Newsletter - September 2025
Dear Loriner,
As we begin to move from Summer to Autumn, the Loriners' calendar remains busy.
In this edition, you will see articles from the Pony Club Polo at Cowdray, the Pony Club Championships in Warwickshire, the Royal Navy leg of the Loriners' Cup in Chepstow and the Army Cadets' Camp in Hampshire.
September will see the final leg of the Loriners' Cup at Bury Farm in Leighton Buzzard, where we have a number of places available for members of the Company, the visit to the Honourable Artillery Company, the annual Sheep Drive and the Election of the Lady Mayor.
Our Autumn Court Dinner is in October at the candle-lit Goldsmiths’ Hall is fast approaching, so do please book places for yourselves and your guests, sooner rather than later.
Finally, we very much welcome our new Clerk, Mr Simon Ovens DL. With only a handful of days left before publication, it seemed unreasonable to ask him to write the Clerk’s notice board. However, as you will see, he has already written a few words by way of introduction and, in the next edition, will give us a word or two about his aspirations for the Company and the key part he will play in taking us forward.
Nick Bensted-Smith, Master 2025/26
Summer Willows Wins Again!
Many congratulations go once again to Summer Willows, who won her showjumping category in the Buckinghamshire Trailblazers Competition for a second year in a row.
Summer, whose uncle is Liveryman Stuart Palmer, won the Junior Trailblazers 70cm Championships on her pony Celtic River. Competing against a field of 74 entrants, she achieved a winning total of 60 points over two rounds to take the trophy. Well done Summer!
Liveryman Stuart Palmer
So many horses, so many chukkas!
On Sunday 10th August, the Master and Mistress attended the finals of the 2025 Hurlingham Polo 1875 Pony Club Polo Championships at the Cowdray Park Polo Club. They were supported by Steward Richard Forster, welcomed by Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White (chairman of Pony Club Polo) and well looked after by many other officials from the Pony Club, including Philippa Slatter (Manager of the Loriner Section) and Clare Valori (a recent member of the Company).
A total of 74 teams competed over the weekend, with just under 300 polo players aged 6 to 21. The Master had the opportunity to watch the finals in all age ranges, see the teams on parade and present the Loriner / Rendell Cup, along with prizes to teams in the Loriners' Division, where competitors were 14-17.
This was the Master's first occasion watching polo and he left knowledgeable about chukkas, the Pony Club run down for resolving ties and why polo players own so many horses! There was a wonderful atmosphere at the championships, with families coming out to support so many enthusiastic and talented young players.
Senior Assistant and Steward to the Pony Club, Richard Forster
Official Memorandum of Understanding signed with City of London Mounted Police
On Tuesday 12th August 2025, the Master met with Pete O’Doherty, Commissioner of the City of London Police, to sign The Memorandum of Understanding between the Worshipful Company of Loriners and the City of London Police Mounted Branch.
This is an exciting, new and important relationship that will develop closer ties for our Company with both the City Police and their Mounted Officers. The ceremony was also attended by Superintendent Jess Wynne, Immediate Past Master Colin Gurley, Past Master Chris Walton and our Gallant Clerk Col. Crispin Lockhart.
Immediate Past Master, Colin Gurley
Royal Navy Leg of the Loriners' Cup adds New Twist to the Competition
On 15th August, the Master and Mistress were joined by The Upper Warden John Morton and his wife Rebecca, The Immediate Past Master Colin Gurley and his wife Anne, Liveryman Gill Sainsbury and her husband Gary and Steward Chris Walton PM and his wife Helen at the Royal Navy leg of The Loriners’ Cup at The David Broom Event Centre near Chepstow. The weather was perfect with clear blue skies and blazing sunshine. Hats and shade the order of the day!
The Loriners’ party was met by representatives of the RN team and received a warm welcome with coffee and cold water, before venturing out to watch the competition. The show jumping started at 11.00am, with each team having four riders and, this time, with a new twist. The show jumping included a bronze and silver level system, using the height of the jumps as a ‘handicap’ challenge, with the silver rider having to jump higher fences.
When all the rounds were completed and the best three scores of each team had been assessed, the RAF were declared the winners, with the Army second and the RN in third place. The Master had great pleasure in entering the arena and presenting the rosettes and prizes to all the competitors.
The Loriners, the riders and their connections were then treated to a fine buffet lunch. Capt. Mark Alder, Chairman RN Equestrian Team, formally welcomed the Master and all the Loriners and thanked the Loriners for their continued support for the UKAFEA. Their sponsorship is very much appreciated and valued by everyone involved by the Association. The Master then thanked Capt. Alder for his remarks, thanked the RN for their splendid hospitality and expressed how much value the Loriners place on their affiliation with the UKAFEA. The Loriners are committed to continuing the sponsorship.
The final leg of The Loriners’ Cup, the combined services event at Bury Farm in Buckinghamshire, is scheduled for 16th September. As in previous years, the invitation is extended to the Loriners (approximately 25 places with a small charge). Please keep an eye out for formal notice.
