Newsletter - October 2025

Dear Loriner,

To say September was busy would not be an exaggeration. As you will see, many Loriners have been travelling far and wide, attending a wide variety of associated organisations and events. 

The month began with a most enjoyable visit to the Guards’ Polo Club at Smith's Lawn, where a group of us were privileged to watch the final of the Major General’s Cup Tournament.

We then had a memorable visit to the Honourable Artillery Company, plumes and pikes included, and a strong turn out of Loriners at the Guild of Young Freemen gathering at Saddlers’ Hall.

I was delighted to present the Loriners’ Cup to the winners of the final UKAFEA tournament in Buckinghamshire. Scroll down to find out which branch of the military took the prize. Continuing with the theme of military, representatives of our Company also attended the official Commissioning of HMS Agamemnon in Barrow-in-Furness by HM King Charles on 22nd September. Our affiliation with HMS Agamemnon is an excellent example of how our Company can extend hospitality and fellowship and inspire and support other organisations both now and in the future. 

I very much look forward to seeing you at the Autumn Court Dinner at Goldsmiths’ Hall on and at our final gathering for the year; the Loriners’ Carol Service and Awards Ceremony.

Nick Bensted-Smith, Master 2025/26

Loriners out in force at Smith's Lawn for the fast paced Major General's Cup Final

On 7th September, the Master, together with 25 Loriners and guests, attended the final of the Major General's Tournament at Smith's Lawn, home to the prestigious Guards Polo Club. 

The tournament is a three-day event that specifically highlights the club's military roots, with teams including the Cavalry and Guards and the Hook Army Polo Team taking part.

The weather was perfect on the day, with many Loriners making the most of the opportunity to walk across the Queen's Ground to watch some of the riders in action in the semi -inals, including Colonel Tom Armitage (pictured), a Liveryman of the Loriners. 

Then, back at the Club House, everyone enjoyed a delicious three course lunch outside, whilst watching the final from just a few feet away. They also took time to remember Past Master David Lancaster, who donated the Loriners' Cup to the Guards Polo Club in 2006.

The final itself was fast-paced, with the teams Stable Cottage and Watchcentre battling it out in their bid to win the coveted trophy. Whilst it was a close competition, Watchcentre gained the advantage and won the trophy with 5.5 to 3 goals. 

The prizes were presented to the teams by Major General James Bowder. Interesting fact; there is no lower age limit for adult polo tournaments and, this year, the youngest player in the final was Argentinian Ramon Pepa (fifth from left), who is just 13 years old. 

A small clip of the teams in action can be seen here. Special thanks go to Honorary Assistant and Past Master Lis Hobday for organising such an exciting and most enjoyable day.

Liveryman Sarah Lloyd

Three more Freemen receive their Freedom

On 12th September, three Freemen of our Company attended the Chamberlain's Court at Guildhall to receive their Freedom of the City of London.

Pictured are the three recipients - Sister Mary-Joy Langdon, Charlotte Warman and Selma Hassabu who, together with their families and guests, greatly enjoyed the special occasion.

They were joined by Immediate Past Master, Colin Gurley, and the ceremony was conducted by Laura Miller, Deputy Clerk of the Chamberlain's Court. All three now look forward to being enclothed and attaining full membership of our Worshipful Company.

Immediate Past Master, Colin Gurley

Loriners visit the Honourable Artillery Company Headquarters in the City of London

On 12th September, the Master led a group of Loriners on a visit to the Honourable Artillery Company’s Headquarters in the City of London. The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) traces its origins to 1537, when Henry VIII granted a royal charter to the Guild of St George to form a corporation for the defence of the realm. This entity, originally known as the Fraternity or Guild of Artillery of Longbows, Crossbows and Handgonnes (a type of hand cannon), later evolved into the Honourable Artillery Company.

The group was welcomed by HAC member Mark Wright, who graciously hosted the visit. He guided the Loriners into the four-acre green haven nestled within the City, surrounded by office blocks and the Company’s own buildings. Mark provided a comprehensive and engaging tour of the Headquarters, sharing his extensive knowledge of the HAC’s history and facilities, enriched with personal anecdotes.

As the ceremonial artillery used for Royal Salutes at the Tower of London was not available for viewing, the group visited the Armoury. There, the Master was kitted out in Pikeman’s Armour and Helmet and presented with a pike.

