Autumn Update

We hope you have enjoyed the summer weather while it lasted and are making the the most of our freedoms as we head into the cooler autumn. With the country re-opening (albeit slowly) our events programme for the upcoming year has been finalised and below are a few dates for your diaries (restrictions-permitting) with more information to follow:

Carol Service - Thursday 10th December 2020

A friendly and festive end to the year with the return of our traditional carol service at St Mary Woolnoth church, accompanied by the splendid choir of the St Pauls' Girls School. Join us for drinks and canapes whilst we catch up after a long break and look forward to a brighter year ahead.

Tower of London – Thursday 4th March 2021

We return to the Tower of London after a gap of several years to witness the unique Ceremony of the Keys and experience the history of this fascinating former castle, prison and execution ground. An afternoon visit with lunch provided.

Installation Dinner and Founders Evening – Wednesday 21st April 2021

A combined celebration of the installation of our new Master Gerry Edwards and our commemoration of our founders. The evening will take place at HQS Wellington, an historic refurbished World War Two sloop at anchor in the Thames and the unique hall of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners.

Hog’s Back Brewery – Sunday 25th April 2021

A visit to the Farnham-based home of award-winning real ale and cider including a taster session of some of their most popular brews, with a pub lunch nearby to slake our thirst.

Bletchley Park – Wednesday 5th May 2021

A visit to the Victorian estate at the heart of the codebreaking effort in World War Two. We will discover more about the stories of those who worked there and the invaluable part they played with a morning guided tour, followed by lunch.

City Walk – Wednesday 23rd June 2021

A summertime walk along the Thames, enjoying the sunshine and the sights of the City before a pub lunch to catch up with friends. Further details to follow.

Hampton Court Palace – Wednesday 14th July 2021

An exploration of this magnificent Tudor palace at the height of summer, featuring a specially-arranged tour of the kitchen gardens. The stunning palace rooms will of course be included. Lunch will be followed by an optional boat trip up the Thames to Richmond, to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounds in good company.

Museum of London Docklands – Wednesday 15th September 2021

A walk through the varied history of the world’s once busiest port over four centuries, from colonial expansion to becoming the trade hub of the British Empire followed by the effects of World War Two and its present incarnation as a new centre of trade in finance.

Installation Dinner – 7th October 2021

We celebrate the return to normality and the good times ahead next October when our next Master takes the chair. Further details to follow.

A visit to Cadbury World in Birmingham, exploring the history of chocolate and the Cadbury family’s part in it, has been proposed. Taking part in the City of London Sheep Drive on 26^th September 2021 has also been suggested. If you are interested in either, please reply to the Social Court Assistant, Jack Armitstead, direct: jack@jackarmitstead.com . If there are sufficient numbers we will confirm that the events can go ahead.

If the above has interested you in how the Guild’s events are run and you would like to get more involved in the Guild, the Court are looking for a second Social Assistant to play a part in its events programme alongside Jack. No prior experience with organising or running events is necessary. If you are keen to volunteer a few hours per month to help us put on trips and visits which all members can enjoy, please get in touch with Jack to find out more. Full support will be provided.