Aldersgate Ward Club

Forty seven members and guests of the Aldersgate Ward Club met at the Guildhall's Livery Hall on Friday 20th January for a very enjoyable lunch.

We were welcomed by Master Rachelle Goldberg, Senior Warden Joanna Cadman and Junior Warden Phillipa White.  We enjoyed a sparkling wine reception and were soon joined by Alderman Sheriff Alistair King, the special guest for the occasion, and our President, Alderman Christopher Makin, who both circulated amongst the members and guests prior to the meal.

The tasty meal included Scottish Salmon & Baby Leaf Spinach Fish Cake; Ballotine of Corn Fed Chicken (white meat for a change) and Seville Orange & Almond Tart.  The wines were Sauvignon Blanc 2020 and Merlot 2019, both El Campo, Central Valley.  It was noted that positive comments were made regarding the new layout for the Lunch Menu.

The Master welcomed Alderman Sheriff Alistair King to our lunch and outlined his responsibilities and the many organisations he supports within the City of London.  

The Master also recognised with thanks the attendance of Alderman Christopher Makin, our President, and Barbara Newman, CBE, one of our long-standing Common Councillors who stood down last year. Reference was also made to the enjoyable events which have taken place since November:  visits to the Jewish Museum and the Ironmongers Hall, and attendance at the service of Nine Lessons and Carols held at St. Michael Cornhill.  We are now looking forward to visiting the Royal Academy of Music, Twickenham Stadium and Hampton Court in the near future. 

The Master concluded by presenting Alderman Sheriff Alistair a cheque from the Aldersgate Ward Club for the Sheriff and Recorders Fund, which was established in 1808, to enhance the good work they do in helping ex-offenders and their families to take courses, and to provide them with equipment, which in turn helps them establish businesses..

In replying, the Alderman Sheriff thanked the Aldersgate Ward Club for their generous donation and told us that he lives in Queenhithe where he is currently the President of their Ward Club. He gave a humorous speech about the City with particular reference to the Old Bailey where much of his time is concentrated.  He offered to arrange a tour of that building for members of the Aldersgate Ward Club in the near future

The Civic Lunch was a happy event led by the Master, with Past Master Andrew Hamilton as the Toast Master, and the quiet and successful preparation by Valerie Hamilton and our Honorary Secretary, Susan Hoefling


Allan Fallshaw – Past Master