THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF CURRIERS
LADY DAY COURT
MINUTES
Holden at
Tallow Chandlers’ Hall in the City of London
at 5pm on Friday, 27th March 2015
There were present:
The Master
The Upper Warden
The Renter Warden
The Junior Warden
Mr M Henderson
Mr J Allen
Mr J Davies
Mr J Kean
Court Assistants:
Mr M S Chesterton
Mr R G Blaber
Mr C S Heaps
Mr A P R Steinthal
Mr J R Bagshawe
Mr P J Linnell
Mr N S Bryant
Mr B D Price
Mr R Stewart
M McNeil
Honorary Assistants: Mr J N Bryant (Father of the Company)
Senior Assistants: Mr W J D Moberly
In attendance: The Clerk
1.
The Court called HH R G Hawkins and Mr G W Simmonds made default and
were excused.
2.
The Minutes of the Epiphany Court.
Court, held on 9th January 2014, were approved.
The Minutes of the Epiphany
3.
Matters arising from the Minutes. The following matters arising were
discussed:
a.
Corporate Charity Status. The Master stated that there had been
significant legal developments in charity law since the two charities had been
formed. Personal liability could be eliminated and the Company could select the
trustees using a Charity Incorporated Organisation. His view was that the
current arrangements are sub-optimal. It was agreed that Mr Assistant Steinthal
would provide the Court with his views and should he recommend entering into
discussions with the trustees those could start before any fees were incurred.
b.
Root & Branch Award.
Liveryman David Moss who had been
recommended by the Company for this award had not won, but was dining
as a guest of the Company to recognize all his hard work over the years.
c.
History Essay Prize (HEP). There are currently 46 attendees for the
reception and 29 for supper afterwards. The Events Committee and Clerk are
liaising over the organisation.
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4.
Master’s engagements since the Election Court. The Court was briefed on
the Master’s engagements and there were no questions.
5.
Oral report of the Finance and Investment Committee. The Chairman
briefed the Court, on the following items:
a.
EOY Accounts.
The EOY Accounts dated 30 Sep 14 were
approved and signed by the Master & Clerk.
b.
Investments. The current dividends are in line with budget, and the
increased income from investments has not been as a result in a higher risk
profile.
6.
Oral report of the Charity Committee.
the following items:
The Chairman briefed the Court, on
a.
There is a comprehensive background information document available
on the website, or by email on the activities and details of the Curriers Company
Charitable Fund activity.
c.
The bursary selection panel for LCF1 selected Charlotte Wilkinson. The
bursary selection panel for NU2 selected Ngoni Chikwenerengere.
d.
The increased donation from the Curriers to Capel Manor College
(£2500) has been matched by City & Guilds.
7.
Oral report of the Livery Committee.
The clerk briefed on behalf of the
Chairman, there are a number of potential Liverymen who have applied to join the
Company and their applications are being processed. The Livery lecture is an ongoing
project.
8.
Oral report of the Constitution Committee.
The Chairman briefed the
Court, that the committee’s final draft of the Company Standing Orders (CSOs) would
be distributed with the minutes. He thanked all those that had commented on the
previous versions.
9.
Oral report of the Events Committee.
The Chairman of the Events
Committee briefed the Court on the following events:
a.
Windsor Racing. A Curriers Racing Evening will take place on Monday
th
11 May more details to follow.
b.
Magna Carta Walk. A Curriers Magna Carta Walk and Supper will
take place on Thursday 4th June more details to follow.
c.
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Curriers Ball. A Flyer will be distributed shortly giving more details on
London College of Fashion.
Northampton University.
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the Curriers Ball on 10th Sep 2015.
10.
Oral report of the Strategic Review Group (SRG).
SRG briefed the Court on the following events:
The Chairman of the
a.
Livery Committee. It is suggested that the Livery Committee combine
the Livery lecture with one of the Company’s affiliated military organisations. It
is also suggested that the Livery Committee look into support for new Freemen
and Liverymen.
b.
City & Mayoralty.
The engagement with the City & Mayoralty is
bearing fruit, but is a long term project and requires the commitment of
successive Masters.
c.
Volunteers. All those members of the Company who indicated that
they would be prepared to volunteer for work in the Company in the
Strategic Review questionnaire have been written to seeking their preferences.
The Clerk has been given details of those still interested so he may contact them
when a vacancy becomes available.
11.
The Clerk’s Report. The clerk reported that:
a.
CoL Freedom. The Freedom of the City of fine/fee will be increased to
£100.
b.
draw
1605 Club – Lady Day draw summary. Lady Day 2014, 52 Tickets in
6 Monthly Prize Draw Total
To Prizes
To Charitable Fund
To Millennium Fund
£4,680
£2,340
£1,872
£468
e.
Inter Livery Bridge. The 33rd Annual Inter livery bridge competition
was held on Monday 2nd March 2015 at the Draper’s Hall. The Curriers were
represented by Liveryman Roderick Davidson and Senior Assistant William
Moberly. They finished in 6th position overall.
f.
2016 Diary.
Diary.
The Court approved the adoption of the proposed 2016
g.
Loan of Silver to the Guildhall.
The Court approved the loan of
three William and Mary silver spoons to the Corporation to be displayed in the
Court Room where postulants for the Freedom of the City receive that honour. A
formal letter outlining the loan and the insurance provision will need to
completed to ensure a record is kept of the Company’s property.
13.
The Midsummer Quarter Court will take place will take place on Friday 19th
June 2015.
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