Page 53 - Archived Back Issues

Events Committee Terry Baldwin
As you might expect, it’s a cheery group of members who make up The Events Committee.
Members are chosen for their experience or ability to deliver interesting functions on time and within budget. Some of them are actually volunteers!
It’s the task of the Events Committee to provide additional social benefits to members by way of din- ners, City walks, unusual visits such as Lambeth Palace, Lloyds of London or perhaps the crypt of St. Pauls. Whatever we do, we try to recover our costs and if at all possible ensure there is a surplus
amount which goes towards our chosen charities.
One thing we endeavour to do and that is to make many of our functions affordable. So many dinners are “evening dress” and somehow that automatically seems to blunt the pencils of caterers! Every June for example, we hold a Partners lunch in The City, open to all members and (surprise, surprise) their partners. This is an all inclusive lunch at around £45.00 and proves ex- tremely popular.
Some of the more unusual events we have in mind for the next 12 months are:
Visit to the Firearms division of City of London Police. Live participation included. Swan Upping along the Thames—non swimmers invited!
A visit and dinner at The Royal Hospital, Chelsea.
Visit to The Whitechapel Bell Foundry
Some of our events are “Open to all Liverymen, Freemen and Members” and some are restricted to Liverymen only. Our exclu- sive “Liverymen’s Dinners” are very well attended and we always try to find prestigious locations. Recent dinners were at the prestigious East India Club and on board HMS Belfast..
Finance Committee Michael Harper
Under our new structure the Finance Committee is responsible to the Court and, as Chair- man, I serve on the Management Board. The Committee has ten members and is supported by the Clerk and usually attended by the Master.
A key member is our honorary treasurer – presently John Mansfield – who draws up the annual budget for approval, keeps the accounts and forecasts of the annual out-turn and generally supervises our financial affairs with the very able support of Assistant Clerk (Finance) – Michael Leaver – who banks the cheques, chases the delinquents and generally manages the financial affairs of the Clerk’s office.
As you would expect the principal work of the Committee is in preparation and approval of budgets for the Company, monitor- ing of performances throughout the year, followed by the finalisation of the accounts in conjunction with our auditor. Advice to the Master and Officers on financial matters of the Company and as required to the Trustees, who have the statutory responsibil- ity for the Charitable Trust (quite separate from the Company).
All banking arrangements come within the remit of the Committee, together with the responsibility for the Company assets – principally our silverware.
Management of key issues such as HMRC claims, VAT registration, review of Quarterage and fines have been recent important matters for the Committee.
Whilst the objectives of the Company and the Trust are charitable and educational, we need a strong financial base to operate from successfully. The keys to a successful future are increased membership, good control of the varied programme of fund- raising and social events and a judicious use of sponsorship and other fundraising activities - all to help us promote our key charitable aims.