Page 128 - Archived Back Issues

ST. FLORIAN’S BANQUET
St Florian's Installation Banquet Dinner
On 10th October, an excellent night was had at the St Florian’s Installation banquet held at the magnificent Girdlers’ Hall, just round the corner from the Insurance Hall. The Girdlers’ Hall has its famous Bell carpet, a 16th century Turkish woven piece over 20 yards long, displayed alongside one side of the room as the backdrop to the banquet setting. In his address on behalf of the Company, the new Master, Michael Harper, referred to the ancient art of belt or girdle making by the Girdlers, noting, as apparently the only belt now officially provided by the Girdlers’ company is one for every new monarch, that the Company must currently be on short time.
There were several highlights to the evening. The presentation of the Worshipful Company of Firefighters award to Dr Brian Ward, the National Resilience Officer, for his magnificent work in providing exactitude in the UK’s disaster emergency planning was warmly given and humbly received by Dr Ward, who gave a touching speech on the sound motives that underpinned his important work on behalf of communities.
The main guest of the evening was the Right Honourable John Gummer, Lord Deben, Chairman of Sancroft, who, in a wide ranging discourse from the environment to the benefits of belonging within Europe, entertained with a myriad of stories from his political life. Finally, we had the most delightful recital from the Tring Park School for the Performing Arts who presented a selection of songs by James Robert Brown – it was wonderful to see and listen to lovely performances by such talented young people, stars of the future.
The evening was complemented by an excellent menu (belts or girdles had to be put out a notch!). Overall, it was an evening enjoyed by all who attended.
Many thanks go to Steve Neville for taking pictures of the event, shown here and on the front page. The top left picture shows Dr Brian Ward being presented with his commendation sponsored by Vimpex and represented by Past Master Viv Jones, alongside his sons James and Martin. The lower pictures shows part of the wonderful Bell carpet and examples of ancient girdles and belts on display.
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