Banquet

The splendid surroundings of the Egyptian Hall at the Mansion House in London were once again the venue for the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators’ Banquet.

Despite difficult snowy weather conditions almost 200 members and their guests were present and the Company was honoured by the presence of the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of London who was accompanied by the Lady Mayoress and Sheriff George Gillon and his consort.

Chaplain George Bush had as usual prepared a special rhyming grace before we tucked into smoked wedgemore, tomato and apple galette (which was accompanied by Saam Mountain Chenin Blanc 2007). This was followed by a beef dish with bubble and squeak, leading one guest with a mischievous sense of humour to comment how appropriate a dish it was for those associated with arbitration! It was washed down with Chateau St Quentin 2007. The dessert was a nectarine tatin with rosemary ice cream. Port and brandy were also on offer.

The Militaire Orchestra performed before and during the meal culminating in one of the highlights of the evening, the performance of the post horn gallop by the trumpeters who took positions at each end of the high level gallery.

After speeches by the Master, during which he specially mentioned Joyce Smith, widow of Past Master Douglas Smith (his sponsor in the Company) who had made a difficult and lengthy journey to be present, the Lord Mayor and the Senior Warden, the Rt Hon Lord Justice Jackson responded to the toast to the guests with a most entertaining and seemingly effortless and unscripted contribution.

The evening was successfully rounded off by the Master inviting everyone to join him in a stirrup cup.

Christopher Dancaster
Senior Warden