The visit continued to the Main Building, where the group toured the Museum, Treasury, Court Room, Medal Room, Terrace and Drum Room, gaining a fascinating insight into the HAC’s rich heritage.

A delightful lunch was served in the Long Room refectory, followed by port and coffee in the Writing Room. This provided an opportunity for socialising and reflection on the day’s experiences. Many thanks go to Mark Wright for organising and hosting such an inspiring and informative event.

Liveryman and Livery Committee Member, Malcolm Wright 

Guild of Young Freemen meet The Livery 

On 12th September, the Guild of Young Freemen organised a gathering of four equine-related Companies to give their members an opportunity to hear about their history, craft and charitable work. This was held at Saddlers’ Hall and included the Saddlers’ Company, the Loriners’ Company, the Farriers’ Company and the Coachmakers’ Company.

Conversation and exchange of ideas was enjoyed over drinks and canapes, with an opportunity to hear short presentations from a representative from each Company. IPM Colin Gurley kindly spoke on behalf of the Loriners and Assistant Tricia Nassau-Williams gave a demonstration of bridle and bits, old and new, to aid discussion.

A number of other Loriners attended in support of the evening and, as a result, the link with the Guild of Young Freemen has been greatly strengthened.

Assistant to the Clerk, Georgy Armitage

And the Winners of the Loriners' UKAFEA Cup are...

On 16th September, the Master and Mistress, accompanied by the Steward UKAFEA PM Chris Walton and his wife Helen, Immediate Past Master Colin Gurley, Assistant John O’Malley and his guest and Liveryman Colin Nicholson, attended the final leg of the Loriners’ Cup, held at Bury Farm, Buckinghamshire. 

The Loriners' party met at Bury Farm at 10.00am sharp and were joined by Brigadier Stuart Nasse, Chair UKAFEA, as well as the organising committee made up of representatives of all three services. After a welcome coffee and pastries, the Loriners were taken down to the external arena, where the dressage element of the competition was well underway. 

The weather was bright and clear. Whilst a healthy breeze across open land made control a little challenging, all the riders and horses did extremely well. On completion of the dressage, the party returned to the main building and, after some very welcome hot drinks, took their places in the indoor show jumping arena. 

Each service had four riders and the best three scores from each were selected. The total scores were computed, not only for the day’s competition, but also the overall scores from the three events throughout the year to determine the winners of the Loriners' Cup for 2025.  

The winners on the day were the Royal Air Force. The Army came second and the Royal Navy third. The overall winners of the Loriners' Cup for 2025 were the Royal Air Force, having won all three events in the year. The Master had great pleasure in presenting rosettes to all the riders and then the magnificent Loriners' Cup to the whole Royal Air Force team and their connections.

The party then retired to the dining area for a splendid lunch, after which Brigadier Nasse thanked the Loriners' Company for all their invaluable support, which is much appreciated by the UKAFEA.

Past Master and Steward for UKAFEA Chris Walton

HMS Agamemnon receives Royal Commission

For those who haven’t visited it, the BAE Systems submarine construction facility at Barrow-In-Furness is an awe-inspiring sight. Visible for many miles, the huge concrete structure dominates the skyline and has been producing British submarines for more than 100 years. 

On 22nd September, the Immediate Past Master Colin Gurley, Past Master Chris Walton and Court Assistant Stephen Macklow-Smith were delighted and privileged to attend the commissioning of HMS Agamemnon into the Royal Navy. The boat lay alongside the dock and, on the boat-lift, a temporary grandstand held BAE workers, the families of the crew, local dignitaries, an array of Royal Navy top brass and representatives of the US Government and Australian High Commission. The crew themselves paraded in front of their vessel, accompanied by the band of the Royal Marines and an honour guard carrying the colour. 

Commander David 'Bing' Crosby hosted the event in ceremonial uniform with sword. The Secretary of State for Defence, the boat sponsor Lady Sedwill, the Chief Executive of BAE Systems, the head of Defence Nuclear and the First Sea Lord General Gwyn Jenkins RM all gave speeches. The Chaplain blessed the ship, a naval tradition that goes back centuries. Then, along the quayside, we saw outriders and an official black car from which His Majesty the King emerged with an equerry.

The King himself read the Commissioning Order, commanding HMS Agamemnon to support NATO and our nuclear deterrent on its Western flank and to act as a protector to our armed forces all over the world. Then, to the accompaniment of the Bosun’s whistle, the White Ensign was raised at the rear flagstaff of the boat.

