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Please join us for the 83rd United Guilds’ Service, held in the spectacular surroundings of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The event is essentially a ceremonial gathering – together to mark the work of Livery Companies and Guilds of the City of London and is attended by the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs, Aldermen and Common Council. The Preacher will be The Reverend GeorgeBush.
Restrictions on Seating
The service is free to attend though admission to the Cathedral will be by ticket only; there are 8 reserved seats in the Company Row (Court Members and Liverymen) and 14 tickets for unreserved seats in the North Transept and North Aisle, available to those who cannot be accommodated in the Company Row, and also to partners/guests.
Timings
Please note that the service commences at 11.15 am. We will gather on the front steps of St Paul’s beforehand at 10.30 am (where the Clerk will hand you your ticket) and must be seated in our places by 10.45 am.
Dress code: Lounge Suits including ties. Gowns for the Master and Wardens.
Breakfast and Lunch at Carpenters’ Hall following the Service
For those wishing to attend, Carpenters’ Hall, 1 Throgmorton Avenue, EC2N 2JJ is open for morning coffee at 9.30 am before departing for the service. After the service you will have an opportunity to meet other companies to mix and mingle over a Buffet Lunch with wine preceded by a Drinks Reception and welcome from the Master Carpenter, Laurence Mallison.
The charge for the Morning Coffee / Reception and Luncheon will be £72.00 including VAT per head inclusive of all food and drinks.
IF YOU ONLY WISH TO ATTEND THE SERVICE AND NOT THE LUNCH PLEASE CONTACT THE
CLERK DIRECTLY AT: jane.hilliard@wcobm.co.uk
| Morning Coffee from 9.30 am
Fair Trade Rich Roast Coffee Tregothnan Cornish Estate Grown Tea Chilled Orange Juice Cranberry Juice Still & Sparkling Mineral Water Mini Danish “The Carpenters” Home Made Short Bread Biscuit
Format of the Lunch will be as followed: Drinks Reception Welcome to Carpenters’ Hall from the Master Carpenter Buffet Lunch complimented with Fine White and Red Wines Coffee, Teas & Infusions with Hand Made Chocolates |
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| Round Tables no seating plan with 8 guests to a table unless requested a maximum of 10 per table
Menu Lancashire Hot Pot – Potato Topping Smithfield Porters Beef Steak with Wild Mushroom & London Pride Ale Pie Macaroni Pasta with Roast Vegetables Old Fashioned Roast Potatoes Seasonal Vegetables
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Mango Posset or Selection of Rennet & Rind Award-Winning Cheesemonger of Stamford Sussex Brie & Cropwell Bishop Stilton Salad of Grape & Apple Selected More Peter’s Yard Sourdough Crackers
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Fair Trade Rich Roast Coffee Tregothnan Cornish Estate Grown Tea Chocolate Truffles
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Origins of the United Guilds’ Service
At a meeting of the Masters and Prime Wardens of the Twelve Great Companies, held at
Goldsmith’s Hall on 1st February 1943, it was decided to hold a service in St Paul’s Cathedral for the Livery Companies and Guilds of the City of London. The idea behind the service was to help lift the spirits of the City following the Blitz during the Second World War. Having regard to the religious origins of the Companies, Thursday 25th March 1943, Lady Day, was selected as the date for the Service, being the first day of the year according to the Julian Calendar. The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of London, Sir Joseph attended along with the Sheriffs and the Court of Aldermen and the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of London, Dr G.F. Fisher, preached the sermon. As far as records show, this was the first occasion on which all the Livery Companies and Guilds of the City combined to hold a religious service. Since then, it has become an annual event and remains one of the few occasions in the calendar at which the Livery Companies and Guilds can gather together as a whole.