Trinity House is not just an interesting and attractive venue on the eastern edge of the City, overlooking the historic Tower of London, but also a beautiful building containing many treasures. Though not exactly a Livery Hall (though in some ways the Brothers of Trinity House function like a Livery), the venue is not only a fascinating place to hold any social event, but also a working office, because TH is responsible for the management of all lighthouses and lightships around the shores of both the UK and the whole of Ireland. One other fact is, however, also relevant here, and that is that it was at Trinity House that our new Company held its first ever Dinner in October 1977, and as a naval chap, and with a Father who was Dock Master of the Pool of London, our Master has always wished to return there. In a year such as this, where our Company is once again emerging from darkness into the light, this seems most appropriate. This Dinner replaces our Spring Dinner, which was a casualty of Covid, and as it will be Spring in Australia on the 6th, and given that his intended Spring Dinner speaker was from "down under", the Master insists we can still use that descriptor! Our principal speaker for the evening will be Mark Dowie, the CEO of the RNLI, who will be speaking to us about their work on the Tideway and their wider plans in the immediate future. So come and enjoy the company of your fellow Members and guests, and take the rare opportunity to see inside this amazing building, with its beautiful and fascinating artefacts.

Our Master-elect, Sir Peter Estlin, is also a Member of the Ironmongers’ Company and so it is entirely natural that he should choose their lovely Hall for his Installation Dinner next month. Ironmongers’ is reached via a short causeway off Shaftesbury Place, on Aldersgate Street, EC2Y 8AA, which is in the south-west corner of the Barbican complex, hard by the Museum of London. The Hall is generously sized and well-known for its beautiful panelling, stained glass windows and excellent catering. So all-in-all, it represents an excellent and welcoming choice, as well as an event which will greatly impress any Members’ guests. Our Principal Speaker will be Dame Jayne-Anne Gadhia, FCA, previous CEO of Virgin Media and Chair of Women in Finance, and now Chair of Snoop. Jayne-Anne will share some thoughts on the Master-Elect's theme for his year: “Fit for the Future”. So come and join your fellow Members and guests in saying farewell to our outgoing Master Gordon, who has shown great leadership during his year, and in welcoming our new Master Estlin. Peter will also be telling us more about the Hall and its history, as well as sharing his exciting plans for 2021/22 with us. Places cost £109 and you can book on the website, or if you can’t do that, then email or ring me.

Our splendid Social Sub-Committee have arranged a real treat for us at the Oriental Club. Founded in 1824 by British officers and officials posted overseas, the Club is a well-known private members' club located in Stratford House, an impressive Grade 1-listed mansion house just off Oxford Street. The Club has been home to many famous members, perhaps most notably its first President - the Duke of Wellington. It is still a thriving Club, housing a library and art collection, as well as a well-stocked bar and restaurant, and it now counts almost 3,000 members. Thanks to our contacts at the Oriental Club, they have kindly provided their Library and anteroom for a private dinner and drinks reception, limited to 40 of our members and guests. Over the years, the Oriental Club has built an enviable reputation for its extensive curry menu. We have therefore designed a special curry menu for the evening, providing a choice of meat and vegetarian dishes. The price for our three-course special menu, accompanied by three drinks, has been capped at £65. This is sure to be a popular event, so tickets have been limited to four per member.

This is the second major Dinner of Master Estlin’s year and he is taking us to the lovely Vintners’ Hall, with its splendid interior and fine cuisine. Our speaker for the evening will be Sir Jeremy Fleming, a member of our profession, who is currently moonlighting as the Head of GCHQ, the government’s signals intelligence and listening service, based at Cheltenham. This should be a fascinating evening, and of great interest to guests. Dress is black tie or Livery uniform.