The Cripplegate Ward Club

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AGM and Civic Luncheon at Guildhall

Friday 23rd March 2018

CRIPPLEGATE WARD CLUB ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2018

Friday 23 March 2018 was the day of our AGM in the Print Room of the Guildhall when I was elected Master of the Cripplegate Ward Club for the year 2018-2019.

The meeting was well attended and after the election Past Master David Ayres graciously hung the badge of office around my neck. We then changed places at the meeting table and our President, Alderman David Graves presented a Past Master's badge to David Ayres and in turn, hung the badge round his neck. After the congratulatory handshake, a bouquet was presented to our Honorary Secretary, Barbara Allan, from the Cripplegate Ward Club in appreciation of her twenty-five years' service. Through devious methods we were able to conceal this presentation until the moment.

The AGM was then declared closed and we all proceeded post haste to the Old Library to begin our formal welcome to the Annual Civic Lunch.

CRIPPLEGATE WARD CLUB ANNUAL CIVIC LUNCH IN THE OLD LIBRARY, GUILDHALL

One hundred and fifty guests attended and the timing was extremely tight to welcome all of them before the arrival of our Principal Guest Sheriff Neil Redcliffe accompanied by his consort Mrs Emma Redcliffe.

It was my pleasure to welcome so many elegantly attired guests to the reception before the Annual Civic Lunch. Some of our guests had travelled a long distance to attend and this was much appreciated.

The President, Alderman David Graves greeted Sheriff Redcliffe and his consort at the Porch of the Guildhall before formally introducing them to me whereupon I presented Mrs Redcliffe with a posy of flowers and we proceeded to the Old Library. Sheriff Redcliffe and Mrs Redcliffe graciously commenced a walkabout, speaking to as many of the guests as time allowed before lunch was called.

The procession into lunch included our President, Alderman David Graves accompanying Mrs Emma Redcliffe, Past Master David Ayres and Mrs Patricia Ayres, Upper Warden Mr Geoffrey Savage and his consort Mrs Lesley Steward with Commissioner John Wainwright of the Salvation Army who said Grace, bringing up the rear.

Our excellent lunch was served so efficiently by The Cook and The Butler that we found we were ahead of schedule. So we all relaxed and chatted some more.

The guests at the top table include Mr Stephen Gee, Prime Warden Worshipful Company of Basketmakers; Mrs Judy Tayler-Smith, Master Worshipful Company of Upholders; Dr Michael Smith Master Worshipful Company of Fan Makers; Alderman John Garbutt Upper Bailiff Weavers' Company High Sheriff elect (2020) of Greater London; Commissioner John Wainwright Salvation Army. The President, Alderman David Graves it should be mentioned, is also currently Master of the Worshipful Company of Solicitors.

A special presentation from the Cripplegate Ward Club of an engraved silver pen was made to Miss Barbara Allan in recognition of her twenty-five years' service as our Honorary Secretary. Well done Barbara!

A donation each to the Lord Mayor's Appeal and the Sheriff and Recorders' Fund was then made by the Master on behalf of the Cripplegate Ward Club which the Sheriff proudly showed off before making his speech.

In his speech, Sheriff Redcliffe graciously made reference to the many supporters of the Civic and charitable life of the City of London which he had noticed in the room as well as the Master's two nieces, Aline and Dominique, who had flown in from Lausanne, Switzerland to support their Aunt. The Sheriff then generously also presented a gift to Miss Barbara Allan for her long service as our Honorary Secretary. A gift of a pepper mill was also presented to the Master by Sheriff Neil Redcliffe on behalf of the Lord Mayor of the City of London.

The Master then made the closing address and presented Sheriff Neil Redcliffe with a copy of ‘ The Ward of Cripplegate in the City of London.' before the final procession in the sunshine streaming through the beautiful windows of the Old Library and the departure of our Principal Guest Sheriff Neil Redcliffe and Mrs Emma Redcliffe.

Thank you everyone for coming and making this such a special occasion for me. Thanks also to Mark Grove of The Cook and The Butler for putting on such a delicious meal served by wonderfully efficient staff. The choice of tablecloths and napkins were made by Mark. The lovely flowers were supplied by Windsor Flowers of Leadenhall Market complimenting the tablecloths. All the splendid guests complimented the occasion.

	Annual General Meeting in the Print Room


	Luncheon in the Old Library


Supporting Information
	The Annual General Meeting of the Cripplegate Ward Club held in the Print Room at the Guildhall followed by luncheon in the Old Library.