our active engagement with the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA). We have begun a positive exchange of ideas on public engagement and industry collaboration, underscoring how our digital presence can be used to connect with key partners and amplify our shared goals within the wider equestrian and City of London communities.
Looking ahead, continued investment in our social media channels will ensure that the Company’s values, history and charitable mission remain visible and relevant in the modern digital landscape. Figures for our social media channels this month are:
LinkedIn: 1719
Facebook: 569
Instagram: 628
Please stay connected, like, share and comment!
Liveryman and Social Media Lead, Bogdan Zaha
Messages form the Clerk
Dear Loriner
As the Autumn leaves swirl around me, I realise I have now been with The Company for almost two months! It’s been an interesting and exciting time as I learn all about you. The support I have received has been outstanding and very much appreciated. I look forward to all the exciting times ahead!
Court
The Autumn Court Meeting took place on Tuesday 21st October, followed by a sumptuous dinner in the incredible surroundings of Goldsmiths' Hall with 150 people in attendance. The guest speaker was Alderman and Sheriff Robert Hughes Penney, who gave us an insight into his thoughts regarding The City and some of the more interesting aspects of living in The Old Bailey!
During the Court Meeting, Mr John Morton was elected as Master for the year 2026, Mr Nick Athienitis as the Upper Warden and Dr Richard Forster as the Under Warden. Liveryman Ivan Healy was admitted as a Court Assistant
The following were enclothed as Liverymen: Mrs Christina Grieve, Ms Selma Hassabu, Sister Mary-Joy Langdon and Ms Lindsay Nicolson. Mrs Zoë Bensted-Smith was also admitted as a Freeman of The Company.
May I thank those who helped with setting up the dinner before everyone arrived. It couldn’t have happened without you and I am very grateful!
Diary
Carol Service
I particularly wish to draw your attention to our Carol Service, which will take place at St Lawrence Jewry. This year, the service will follow the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols and will be followed by a Reception in the Guildhall, during which The Master will present our annual awards to Capel Manor and our military affiliations. It all promises to be a wonderful event and a marvellous launch of your Christmastide!
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery
The Company visit to The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery will also take place in December. So why not round this off with us at the Carol Service too!
Installation Dinner 2026
The Installation Dinner will take place at the end of January 2026 at Vintners' Hall. Bookings for this have opened and I urge you to apply for tickets as soon as you can.
Inter-Livery Charity Clay Shoot
The Inter-Livery Charity Clay Shoot will take place at the West London Shooting School in May next year. An application form will be available from Monday 1st December on the London Shooting School's website with the associated team cost.
Death of Sir James Nursaw KCB KC
Finally, I am sorry to inform you of the death of Liveryman Sir James Nursaw KCB KC, who died on 21st October. Sir James became a Liveryman of The Company on 14th October 1964.
Simon Ovens DL, Clerk
Communications Committee
November 2025