Steward UKAFEA, Past Master Christopher Walton
Pony Club National Championships bring out the best in equine skills and displays
The Master and Mistress were invited to the Pony Club Championships at Offchurch Bury in Warwickshire on Saturday 16th August, and a very enjoyable day it was too. The championships are an amazing feat of planning and execution, with 3700+ competitors, 10,000+ visitors and supporters and more than 1000 volunteers. There were some exceptional skills on display in the cross-country events and astonishing creativity in the Musical Rides, with themes varying from Lady Gaga to the Lion King.
We were generously hosted by Mr Tim Vestey, Chairman of the Pony Club and Mrs Clare Valori, formerly Vice-Chair and a Freeman of the Loriners, whilst ably and enthusiastically supported by Pony Club staff Jo, Heidi, Beverley and Brontë. Our sincere thanks to them all. Their appreciation of our support was clear and the Loriners’ relationship with the Pony Club remains firm and collaborative.
Nick Bensted-Smith, Master 2025/26
Loriner Focus
This month, we have the pleasure of focusing on Liveryman Gillian Sainsbury. Here, she gives some details on her background, how she came across the Loriners and what she has been up to in terms of supporting our Company.
"I worked in the health service for 41 years in various roles, from being a clinical theatre nurse to a senior manager responsible for community hospitals across East Kent. Additionally, I was responsible for the community trusts’ volunteer service, which raised funds to support patient care. This often included organising and participating in hospital fetes, charity runs, quizzes and cake sales.
'I was a keen horse rider from the age of 5, riding on a regular basis, until I injured my back in 2004. When I was invited as a guest to the Loriners’ Weekend on the Isle of Wight, I was chatting to various Loriners and, consequently, decided to apply to join.
'I was accepted into the Company in April 2022, duly enclothed by the then Master, Christopher Walton.
'I was very keen to get involved with the Company and was fortunate enough to be invited to join the Livery Committee, which is responsible for providing support to company events, whether formal or otherwise.
'I can often be seen helping the Clerk and other members set up for formal company lunches and dinners, as well as at the start of events by meeting and greeting. These events are always a pleasure to attend, as they provide opportunities to enjoy good food and great company in some of the most amazing Livery Halls in the City of London.
'Along with the formal events, I have had the pleasure of supporting our Master at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake race in Guildhall Square, which raises funds in support of the Lord Mayor’s Charity. I have also joined the Master and Wardens in the Lord Mayor's Show, in which the City Livery Companies welcome the new Lord Mayor each year.
'I have also attended numerous, less formal company events, which include a delightful trip around Woburn Abbey grounds in an open top carriage and eventing at Gatcombe Park. I have also organised informal lunches for members to meet in a less structured way and really hope these continue to be the success they have. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of our Worshipful Company and look forward to being involved in many more impressive events."
Liveryman, Gillian Sainsbury
Full recognition for the Tottenham 216 Detachment of the Army Cadet Force
The Master and Military Affiliations Steward, Stephen Macklow-Smith, were absolutely delighted to be the guests of the Middlesex and North Western ACF at their Awards Day, the culmination of their annual camp. The Loriners support the Tottenham 216 Detachment of the Army Cadet Force, which joined other branches from their sector for seven days of marching (which the CO says they thoroughly enjoy), sports tournaments, classes, paintball, air rifle marksmanship, archery and camaraderie.
The awards ceremony was thoroughly impressive, as so many cadets and their instructors received awards for their excellence, initiative, citizenship and ability to cooperate. Our fellow VIPs included the mayors of Barnet and Camden, two Deputy Lieutenants from London, as well as Masters of the Playing Card Makers, the Apothecaries, the Firefighters, the Insurers and the Saddlers.
The pride of the cadets in their units was admirable and, having watched an Apache Helicopter make its farewell after ‘bowing’ to the VIPs, we stood for a march-past and salute from the entire parade. A lovely reminder of the very good work that the ACF does with young people and a tribute to its leaders and instructors.
Assistant, Stephen Macklow-Smith
Social Media Update
Activity within the Worshipful Company of Loriners has been gradually building momentum and we’re delighted to share more of it with you here. Our social media platforms are designed to showcase what we do, highlight our heritage and attract new interest in our Company. By liking, sharing, commenting or engaging in any way, you’ll be helping to raise our profile and reach a wider audience. Currently, figures for our followers are:
Facebook 567
LinkedIn 1711
Instagram 609
Your support not only spreads awareness but also strengthens the community around the Loriners. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Liveryman and Social Media Lead, Bogdan Zaha
Message from our new Clerk
As you have all been informed, we have a new Clerk - Mr Simon Ovens DL. Simon has already been working hard to get himself up to speed with all the ins and outs of our Worshipful Company. However, he has kindly taken a few minutes to introduce himself...
"I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Clerk to the Worshipful Company of Loriners. After 38 years with the Metropolitan Police Service and a couple of years as a University Lecturer, I am very much looking forward to this new, wonderful role, which I consider a great honour to have been given.
'I hope to meet as many of you as possible over the next few months as I learn the job and all its interesting aspects!"
Clerk, Simon N Ovens, DL
Communications Committee
September 2025