An insight into the life of our Clerk

Gaye and the Senior Warden Michael Stephens at Common Hall on 31st October 2006

When I was asked to write this article I thought I would do a bit of research on the web into the role of a Livery Company Clerk. Although I found a lot of fascinating informati on about a number of livery companies and how roles such as the Masters, Wardens and even Beadle arose, there was on ly ever passing reference to the Clerk al ong the lines of “… and a Clerk was appointed to arrange meetings, take the minutes and keep the accounts”. Even less encouraging is the definiti on of clerkly in my Shorter Oxford Dictionary which is defined as “skilled in penmanship”. Those members of the Company who have had the misfortune to receive one of my hand-written notes may feel that the Court was somewhat dilatory in checking up on this particular part of my qualifications!

I was appointed as Clerk in 1997 and live in St Albans with my sons Matthew, James and William.

I act as Secretary to the Court, arranging meetings, taking and circulating minutes and ensuring that the Court undertakes its business in accordance with the Constitution and Ordinances and established customs and procedures. I attend committee meetings from time to time and ensure that they report their activities to the Court.

Probably the most visible part of my job relates to arranging the formal Luncheons and Dinners and making sure they run smoothly and maintain City standards of dress and behaviour. Additionally I deal with membership administration, making sure that Freemen in due course take up their City Freedom and progress to the Livery. I also accompany the Master when we are both invited to dine with other Livery Companies.

In addition I deal with the financial side of the Company’s affairs under the direction of the Junior Warden, and most importantly (at least in his eyes) make sure that everyone pays their quarterage promptly – as some of you will know through first hand knowledge!

Over and above all of this, I try and help with City orientated enquiries from members, such as “Where can I get a certified translation of my Birth Certificate from French to English?” (a requirement for obtaining the Freedom of the City of London) and the perennial question about whether or not Liverymen can drive their sheep over London Bridge; which I can answer now - NO!

Despite spending half my life on the phone I enjoy my job enormously and feel very privileged to hold the office of Clerk to such a friendly company.

Gaye Duffy