Installation of Master and Wardens 2025-2026 & Summer Reception, 16 July 2025
The new Scrivener year got off to a good start at Ironmongers' Hall on Wednesday 16 July.
The Court met and dealt with various items of business including approving applications from X people for admission to the Freedom of the Company. The Court appointed four new Court Assistants, Eva Driskell, Michelle Scott-Bryan, Matthew Spencer and Bettina Wimmer-Laming, who will be sworn in at the next Court Meeting. Past Master Nigel Ready, attending his final Court Meeting as a full Court Assistant, was thanked for his many years of service to the Company. He now becomes an honorary Court Assistant.
The Court proceeded to elect Andrew Claudet as Master for 2025-2026 with Andrew Fenemore-Jones as Upper Warden and John Toth as Renter Warden.
Richard Trounson was admitted to the Freedom of the Company and Robert Donaldson, Jacob Meagher and Kalina Milakieva were clothed with the Livery before the Court processed from the Courtroom to the Banqueting Hall, where other members of the Company were gathered, for the installation of the Master and Wardens for 2025-2026.
The Clerk administered the declarations and the acting Beadle invested the officers with their gowns and badges of office.
The new Master thanked the Court for his election and gave a brief taster of his plans during his year.
He then introduced his wife, Hazel, and his two sons, Adam and Daniel, who, with other members of the Master's family, were there to support him.
Hazel was presented with the Consort's badge by the Immediate Past Master's Consort Lisa.
The Master gave an appreciation of the Immediate Past Master before presenting him with his Past Master's Badge. The Immediate Past Master spoke about some of the significant and memorable things which had taken place during his year, including the Masters' Weekend in Aberdeen when he had chatted with the Princess Royal and a day spent onboard HMS Portland with some of our military affiliates when he met the actor who plays David Archer on Radio 4's "The Archers", otherwise known as the Earl of Portland.
A drinks reception and supper followed.