The King stayed to meet the crew and members of their families and the pageantry and ceremony were brilliantly accomplished and very moving. It’s always a privilege to meet members of our armed forces; young, enthusiastic, capable and imbued with loyalty and a sense of service. It was a remarkable morning and a unique honour to attend as guests of Cdr Crosby. We look forward to following the exploits of HMS Agamemnon (at least those about which we are permitted to know) and to welcoming Cdr Crosby and other members of the crew at Company events when their duties allow.

Photos of the RN Crew, the Band of the Royal Marines, HM The King and the raising of the White Ensign given with kind permission from BAE Systems.

Court Assistant Stephen Macklow-Smith

Loriner Focus

For the October edition of the Loriners' Newsletter, we focus on Freeman Jack Day. Jack is a veterinary surgeon and specialises in competition horse medicine and orthopaedics. Here, he goes into more detail about his background and his passion for horse welfare.

"I grew up in Leicestershire and was well placed by the Cottesmore Pony Club to make sure my less academic education was focused on horses, eventing and racing. In a bid not to have to change my ways, I qualified as a veterinary surgeon from Cambridge in 2013, where some very broad minded tutors allowed me to mix my academic interests with a Part II in History and Philosophy, as well as continuing to ride in point-to-points and under rules.

'After a few years in a very mixed rural practice in Warwickshire, I moved to Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons in Newmarket, predominantly working with racehorses in training but with an interest in competition horse medicine and orthopaedics. Our practice takes us throughout the United Kingdom, as well as Europe and the Middle East.

'I am currently involved as a trustee of the Beaufort Cottage Educational Trust, the nascent Horseracing Uplift Programme, and am on the committee of the Association of Racecourse Veterinary Surgeons. 

'These roles have provided great opportunities to be involved in the discussion about horse welfare, its role in sport and in society. The Loriners have made great efforts to assist positively in this and the breadth of people associated with them is a hugely valuable asset.

'The Company is a great forum for all enthusiasts to meet informally and I am very pleased to say that it was down to my fiancée, Liveryman Olivia Turner, that I decided to join. She, like me, is also a great advocate for food and wine pairings."

Social Media Update

As the Worshipful Company of Loriners continues to share its story through digital channels, we are pleased to reflect on the growing interest in our work and values from an ever-widening audience.

In recent months, our social media presence has seen a steady increase in both reach and engagement. More people are discovering the Loriners, not only as a historic Livery Company with medieval roots, but as a living institution actively supporting equestrian welfare, education, charitable work and the traditions of the City of London.

We are particularly grateful to everyone who follows our social media accounts, engages with our posts and shares our content with others. This growing digital community helps to amplify the values we hold dear and allows us to shine a light on aspects of the Company’s mission that might otherwise remain behind the scenes.

Some of our recent stories can be revisited by accessing the following links on Instagram and LinkedIn:

Here are the current figures for our channels:

LinkedIn: 1715

Facebook: 566

Instagram: 624

Liveryman and Social Media Lead, Bogdan Zaha

Messages form the Clerk

Dear Loriner

I am very pleased to be giving you my first update as your Clerk. As you can imagine, the learning curve has been steep, but I have received phenomenal support from The Master, The Immediate Past Master, Georgy Armitage and many others. They have made my transition into the role particularly smooth as I grapple with questions ranging from where to place the Harpist at the Autumn Court Dinner to how do you toast Nelson on Trafalgar Day? I have been lucky enough to find everything in excellent order thanks to my predecessor, Colonel Crispin Lockhart. I would like to thank him for all his support and coaching during the transitional period.

I have completed my first round of committee meetings, which has enhanced my knowledge of The Company enormously. Focus is now fully on the Autumn Court and Dinner at Goldsmiths' Hall. I am very pleased to say that we are at full capacity and it promises to be a spectacular evening. I will certainly look forward to meeting many of you and your guests there.

Georgy and I are now planning, amongst other things, the Company Christmas Carol Concert, to take place at St.Lawrence Jewry.

My mind has also begun to turn to plans to help The Company grow, which I will be discussing with the Master and Wardens over the next few weeks. I see it as a great honour to have been appointed your Clerk. It builds upon a long association of my family with The City and its institutions. I am sure that my great great great grandfather (Lord Mayor 1870-1871) would have been intrigued to see his descendant so involved. It’s amazing how history can turn out!

My best wishes for the month ahead.

Simon Ovens DL, Clerk.

Communications Committee

October 2025