The Royal Charter

The Court of Assistants decided at its meeting on 28th October 2010 that the time was right to proceed with one of the major Objects in the Company’s Constitution and Ordinances and to apply to Her Majesty the Queen in Council for a Charter of Incorporation.

Apart from the obvious benefit of complying with what was seen by our founding fathers as being one of the objects and intentions of setting up this Worshipful Company, obtaining a Royal Charter will bring the Company into line with the majority of Livery Companies. One other benefit is that it gives us what is effectively limited liability status although as a Company without a Hall or other major commitment by way of property or staff this is not something of great import.

Under the detailed guidance of our Junior Warden, Hew Dundas, who has put tremendous efforts into converting our current Ordinances into a format suitable for a Royal Charter and has already obtained agreement in principle from the Privy Council, the only thing outstanding before our proposals can be “Gazzetted” is a letter of support from Court of Mayor and Aldermen. There are a few minor matters yet to be resolved but it is hoped that this will be received before very much longer.

It is also hoped that the Royal Charter will be presented on or around the thirtieth anniversary of the Grant of Livery to this Worshipful Company which will be on 17th March 2011.

Our Senior Warden, Kay Linnell, who will be Master at that time, is already planning an appropriate celebration and some form of commemorative project to remind those to come of this achievement and it is to be hoped that Members will want to associate themselves with this.

Chris Dancaster
Master