Aldersgate Ward Club

Our annual Civic Luncheon was held in the Livery Hall of Guildhall, on Tuesday 20 January. The guests of honour were Alderman and Sheriff Dr Andrew Parmley, and The Lady Mayoress Gilly Yarrow. The event was attended by 144 members and their guests.

The Master escorted the distinguished guests and Junior Warden into lunch, to the accompaniment of a Scottish piper. Continuing the Scottish theme, the Master recited the Selkirk Grace by Robert Burns. The members and guests then enjoyed a splendid lunch of salted cod terrine, rack of lamb and vanilla custard tart, accompanied by appropriate wines, followed by coffee and port.

The Master proposed the traditional Loyal and Civic Toasts, then introduced our Civic guest, Dr Andrew Parmley who gave a witty speech, referring to his musical career as well as his long involvement in the City. He described his role working with the Lord Mayor, and his support for this year’s Lord Mayor’s Appeal, of which the principal beneficiaries are the disability charities Scope and Mencap. He ended by proposing the toast to the Aldersgate Ward Club.

The Master thanked Dr Parmley for entertaining us with such conviviality, and presented him with donations from the Ward Club to both the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and the Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund. He also thanked the Lady Mayoress for gracing us with her presence, which was particularly appropriate in view of her and her family’s involvement with Mencap.

The Master closed proceedings with the traditional Scottish toast: ‘Lang may yer lum reek!’