Quill Pen Reception / Karen Nehammer Handwriting Competition - Monday 9 March 2026

Members of the Scriveners’ Company were hosted by the Sheriffs at the Old Bailey two weeks ago for the annual Quill Pen Reception. This is when we present the Sheriffs with the swans quills they used to sign themselves into office. Quills are not easy writing implements, so we also give each Sheriff a fountain pen. 

During the evening the winners and runners-up in our annual handwriting competition received their prizes and certificates marking their achievement. You can see from the photograph that the standard is exceptionally high.

During the day, one of our Freemen,  Alex Plowman, became the youngest Freeman of the #CityOfLondon during a ceremony at the Chamberlain’s Court, so we took the opportunity to get a photo of him with the Master and Sheriffs. He will be admitted as a #Liveryman at our next Court Meeting.