77. Modern Livery Companies’ Dinner

The definition of a Modern Company is one formed since 1926 when the Master Mariners (78 in the order of precedence) came along. The first of the new is well known, but the last of the old is problematic. Logic dictates it was company 77, the Carmen, but many of the old companies came along after the Carmen, up to the Fan Makers in 1709 (precedence 76). Anyway, Livery Companies 78-110 are termed Modern.

Modern Livery Companies meet twice a year and this year it was the turn of the Chartered Architects’ Company. We met at the Cutlers’ Hall on 14 March. The guest speaker was Michael Welbank MBE, Chief Commoner Elect, due to take up his post at the end of March. In an amusing description – mainly of what he was not - he explained that he acted as the foremost representative of Commoners in the City Court of Common Council with regard to their rights, their requirements for the efficient conduct of the City Corporation business, and their privileges. An interesting speech - and job. My thanks go to the Master Chartered Architect for a fine evening with colleagues burdened with contemporary issues.